Short version: We collect only what we need to run the site. We do not sell your data. We do not share it with advertisers. We use affiliate links to earn commissions at no cost to you, and we always disclose them. You can delete your account and all data at any time.
1. Affiliate Disclosure ⭐
NihaoNext participates in affiliate marketing programs. This means that some links on this website — to language learning apps, course platforms, textbooks, and other products — may be affiliate links. If you click one of these links and make a purchase, NihaoNext may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.
We only recommend products and services that we genuinely believe are useful for Mandarin learners. Our editorial content and reviews are not influenced by affiliate relationships — we do not write positive reviews in exchange for commissions, and we do not promote products we would not recommend to a friend learning Mandarin.
Affiliate programs we participate in or may participate in include:
- italki — online language tutoring marketplace
- Amazon Associates — books, textbooks, and learning materials
- Language learning apps — including Pimsleur, Rosetta Stone, and similar platforms
- Travel booking services — for China travel-related content
- Other relevant services — disclosed individually in the relevant content
Where affiliate links appear in our content, we will note them with the label "(affiliate link)" or a similar disclosure. This disclosure complies with the Australian Consumer Law, the US FTC guidelines, and applicable advertising standards.
Supporting NihaoNext through affiliate purchases helps us keep the core learning content free. We appreciate it.
2. What data we collect
We collect only the minimum data necessary to operate NihaoNext:
| Data | Why we collect it | How long we keep it |
|---|---|---|
| Email address | Newsletter subscription; account login | Until you unsubscribe or delete your account |
| First name | To personalise emails (optional) | Until you delete your account |
| Password (hashed) | Account authentication | Until account deletion |
| Study progress | To show your HSK progress and streak | Until account deletion |
| IP address | Security, spam prevention | 90 days |
| Contact form messages | To respond to your enquiry | 2 years |
We do not collect: payment information, social media data, precise location, device fingerprints, or any sensitive personal information.
3. Newsletter & email
When you subscribe to the NihaoNext newsletter, we collect your email address and optional first name. We use a double opt-in process — you must click a confirmation link before you begin receiving emails. This prevents your email from being added without your knowledge.
We will send you: weekly Mandarin learning tips, new content announcements, study resources, and occasional relevant product recommendations (which may include affiliate links, disclosed as such). We will never send spam, sell your email address, or share it with third parties for marketing purposes.
You can unsubscribe at any time by clicking the unsubscribe link at the bottom of any email, or by visiting our unsubscribe page.
4. User accounts
Creating an account is optional. If you create one, we store your email, display name, HSK goal, streak data, saved words, and activity history. This data is used exclusively to provide your personal dashboard experience on NihaoNext. It is not sold, shared with advertisers, or used for any purpose other than operating your account.
You can delete your account at any time from your account settings page. Account deletion removes all personal data from our systems within 30 days.
5. Cookies
NihaoNext uses the following cookies:
| Cookie | Purpose | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Session cookie (PHPSESSID) | Keeps you logged in during your visit | Essential, session only |
| Analytics cookies | Understand how visitors use the site (if enabled) | Analytics, can be declined |
We do not use advertising cookies or tracking pixels. Essential cookies cannot be disabled as they are required for the site to function. You can block cookies in your browser settings, but this may affect your ability to log in.
6. Third-party services
Google Fonts: We load fonts from Google Fonts. This results in your browser making a request to Google's servers, which may log your IP address. See Google's Privacy Policy.
Web Speech API: The speak-aloud functionality on our dictionary, flashcards, and other tools uses your browser's built-in Web Speech API. No audio is transmitted to NihaoNext's servers — speech synthesis happens locally on your device.
Hosting: NihaoNext is hosted on servers in the United States via HostGator. Your data may be stored on servers in the United States. HostGator's privacy policy applies to hosting infrastructure.
7. Advertising
NihaoNext may display advertisements from third-party advertising networks (such as Google AdSense). These networks may use cookies and similar technologies to serve ads based on your browsing history. We do not control what data these networks collect.
NihaoNext does not allow advertisers to influence editorial content. Advertisements are clearly distinguished from content.
8. Your rights
You have the right to: access the personal data we hold about you; correct inaccurate data; request deletion of your data; withdraw consent for email marketing at any time; and lodge a complaint with a relevant data protection authority.
To exercise any of these rights, please contact us. We will respond within 30 days.
9. Children's privacy
NihaoNext is intended for users aged 13 and over. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If we become aware that a child under 13 has provided us with personal information, we will delete it promptly. Parents or guardians who believe their child has provided us with personal information should contact us immediately.
10. Contact
Questions about this privacy policy or how we handle your data:
NihaoNext
Email: contact@nihaonext.com
Contact form: nihaonext.com/contact
This policy was last updated in June 2026. We will notify newsletter subscribers of any material changes.