Privacy Policy

This Privacy Policy explains what information Data Scholar collects, how it is used, and the choices you have. Data Scholar is a free, non-commercial learning site operated by Rahul Agarwal.

By using Data Scholar, you agree to the practices described here.

Who we are

Data Scholar publishes articles, project write-ups, free courses, and guided learning paths about data and AI. It is operated by Rahul Agarwal. You can reach us at rahulagarwak.da@gmail.com.

Information we collect

We collect only what we need to run the site and your account.

• Account information: when you sign in with Google we receive your name, email address, and profile picture. When you register with an email and password, we store your email and a securely hashed password.
• Activity you create: course and lesson progress, items you mark as read, built, or completed, content you like, and notes you save.
• Messages: anything you send through the in-site help or contact thread.
• Newsletter: your email address, if you choose to subscribe.
• Usage data: basic analytics such as pages viewed and actions taken, collected through privacy-friendly analytics tools.

How we use your information

• To create and secure your account and keep you signed in.
• To save your progress, notes, and preferences across visits.
• To respond to your messages and support requests.
• To send transactional emails such as email verification and password resets, and, if you subscribe, the newsletter.
• To understand how the site is used so we can improve it.

Cookies

We use a small number of cookies: a session cookie that keeps you signed in, a cookie that remembers your light or dark theme, and cookies set by our analytics tools. We do not use advertising cookies.

Third-party services

We rely on a few trusted providers to operate the site. Each only processes the data needed for its function:

• Google, for sign-in (Google OAuth).
• PostHog and Plausible, for privacy-friendly analytics.
• Amazon Web Services, for file storage.
• Our hosting provider and email-delivery provider, to serve the site and send transactional and newsletter emails.

How we share information

We do not sell your personal information, and we do not share it for advertising. We share data only with the service providers above, acting on our behalf, or where required by law.

Data retention

We keep your account data for as long as your account is active. If you ask us to delete your account, we remove your personal data, except where we are required to keep certain records by law.

Your choices and rights

To make a request, email rahulagarwak.da@gmail.com.

• You can request access to, correction of, or deletion of your personal data by emailing us.
• You can unsubscribe from the newsletter at any time using the link in any newsletter email.
• You can sign out at any time, and you can clear cookies through your browser.

Security

Passwords are stored only as secure hashes, and access to your account requires authentication. No method of storage or transmission is completely secure, but we take reasonable steps to protect your information.

Children's privacy

Data Scholar is not directed to children under the age of 16, and we do not knowingly collect personal information from them. If you believe a child has provided us information, contact us and we will remove it.

International users

Your information may be processed and stored on servers operated by our providers, which may be located outside your country. By using the site you consent to this transfer.

Changes to this policy

We may update this policy from time to time. When we do, we will revise the date at the top of this page. Significant changes will be highlighted on the site.

Contact

Questions about this policy can be sent to rahulagarwak.da@gmail.com.