Privacy Policy

How we collect, use, and protect your information

Last Updated: January 1, 2024

1. Introduction

Welcome to CIEAF (Certified International Education Agencies Foundation). We are committed to protecting your personal information and your right to privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you visit our website, use our services, or interact with us.

By using our website and services, you consent to the data practices described in this policy. If you do not agree with any part of this policy, please do not use our website or services.

2. Information We Collect

Personal Information You Provide

We collect personal information that you voluntarily provide to us when you:

  • Register for an account
  • Apply for accreditation
  • Purchase curriculum from the Marketplace
  • Register for leadership conferences
  • Contact us via forms or email
  • Subscribe to our newsletter
  • Submit support requests

This information may include:

  • Full name and job title
  • Email address and phone number
  • Organization name and address
  • Certificate of incorporation (for accreditation)
  • Organization logo and letterhead
  • Website URL
  • Payment information (processed securely via Stripe, M-Pesa)
  • Any other information you choose to provide

Information Automatically Collected

When you visit our website, we automatically collect certain information about your device and usage:

  • IP address and browser type
  • Device information
  • Pages visited and time spent
  • Referring URLs
  • Clickstream data
  • Cookies and tracking technologies

3. How We Use Your Information

We use your information for the following purposes:

  • Account Management: Create and manage your account
  • Accreditation Processing: Evaluate and process accreditation applications
  • Curriculum Purchases: Process orders and deliver curriculum content
  • Conference Registration: Manage event registrations and communications
  • Communication: Send important notices, updates, and newsletters
  • Payment Processing: Securely process transactions
  • Customer Support: Respond to your inquiries and requests
  • Improvement: Analyze usage to enhance our services
  • Legal Compliance: Comply with applicable laws and regulations

4. Sharing Your Information

We do not sell your personal information. We may share your information in the following circumstances:

  • Service Providers: With third-party vendors who assist with payment processing, email delivery, hosting, and analytics
  • Legal Requirements: When required by law, court order, or government regulation
  • Business Transfers: In connection with a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets
  • With Your Consent: When you have given us explicit permission

5. Data Security

We implement appropriate technical and organizational security measures to protect your personal information, including:

  • SSL/TLS encryption for data transmission
  • Secure servers with firewalls
  • Regular security assessments and updates
  • Access controls and authentication protocols
  • Employee training on data protection

While we strive to protect your information, no method of transmission over the Internet is 100% secure. We cannot guarantee absolute security.

6. Data Retention

We retain your personal information for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined in this Privacy Policy, unless a longer retention period is required or permitted by law.

  • Account Information: Retained while your account is active
  • Accreditation Records: Retained for 7 years after accreditation ends
  • Transaction Records: Retained for 7 years for tax and legal compliance
  • Communication Logs: Retained for 3 years

7. Your Rights

Depending on your location, you may have the following rights regarding your personal information:

  • Access: Request a copy of your personal data
  • Rectification: Correct inaccurate or incomplete data
  • Erasure: Request deletion of your data (subject to legal obligations)
  • Restriction: Limit how we use your data
  • Portability: Receive your data in a structured format
  • Objection: Object to certain data processing
  • Withdraw Consent: Withdraw previously given consent

To exercise these rights, please contact us at privacy@cieaf.org.

8. Cookies

We use cookies and similar tracking technologies to enhance your experience on our website. Cookies are small data files stored on your device that help us:

  • Remember your login session
  • Understand how you use our site
  • Improve site performance and functionality
  • Personalize your experience

You can control cookies through your browser settings. However, disabling cookies may affect the functionality of our website.

10. Children's Privacy

Our services are not intended for individuals under the age of 18. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If you believe we have collected information from a child, please contact us immediately so we can take appropriate action.

11. International Transfers

CIEAF operates globally, and your information may be transferred to and processed in countries outside your residence. These countries may have different data protection laws. By using our services, you consent to the transfer of your information to our servers and authorized third parties.

12. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. The updated version will be indicated by an updated "Last Updated" date. We encourage you to review this policy periodically to stay informed about how we protect your information.

13. Contact Us

If you have any questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or our data practices, please contact us at: