Submitting a data deletion request results in deletion of the learner profile, course history, and all certificates and certifications, which cannot be accessed, verified, or reissued after deletion. The notice recommends downloading certificates before submitting a deletion request and states that limited data may be retained for legal obligations and that residual data may persist in databases and access logs.
This analysis describes what Coursera's agreement states, permits, or reserves. It does not constitute a legal determination about enforceability. Regulatory applicability and practical outcomes may vary by jurisdiction, enforcement context, and individual circumstances. Read our methodology
This provision establishes that exercising a data deletion right under GDPR, CCPA, or other applicable privacy law results in permanent loss of access to platform-issued educational credentials, creating a material operational trade-off that users must evaluate before submitting a deletion request.
The updated terms now explicitly disclose that Coursera processes communications through voice-enabled features that transcribe audio into text, and clarify that personal data may be shared with third parties including affiliates and business partners. The policy expands descriptions of AI-driven personalization and chatbot applications that use your learning and interaction data. The terms establish that data may be transferred to entities that become Coursera affiliates or subsidiaries during business transitions. You should review the updated guidance that cautions against including unnecessary or sensitive personal data in the platform's free-text and voice-enabled communication features.
View change record →The updated Privacy Notice removes explicit language stating that the policy does not apply to Coursera's Ollie mobile application and no longer directs users to a separate Ollie Privacy Notice for that app. Previously, users of Ollie had clear notice to consult a dedicated privacy policy; that direction is now absent from the main Privacy Notice. The updated notice also narrows the scope of covered entities by removing 'affiliates' from the definition of Coursera, stating the policy now applies to Coursera, Inc., its subsidiaries, and international branches only. Users of the Ollie App should independently verify what privacy terms currently govern that application, as the main Coursera Privacy Notice no longer explicitly addresses Ollie coverage.
View change record →This provision establishes that account deletion permanently removes access to all certificates and certifications issued through the Coursera platform, which cannot be reissued or verified after deletion. The notice also states that residual Personal Data may remain in databases and access logs following deletion, and that limited data may be retained for legal compliance purposes.
Cross-platform context
See how other platforms handle Data Deletion and Certificate Consequences and similar clauses.
Compare across platforms →"If you request deletion of your Personal Data, we will delete the Personal Data associated with that account, including your learner profile, course history, and any certificates or certifications issued through our platform. Once your account is deleted, certificates and certifications cannot be accessed, verified, or reissued, and we recommend downloading any certificates and certifications you wish to keep before submitting a deletion request. Following deletion, we may retain limited Personal Data where necessary for lawful and legitimate purposes, which may vary depending on your location, such as complying with legal obligations. In addition, residual information may remain within our databases, access logs, or other records, which may or may not contain your Personal Data.Excerpt from Coursera's Privacy Notice
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This provision establishes that exercising a data deletion right under GDPR, CCPA, or other applicable privacy law results in permanent loss of access to platform-issued educational credentials, creating a material operational trade-off that users must evaluate before submitting a deletion request.
This provision establishes that account deletion permanently removes access to all certificates and certifications issued through the Coursera platform, which cannot be reissued or verified after deletion. The notice also states that residual Personal Data may remain in databases and access logs following deletion, and that limited data may be retained for legal compliance purposes.
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