Privacy Policy
Effective Date: January 2025
Last Updated: January 2025
1. Introduction
Welcome to FirstStep, a job search platform designed specifically for teenagers aged 15-17. FirstStep is owned and operated by Broken Signal Technologies. We are committed to protecting your privacy and ensuring transparency about how we collect, use, and safeguard your personal information.
2. Information We Collect
When you sign up for our beta program, we collect the following information:
- Personal Information: Full name and email address
- User Type: Whether you are a teen looking for jobs or an employer
- Optional Information: Your reasons for joining the beta program
- Automatically Collected Information: Browser type, device information, IP address, and usage patterns
3. How We Use Your Information
We use the information we collect to:
- Provide access to the FirstStep beta program
- Send you updates, announcements, and beta testing instructions
- Respond to your inquiries and provide customer support
- Improve our platform based on feedback and usage patterns
- Ensure platform security and prevent fraudulent activity
- Comply with legal obligations
4. Information Sharing and Disclosure
We do not sell, rent, or trade your personal information. We may share your information only in the following circumstances:
- Service Providers: We use Formspree to process form submissions. Your information is transmitted to Formspree and subject to their privacy policy.
- Legal Requirements: We may disclose information if required by law, court order, or government request
- Protection of Rights: To protect our rights, property, or safety, or that of our users
5. Teen Privacy and COPPA Compliance
FirstStep is designed for teens aged 15-17. We take additional precautions to protect teen privacy:
- We collect only the minimum information necessary
- We do not knowingly collect information from children under 13
- We encourage parental involvement in teen online activities
- Teens may request deletion of their information at any time
6. Data Security
We implement reasonable security measures to protect your information, including:
- Secure HTTPS encryption for all data transmission
- Regular security assessments and updates
- Limited access to personal information by authorized personnel only
However, no method of transmission or storage is 100% secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.
7. Your Rights and Choices
You have the following rights regarding your personal information:
- Access: Request a copy of the personal information we hold about you
- Correction: Request correction of inaccurate information
- Deletion: Request deletion of your personal information
- Opt-Out: Unsubscribe from our email communications at any time
8. Cookies and Tracking
We use localStorage to remember your preferences (such as dismissing modals). We do not use third-party tracking cookies for advertising purposes. Any analytics we implement will be disclosed in updates to this policy.
9. Third-Party Links
Our website contains links to third-party services (Instagram, Formspree). We are not responsible for the privacy practices of these third parties. We encourage you to review their privacy policies.
10. Changes to This Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of significant changes by posting a notice on our website or sending an email. Your continued use of FirstStep after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.
11. Contact Us
If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or wish to exercise your rights, please contact us through our contact form or reach out via Instagram:
- FirstStep App: @firststepofficialapp
- Broken Signal Technologies: @broken_signal_technologies
Terms of Service
Effective Date: January 2025
Last Updated: January 2025
1. Acceptance of Terms
By accessing or using FirstStep ("the Platform"), you agree to be bound by these Terms of Service. If you do not agree to these terms, you may not use the Platform. These terms constitute a legally binding agreement between you and Broken Signal Technologies.
2. Beta Program
FirstStep is currently in beta testing. By participating, you acknowledge that:
- The Platform may contain bugs, errors, or incomplete features
- Services may be interrupted or unavailable without notice
- We may modify or discontinue features at any time
- Your feedback and suggestions become our property
- Beta access may be revoked at our discretion
3. Eligibility and Account Requirements
Age Requirements:
- Teen users must be between 15-17 years old
- Users under 18 should have parental knowledge of their participation
- Employer users must be 18 years or older
- You must not be prohibited from using the Platform by law
Account Responsibilities:
- Provide accurate and truthful information
- Maintain the confidentiality of your account credentials
- Notify us immediately of any unauthorized use
- You are responsible for all activities under your account
4. Acceptable Use
You agree NOT to:
- Misrepresent your age, identity, or qualifications
- Post false, misleading, or fraudulent job listings
- Harass, threaten, or harm other users
- Upload malicious code, viruses, or harmful content
- Scrape, data mine, or automatically collect information from the Platform
- Violate any applicable laws or regulations
- Attempt to gain unauthorized access to our systems
- Use the Platform for any illegal or unauthorized purpose
5. Content and Intellectual Property
Our Content: All content on FirstStep, including text, graphics, logos, and software, is owned by Broken Signal Technologies and protected by copyright and trademark laws. You may not copy, modify, or distribute our content without permission.
User Content: By submitting content (feedback, messages, etc.), you grant us a worldwide, non-exclusive, royalty-free license to use, modify, and display that content for operating and improving the Platform.
6. Employment Relationships
FirstStep is a platform that facilitates connections between teens and employers. We are not:
- An employer or employment agency
- Responsible for the hiring process or employment decisions
- A party to any employment relationship or contract
- Liable for workplace issues, disputes, or employment outcomes
7. Disclaimers and Limitations of Liability
AS-IS Basis: The Platform is provided "as is" and "as available" without warranties of any kind, either express or implied, including but not limited to warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, or non-infringement.
No Guarantees: We do not guarantee that:
- The Platform will be uninterrupted or error-free
- You will find employment or suitable candidates
- All information posted is accurate or reliable
- The Platform will meet your specific requirements
Limitation of Liability: To the maximum extent permitted by law, Broken Signal Technologies shall not be liable for any indirect, incidental, special, consequential, or punitive damages arising out of your use of FirstStep.
8. Indemnification
You agree to indemnify and hold harmless Broken Signal Technologies, its officers, directors, employees, and agents from any claims, damages, losses, liabilities, and expenses (including attorney's fees) arising from your use of the Platform or violation of these Terms.
9. Termination
We reserve the right to suspend or terminate your access to FirstStep at any time, with or without cause, and without prior notice. Upon termination, your right to use the Platform ceases immediately.
10. Modifications to Terms
We may modify these Terms of Service at any time. We will notify users of significant changes via email or website notice. Continued use of the Platform after changes constitutes acceptance of the modified terms.
11. Governing Law and Dispute Resolution
These Terms are governed by the laws of the United States. Any disputes shall be resolved through good faith negotiations. If negotiations fail, disputes may be subject to binding arbitration or litigation in accordance with applicable law.
12. Severability
If any provision of these Terms is found to be unenforceable or invalid, that provision shall be limited or eliminated to the minimum extent necessary so that the Terms shall otherwise remain in full force and effect.
13. Entire Agreement
These Terms of Service, together with our Privacy Policy, constitute the entire agreement between you and Broken Signal Technologies regarding your use of FirstStep.
14. Contact Information
For questions about these Terms of Service, please contact us:
- Through our website contact form
- Instagram: @firststepofficialapp or @broken_signal_technologies
By clicking "I Accept" below, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these Terms of Service and our Privacy Policy.