1. Introduction

Welcome to The New Griot ("we," "our," or "us"). We are committed to protecting your privacy and personal information. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you visit our website, enroll in our training programs, or interact with our services.

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

2. Information We Collect

2.1 Personal Information

We collect information that you voluntarily provide when you:

• Express interest in our program
• Register for courses
• Make payments
• Submit assignments or coursework
• Communicate with us via email or other channels

This may include:

• Name, email address, phone number
• Demographic information (age range, gender identity, race/ethnicity, location)
• Educational and professional background
• Payment and billing information (processed securely through Stripe)
• Course progress, submissions, and participation data

2.2 Automatically Collected Information

When you access our platform, we may automatically collect:

• IP address, browser type, and device information
• Usage data (pages visited, time spent, clicks)
• Cookies and similar tracking technologies

3. How We Use Your Information

We use collected information for the following purposes:

• Course Administration: To manage enrollments, provide course access, track progress, and communicate program updates
• Payment Processing: To process tuition payments and issue refunds when applicable
• Communication: To send enrollment confirmations, course announcements, and respond to inquiries
• Program Improvement: To analyze usage patterns and improve our curriculum and platform
• Legal Compliance: To comply with legal obligations and protect our rights
• Marketing: To send information about future programs (with opt-out option)

4. Information Sharing and Disclosure

We do not sell, rent, or trade your personal information. We may share your information only in the following circumstances:

• Service Providers: With trusted third parties who assist in operating our platform (e.g., Stripe for payment processing, Gmail for email services)
• Legal Requirements: When required by law, court order, or governmental regulation
• Business Transfers: In connection with a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets
• With Your Consent: When you explicitly authorize us to share your information

Important Note: All service providers are bound by confidentiality agreements and use your data solely for the purposes we specify.

5. Data Security

We implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect your personal information against unauthorized access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction. This includes:

• Encrypted data transmission (SSL/TLS)
• Secure payment processing through PCI-compliant providers
• Regular security assessments
• Access controls and authentication protocols

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

6. Your Rights and Choices

You have the following rights regarding your personal information:

• Access: Request a copy of the personal information we hold about you
• Correction: Request correction of inaccurate or incomplete information
• Deletion: Request deletion of your personal information (subject to legal and contractual obligations)
• Opt-Out: Unsubscribe from marketing communications at any time
• Data Portability: Request your data in a structured, machine-readable format

To exercise these rights, please contact us using the information provided at the end of this policy.

7. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

We use cookies and similar technologies to enhance your experience, analyze usage, and provide personalized content. You can control cookie preferences through your browser settings, though this may affect platform functionality.

8. Children's Privacy

Our services are intended for individuals 18 years of age or older. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 18. If we learn we have collected such information, we will delete it immediately.

9. Data Retention

We retain your personal information for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined in this policy, comply with legal obligations, resolve disputes, and enforce our agreements. Course-related data may be retained for educational record-keeping purposes.

10. Refund Policy

11. International Users

If you are accessing our services from outside the United States, please note that your information may be transferred to, stored, and processed in the United States. By using our services, you consent to this transfer.

12. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. The updated version will be indicated by the "Last Updated" date. We will notify you of significant changes via email or prominent notice on our platform. Your continued use of our services after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.

13. Contact Us

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