Privacy Policy

GeoPast Chronicles ("we," "our," or "us") is committed to protecting the privacy and security of personal information provided by visitors to our website. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you visit our website at geopastchronicles.org.

1. Information We Collect

Personal Information

We may collect personal information that you voluntarily provide to us when you:

• Fill out contact forms or inquiry submissions
• Subscribe to newsletters or research updates
• Register for workshops or training programs
• Correspond with us via email or other communication channels

This information may include your name, email address, institutional affiliation, telephone number, and any other information you choose to provide.

Automatically Collected Information

When you visit our website, certain information about your device and browsing activity may be automatically collected, including:

• IP address and general geographic location
• Browser type and version
• Operating system
• Pages visited and time spent on pages
• Referring website addresses
• Date and time of access

Cookies and Tracking Technologies

We use cookies and similar tracking technologies to enhance your browsing experience, analyze site traffic, and understand user behavior. Cookies are small text files placed on your device. You can control cookie preferences through your browser settings, though disabling cookies may affect website functionality.

2. How We Use Your Information

We use collected information for the following purposes:

• Communication: To respond to inquiries, provide requested information, and maintain correspondence
• Service Delivery: To provide analytical services, research collaboration, and training programs
• Website Improvement: To analyze usage patterns, optimize content, and enhance user experience
• Research Updates: To send newsletters and updates about research activities, publications, and events (with your consent)
• Legal Compliance: To comply with applicable laws, regulations, and legal processes

3. Legal Basis for Processing (GDPR)

If you are located in the European Economic Area (EEA), we process your personal data based on:

• Consent: You have given clear consent for us to process your personal data for specific purposes
• Legitimate Interests: Processing is necessary for our legitimate interests in conducting research, providing services, and maintaining our website
• Contract: Processing is necessary for fulfilling contractual obligations when you engage our services
• Legal Obligation: Processing is necessary to comply with legal requirements

4. Information Sharing and Disclosure

We do not sell, rent, or trade your personal information to third parties. We may share information in the following circumstances:

• Service Providers: With trusted third-party service providers who assist in website operation, email distribution, or data analysis, under strict confidentiality agreements
• Research Partners: With collaborating institutions when necessary for joint research projects, with appropriate data protection measures
• Legal Requirements: When required by law, court order, or governmental authority
• Protection of Rights: To protect our rights, property, or safety, or that of others

5. Data Security

We implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect personal information against unauthorized access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction. These measures include:

• Secure server infrastructure with encryption
• Regular security assessments and updates
• Access controls limiting data access to authorized personnel
• Secure data transmission protocols (HTTPS)

However, no method of transmission over the internet or electronic storage is completely secure. While we strive to protect your information, we cannot guarantee absolute security.

6. Data Retention

We retain personal information only for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined in this Privacy Policy, unless a longer retention period is required or permitted by law. When information is no longer needed, we securely delete or anonymize it.

7. Your Data Protection Rights

Depending on your location, you may have the following rights regarding your personal data:

• Access: Request copies of your personal data
• Correction: Request correction of inaccurate or incomplete data
• Erasure: Request deletion of your personal data under certain circumstances
• Restriction: Request restriction of processing under certain conditions
• Portability: Request transfer of your data to another organization
• Objection: Object to processing of your personal data
• Withdraw Consent: Withdraw consent for processing at any time

To exercise these rights, please contact us at contact@geopastchronicles.org. We will respond to your request within one month.

8. International Data Transfers

Your information may be transferred to and processed in countries other than your country of residence. We ensure that such transfers comply with applicable data protection laws and implement appropriate safeguards to protect your information.

9. Third-Party Links

Our website may contain links to third-party websites. We are not responsible for the privacy practices or content of these external sites. We encourage you to review the privacy policies of any third-party sites you visit.

10. Children's Privacy

Our website is not directed to individuals under the age of 16. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If you believe we have inadvertently collected information from a child, please contact us immediately.

11. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy periodically to reflect changes in our practices or legal requirements. The "Last Updated" date at the top of this page indicates when the policy was last revised. We encourage you to review this policy regularly to stay informed about how we protect your information.

12. Contact Information

If you have questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or our data practices, please contact us:

13. Supervisory Authority

If you are located in the EEA and believe we have not addressed your concerns adequately, you have the right to lodge a complaint with your local data protection supervisory authority.