Your Privacy at Spark

What is Spark?

Spark is a learning tool made by MindStorm Coding. It is an AI thinking coach that helps you learn coding and problem-solving skills. When you chat with Spark, your messages go to a computer system that creates helpful responses.

What information do we collect?

• Your username and display name — so you can log in and Spark can talk to you by name.
• Your age group — so Spark can talk to you in the right way for your age.
• Your chat messages — so your teachers can help keep you safe and see how you are learning.
• Your session activity — what mode you use (Scratch, Python, Micro:bit, 3D Design, etc.) and when.

We do not collect your real name, email address, phone number, or home address. If you accidentally share any of these in a chat, Spark will remove them automatically.

Voice input 🎤

If you use the microphone button to speak to Spark, your voice is processed only on your device — it never leaves your computer or tablet. Only the words the device hears (the transcript) are sent to Spark, and those are treated the same as anything else you type. We never record or store your voice.

3D Design mode 🧊

In 3D Design mode, Spark coaches you on using Tinkercad or OpenSCAD. All coaching happens through Spark's own AI — your conversations are not sent to any other company. Your 3D designs stay on your own computer in whichever tool you are using.

Who can see my chats?

Your teachers at MindStorm Coding can read your chat messages. They do this to make sure you are safe and to help you learn. No one else can see your chats.

How long do we keep your information?

We keep your chat messages for up to 12 months. After that, they are deleted unless there is a safeguarding reason to keep them longer. Your account can be deleted at any time if you or your parent/guardian asks.

What are your rights?

• You can ask to see what information we have about you.
• You can ask us to delete your account and all your data.
• You can ask your parent or guardian to make these requests for you.
• If something does not feel right, you can talk to your teacher.

Keeping you safe

Spark has safety filters to block inappropriate content. If you ever feel uncomfortable or unsafe, please tell your teacher or call Childline on 0800 1111. It is free and you can talk to someone any time.

Parent or guardian consent

If you are under 13, your parent or guardian has given permission for you to use Spark. They signed a consent form before your account was created.