Purpose and Scope

This Privacy Policy ensures that every product and service we provide at Skill Portal aligns with our values of transparency, security, and accountability. We aim to make your data a protected asset — not something to be traded, but a trust we honour with clear practices and user control.

Skill Portal's philosophy is to create transparent, reliable, and privacy-first systems for all users. This policy explains how SkillPortal.org ("we", "us", or "Skill Portal") collects, uses, discloses, and safeguards your information when you use our professional domain email services and related platforms.

Information We Collect

Information You Provide

We collect information that you provide directly to us, including:

• Account and identity information: Full name, email address, phone number, company or organisation name, job title, and country of residence or operation.
• Verification information: Identity documents, business registration details, and other materials submitted for account verification, as required by our verification process.
• Billing and payment information: Billing address, payment method details (processed securely by our payment providers), and transaction history.
• Communications: Content of support tickets, contact form submissions, and any other correspondence you send to us.
• Preferences and settings: Language, notification preferences, and account configuration choices.

Information Collected Automatically

When you access our services, we may automatically collect certain technical and usage information, including:

• IP address, device type, browser type and version, and operating system.
• Log data such as access times, pages viewed, and referring URLs.
• Email sending and receiving metadata (e.g., sender, recipient, timestamp, size) necessary for service operation; we do not scan or analyse the content of your emails for advertising purposes.
• Storage usage, feature usage, and performance data to operate and improve our services.

Cookies and Similar Technologies

We use cookies, local storage, and similar technologies to maintain sessions, remember preferences, analyse site traffic, and improve user experience. You can manage cookies through your browser settings. Disabling certain cookies may affect the functionality of our website.

Legal Basis and Purposes of Processing

We process your personal data only where we have a lawful basis:

• Contract: To provide our email services, verify accounts, process payments, and fulfil our contract with you.
• Legitimate interests: To improve our services, ensure security, prevent fraud, and communicate important service updates, where such interests are not overridden by your rights.
• Consent: Where you have given clear consent (e.g., marketing communications, optional features). You may withdraw consent at any time.
• Legal obligation: Where necessary to comply with applicable laws, regulations, or court orders.

We use your information to: provide and maintain our email services; verify identity and prevent fraud; process payments and manage billing; communicate with you about your account and our services; improve our platform and user experience; comply with legal obligations; and protect our rights and the security of our users.

Data Sharing and Disclosure

We do not sell your personal data. We may share your information only in the following circumstances:

• Service providers: With trusted third parties who assist us in hosting, payment processing, email delivery, analytics, and support. These providers are bound by data processing agreements and use your data only as instructed.
• Legal requirements: When required by law, court order, or governmental authority, or when we believe in good faith that disclosure is necessary to protect our rights, your safety, or the safety of others.
• Business transfers: In connection with a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets, subject to the same privacy commitments.

Data Security

We implement appropriate technical and organisational measures to protect your personal data against unauthorized access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction, including:

• Encryption of data in transit (TLS) and at rest where applicable.
• Access controls, authentication, and regular security assessments.
• Staff training on data protection and confidential handling of user data.
• Incident response procedures to address any breach and notify you and regulators where required.

No method of transmission or storage is 100% secure; we encourage you to use strong passwords and secure your devices.

Your Rights (GDPR and Others)

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

• Right of access: Request a copy of the personal data we hold about you.
• Right to rectification: Request correction of inaccurate or incomplete data.
• Right to erasure: Request deletion of your data in certain circumstances (e.g., where it is no longer necessary or you withdraw consent).
• Right to restrict processing: Request that we limit how we use your data in certain situations.
• Right to data portability: Receive your data in a structured, machine-readable format where applicable.
• Right to object: Object to processing based on legitimate interests or for direct marketing.
• Right to withdraw consent: Withdraw consent at any time where processing is based on consent.

To exercise any of these rights, contact us at privacy@skillportal.org or our Data Protection Officer at dpo@skillportal.org. You also have the right to lodge a complaint with a supervisory authority in your country.

Data Retention

We retain your personal data only for as long as necessary to fulfil the purposes set out in this policy or as required by law. In general:

• Account and billing data: for the duration of your subscription and up to 90 days after termination for billing and legal purposes.
• Verification documents: as required by our verification and compliance obligations, then securely deleted unless retention is legally required.
• Support and communications: for a reasonable period to resolve disputes and improve our services.
• Logs and technical data: for a limited period necessary for security and operations.

After the retention period, we securely delete or anonymize your data.

International Transfers

Your information may be transferred to and processed in countries outside your country of residence. Where we transfer data from the EEA or UK, we ensure appropriate safeguards (e.g., Standard Contractual Clauses, adequacy decisions) are in place as required by applicable law.

Children's Privacy

Our services are not directed to individuals under 16. We do not knowingly collect personal data from children. If you believe we have collected data from a child, please contact us and we will take steps to delete it.

Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will post the updated policy on this page and update the "Last updated" date. For material changes, we will provide additional notice (e.g., by email or a prominent notice on our service). Your continued use of our services after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.

Contact Us

For any questions about this Privacy Policy, your personal data, or to exercise your rights, please contact:

SkillPortal.org (Skill Portal)
Privacy: privacy@skillportal.org
Data Protection Officer: dpo@skillportal.org
General support: support@skillportal.org

Purpose and Acceptance

These Terms and Conditions ensure that your use of Skill Portal's services aligns with our values of fairness, reliability, and accountability. We aim to provide professional domain email services that are transparent, secure, and beneficial for all users — whether you are an individual, team, or enterprise.

By accessing or using the services, website, or platforms operated by SkillPortal.org ("Skill Portal", "we", "us", or "our"), you agree to be bound by these Terms. If you do not agree, you must not use our services. Our philosophy is to create clear, enforceable terms that protect both you and Skill Portal.

Definitions

In these Terms: "Services" means the professional domain email hosting, storage, administration tools, support, and related features provided by SkillPortal.org; "User", "you", or "your" means the individual or entity using the Services; "Account" means the account created for you following verification; "Content" means any data, messages, or materials you transmit or store using the Services; "Plan" means the subscription tier (e.g., Individual, Business, Enterprise) you have selected.

Acceptance and Modifications

By submitting a request for an account, creating an account, or using our Services in any way, you confirm that you have read, understood, and agree to these Terms and our Privacy Policy. We may modify these Terms from time to time. We will notify you of material changes by email or through the Services. The "Last updated" date at the top of this page will be revised. Your continued use of the Services after the effective date of changes constitutes acceptance of the revised Terms. If you do not agree to the new Terms, you must stop using the Services and may terminate your Account.

Description of Services

SkillPortal.org provides domain-based professional email services, including but not limited to: email hosting on your chosen domain; secure storage for emails and attachments; webmail and compatible client access; administrative dashboards for account and (where applicable) team management; verification and onboarding processes; and support as described in your Plan. Specific features, limits, and availability are set out on our website and in your Plan. We reserve the right to update, suspend, or discontinue particular features with reasonable notice where practicable.

Eligibility and Verification

Eligibility

You must be at least 18 years of age and have the legal capacity to enter into a binding contract. If you are using the Services on behalf of an organisation, you represent that you have authority to bind that organisation. Our Services are intended for legitimate business and professional use only.

Verification

All accounts are subject to our verification process. You agree to provide accurate, current, and complete information during registration and verification. We may request identity documents, business registration details, or other evidence to verify your identity and eligibility. We reserve the right to refuse or revoke accounts that do not meet our verification standards or that we reasonably believe pose a risk of fraud, abuse, or legal non-compliance. You must notify us promptly of any change to the information you have provided.

Account Responsibilities

You are responsible for: (a) maintaining the confidentiality of your account credentials and for all activities that occur under your Account; (b) notifying us immediately of any unauthorized access or breach; (c) ensuring that your use of the Services complies with all applicable laws and regulations; (d) maintaining accurate and up-to-date account and billing information; (e) the Content you send, receive, or store using the Services; and (f) ensuring that any users you authorize (e.g., team members) also comply with these Terms. We are not responsible for any loss or damage arising from unauthorized use of your Account due to your failure to protect your credentials.

Acceptable Use Policy

You must not use the Services to:

• Send spam, unsolicited bulk or commercial email, or messages in violation of applicable anti-spam laws.
• Distribute malware, viruses, or other harmful code, or engage in phishing or other fraudulent activities.
• Violate any applicable law, regulation, or third-party rights (including intellectual property and privacy rights).
• Harass, abuse, defame, or harm any person or entity, or impersonate any person or entity.
• Interfere with or disrupt the integrity or performance of the Services or any third-party systems.
• Attempt to gain unauthorized access to the Services, other accounts, or our or our providers' systems.
• Use the Services for any purpose that we reasonably consider inappropriate or that brings SkillPortal.org into disrepute.

We may monitor usage to enforce this policy and to protect the Services. Violation of the Acceptable Use Policy may result in immediate suspension or termination of your Account and reporting to relevant authorities where appropriate.

Billing and Payments

Fees

You agree to pay all fees associated with your chosen Plan as displayed at signup and on our website. Fees are billed in advance on a monthly or annual basis as selected. All fees are in the currency indicated and are exclusive of applicable taxes unless stated otherwise; you are responsible for any taxes due.

Payment Methods

We accept payment methods displayed at checkout (e.g., major credit and debit cards). You authorize us to charge your chosen payment method for all fees due. You must provide valid and up-to-date payment information. Failure to pay may result in suspension or termination of your Account.

Refunds

Monthly subscriptions may be cancelled at any time; no refund is provided for the current billing period. For annual subscriptions, we may offer a pro-rated refund if you cancel within 30 days of the initial purchase, subject to our then-current refund policy. Refund requests must be submitted to support@skillportal.org. We do not provide refunds for partial months or years except as expressly stated.

Price Changes

We may change our pricing with at least 30 days' notice to existing customers. The new price will apply from the start of the next billing cycle. If you do not agree to the new price, you may cancel before the change takes effect. Continued use after the effective date constitutes acceptance.

Service Level and Availability

We strive to maintain high availability as described in our service level documentation (e.g., 99.9% uptime where stated). We do not guarantee uninterrupted or error-free operation. Scheduled maintenance will be announced in advance when reasonably possible. We are not liable for downtime or issues caused by factors beyond our reasonable control (e.g., force majeure, third-party failures, or your equipment).

Data, Storage, and Backup

Storage

Storage limits are defined by your Plan. Exceeding limits may result in restrictions (e.g., inability to receive new mail) or additional charges as described in your Plan or our website.

Backup

We perform regular backups for operational and recovery purposes. You are responsible for maintaining your own backup copies of critical Content. We do not guarantee recovery of any specific data.

Data Upon Termination

Upon termination of your Account, you may export your data during any notice period we provide. After termination, we may retain your data for up to 90 days for recovery purposes, after which it will be permanently deleted. We have no obligation to retain your data beyond this period.

Suspension and Termination

Suspension

We may suspend your Account immediately, without prior notice, if we reasonably believe you have violated these Terms, our Acceptable Use Policy, or applicable law; if your payment fails or is disputed; or if required by law or to protect the Services or other users. During suspension, you will not have access to your Account or Content. We may lift suspension once the issue is resolved to our satisfaction.

Termination by You

You may terminate your Account at any time through your account dashboard or by contacting support. Termination will be effective at the end of the current billing period unless we agree otherwise. No refund is due for the remainder of the paid period.

Termination by Us

We may terminate or not renew your Account for any reason with 30 days' notice, or immediately in case of serious breach, fraud, or legal requirement. Upon termination, your right to use the Services ceases and we may delete your Content in accordance with our data retention policy.

Intellectual Property

All rights in the Services, our website, branding (including "Skill Portal" and "SkillPortal.org"), software, designs, and content provided by us remain our property or our licensors'. You receive only a limited right to use the Services in accordance with these Terms. You may not copy, modify, distribute, reverse-engineer, or create derivative works from our platform or content without our prior written consent.

Limitation of Liability

To the maximum extent permitted by applicable law, SkillPortal.org and its affiliates, directors, employees, and agents shall not be liable for any indirect, incidental, special, consequential, or punitive damages (including loss of profits, data, or business opportunity) arising from or related to your use or inability to use the Services, even if we have been advised of the possibility of such damages. Our total liability for any claims arising from or related to these Terms or the Services shall not exceed the amount you paid us in the twelve (12) months preceding the claim. Some jurisdictions do not allow certain limitations; in such cases, our liability will be limited to the fullest extent permitted by law.

Indemnification

You agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless SkillPortal.org and its affiliates, officers, directors, employees, and agents from and against any claims, damages, losses, liabilities, costs, and expenses (including reasonable legal fees) arising from: (a) your use of the Services; (b) your Content or your violation of any third-party rights; (c) your violation of these Terms or applicable law; or (d) any dispute between you and a third party in connection with the Services.

Governing Law and Disputes

These Terms are governed by the laws of the jurisdiction in which SkillPortal.org operates, without regard to conflict of law principles. Any dispute arising from or related to these Terms or the Services shall first be addressed through good-faith negotiation. If the dispute cannot be resolved within 30 days, it may be submitted to binding arbitration or the courts as specified in our jurisdiction. You may also have rights under mandatory consumer protection laws in your country.

General

If any provision of these Terms is held invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions remain in effect. Our failure to enforce any right does not waive that right. You may not assign or transfer your rights under these Terms without our consent; we may assign our rights and obligations. These Terms, together with our Privacy Policy and any Plan-specific terms, constitute the entire agreement between you and SkillPortal.org regarding the Services.

Contact

For questions about these Terms and Conditions, or for legal or compliance matters, contact:

SkillPortal.org (Skill Portal)
Legal: legal@skillportal.org
Support: support@skillportal.org