Privacy Policy

Welcome to ResRef (“ResRef,” “we,” “our,” or “us”), a non-governmental organization (NGO) dedicated to empowering researchers and supporting scientific collaboration and innovation.

This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, store, disclose, and protect your information when you access or use our website, applications, platforms, and related services (collectively, the “Services”).

By using the Services, you acknowledge that you have read and understood this Privacy Policy.

1. Information We Collect

We may collect the following categories of information:

a. Information You Provide

Including but not limited to:

• Name
• Email address
• Institutional affiliation
• Research interests
• Uploaded files and research materials
• Messages, submissions, or communications
• Account credentials

b. Automatically Collected Information

When you access the Services, we may automatically collect:

• IP address
• Browser type and version
• Device information
• Operating system
• Usage activity
• Access times and pages visited
• Cookies and similar technologies

c. Research and Collaboration Data

If you upload research-related content, datasets, publications, or collaborative materials, such content may be processed and stored to provide the Services.

2. How We Use Information

We may use collected information to:

• Provide, maintain, and improve the Services
• Facilitate research collaboration
• Respond to inquiries and support requests
• Authenticate users and secure accounts
• Analyze usage trends and platform performance
• Prevent abuse, fraud, or unauthorized access
• Communicate updates, announcements, or organizational information
• Comply with legal obligations

3. User Content and Ownership

Users retain ownership of the content they upload or submit to the Services.

However, by submitting content, you grant ResRef a non-exclusive, worldwide, royalty-free license to host, store, display, reproduce, distribute, and process such content solely for operating and improving the Services and supporting the organization’s mission.

4. Sharing of Information

We do not sell personal information.

We may share information:

• With service providers assisting in hosting, analytics, communications, or technical operations
• When legally required by law, court order, or governmental request
• To protect the rights, safety, security, or integrity of ResRef, users, or the public
• In connection with organizational restructuring, merger, or partnership activities
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5. Third-Party Services

The Services may contain links or integrations with third-party platforms or tools.

ResRef is not responsible for the privacy practices, content, or security of third-party services. Users should review the privacy policies of those third parties independently.

6. Data Retention

We retain information only for as long as reasonably necessary to:

• Provide the Services
• Fulfill organizational and legal obligations
• Resolve disputes
• Enforce agreements

We may remove or anonymize data when no longer needed.

7. Data Security

We implement reasonable administrative, technical, and organizational safeguards intended to protect information from unauthorized access, disclosure, alteration, or destruction.

However, no method of internet transmission or electronic storage is completely secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.

8. International Data Transfers

Your information may be processed or stored in jurisdictions outside your country of residence where data protection laws may differ.

By using the Services, you consent to such transfers where permitted by applicable law.

9. Your Rights

Depending on applicable laws, you may have rights to:

• Access your personal information
• Correct inaccurate information
• Request deletion of information
• Restrict or object to certain processing
• Withdraw consent where applicable

Requests may be submitted using the contact details below.

10. Children’s Privacy

The Services are not intended for children under the age required by applicable law to provide valid consent.

We do not knowingly collect personal information from children without appropriate authorization.

11. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We reserve the right to update or modify this Privacy Policy at any time.

Updated versions become effective upon publication on the Services unless otherwise stated.

Continued use of the Services after changes constitutes acceptance of the revised policy.