Privacy Policy

Last Updated: November 30, 2025

TradeUpCoach is currently in Phase 0 research. This Privacy Policy explains how we will collect, use, protect, and handle participant data during our cognitive intervention research program.

1. Information We Will Collect

1.1 Participant Information

When you participate in our research, we will collect:

• Name and email address
• Encrypted authentication credentials
• Profile information (trading experience, background)
• Informed consent documentation

1.2 Behavioral Data

During research sessions, the system will collect:

• Trading behavior patterns and timestamps
• Rule adherence metrics
• Intervention response data
• Session duration and interaction patterns
• Screenshots (with explicit participant authorization)

1.3 Physiological Data (Optional)

If you connect a wearable device, we may collect:

• Heart rate variability data
• Stress indicator measurements
• Activity levels during trading sessions

Note: Physiological data collection is strictly optional and requires your explicit opt-in consent. This feature is disabled by default. This data will be used solely for research purposes and will never be shared with third parties.

1.4 Voice Data (Optional)

If you use voice interaction features:

• Voice commands and queries
• Audio recordings (processed locally when possible, then deleted)
• Transcripts of voice interactions

Note: Voice features are disabled by default and require explicit activation. You must grant microphone permission to use these features.

1.5 Technical Data

• Device information (operating system, browser type)
• IP address (anonymized)
• Session analytics and error logs
• Performance metrics

2. How We Will Use Participant Data

Research data will be used to:

• Validate Hypotheses: Test whether cognitive drift produces measurable behavioral signals
• Refine Detection Models: Improve accuracy of cognitive state estimation algorithms
• Evaluate Interventions: Measure effectiveness of intervention timing and content
• Develop Personalization: Understand individual variation in drift patterns
• Publish Findings: Contribute to scientific literature (using anonymized, aggregated data only)
• Improve System Design: Enhance interface and user experience based on participant feedback

3. Data Storage and Security

3.1 Data Storage Architecture

Research data will be stored securely:

• Local Processing: Sensitive data will be processed on-device when possible
• Encrypted Cloud Storage: Data requiring cloud storage will be encrypted at rest and in transit
• Anonymization: Research datasets will be de-identified before analysis

3.2 Security Measures

• End-to-end encryption for sensitive data transmission
• Industry-standard password hashing
• SSL/TLS encryption for all communications
• Access controls limiting data access to authorized researchers
• Regular security audits

3.3 Data Retention

Research data will be retained:

• Active participants: For the duration of research participation
• Post-participation: Anonymized data may be retained for research analysis
• Withdrawal: Identifiable data will be deleted within 30 days of withdrawal request
• Legal requirements: Longer retention if required by research ethics or law

4. Data Sharing and Disclosure

4.1 We Will Not Sell Participant Data

Participant data will never be sold, rented, or traded to third parties for commercial purposes.

4.2 Research Publications

Aggregated, anonymized findings may be published in:

• Peer-reviewed academic journals
• Conference presentations
• Research reports on our website

Individual participants will not be identifiable in any publication.

4.3 Limited Sharing

We will only share data in these circumstances:

• Research Collaborators: Anonymized data shared with academic partners under data use agreements
• Service Providers: Trusted vendors operating under confidentiality agreements
• Legal Requirements: When required by law or ethical review boards

5. Participant Rights

As a research participant, you have the right to:

• Informed Consent: Receive clear information about data collection before participating
• Access: Request a copy of your personal data
• Correction: Update or correct inaccurate information
• Withdrawal: Withdraw from research at any time without penalty
• Deletion: Request deletion of your identifiable data
• Data Portability: Receive your data in a portable format
• Restrict Processing: Limit how we use your data

To exercise these rights, contact: research@tradeupcoach.com

6. Cookies and Tracking

We will use cookies and similar technologies for:

• Essential Functions: Authentication and session management
• Research Analytics: Understanding system usage patterns
• Performance Monitoring: Identifying and resolving technical issues

You can control cookies through browser settings, though some research features may require cookies to function.

7. Research Ethics

Our research adheres to ethical principles including:

• Voluntary participation with informed consent
• Right to withdraw at any time without consequences
• Minimization of participant burden and risk
• Confidentiality and data protection
• Transparency about research objectives and methods

8. International Participants (GDPR & CCPA)

8.1 EU/EEA Participants (GDPR)

EU/EEA participants have additional rights:

• Right to withdraw consent at any time
• Right to lodge complaints with data protection authorities
• Right to object to processing based on legitimate interests

8.2 California Participants (CCPA)

California residents have the right to:

• Know what personal information we collect
• Request deletion of personal information
• Non-discrimination for exercising privacy rights

9. Data Breach Notification

In the event of a data breach affecting participant information, we will notify affected participants within 72 hours via email, providing details about the breach and remediation steps.

10. Changes to This Policy

This Privacy Policy may be updated as research progresses. Material changes will be communicated to participants via email. Continued participation after changes constitutes acceptance.

11. Contact Us

For privacy-related questions or to exercise your rights:

• Research Team: research@tradeupcoach.com
• Privacy Inquiries: privacy@tradeupcoach.com
• General: hello@tradeupcoach.com