Privacy Policy

Chavrusa Link ("we," "us," "our") operates chavrusalink.com (the "Service"), which helps people find a study partner (chavrusa) for Torah learning. This Privacy Policy explains what information we collect, how we use it, and the choices you have.

By using the Service, you agree to the collection and use of information as described here.

1. Information We Collect

Account information. When you sign up, we collect your email address and, if you use "Continue with Google," basic profile information from your Google account (name, email, profile photo).

Profile information. Name, languages spoken, topics of interest, learning level, city/neighborhood, remote/in-person preference, and general availability.

Phone number. We collect and verify your phone number via SMS code (through our provider, Twilio) before your profile becomes visible to other users. This is a safety measure to reduce fake accounts.

Contact information for matching. WhatsApp number, phone number, or Zoom link that you choose to add, shared only with a matched study partner after both of you confirm a session.

Usage information. Connect requests you send or receive, matches, scheduled sessions, and reports or blocks you submit.

We do not collect: precise GPS location (only the city/neighborhood you type in), payment information (unless/until a paid or donation feature is added, at which point this policy will be updated), or government ID numbers.

2. How We Use Your Information

• To create and manage your account and profile
• To let you browse, search, and connect with other users based on shared interests
• To verify your phone number and reduce fake or abusive accounts
• To facilitate scheduling a study session and sharing contact details once a session is confirmed
• To respond to reports, enforce blocks, and maintain a safe community
• To send you account-related emails (confirmations, password resets) via our provider, Resend
• To send you SMS verification codes via our provider, Twilio

We do not sell your personal information, and we do not use your data for advertising.

3. Who Can See Your Information

• Your name, languages, topics, level, city, and availability are visible to other signed-in users while browsing, only once your phone number is verified.
• Your contact information (WhatsApp/phone/Zoom) is shared only with a matched user, only after a study session is mutually confirmed.
• Reports you submit are visible only to Chavrusa Link administrators, not to the person you reported.

4. Third-Party Services

We rely on the following providers to operate the Service. Each has its own privacy policy governing how they handle data on our behalf:

• Supabase — hosts our database, handles authentication and login
• Twilio — sends SMS verification codes
• Resend — sends account-related emails
• Google — provides optional "Continue with Google" sign-in
• Vercel — hosts our website

5. Data Retention

We retain your account and profile information for as long as your account is active. If you delete your account, we will delete your profile information within 30 days, except where we're required to retain records (e.g., to investigate a safety report).

6. Your Choices and Rights

• You can edit or delete most profile information at any time from your account settings.
• You can block another user, which prevents them from seeing your profile or contacting you.
• You can report a user for review by our team.
• You can request a copy of your data or request deletion of your account by contacting us (see below).

If you are in the EU/UK, you have additional rights under GDPR, including the right to access, correct, delete, or port your data, and to object to certain processing. If you are a California resident, you have rights under the CCPA, including the right to know what personal information is collected and to request deletion.

7. Children's Privacy

The Service is not directed to children under 18, and we do not knowingly collect information from anyone under 18. If you believe a minor has created an account, please contact us so we can remove it.

8. Data Security

We use industry-standard measures (including encrypted connections and access controls via our providers) to protect your information. No method of transmission or storage is 100% secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.

9. International Users

Because Chavrusa Link supports multiple languages and may be used by people in different countries, your information may be processed in countries other than your own, including the United States, by our service providers listed above.

10. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will post the updated version here with a new "Last updated" date. Continued use of the Service after changes means you accept the updated policy.

11. Contact Us

If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or want to exercise your data rights, contact us at: info@chavrusalink.com