Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

86 Connect (“we”, “us”, or “our”) is committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you visit our website the86connects.com or use our Study in China and Product Sourcing services.

By using our website and services, you consent to the practices described in this policy.

2. Information We Collect

2.1 Information You Provide

When you submit an inquiry through our contact forms, we may collect:

• Full name
• Email address
• Phone number
• Nationality and country of residence
• Education level or company information
• Service interest and inquiry details
• Product category and order quantity (for sourcing inquiries)

2.2 Automatically Collected Information

When you visit our website, we automatically collect certain technical information:

• IP address and browser type
• Pages visited and time spent on each page
• Referring website and exit pages
• Aggregate usage statistics (via privacy-friendly analytics)

3. How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect to:

• Respond to your inquiries and provide requested services
• Process study in China applications and sourcing requests
• Communicate with you about your inquiry status
• Improve our website, services, and user experience
• Monitor and analyze usage patterns and trends
• Detect, prevent, and address technical issues or fraud
• Comply with legal obligations

4. Data Storage and Security

Your information is stored on secure servers hosted by third-party service providers located in the United States. We use industry-standard security measures including:

• Encrypted data transmission (HTTPS/TLS)
• Secure password storage and authentication
• Regular security audits and updates
• Restricted access to authorized personnel only
• Automated database backups with encryption

Despite these measures, no method of transmission over the Internet or electronic storage is 100% secure. We cannot guarantee absolute security.

5. Data Retention

We retain your personal information for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined in this Privacy Policy, unless a longer retention period is required by law. Specifically:

• Active inquiry data: Retained for 2 years after last contact
• Completed service records: Retained for 7 years
• Anonymous analytics data: Retained indefinitely

6. Sharing of Information

We do not sell, trade, or rent your personal information to third parties. We may share your information in the following circumstances:

• Service Providers: Trusted partners who assist us in operating our website and conducting business (e.g., hosting providers, analytics services), subject to confidentiality obligations.
• Universities and Suppliers: With your consent, we share relevant information with Chinese universities, suppliers, or logistics partners to process your inquiry.
• Legal Compliance: When required by law, court order, or to protect our rights and safety.
• Business Transfer: In connection with a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets.

7. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

We use cookies and similar tracking technologies to enhance your browsing experience and analyze website traffic:

• Essential cookies: Required for core website functionality (e.g., admin authentication).
• Analytics cookies: Help us understand how visitors interact with our website (only enabled with your consent).

You can control cookies through your browser settings. Disabling cookies may affect website functionality.

8. Your Rights

Depending on your location, you may have the following rights regarding your personal information:

• Access: Request a copy of the personal data we hold about you.
• Rectification: Request correction of inaccurate or incomplete data.
• Erasure: Request deletion of your personal data (subject to legal exceptions).
• Restriction: Request limitation of processing in certain circumstances.
• Portability: Receive your data in a structured, machine-readable format.
• Objection: Object to processing based on legitimate interests.
• Withdraw Consent: Withdraw consent at any time where processing is based on consent.

To exercise these rights, contact us at beijingbridgepath@gmail.com.

9. GDPR Compliance (EU Users)

If you are a resident of the European Economic Area (EEA), you have the rights listed above under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). Our lawful bases for processing your data include:

• Consent (for cookies and marketing)
• Contract performance (to deliver requested services)
• Legal obligation (tax and regulatory compliance)
• Legitimate interests (website security and improvement)

You may lodge a complaint with your local data protection authority if you believe we have not handled your data appropriately.

10. CCPA Compliance (California Users)

If you are a California resident, the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) grants you additional rights:

• Know: The categories of personal information collected and the right to request deletion.
• Delete: Request deletion of your personal information.
• Opt-Out: Opt-out of the sale of personal information. We do not sell your personal information.
• Non-Discrimination: Equal service and pricing regardless of rights exercised.

11. Third-Party Links

Our website may contain links to third-party websites (e.g., Chinese universities, supplier directories). We are not responsible for the privacy practices or content of these external sites. We encourage you to review their privacy policies.

12. Children’s Privacy

Our services are not directed to individuals under 16 years of age. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If you believe we have collected information from a child, please contact us immediately for deletion.

13. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of significant changes by posting the new policy on this page and updating the “Last updated” date. We encourage you to review this policy periodically.

14. Contact Us

If you have questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or your personal data, please contact us:

• Email: beijingbridgepath@gmail.com
• Phone: +86 176 1153 3296