Terms of Service & Privacy Policy

1. Acceptance of Terms

By accessing or using the Aprentech platform (website, mobile application, or any related services), you agree to be bound by these Terms of Service and our Privacy Policy. If you do not agree with any part of these terms, do not use our services.

You must be at least 18 years of age to create an account. Users under 18 may only participate through a parent or legal guardian who accepts these Terms on their behalf.

Some programs or services offered by Aprentech may be designated as free for a limited period or under specific conditions. A program or service is only free when Aprentech has explicitly stated so at the time of enrollment or access. Unless otherwise stated in writing by Aprentech, fees may apply.

Aprentech reserves the right to update these Terms at any time. Continued use of the platform after changes are posted constitutes acceptance of the revised Terms.

2. Account Registration & Eligibility

2.1 Creating an Account

To access most features of Aprentech, you must create an account using a valid email address via our authentication system (powered by Firebase Authentication). After registering, you will receive a confirmation email and must verify your email address before accessing your account. You are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of your login credentials.

2.2 Phone Verification

Certain features — including requesting interpretation services — require verifying your phone number. Phone verification is handled via SMS through Twilio. By providing your phone number, you consent to receiving a verification SMS from Aprentech.

2.3 Account Approval

Some account roles (such as interpreter or client) require admin approval before access is granted. Submission of your information does not guarantee immediate access or approval.

2.4 PIN Security

For added account security, you may be required to set and verify a PIN before completing certain actions, such as adding a payment method.

3. Language Learning & Explore Culture Features

3.1 Language Learning Content

Aprentech provides access to indigenous language learning materials including vocabulary, categories, audio pronunciations, images, lessons, music, and a native language dictionary. This content is provided for educational and cultural purposes. Access to certain content may be subject to fees or subscription plans as designated by Aprentech.

3.2 Native Bot (Speech-to-Translation)

The Native Bot feature allows you to speak in English or Spanish and receive a translation in the native language being studied. Voice input is processed in real time using Google Cloud Speech-to-Text and Translation. Audio is not retained after processing.

3.3 Lesson Progress Tracking

When you are logged in, Aprentech tracks the lessons you have completed. This progress data is stored in your account profile and is used exclusively to display your personal learning history within the app.

3.4 Audio Content

Audio files for language learning are hosted securely on Amazon Web Services (AWS S3). Audio content is generated using AWS Polly and/or Google Text-to-Speech services.

3.5 Cultural Content

Aprentech's Explore Culture section includes gallery media, music, and community-contributed content. All cultural content belongs to the contributing communities and is shared for educational and cultural preservation purposes.

4. Interpretation Services

4.1 Requesting an Interpreter

Clients with an approved account and a saved payment method may request an available interpreter through the platform. Interpretation services are conducted via phone call.

4.2 Call Records

Aprentech maintains records of interpretation calls for billing, payment processing, and service history purposes. These records are accessible to the parties involved and used solely to operate and improve the interpretation service.

4.3 Interpreter Earnings

Interpreters are compensated based on call duration. Earnings are calculated according to Aprentech's current rate schedule and are displayed in the interpreter's dashboard. Aprentech reserves the right to update its compensation rates with prior notice.

5. Billing & Payments

5.1 Payment Method

To use interpretation services, clients must add a valid credit or debit card. Payment methods are stored and processed securely by Stripe. Aprentech does not store your full card number, CVV, or other sensitive card details on its servers.

5.2 Charges

Clients are charged for interpretation services based on the duration of each call. Charges are applied to the saved payment method after a call concludes. Clients may view the current rate at any time from their dashboard.

If an interpreter is scheduled for a phone call and the call is canceled within 24 hours of the scheduled time, Aprentech will issue a manual invoice for a 30-minute minimum charge.

5.3 Failed Payments

If a payment fails, Aprentech will issue a manual invoice to the client via email. Continued non-payment may result in restriction of access to interpretation services until the outstanding balance is resolved.

5.4 Refunds

Billing disputes or refund requests must be submitted to Aprentech by emailing alopez@aprentech.com. Refunds are handled on a case-by-case basis at Aprentech's discretion.

5.5 Stripe Terms

By using payment features, you also agree to Stripe's Services Agreement and Privacy Policy.

6. Acceptable Use

You agree not to:

• Use the platform for any unlawful purpose or in violation of any applicable local, state, or federal law or regulation.
• Attempt to gain unauthorized access to any part of the platform, its servers, or any account, system, or network connected to the platform.
• Engage in harassment, threats, or abusive conduct toward interpreters, staff, or any other user of the platform.
• Reproduce, distribute, sublicense, or commercially exploit any cultural, linguistic, or platform content without express written permission from Aprentech.
• Use automated tools, bots, scrapers, or scripts to access, extract, or copy any content or data from the platform.
• Impersonate any person or entity or misrepresent your affiliation with any person or entity.
• Interfere with or disrupt the integrity, performance, or security of the platform or its underlying infrastructure.

Violation of these terms may result in immediate account suspension or permanent termination without refund, and may subject you to civil or criminal liability.

7. Intellectual Property

All platform code, design, branding, and non-community-contributed content are the property of Aprentech. Indigenous language and cultural content belongs to the respective contributing communities. Nothing in these Terms transfers any intellectual property rights to you.

8. Disclaimer of Warranties

The platform is provided "as is" and "as available" without warranties of any kind. Aprentech does not guarantee that the platform will be uninterrupted, error-free, or that interpreters will always be available.

9. Limitation of Liability

To the fullest extent permitted by law, Aprentech shall not be liable for any indirect, incidental, special, or consequential damages arising from your use of or inability to use the platform.

10. Governing Law

These Terms are governed by the laws of the State of California, United States, without regard to conflict-of-law principles.

11. Youth Technology Program

This section applies specifically to Aprentech's Youth Technology Program ("Program"), which provides educational technology instruction for youth students. These terms are in addition to all other sections of these Terms of Service.

11.1 Program Overview & Cost

Programs offered by Aprentech are free only when explicitly posted as free at the time of enrollment. If a program is not posted as free, a participation fee may apply.

11.2 Parental/Guardian Consent & Rights

The Program may serve students who are minors (under 18 years of age). Participation requires the express consent of a parent or legal guardian. By registering a student for the Program or permitting a student to participate, the parent or guardian represents that they have read, understood, and agree to these Terms on behalf of the student.

11.3 Equipment Requirements

Aprentech is not responsible for any damage, loss, theft, or malfunction of any student's device or personal belongings brought to or used during Program activities.

11.4 Insurance

Aprentech maintains professional liability insurance coverage for Program activities. This includes coverage for bodily injury to participants that occurs during Program activities as a result of Aprentech's conduct or the Program environment (for example, a student accidentally falling and getting injured on-site). This coverage does not apply to damage or loss of personal devices or belongings, nor to injuries caused by a participant's own reckless or intentional actions. Guardians are strongly encouraged to maintain their own health and personal property insurance for their student.

11.5 Assumption of Risk & Release

By enrolling a student in the Program, the parent or guardian, on behalf of themselves and the student, knowingly and voluntarily assumes all risks associated with participation, including personal injury, property damage, and device damage or loss.

To the maximum extent permitted by applicable law, the parent, guardian, and student hereby release Aprentech, its officers, directors, employees, volunteers, and agents from any and all liability arising out of participation in the Program. This release applies to ordinary negligence and does not apply to gross negligence or willful misconduct by Aprentech.

11.6 Mutual Expectations & Code of Conduct

All Program participants are expected to treat instructors, staff, and fellow students with respect; use devices responsibly for Program activities only; follow all instructions given by Aprentech staff; and refrain from accessing inappropriate or unauthorized content during Program sessions. Aprentech reserves the right to remove any student from the Program at any time for misconduct.

11.7 Photo/Video Consent

Aprentech may take photographs or videos during Program activities for educational and documentation purposes. By enrolling a student, the parent or guardian grants permission for use of such images in Aprentech's educational materials and communications, unless otherwise requested in writing.

11.8 Program Changes & Cancellations

Aprentech reserves the right to modify, suspend, or cancel the Program or individual sessions at any time. Refunds, if applicable, will be issued only for programs where a fee was charged and the cancellation was initiated by Aprentech.

12. Interpreter Terms

Interpreters access the platform as independent contractors, not as employees, agents, or partners. All interpreter accounts must be approved by Aprentech before accessing interpretation features. We do not control interpreters' schedules, availability, or how they deliver their services. Interpreters are solely responsible for their own taxes, insurance, and legal compliance.

12.1 Availability & Calls

Interpreters may set their availability status at any time. Going online does not guarantee calls or income. We make no guarantee of call volume or continued platform access.

12.2 Professional Standards

Languages are assigned to interpreters by Aprentech based on verified qualifications. Interpreters may not add or modify their assigned languages without Aprentech's approval. Interpreters must provide accurate, professional interpretation and treat all clients with respect. Misrepresentation of qualifications or misconduct may result in immediate account deactivation.

12.3 Interpreter Protections

Personal information is not shared with clients beyond what is necessary to facilitate a call. Interpreters may report abusive client behavior directly to us, and we reserve the right to remove clients who engage in misconduct toward interpreters.

12.4 Compensation

Interpreters are paid for the time they provided interpretation services according to our current rate schedule, viewable in their dashboard. Client payment disputes are handled by us and do not affect an interpreter's right to compensation for time served. Rates may be updated with prior notice. Compensation will not be issued for calls determined to be fraudulent or that did not actually take place.