Effective Date: January 1, 2026

1. Purpose & Scope

This Acceptable Use Policy (AUP) governs how users may access and use Brighten Learning, Inc.’s websites, web portals, mobile applications, and integrations (collectively, the “Services”).
It applies to all customer segments: K–12 Institutional (U.S.), International Education, Residential Education (Home-Based), Clinical/Behavioral Enterprise, and Commercial Organizations and to all roles, including Students, Teachers, Parents/Guardians, Organization Admins, and Brighten Support.
This AUP supplements and is incorporated by reference into the Brighten Learning Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Where there is a conflict, privacy matters are governed by the Privacy Policy; use of the Services is governed by the Terms of Use.

2. Accounts, Identity & Access Controls

• Registration & Accuracy: Provide accurate information and keep it current.
• Credentials: Keep credentials confidential; do not share, reuse, or circumvent authentication.
• Least Privilege: Access only areas, data, and features for which you are authorized.
• Admin Verification: Brighten may verify educator, school official, or parent/guardian status before honoring requests.
• No Unauthorized Sharing: Do not loan accounts, impersonate others, or misrepresent affiliation.

3. Content Standards

Users must maintain a respectful, lawful environment. The following are prohibited:

• Harassment, bullying, threats, or abusive conduct.
• Hateful, discriminatory, or violent content.
• Sexual or age-inappropriate material.
• Infringement of intellectual property or privacy rights.
• Plagiarism or academic dishonesty.
• Misuse of student data or other personal information.

4. Technical and Security Requirements

• No Interference: Do not disrupt, degrade, or overload the Services.
• No Circumvention: Do not bypass security, probe for vulnerabilities, or reverse engineer except as permitted by law.
• Malware-Free: Do not upload or distribute malware, ransomware, or harmful code.
• Automated Access: Do not scrape, crawl, or automate interactions without Brighten’s written permission.
• Device Hygiene: Brighten does not manage customer devices. You are responsible for maintaining secure configurations, updates, and endpoint protections.
• Data Handling: Use, store, and transmit data only as permitted by your role, license, and applicable law.

5. Educational and Clinical Use

• Educational Purpose: Use the Services for legitimate educational and organizational purposes consistent with curricula and program goals.
• Clinical Disclaimer: Content is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Seek qualified healthcare guidance for medical concerns.
• Segment-Specific Rules: HIPAA, FERPA, state privacy, or other specialized obligations apply only when the purchasing organization has the correct license tier and has executed a paid Compliance AddOn (e.g., DPA/BAA).

6. Student Safety & Anti-Bullying

• Maintain a positive learning environment free of bullying, harassment, and retaliation.
• Report concerns about student safety, abuse, self-harm, or threats using designated school or organizational channels and Brighten’s support escalation paths.
• Organization Admins are responsible for appropriate supervision consistent with local laws and school policies.

7. Data Privacy & Confidentiality

• Processing of personal information is governed by the Brighten Learning Privacy Policy. Brighten does not sell student personal information or use it for behavioral advertising.
• Requests for data access, correction, or deletion must come from Organization Admins or Parents/Guardians, subject to verification and legal exceptions.
• Access or disclose only the minimum necessary information for legitimate educational purposes.
• Brighten uses authorized subprocessors for hosting, analytics, support, and payments; a current list is available upon request.

8. Communications & Community Conduct

• Do not send unsolicited promotions or mass messages through the Services.
• Use interactive features (forums, chat, messaging) responsibly and in accordance with school or organizational guidelines.
• Do not falsely imply Brighten’s endorsement or affiliation.

9. Intellectual Property & Content Use

• Use content, software, and materials only as permitted by your license and applicable law.
• Do not copy, share, or create derivative works of Brighten content without permission, except as allowed by law or license.

10. Monitoring, Enforcement & Sanctions

• Brighten and Organization Admins may monitor use consistent with law and policy to safeguard users and the Services.
• Violations may result in warnings, feature restrictions, suspension, or termination.
• Brighten may preserve and disclose information to administrators or authorities where legally required or to protect safety and integrity.
• Contact the Organization Admin or Brighten Support to appeal enforcement actions; decisions may be final subject to law and contract.

11. Reporting Suspected Violations or Security Incidents

• Use in-product reporting tools or contact your Organization Admin and Brighten Support (contact@brightenlearning.com).
• Brighten provides notifications of data breaches as required by law and contract.
• Do not attempt your own penetration testing without written permission; provide relevant logs or screenshots when reporting.

12. Third-Party Services & Integrations

Use of third-party services is governed by their terms and privacy notices. Do not use integrations to bypass restrictions or export data unlawfully.

13. International Use & Local Laws

Users must comply with applicable local laws, export controls, and economic sanctions. For non-U.S. entities, legal bases may include legitimate interests, contractual necessity, consent, and legal obligations, as permitted under local law.

14. Changes to this AUP

Brighten may update this AUP from time to time. Material changes will be communicated through the Services or to Organization Admins/Parents, as applicable. Continued use after an update constitutes acceptance of the revised AUP.

15. Key Definitions

• Compliance AddOn: A paid, signed addendum (e.g., Data Processing Addendum (DPA) or Business Associate Agreement (BAA)) imposing specific regulatory obligations beyond the general Terms.
• Organization Admin: The individual(s) designated by a school, organization, or parent/guardian (for Residential Education) to administer accounts and privileges.
• Services: Brighten Learning, Inc.’s websites, web portals, mobile apps, and integrations.
• Subprocessors: Third-party providers authorized by Brighten to process personal information to deliver the Services.

Support & Contact

For questions regarding this AUP, contact privacy@brightenlearning.com or use the contact form on our website.