1. Introduction
This Privacy Policy explains how Fluentade (“the Service”), operated by LanterNode Inc. (“LanterNode”, “we”, “us”), collects, uses, stores, and protects personal information. By using the Service, you agree to the practices described in this Privacy Policy. We provide a language-learning SaaS platform.
That distinction is worth stating plainly. For account and billing information, and for the operation and security of the Service itself, we are the Data Controller: we decide why that data is collected. For the learning data, lesson content, and audio recordings that a teacher, academy, or organization brings into Fluentade, we are a Data Processor acting on that customer’s instructions, and the customer is the Controller. Our Data Processing Agreement governs that second role.
We comply with the Personal Information Protection Act (PIPA) of the Republic of Korea and apply internationally recognized privacy and data-protection standards.
2. Information We Collect
We collect only the information necessary to operate the Service and provide its features.
2.1 Account Information (Teachers & Users)
- Name
- Email address
- Password (encrypted and never stored in plain text)
- Language and interface preferences
2.2 Learning-Related Information (Students)
- Vocabulary and progress metrics
- Study history and performance data
- Assignments, lesson records, and teacher feedback
- Uploaded or system-generated learning content
2.3 Audio Recordings (Optional Feature)
When teachers enable recording features, we may process:
- Audio files of lessons or pronunciation practice
- Transcripts or learning data extracted from recordings (where applicable)
2.4 Payment Information
Depending on your location:
- PayPal transaction metadata (processed directly by PayPal)
- Domestic wire-transfer details (sender name and confirmation)
We do not store full payment card numbers.
2.5 Technical Information
- IP address
- Device type and operating system
- Browser type/version
- Basic session and security logs
Cookies
Fluentade uses essential cookies only, strictly required for authentication and secure sessions.
No advertising, profiling, or cross-site tracking cookies are used.
2.6 Content Created Using Third-Party Tools
Teachers may create educational materials using external platforms, such as Google Docs. Any content stored on these third-party services is subject to the privacy policies and terms of service of the respective provider. Fluentade is not responsible for how such third-party platforms process or store data. Once content is uploaded to Fluentade, it will be protected according to this Privacy Policy.
3. How We Use Your Information
We process personal information strictly for the following purposes:
3.1 Service Delivery
- Account creation and authentication
- Managing lessons, courses, assignments, and learning progress
- Saving teacher-student interactions and learning activity
3.2 Service Operation & Improvement
- Enhancing platform functionality and user experience
- Debugging, troubleshooting, and security monitoring
3.3 Communications
- Account notifications, learning updates, and billing messages
- Responding to customer support inquiries
3.4 Legal & Compliance
- Generating invoices and accounting records
- Responding to lawful requests from authorities
We do not sell, rent, or trade personal information.
4. Legal Basis for Processing
In accordance with PIPA and international standards, we process personal data on the following bases:
- Consent: account creation, audio recordings, optional features
- Performance of a contract: delivering the services you subscribe to
- Legitimate interests: security, fraud prevention, service improvement
- Legal obligations: accounting, taxation, regulatory requirements
5. How We Share Your Data
We share personal information only where necessary and with appropriate safeguards in place.
5.1 Service Providers
We share personal information with the following providers:
- Vultr (hosting and infrastructure, including the servers that run the Service and send its email)
- PayPal (payment processing)
This list is complete. We update it before any new provider begins processing your data.
All service providers are contractually required to protect your data and may not use it for unrelated purposes.
5.2 Teachers or Organizations
If you are a student, your teacher or academy administrator may access:
- Your learning progress
- Lesson and assignment records
- Uploaded content
- Audio recordings related to lessons
5.3 Legal Compliance
We may disclose information to government authorities when required under Korean law.
We do not share data with advertisers or unrelated third parties.
6. International Data Transfers
If you access Fluentade from outside Korea or engage in transactions through PayPal, your data may be processed in other jurisdictions.
We apply appropriate safeguards such as:
- Standard contractual clauses
- Encrypted transmission and secure storage
- Compliance with PIPA transfer requirements
7. Data Retention
We retain personal data only for as long as necessary for the purposes described:
- Account data: retained while your account remains active
- Learning data: retained until you delete it or close your account
- Audio recordings: retained for 24 months by default, unless you delete them sooner or a teacher or institution applies a shorter retention period
- Payment and accounting records: retained for the legally required period (typically 5 years)
These periods are defaults, not commitments to hold your data. You may delete your account, your learning data, or individual recordings at any time, and a deletion request takes effect regardless of the periods above. Only records we are legally required to keep, such as payment and accounting records, survive it.
After retention periods expire, data is securely deleted or anonymized.
8. Your Rights
You may request the following at any time:
- Access to your personal data
- Correction of inaccurate information
- Deletion of your account or specific data (including recordings)
- Withdrawal of consent for optional features
- Export of your learning data
Requests may be submitted via info@lanternode.com.
If you reside in Korea, you may also contact the Personal Information Protection Commission (PIPC) regarding privacy concerns.
9. Data Security
We implement industry-standard technical and organizational measures, including:
- Encryption of passwords and sensitive data
- Strict backend access controls
- Regular updates, monitoring, and vulnerability mitigation
In the event of a data breach, we will notify affected users and relevant authorities in accordance with PIPA requirements.
10. Children’s Privacy
Fluentade may be used for educational purposes involving minors.
- Teachers or institutions are responsible for obtaining parental or guardian consent where required.
- We act as a Data Processor on behalf of the teacher or organization, which is the Controller for that data.
- We do not knowingly allow minors to create accounts directly without adult supervision.
11. Updates to This Policy
We may revise this Privacy Policy to reflect legal changes or service improvements.
Significant updates will be communicated via email or in-app notifications.
The most recent version will always be available within Fluentade.
This Policy is published in English and Korean. Where the two versions differ, the English version governs, to the extent permitted by applicable law.
12. Contact
If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or wish to exercise your rights, please contact: info@lanternode.com