Privacy Policy

About This Privacy Policy

Privacy Policy Changes

This Privacy Policy is subject to change. We encourage you to review it frequently for any revisions or amendments. Unless otherwise stated, changes are effective immediately upon posting to https://mongul.io/privacy-policy. You are responsible for periodically visiting the Sites and this Privacy Policy to check for any changes and agree to such changes by continuing to use the Sites or Services thereafter. We identify the date of the last Privacy Policy revision at the top of the page. If we make material changes to this Privacy Policy, we may notify you via email or through a notice on our Sites.

Conflict Between This Policy and Local Laws and Regulations

When federal, state, or local laws and regulations require a higher level of protection for your Personal Information, they take precedence over this Privacy Policy. The specific provisions of this Privacy Policy apply unless disallowed by applicable laws and regulations. If we expand our Services to jurisdictions outside the United States, we will comply with applicable international data protection laws, such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) for European Union residents, and update this Privacy Policy accordingly.

Information We Collect

Personal Information

We may collect (directly or through our service providers) information that personally identifies, relates to, describes, or is capable of being associated with you ("Personal Information"), including:

• Identifiers: such as name, email address, mailing address, phone number, date of birth, Social Security Number or tax identification number (e.g., for payment processing or Expert verification);
• Commercial information: such as our products and services that you considered, obtained, or purchased and how you paid or were paid for those products and services (e.g., credit card information, bank account information), details about your DIY project (e.g., type of project in Finance, Home DIY, Creative Arts, Tech & Code, Fitness, or Cooking & Nutrition, materials involved, or tools used);
• Characteristics of protected classification under California or federal law: such as age;
• Professional or employment-related information: such as title, work experience, and professional certifications (e.g., for Experts providing advice in Finance or Tech & Code);
• Education information: such as educational experience and training (e.g., for Experts in Creative Arts or Cooking & Nutrition);
• Internet or other electronic network activity information: such as browsing/search history, IP address, data collected by cookies and similar technologies, app usage and engagement information, device information such as device IDs, specifications, and operating system;
• Geolocation data: such as non-precise geographic location indicators when you use our Sites (e.g., to determine time zones for scheduling Information Sessions);
• Audio, electronic, visual, or similar information: such as video recordings (e.g., from Information Sessions), profile picture (e.g., for Expert profiles); and
• Inferences drawn from other information: we collect that may tell us more about your preferences, characteristics, and interests (e.g., preferred DIY topics or project types).

The type of Personal Information we collect about you may vary based on how you use our Sites and/or Services and your relationship with us (e.g., as a Consumer or Expert). We may also collect any information you voluntarily provide us, such as details about your DIY project or expertise.

Phone Number and SMS Authentication

As part of our authentication and security processes, we collect and use the following information:

• Mobile Phone Number: We collect your mobile phone number for account registration, login verification, and security purposes.
• One-Time Passwords (OTP): We send OTPs via SMS for account verification and authentication. These are temporary codes used solely for verifying your identity.
• Basic Account Information: We collect only the essential information required to provide our services and maintain account security.

We do not collect sensitive personal data beyond what is necessary for authentication and account access. Your phone number is used exclusively for:

• Account registration and login verification
• Sending OTPs for authentication and security purposes
• Preventing fraud and unauthorized access

We do not use your phone number for marketing messages or promotional communications.

SMS Messaging Consent

By entering your phone number on our platform, you expressly consent to receive transactional text messages (SMS) from us, including One-Time Passwords (OTPs) and other account-related notifications necessary for authentication and security purposes.

Important Information About SMS Messages:

• Message Frequency: Message frequency depends on your account activity and authentication needs. You may receive messages each time you log in or perform security-sensitive actions.
• Message and Data Rates: Message and data rates may apply based on your mobile carrier's plan. Please contact your mobile carrier for details about your messaging plan.
• Service Providers: We use trusted third-party messaging service providers (such as Twilio) to deliver SMS messages. Your phone number may be shared with these providers solely for the purpose of delivering authentication messages.
• Opt-Out: While SMS authentication is required for account security, you may discontinue use of our services at any time if you no longer wish to receive these transactional messages.