Last updated: 2026

The short version: Merit Track stores your information securely using Google Firebase, a trusted cloud platform used by apps everywhere. We don't sell your data, we don't show ads, and we don't share it with advertisers or unrelated third parties.

What we collect: your account email, profile details (name, birthdate, grade, school, school year, country/region, career goals), the achievements, grades, and files you choose to log or upload, and basic info about people you invite (name, email, relationship) so connections can be set up.

Where it's stored: securely, using Google Firebase's infrastructure. We don't run our own separate servers — your data lives in Google's secure cloud, protected by encrypted connections and authenticated access.

Who can see it: you always control your own portfolio. People you specifically invite (a parent, teacher, coach, mentor, or admissions representative) can see what you choose to share, only after you generate and send them an invite code — and you can remove their access at any time in Settings.

Can the app's creator see it? Yes. As the operator of Merit Track, we have administrative access to the data stored in our systems, the same way any app's developer can access their own database. We only access it to run, maintain, support, and secure the app — never to sell it, advertise with it, or share it with outside companies.

Your choices: you can edit or delete any achievement, grade entry, photo/file, or profile detail at any time. You can remove anyone's access to your portfolio whenever you want. You can permanently delete your entire account and all associated data yourself at any time from Settings — or contact us at [support email] for help.

Children's privacy: Merit Track is intended for users 13 and older. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If we discover that an account belongs to a child under 13, we will close the account and delete all associated data promptly.

For users between 13 and 17, we require that a parent or legal guardian be linked to the student's account as part of setup. The parent or guardian receives access to the student's portfolio and must provide explicit consent before the student can complete registration. This consent is recorded with a timestamp tied to the linked account.

What we collect from minor users is limited to what is necessary to provide the service: profile details, achievements and activities the student logs, uploaded files, and basic information about invited contacts. We do not use minors' data for advertising, behavioural tracking, or any purpose beyond running and improving the app.

Parents' and guardians' rights: if you are a parent or legal guardian and have concerns about your child's account, data, or use of the app, you may request to review, correct, or delete the personal information associated with your child's account by contacting us at [support email]. We will respond promptly.

Security: we use industry-standard practices (encrypted connections, authenticated access) to protect your information. No system is 100% secure, but we don't take shortcuts with your data.

Changes: if this policy changes in a meaningful way, we'll update the date above and, where appropriate, ask you to re-confirm consent.

This policy is provided for transparency and is not a substitute for legal advice.

Last updated: 2026

1. Agreement to Terms
By creating an account or using Merit Track, you agree to these Terms and our Privacy Policy. If you are between 13 and 17, your parent or legal guardian must be linked to your account as part of setup. If you don't agree, please don't use the app.

2. Who Can Use Merit Track
Merit Track is for users 13 and older. Users between 13 and 17 must link a parent or legal guardian before completing setup. We don't knowingly allow use by anyone under 13 and will close and delete any such account if discovered.

3. Your Account
You are responsible for keeping your credentials secure and for all activity under your account. Contact us immediately at itshandledbye@gmail.com if you believe your account was accessed without permission.

4. Your Content
You own what you upload. By uploading, you grant us permission to store and display it to you and anyone you've granted access, solely to operate the app. We don't claim ownership, use it for advertising, or sell it to third parties. You're responsible for ensuring it's accurate and that you have the right to share it.

5. Verification
Verification badges are optional. They reflect that a specific invited person confirmed an achievement — not that Merit Track has independently verified it. Verification is a feature, not a guarantee of accuracy.

6. Parental Consent for Minors
A parent or guardian who links to a minor's account confirms they are that minor's parent or legal guardian, consents to the minor's use of the app, accepts responsibility for that use, and agrees to indemnify and hold harmless Merit Track and its creator from related claims, to the extent permitted by law. Parents may request access to, correction of, or deletion of their child's data at any time by contacting us.

7. Acceptable Use
You agree to use Merit Track honestly and respectfully. By using the app you agree to our Acceptable Use Policy.

8. Suspension or Termination
We may suspend or terminate an account that violates these Terms or applicable law, with or without notice depending on severity. You may delete your own account at any time from Settings.

9. No Warranty
Merit Track is provided "as is." We don't guarantee it will be available, uninterrupted, or error-free. We are not responsible for decisions made by schools or institutions based on your Merit Track profile.

10. Limitation of Liability
To the fullest extent permitted by law, Merit Track and its creator are not liable for indirect or consequential damages. Our total liability is limited to what you've paid us in the past 12 months — which, since Merit Track is free, is generally $0.

11. Changes
We may update these Terms. Continued use after changes are posted constitutes acceptance.

12. Governing Law
These Terms are governed by the laws of the Province of Ontario and the laws of Canada applicable therein. Any disputes are subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of the Province of Ontario.

13. Contact
Questions? Reach us at itshandledbye@gmail.com.

This is not a substitute for legal advice.

Last updated: 2026

Merit Track is built for students, families, teachers, and coaches acting in good faith. When using Merit Track, you agree not to:

• ✕Impersonate another person or create an account using someone else's identity without permission.
• ✕Submit false achievements, certificates, or claims you don't have the right to share.
• ✕Harass, bully, or send inappropriate messages to other users, including through the Wall or comments features.
• ✕Upload content that is sexually explicit, violent, hateful, discriminatory, or otherwise inappropriate — especially given that many users are minors.
• ✕Attempt to access another user's account or data without their authorization.
• ✕Misuse the invite or verification system — for example, by generating a "Parent" invite code when you are not the parent or legal guardian of that student.
• ✕Collect or misuse other users' personal information.
• ✕Interfere with, disrupt, or attempt to reverse-engineer the app or its underlying security systems.

Violating this policy may result in content removal, account suspension, or termination. If you encounter concerning content or behaviour, please contact us at itshandledbye@gmail.com.

This is not a substitute for legal advice.