Legal

Privacy Policy

Last updated: 1 March 2026

1. Who we are

PairChess (“we”, “us”, “our”) operates the website at anathemaresearch.com. This policy explains how we collect and use personal data when you use our platform.

2. Data we collect

Account data — your name and email address, provided via Google Sign-In.
Profile data — if you apply to become a teacher: your FIDE ID, chess platform usernames, rating history, hourly rate, and any message you include in your application.
Booking data — records of lesson requests you create or receive.
Usage data — standard server logs (IP address, browser type, pages visited) retained for up to 90 days.

3. How we use your data

We use your data to:

Operate your account and authenticate you.
Review and process teacher applications.
Facilitate booking requests between students and teachers.
Display teacher profiles to prospective students.
Send transactional emails (booking confirmations, application updates).
Improve and secure the platform.

We do not sell your data to third parties. We do not use your data for advertising.

4. Data sharing

Your data is shared only:

With the teacher or student you are booking with (name and contact details, as needed to coordinate a lesson).
With Google, as your OAuth identity provider.
With hosting and infrastructure providers who process data on our behalf under strict data-processing agreements.
Where required by law.

5. Cookies

We use a single session cookie to keep you signed in. We do not use tracking or advertising cookies. You can delete this cookie at any time by signing out or clearing your browser data.

6. Data retention

We retain your account data for as long as your account is active. Teacher application data is retained indefinitely as an operational record. You may request deletion at any time (see §8).

7. Security

All data is transmitted over HTTPS. Database credentials and API secrets are never exposed client-side. We follow industry-standard practices to protect your information, though no system is completely immune to security risks.

8. Your rights

You have the right to access, correct, or delete your personal data. To exercise these rights, email us at contact@anathemaresearch.com. We will respond within 30 days.

9. Changes to this policy

We may update this policy from time to time. We will notify you of material changes by posting a notice on the site or emailing you directly. Continued use of PairChess after a change constitutes acceptance of the revised policy.

10. Contact

Questions about this policy? Reach us at contact@anathemaresearch.com.