Legal

Privacy Policy

Effective date: June 26, 2026

Cotup ("Cotup," "we," "us," or "our") operates a credential-verified professional network. This Privacy Policy explains what information we collect, how we use it, and the choices you have when you visit our website or use our services.

Information we collect

We collect information you provide directly, information generated through your use of Cotup, and limited technical information needed to operate the service.

  • Account information: such as username, display name, email address, password, and optional phone number.
  • Profile and professional information: such as work history, credentials, affiliations, and other details you choose to add to your profile.
  • Verification information: documents, responses, and metadata needed to verify credentials and affiliations, including communications with third-party authorities during verification.
  • Content and activity: posts, messages, circle memberships, preferences, and interactions within the network.
  • Device and usage information: such as browser type, IP address, log data, and security signals used to protect the platform.

How we use information

We use the information we collect to:

  • create and maintain your account;
  • verify credentials and determine circle eligibility;
  • provide messaging, forums, matching, and other network features;
  • send account, security, and verification-related communications;
  • detect abuse, fraud, and unauthorized access; and
  • improve, secure, and operate Cotup.

If you opt in to SMS messages, we use your phone number to send verification and account-related texts. Message and data rates may apply.

How we share information

We do not sell your personal information. We may share information with service providers that help us operate Cotup (for example, hosting, email delivery, SMS, analytics, and security providers), when required by law, to protect rights and safety, or in connection with a business transaction such as a merger or acquisition.

Information you choose to make visible in Cotup — such as profile details, posts, or circle participation — may be visible to other users according to your settings and circle visibility rules.

Verification and credentials

Credential verification may require contacting third parties such as employers, schools, licensing authorities, or event organizers. We share only the information needed to confirm a specific claim. Verified credentials may be represented as portable credentials within Cotup.

Your choices and rights

Depending on where you live, you may have rights to access, correct, delete, export, or restrict certain processing of your personal information. You can update much of your profile information in account settings. To make a privacy request, contact us using the information below.

Data retention and security

We retain information for as long as needed to provide the service, comply with legal obligations, resolve disputes, and enforce our agreements. We use administrative, technical, and organizational safeguards designed to protect personal information, but no method of transmission or storage is completely secure.

International transfers

Cotup may process and store information in the United States and other countries where we or our service providers operate. Those locations may have data protection laws that differ from the laws where you live.

Children's privacy

Cotup is not directed to children under 16, and we do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 16. If you believe a child has provided us personal information, contact us so we can take appropriate action.

Changes to this policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. When we do, we will revise the effective date at the top of this page. Your continued use of Cotup after an update means you accept the revised policy.

Contact us

Questions about this Privacy Policy or our privacy practices can be sent to privacy@cotup.com.

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