At TEFL.ai (part of The TEFL Institute Limited group), your privacy is a priority. We are committed to protecting your personal data and ensuring it is processed in compliance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), including Irish (EU) GDPR and UK GDPR, as well as other applicable laws. This policy explains what information we collect, how we use it, and the measures we take to protect it. By using our website, enrolling in our courses, or interacting with The TEFL Institute, you agree to the terms outlined in this privacy policy. If you have questions or concerns, please contact us at hello@tefl.ai.
1. Information We Collect
We collect two types of information:
A. Personal Information
This is data you provide directly to us when you interact with The TEFL Institute. Examples include:
- Name
- Date of Birth
- Postal Address
- Email Address
- Phone Number
We collect personal information when you:
- Purchase a course or product.
- Register for a service (e.g., a TEFL quiz or callback).
- Sign up for newsletters or download PDFs.
- Submit information via live chat or social media platforms.
B. Non-Personal Information
This data is collected automatically and does not identify you individually. Examples include:
- The domain name of your internet service provider.
- Browser type and operating system.
- Website activity tracked through cookies and analytics tools.
Parental consent is required to process personal data for individuals under 16 years in the EU or 13 years in the UK. If we identify that data has been submitted for someone below this age without proper consent, we will cease processing immediately.
2. How We Use Your Information
We use the data we collect for the following purposes:
A. Service Delivery
- To process course enrollments and create accounts on our online learning platform.
- To issue certificates and provide course-related updates.
B. Marketing and Communication
- To send updates, promotions, and news, primarily via email.
- To respond to callback requests or live chat inquiries.
- To deliver newsletters, guides, and brochures.
C. Website Functionality and Analytics
- To monitor and improve website performance.
- To personalize user experiences based on interactions.
D. Legal Compliance
- To comply with GDPR, Irish, and UK legal obligations.
3. Legal Basis for Processing Data
We process your data under the following legal bases:
- Consent: For marketing emails, newsletter sign-ups, and non-essential cookies.
- Contractual Necessity: To fulfill purchases and provide services.
- Legitimate Interests: To improve website functionality and user experience.
- Legal Obligations: To meet GDPR requirements and other legal obligations.
4. Specific Data Use Cases
A. Google reCAPTCHA
We use “Google reCAPTCHA” to protect our website from bots. This service analyzes visitor behavior, including mouse movements and time spent on forms. Data collected is subject to Google’s Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.
B. Newsletter Sign-Up
When you sign up for our newsletter, we collect your name and email address to send updates, offers, and news. You can opt out anytime by clicking “unsubscribe” in any email or contacting us directly. The discount code enclosed cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer.
C. Callback
When you request a callback, we use your provided contact details to respond to your query. We may also use this information for related marketing purposes, primarily via email.
D. PDF Downloads
By providing your contact details to download guides or brochures, you consent to receive additional relevant updates and marketing communications via email, phone, or SMS. The TEFL.ai will provide you with access to downloadable brochures and guides in PDF format. You will need the appropriate software on your device to read the brochures and guides correctly.
E. TEFL Quiz
When you enter your details for the TEFL quiz, we use this information to assess your interest in our courses and to send related updates and offers.
F. Live Chat and Social Media
If you contact us through live chat or social media platforms, we collect and use your information to respond to your queries and assess your eligibility for our products or services.
G. Purchasing a TEFL Course
When you purchase a course, we use your personal data to create an account on our learning platform and process your certificate upon completion.
H. Video and Image Submission
If you submit videos or images through contests or other forms, you confirm that:
- You are over 18.
- You own the rights to the content and grant us permission to use it for marketing purposes.
- All information provided by you is accurate and true.
- You are not impersonating another person or falsely stating or misrepresenting your affiliation with a person or entity.
- You have or own the necessary rights, licenses, consents, and permissions required to submit to us the images and information and to authorize us to use the images and information as expressed in these Terms and Conditions.
- Submitting images and information in no way conflicts with any existing legal agreement.
- The images and information you submit do not in any way obligate us to treat them as confidential and is assumed we have full permission to use such for marketing purposes.
5. Cookies
We use cookies to improve your experience on our website. Cookies help with:
- Web analytics and user behavior tracking.
- Shopping cart functionality.
- Supporting social media integrations.
- Managing Cookies
- You can manage cookie preferences through our Cookie Consent Tool or via browser settings. Non-essential cookies (e.g., analytics or marketing) are only activated with your explicit consent.
6. Data Sharing
We do not sell or trade your personal data. We may share it with:
- Service Providers: Payment processors (e.g., PayPal, Stripe), IT providers, and hosting services.
- Public Authorities: When required by law or for safety.
- Staff Outside the EU/UK: Under GDPR-compliant safeguards such as Standard Contractual Clauses (SCCs).
7. Data Retention
We retain personal data only for as long as necessary for its intended purpose:
- Account Data: Retained for up to 10 years after your last interaction.
- Marketing Data: Retained until you opt out.
- Transaction Data: Retained for as long as required by tax and financial regulations.
- After retention periods expire, data is securely deleted or anonymized.
8. Data Security
We employ robust security measures to protect your data:
- Encryption for data storage and transfers.
- Secure payment gateways for transactions.
- Role-based access to sensitive data.
- While we strive to safeguard your data, no transmission over the internet is 100% secure. Submitting personal data is done at your own risk.
9. Data Breach Protocol
In the event of a data breach:
- We will notify the Data Protection Commission (DPC) or Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) within 72 hours.
- Affected users will be informed if the breach poses a high risk to their rights.
10. Supervisory Authorities
If you have concerns about how we handle your data, you can contact:
- Data Protection Commission (DPC): www.dataprotection.ie
- Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO): www.ico.org.uk
11. Your Rights
Under GDPR, you have the right to:
- Access, correct, or delete your data.
- Restrict or object to processing.
- Request data portability.
- Withdraw consent for marketing communications.
- To exercise these rights, email us at hello@tefl.ai.
12. Updates to This Policy
We may update this policy to reflect changes in our practices or legal obligations. The latest version will always be available on our website.
13. Contact Information
For questions or concerns about this policy, contact us: Email: hello@tefl.ai.
