Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

openbooks.link ("StudyMerit", "we", "us", or "our") is committed to protecting your privacy and handling your personal data with transparency and care. This Privacy Policy explains what information we collect, how we use it, who we share it with, and your rights in relation to your data.

By using StudyMerit, you agree to the collection and use of information in accordance with this Policy. This Policy applies to all users of the Platform, including Clients and Writers.

2. Information We Collect

2.1 Information You Provide Directly

• Account registration: name, email address, password
• Order details: assignment type, subject area, academic level, deadline, special instructions
• Payment information: billing details processed securely by our payment provider (we do not store card details)
• Communications: messages between you and Writers, support tickets, and feedback

2.2 Information Collected Automatically

• Usage data: pages visited, time spent, clicks, and navigation paths
• Device information: browser type, operating system, screen resolution, and device identifiers
• IP address and approximate location (country/region level only)
• Cookies and tracking technologies (see our Cookie Policy for details)

3. How We Use Your Information

We use the personal data we collect for the following purposes:

• To create and manage your account and verify your identity
• To process orders and facilitate communication between Clients and Writers
• To process payments and handle refund requests
• To provide customer support and resolve disputes
• To improve our Platform, services, and user experience
• To send transactional emails (order updates, confirmations, password resets)
• To send marketing communications, where you have given consent (you may opt out at any time)
• To detect and prevent fraud, abuse, and security incidents
• To comply with our legal obligations

4. Legal Basis for Processing

We process your personal data based on the following legal grounds:

5. Data Sharing & Disclosure

StudyMerit does not sell, rent, or trade your personal data to third parties. We may share your data in the following limited circumstances:

• With Writers: necessary order details are shared with the Writer you select to fulfil your order
• Payment processors: your billing data is handled by our secure payment gateway provider
• Analytics providers: we use Google Analytics to understand Platform usage (no personally identifiable data is shared)
• Legal authorities: where required by law, court order, or governmental authority
• Business transfers: in the event of a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets, your data may be transferred as part of that transaction

6. Data Retention

We retain your personal data for as long as your account is active or as needed to provide services. You may request deletion of your account and associated data at any time. We will retain certain records for legal and compliance purposes as required by applicable law, typically for a period not exceeding 7 years.

7. Your Rights

Depending on your jurisdiction, you may have the following rights regarding your personal data:

• Access: request a copy of the personal data we hold about you
• Rectification: correct inaccurate or incomplete data
• Erasure: request deletion of your personal data ("right to be forgotten")
• Restriction: request that we restrict processing of your data
• Portability: receive your data in a structured, machine-readable format
• Objection: object to processing based on legitimate interests
• Withdraw consent: withdraw consent for marketing communications at any time

To exercise any of these rights, please contact us at support@openbooks.link. We will respond within 30 days.

8. Security

StudyMerit employs industry-standard security measures to protect your personal data, including SSL/TLS encryption for all data in transit, encrypted storage of sensitive data, access controls and authentication measures, and regular security reviews. However, no method of transmission over the internet is 100% secure. While we strive to use commercially acceptable means to protect your data, we cannot guarantee absolute security.

9. Google Analytics

10. Children's Privacy

StudyMerit is not intended for users under the age of 18. We do not knowingly collect personal data from children. If you believe a child has provided us with personal data, please contact us immediately and we will promptly delete such information.

11. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. When we do, we will revise the "Last Updated" date at the top of this page. For significant changes, we will notify registered users by email. We encourage you to review this Policy periodically.

12. Contact Us