Data Retention Policy

How we store and manage your data

Effective Date: December 2025

This Data Retention Policy ("Policy") explains how CareersHeights ("CareersHeights," "we," "us," or "our") stores, retains, and deletes personal information collected through www.careersheights.com (the "Platform").

This Policy is designed to comply with the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA) and applicable Canadian privacy laws.

Active Data

Stored while your account is active

30-Day Deletion

Account data deleted within 30 days

PIPEDA Compliant

Full compliance with Canadian laws

1. Purpose of Data Retention

We retain personal information only for as long as necessary to:

  • Provide services through the Platform
  • Support Users and Experts
  • Maintain accurate business and financial records
  • Comply with legal, tax, and regulatory requirements
  • Resolve disputes and enforce our Terms

Once information is no longer required for these purposes, it is securely deleted or anonymized.

2. Categories of Data We Retain & Retention Periods

The following outlines how long different types of data are stored.

2.1 Account Information

Includes:

  • Name
  • Email address
  • Login credentials
  • Profile details (bio, experience, education)

Retention Period:

Stored for as long as the account remains active.

Deleted within 30 days of account deletion, unless retention is required for legal or security reasons.

2.2 Uploaded Documents

Includes:

  • Resumes
  • Cover letters
  • Portfolios
  • Job descriptions
  • Any files uploaded for Expert review

Retention Period:

Stored until the User deletes the document or deletes their account.

Automatically deleted within 30 days of account deletion.

Users may delete uploaded documents at any time through their account or by contacting support.

2.3 Booking & Session Data

Includes:

  • Session history
  • Messages exchanged between Users and Experts
  • Notes or materials shared during sessions

Retention Period:

Retained for 24 months after the session date to support dispute resolution, fraud prevention, and platform integrity.

After 24 months, data is anonymized or deleted unless required for legal purposes.

2.4 Payment & Transaction Records

Includes:

  • Payment confirmations
  • Commission records
  • Subscription invoices
  • Payout history

Retention Period:

Retained for 7 years to comply with Canadian tax and financial reporting laws.

CareersHeights does not store full credit card or banking information; this is handled by third party processors such as Stripe.

2.5 Communications & Support Requests

Includes:

  • Emails to support
  • Chat logs
  • Dispute correspondence

Retention Period:

Retained for 24 months after resolution of the issue.

Deleted or anonymized thereafter.

2.6 Technical & Usage Data

Includes:

  • IP addresses
  • Device information
  • Cookies and analytics data
  • Log files

Retention Period:

Stored for 12–24 months, depending on the type of data.

Used for security, analytics, and platform improvement.

3. Data Retention for Legal, Security, and Fraud Prevention

We may retain certain information longer if necessary to:

  • Comply with legal obligations
  • Respond to law enforcement requests
  • Prevent fraud or abuse
  • Protect the rights and safety of Users, Experts, or CareersHeights

In such cases, retention is limited to what is strictly necessary.

4. Data Deletion & Anonymization

When data is no longer required:

  • It is securely deleted, or
  • It is anonymized so it can no longer identify an individual

Anonymized data may be used for analytics, research, or platform improvement.

5. Account Deletion

When a User or Expert deletes their account:

  • Personal information is deleted within 30 days, except where retention is required for legal or financial reasons
  • Transaction records are retained for 7 years (tax compliance)
  • Session history and communications are retained for 24 months for dispute resolution
  • Uploaded documents are deleted within 30 days

Users may request immediate deletion of certain data by contacting us.

6. How We Protect Retained Data

We use administrative, technical, and physical safeguards, including:

  • Encryption
  • Access controls
  • Secure servers
  • Monitoring for unauthorized access

Only authorized personnel may access retained data.

7. Your Rights Under PIPEDA

You have the right to:

  • Request access to your personal information
  • Request correction of inaccurate information
  • Request deletion of certain data
  • Withdraw consent (subject to legal limitations)

To exercise these rights, contact us at info@careersheights.com.

8. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Policy from time to time. When changes occur, we will:

  • Update the "Effective Date"
  • Provide notice through the Platform or email (for material changes)

Continued use of the Platform after changes take effect constitutes acceptance of the updated Policy.

9. Contact Information

For questions about this Data Retention Policy, contact:

Questions About Data Retention?

We're transparent about how we handle your data. Contact us with any questions.