1. Information We Collect

1.1 Personal Information

When you join Connect IQ Network, we collect:

• Profile Information: Name, email address, phone number, professional title, company, industry, location
• Professional Details: Work experience, skills, expertise areas, services offered, business needs
• Account Information: Username, password (encrypted), account preferences
• Communication Data: Messages sent through our platform, introduction requests, collaboration details

1.2 AI Processing Data

To power our intelligent matching system, we analyze:

• Professional Compatibility: Skills, industry overlap, complementary expertise
• Networking Preferences: Types of connections sought, collaboration interests
• Interaction Patterns: How you engage with matches, successful connection rates
• Value Exchange Potential: Mutual benefit opportunities between members

1.3 Automatically Collected Information

• Usage Data: Platform activity, feature usage, time spent on platform
• Device Information: IP address, browser type, device type, operating system
• Analytics Data: Page views, click patterns, session duration
• Technical Data: Log files, error reports, performance metrics

2. How We Use Your Information

2.1 AI-Powered Matching

Our primary use of your data is to create meaningful professional connections:

• Intelligent Matching: AI algorithms analyze your profile to identify compatible professionals
• Mutual Value Assessment: Calculate potential value exchanges between members
• Introduction Optimization: Determine the best introduction opportunities
• Match Quality Improvement: Continuously refine matching accuracy based on successful connections

2.2 Platform Services

• Account Management: Create and maintain your member account
• Communication Facilitation: Enable messaging and introductions between matched members
• Community Access: Provide access to exclusive events, resources, and groups
• Free Referral Program: Deliver your monthly complimentary business referral

2.3 Platform Improvement

• Service Enhancement: Improve our AI algorithms and platform features
• Security: Detect and prevent fraudulent activity and platform abuse
• Support: Provide customer service and technical assistance
• Analytics: Understand platform usage patterns and member satisfaction

3. AI Processing and Algorithms

3.1 How Our AI Works

Connect IQ Network uses advanced artificial intelligence to create meaningful professional connections:

• Profile Analysis: AI evaluates your professional background, skills, and stated needs
• Compatibility Scoring: Algorithms calculate compatibility scores based on mutual value potential
• Network Effect Optimization: AI considers broader network effects to maximize community value
• Learning and Adaptation: Our systems learn from successful connections to improve future matches

3.2 Automated Decision-Making

Our AI makes certain automated decisions regarding:

• Match Suggestions: Which members to suggest for potential connections
• Introduction Timing: When to facilitate introductions between matched members
• Content Relevance: What resources and opportunities to show each member
• Community Access: Invitations to specific groups or events based on interests

Your Rights: You have the right to request human review of any automated decision that significantly affects you.

4. Information Sharing and Disclosure

4.1 Within the Platform

• Matched Members: Basic professional information shared with compatible matches
• Introduction Facilitation: Relevant details shared to facilitate meaningful introductions
• Community Features: Information shared in groups, events, and collaborative spaces (with your consent)

4.2 Third-Party Integrations

We may share limited data with trusted partners to enhance our services:

• Analytics Providers: Aggregated, anonymized usage data for platform improvement
• Communication Tools: Integration with professional communication platforms (with your permission)
• Event Platforms: Information necessary for exclusive member events
• Security Services: Data protection and fraud prevention services

4.3 Legal Requirements

We may disclose your information when required by law or to:

• Comply with legal obligations, court orders, or regulatory requirements
• Protect the rights, property, or safety of Connect IQ Network, our members, or others
• Investigate potential violations of our Terms of Service
• Prevent fraud, security threats, or illegal activities

5. Data Storage and Security

5.1 Security Measures

• Encryption: All sensitive data encrypted in transit and at rest
• Access Controls: Strict employee access controls and authentication requirements
• Regular Security Audits: Ongoing security assessments and vulnerability testing
• Secure Infrastructure: Industry-standard cloud security and data protection measures

5.2 Data Retention

• Active Accounts: Data retained while your account remains active
• Inactive Accounts: Profile data retained for 2 years after last login
• Communication Data: Messages and interaction history retained for 3 years
• Analytics Data: Aggregated, anonymized data may be retained indefinitely

6. Your Privacy Rights

6.1 Access and Control

You have the right to:

• Access: Request a copy of all personal data we hold about you
• Rectification: Correct any inaccurate or incomplete information
• Erasure: Request deletion of your personal data (subject to legal requirements)
• Portability: Receive your data in a structured, machine-readable format
• Restriction: Limit how we process your data in certain circumstances
• Objection: Object to processing based on legitimate interests

6.2 AI-Specific Rights

• Explanation: Request information about how our AI algorithms affect you
• Human Review: Request human review of automated decisions
• Opt-out: Opt out of certain AI-powered features (may limit platform functionality)

6.3 Communication Preferences

• Marketing Emails: Unsubscribe from promotional communications at any time
• Platform Notifications: Customize notification preferences in your account settings
• Introduction Frequency: Control how often you receive match suggestions

7. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

7.1 Cookies We Use

• Essential Cookies: Required for platform functionality and security
• Analytics Cookies: Help us understand platform usage and improve services
• Preference Cookies: Remember your settings and personalization choices
• Marketing Cookies: Enable targeted communications and content (with consent)

For detailed information about our cookie usage, please see our Cookie Policy.

8. International Data Transfers

Connect IQ Network operates globally, and your data may be transferred to and processed in countries other than your own. We ensure appropriate safeguards are in place for international data transfers, including:

• Adequacy decisions by relevant data protection authorities
• Standard contractual clauses approved by regulatory bodies
• Binding corporate rules for intra-group transfers
• Explicit consent for transfers where appropriate

9. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy to reflect changes in our practices, technology, legal requirements, or other factors. When we make changes:

• We will post the updated policy on our platform with a new "Last Updated" date
• For material changes, we will notify you via email or platform notification
• Your continued use of our services after changes take effect constitutes acceptance
• You may choose to deactivate your account if you disagree with changes

10. Children's Privacy

Connect IQ Network is designed for professionals and is not intended for use by individuals under 18 years of age. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 18. If we become aware that we have collected personal information from a child under 18, we will take steps to delete such information promptly.

11. Contact Information

This Privacy Policy is part of our commitment to transparency and your privacy rights. We encourage you to read this policy carefully and contact us with any questions.