Privacy & Cookies Policy

Effective Date: June 25, 2025

Welcome to Living English, also known as "Living English by Mr. Derek" ("Living English," "we," "us," or "our"). We are committed to protecting your privacy and ensuring transparency in how we collect, use, and safeguard your personal data. This Privacy & Cookies Policy explains what information we collect, how we use it, and your rights regarding your data.

By using our website, livingenglish.io, you agree to the terms outlined in this policy.

1. Information We Collect

We collect only the personal data necessary to provide access to our website and educational content. This includes:

Required Information (for login and authentication)

• Username

• Email address

• Password

Payment Information
We do not collect or store payment details. All payments are processed securely through third-party services such as PayPal and Stripe. These services manage your financial data in accordance with their own privacy policies:

• PayPal Privacy Policy

• Stripe Privacy Policy

Cookies and Tracking Technologies
Our website uses cookies for essential site functionality. Optional cookies (e.g., for analytics or user preferences) can be managed through the cookie settings panel on our website or via your browser. Users in regions requiring explicit cookie consent (e.g., EU/UK) will be presented with a consent banner.

2. How We Use Your Data

We collect and use your personal data based on your consent, our contractual obligations, and our legitimate interests. The data is used to:

• Create and manage user accounts

• Provide access to educational content

• Maintain website security and prevent unauthorized access

• Comply with legal obligations

We do not sell, trade, or share your email address or other personal data for marketing purposes.

If you submit comments, essays, or other user-generated content, you grant Living English usage rights as detailed in our Terms of Service. Submitted content may be published, edited, or archived as part of our platform. Personally identifiable information will not be published without explicit consent.

Some content may involve AI-generated elements (e.g., illustrations or layout design). No personal data is processed or profiled by AI unless explicitly provided by the user.

3. Security

We implement industry-standard security measures including encryption and secure login methods. However, no online platform is completely secure. We encourage users to:

• Use strong, unique passwords

• Avoid sharing login credentials

   

4. Data Retention

We retain personal data only as long as necessary to provide services and fulfill legal obligations. Upon account deletion request, your personal data will be permanently removed unless required to be retained by law. Editorial content you submitted (e.g., essays or comments) may be retained as part of our educational archive per our intellectual property policy.

5. Your Rights

Depending on your location, you may have the following rights:

• Access & Correction – You can request to view or update your personal information.

• Deletion – You may request the deletion of your account and personal data.

• Cookie Preferences – You can adjust cookie settings via the control panel or your browser.

For any such requests, please contact: [email protected] 

6. Third-Party Services and Embedded Content

Our website may contain links to or embedded content from third-party websites and services (e.g., videos, quizzes, tools). These services may:

• Track interactions with embedded content

• Collect data through cookies or tracking technologies

• Require login or additional permissions

We are not responsible for how these third parties collect or process your data. Please review their respective privacy policies before interacting with their content.

7. Legal Compliance & Jurisdiction

This Privacy & Cookies Policy is governed by the laws of Japan, including the Act on the Protection of Personal Information (APPI). We also strive to comply with international standards, such as the GDPR and CCPA, to the extent they apply.

8. Children’s Privacy

Living English, including all of its features and services, may only be purchased and accessed by individuals aged 18 or older.

Users under the age of 18 may not create their own account, purchase a subscription, or participate in any community activities, challenges, or messaging features.

Only an adult may purchase a subscription. If an adult does so for a member of their household who is under 18, permission is granted for that user to access the Read-Only Access plan, under the adult’s direct supervision and responsibility.

Users under 18 may also engage with the Bespoke.Me Private Lesson Coaching, but only when:

• The subscription is purchased by an adult,

• The service is managed by that adult, and

• The coaching is conducted under that adult’s ongoing supervision and consent.

Any unauthorized use or account activity by users under 18 may result in immediate suspension or termination without refund.

9. Liability Disclaimer

We take reasonable steps to protect your personal data. However, by using our services, you acknowledge that no system is completely secure and you provide your data at your own risk.

Users are responsible for securing their login credentials.

10. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy & Cookies Policy from time to time. Material changes will be posted on our website. Continued use of our services after updates constitutes acceptance of the revised policy.

11. Language

This Privacy & Cookies Policy was originally written in English. In case of any discrepancies between the English version and a translated version, the English version shall prevail.

12. Contact Information

If you have questions or concerns about this policy, please contact us:

Email: [email protected]