Silverback Academic Media Privacy Policy
Last updated: 5 August 2026
At Silverback Academic Media, your privacy is important to us. This policy outlines how we handle personal information on sciPAD and sciPAD Online in compliance with the New Zealand Privacy Act 2020 and the Information Privacy Principles (IPPs).
Our Privacy Commitment
sciPAD Online is committed to the responsible handling of student and teacher personal information. We follow the principles of data minimisation and transparency. Specifically, we pledge:
- We collect, use, and disclose student personal information only for educational purposes authorised by the school or the student's parent/guardian.
- We do not use student information for targeted advertising.
- We do not sell student personal information.
- We only create student profiles to support learning and authorised educational use.
- We only retain data for as long as necessary to fulfil educational purposes.
This Privacy Policy outlines what information we collect, why we collect it, and how it is protected. Updates to this policy will be clearly communicated via email and during the login process.
What Information Do We Collect?
For Teachers
We collect the following data:
- Full name
- School name
- Administrator's name and contact email
- Login time and type
- Browser type and IP address
This is recorded and visible under the Login History section of your account. We may also log:
- Lessons visited
- Time spent on site
For Students
At sign-up, we collect:
- Full name
- School email address (or other contact email used)
- Class and school details (provided by teachers)
While using the site, we collect:
- Login date and time
- Browser type and IP address
- Lesson access history
- Time spent in lessons
- Activity scores and repetitions
Use of Cookies
Our website uses cookies to support site functionality and collect anonymous usage statistics. Cookies help maintain login sessions, measure performance, and improve our services.
Cookies do not identify you personally. You may disable cookies via your browser settings, but this may limit your ability to use the platform effectively.
How We Use This Information
We use personal information:
- To provide access to sciPAD Online services
- To communicate platform updates, changes, and maintenance
- For technical support and system improvements
- To analyse access patterns (e.g., geographic trends in login activity)
We may contact teachers with important service updates, or to inform them about new resources. Communication is limited to school-related matters.
Disclosure of Personal Information
We do not disclose personal information to third parties, unless:
- Required by New Zealand law
- Necessary to detect, investigate or prevent fraud or security breaches
- Required in the event of a company merger or business transfer (you will be informed, and your rights upheld)
All efforts will be made to ensure that any new entity receiving data follows privacy practices aligned with this policy and the Information Privacy Principles.
Data Storage and Retention
All user data is securely stored on servers located in New Zealand, in accordance with the Privacy Act 2020 and relevant security standards.
We retain data:
- While your account is active
- Up to 2 years after your school's subscription ends, to assist with transitions between classes or schools
Our business is headquartered in Mount Maunganui, New Zealand.
Your Rights Under New Zealand Law
Under the Privacy Act 2020, you have the right to:
- Request access to your personal information
- Ask for your information to be corrected
- Request deletion of your personal information
- Withdraw consent for further collection or use
To exercise any of these rights, please contact your school or email [email protected].
You also have the right to lodge a complaint with the Office of the Privacy Commissioner:
- www.privacy.org.nz
- 0800 803 909
Third-Party Websites
Our platform may occasionally include links to external websites. Please note that we have no control over these sites and are not responsible for their content or privacy practices.
Contact Us
For questions or concerns about this Privacy Policy, email [email protected].