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
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 →How other platforms handle this
We retain some data for longer when necessary for legitimate business or legal purposes, such as security, fraud and abuse prevention, or financial record-keeping.
We collect and keep personal data only as needed or allowed for the purposes set out in this Statement, based on the reason we collected the personal data in the first instance and what is permitted under the laws that apply to the processing.
We may retain your Personal Data for a period of time consistent with the original purpose of collection...or as long as required to fulfill our legal and/or regulatory obligations.
"We keep your Personal Data for no longer than necessary for the purposes for which the Personal Data is collected and processed, to comply with our legal and regulatory obligations, to exercise our legal rights, and to protect ourselves from legal claims.Excerpt from Coursera's Privacy Notice
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The clause states: “We keep your Personal Data for no longer than necessary for the purposes for which the Personal Data is collected and processed, to comply with our legal and regulatory obligations, to exercise our legal rights, and to protect ourselves from legal claims.”
ConductAtlas has identified this type of provision across 274 platforms. See the full comparison.
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