At crcle, we are committed to fostering a secure, trusted environment for academic and professional networking. We prioritise privacy and data protection, ensuring that all personal information is handled responsibly and in compliance with the UK GDPR and other applicable data protection laws.
These Terms of Service (“Terms”) set out the rules for using crcle and explain what you can expect from us in return.
1. Acceptance of Terms
By registering for or using crcle, you agree to these Terms and our Privacy Policy.
You must:
Be at least 16 years old, or meet the minimum age requirement in your country.
2. Eligibility
To use crcle, you must:
Provide accurate and up-to-date registration information.
Ensure you meet the age requirements listed above.
3. Accounts & Security
You are responsible for keeping your login credentials confidential.
You must not share or transfer your account to anyone else.
If you suspect unauthorised access, notify us immediately at: connect@crcle.me
4. Acceptable Use
When using crcle, you agree to:
Use the platform only for lawful academic or professional networking.
Treat other users with respect, avoiding harassment, discrimination, or abuse.
Refrain from spamming, phishing, or engaging in malicious activities.
Not attempt to hack, disrupt, or compromise the platform’s security.
5. Content & Messaging
You retain ownership of the content you upload but grant crcle a limited licence to use it for platform functionality.
Private messages are end-to-end encrypted. However, you remain responsible for ensuring your content is lawful and appropriate.
We may remove content that violates these Terms.
Metadata:
While message content is encrypted, we collect limited metadata (e.g. sender and recipient IDs, timestamps, message size, delivery status) to ensure security, detect fraud, and improve services. Metadata is not used for advertising or profiling and is handled in line with our Privacy Policy.
6. GDPR & User Rights
As a UK company, we comply with the UK GDPR. You have the right to:
Access a copy of your personal data.
Correct inaccurate or incomplete data.
Delete your personal data in certain circumstances (“right to be forgotten”).
Restrict processing if you contest the accuracy of your data.
Object to processing based on legitimate interest.
Request data portability in a structured, machine-readable format.
Withdraw consent at any time where processing relies on consent.
7. Legal Basis for Data Processing
We process personal data under the following legal bases:
Consent: Where you explicitly agree to data processing.
Contractual necessity: To provide you with our services.
Legitimate interest: For security, fraud prevention, and service improvements.
Legal obligation: When required to comply with law or regulation.
8. Data Retention
We keep your personal data only as long as necessary for the purposes outlined in our Privacy Policy, or as required by law.
When no longer needed, data is securely deleted or anonymised.
Metadata: Retained for up to 3 years to support platform security, fraud prevention, and compliance. Metadata is not used for advertising or profiling.
9. International Data Transfers
If we transfer your personal data outside the UK or EU, we apply appropriate safeguards (such as Standard Contractual Clauses) to protect it.
10. Data Breach Notification
If a data breach affects your personal data, we will notify affected users and relevant authorities within the legally required timeframe.
11. Suspension & Termination
We may suspend or terminate your account if you:
Violate these Terms.
Engage in fraudulent, illegal, or harmful behaviour.
Impersonate another user or misrepresent your identity.
12. Limitation of Liability
crcle is provided on an “as is” basis; uninterrupted or error-free service is not guaranteed.
We are not liable for any direct, indirect, incidental, or consequential damages arising from your use of the platform.
13. Privacy & Data Protection
Your use of crcle is subject to our Privacy Policy, which explains how we collect, process, and protect your data (including metadata).
14. Changes to Terms
We may update these Terms from time to time. Continued use of crcle after updates means you accept the revised Terms.
15. Contact
If you have any questions, please contact us at: connect@crcle.me