Privacy Policy

1. Scope

This Privacy Policy applies to all personal information collected through the BTI Community Hub platform at app.blacktalentinitiative.network, our event registration systems, and any related BTI services. By using the Platform, you agree to the practices described in this policy.

2. Information We Collect

2.1 Information you provide

• Account information: Name, email address, password (hashed), profile photo
• Profile details: Professional category, years of experience, skills, involvement goals, location, social links
• Event participation: Event registrations, pass purchases, attendance records, survey responses
• Career information: Resume uploads, job applications, saved job listings
• Payment information: Payment details are processed securely by Stripe and are not stored on our servers
• Communications: Messages, feedback, and support requests you send to us

2.2 Information collected automatically

• Usage data: Pages visited, features used, time spent, referral sources
• Device information: Browser type, operating system, screen resolution
• Log data: IP address, access times, error logs
• Cookies: We use essential cookies for authentication and session management. See Section 7 for details.

2.3 Information from third parties

If you sign in using Google or Microsoft authentication, we receive your name, email address, and profile photo from those providers. We do not receive or store your passwords from third-party sign-in providers.

3. How We Use Your Information

We use your personal information to:

• Create and manage your BTI Community Hub account
• Process event registrations and pass purchases
• Facilitate career opportunities, job applications, and employer connections
• Send transactional communications (confirmations, reminders, security notices)
• Send promotional communications about BTI events and opportunities (with your consent)
• Improve the Platform, fix issues, and develop new features
• Ensure safety and security of the Platform and our community
• Comply with legal obligations

4. How We Share Your Information

We do not sell your personal information. We may share it with:

• Service providers: Companies that help us operate the Platform, including Firebase (authentication and database), Stripe (payment processing), Resend (email delivery), and Vercel (hosting)
• Event partners and sponsors: Aggregated, anonymized attendance data may be shared with event sponsors. Your individual information is not shared without your explicit consent.
• Employers: If you apply to a job through the Career Hub, your application materials are shared with the relevant employer
• Legal requirements: When required by law, regulation, legal process, or governmental request
• Safety: When necessary to protect the rights, safety, or property of BTI, our users, or the public

5. Data Storage & Security

Your data is stored securely using Google Firebase (Cloud Firestore) with servers located in North America. We implement appropriate technical and organizational safeguards including:

• Encrypted data transmission (HTTPS/TLS)
• Hashed passwords — we never store plaintext passwords
• Firebase Security Rules restricting data access
• Role-based access controls for administrative functions
• Regular security reviews

No method of transmission or storage is 100% secure. If you become aware of a security vulnerability, please contact us immediately at info@blacktalentinitiative.network.

6. Data Retention

We retain your personal information for as long as your account is active or as needed to provide you with the Platform. If you request account deletion, we will remove your personal information within 30 days, except where we are required to retain it for legal, accounting, or safety purposes. Anonymized and aggregated data may be retained indefinitely for analytics.

7. Cookies & Tracking

We use the following types of cookies:

• Essential cookies: Required for authentication and session management. These cannot be disabled.
• Analytics cookies: Help us understand how the Platform is used so we can improve it. You can opt out through your browser settings.

We do not use advertising cookies or sell data to advertisers. You can control cookie settings through your browser preferences.

8. Your Rights Under PIPEDA

Under Canada's Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA), you have the right to:

• Access: Request a copy of the personal information we hold about you
• Correction: Request correction of inaccurate or incomplete information
• Withdrawal of consent: Withdraw your consent to the collection, use, or disclosure of your information (subject to legal or contractual restrictions)
• Deletion: Request deletion of your account and personal information
• Complaint: File a complaint with the Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada

To exercise any of these rights, contact us at info@blacktalentinitiative.network. We will respond within 30 calendar days.

9. Canadian Anti-Spam Legislation (CASL)

We comply with CASL. We will only send you commercial electronic messages (e.g., newsletters, event promotions) with your express or implied consent. Every promotional email includes an unsubscribe link. Transactional messages (account confirmations, security alerts, event reminders for events you registered for) do not require consent under CASL and will continue to be sent as needed.

10. Children's Privacy

The Platform is not directed to individuals under 13 years of age. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If you are under the age of majority in your province or territory, you must have your parent or legal guardian's consent to use the Platform. If we learn that we have collected information from a child under 13, we will promptly delete it.

11. International Data Transfers

Some of our service providers (e.g., Stripe, Vercel) may process data in the United States. When your data is transferred outside Canada, it remains subject to the privacy laws and protections described in this policy. Our service providers are contractually obligated to protect your information in accordance with applicable privacy standards.

12. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. When we make significant changes, we will notify you by updating the “Last updated” date and, where appropriate, providing additional notice (such as an email or in-app notification). Your continued use of the Platform after changes are posted constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.

13. Contact Us

If you have questions about this Privacy Policy, want to exercise your privacy rights, or wish to file a complaint, please contact us: