1. Information We Collect

1.1 Automatically Collected Information

When you visit our website, we may automatically collect certain information about your device and your use of the website, including:

• Browser type and version
• Operating system
• IP address (anonymized)
• Pages visited and time spent on pages
• Referring website addresses
• Device type and screen resolution

1.2 Information You Provide

We may collect information that you voluntarily provide when you:

• Contact us via email
• Subscribe to newsletters or updates
• Participate in research collaborations
• Submit feedback or inquiries

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

1.3 Analytics Data

We use Vercel Analytics to collect anonymous usage statistics to improve our website and understand how visitors interact with our content. This data is aggregated and does not identify individual users.

2. How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect for the following purposes:

• Website Operation: To provide, operate, and maintain our website
• Improvement: To understand how users interact with our content and improve user experience
• Communication: To respond to your inquiries and provide information you request
• Research: To facilitate research collaboration and academic exchanges
• Legal Compliance: To comply with applicable laws and regulations
• Security: To detect, prevent, and address technical issues and security incidents

3. Legal Basis for Processing (GDPR)

If you are located in the European Economic Area (EEA), our legal basis for collecting and using your personal information depends on the information concerned and the context in which we collect it:

• Legitimate Interests: Processing is necessary for our legitimate interests in operating and improving our website, provided these interests are not overridden by your rights
• Consent: You have given explicit consent for us to process your information for specific purposes
• Contractual Necessity: Processing is necessary to fulfill our obligations under any agreement with you
• Legal Obligation: Processing is necessary to comply with applicable laws

4. Data Sharing and Disclosure

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

• Service Providers: With trusted third-party service providers who assist in operating our website (e.g., Vercel for hosting and analytics)
• Legal Requirements: When required by law or to respond to legal process
• Protection of Rights: To protect and defend our rights, property, or safety
• With Your Consent: When you have given explicit permission

5. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

We use minimal cookies and similar tracking technologies to enhance your browsing experience. These include:

• Essential Cookies: Necessary for the website to function properly
• Analytics Cookies: Help us understand how visitors use our website (via Vercel Analytics)

You can control cookie preferences through your browser settings. Please note that disabling cookies may affect website functionality.

6. Your Privacy Rights

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

• Access: Request access to the personal information we hold about you
• Rectification: Request correction of inaccurate or incomplete information
• Erasure: Request deletion of your personal information ("right to be forgotten")
• Restriction: Request restriction of processing in certain circumstances
• Data Portability: Request a copy of your data in a structured, machine-readable format
• Object: Object to processing based on legitimate interests
• Withdraw Consent: Withdraw consent at any time (where processing is based on consent)

To exercise these rights, please contact us at privacy@francisclase.ai

7. 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. Analytics data is typically retained for 90 days in anonymized form.

8. Data Security

We implement appropriate technical and organizational security measures to protect your personal information against unauthorized access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction. However, no method of transmission over the internet or electronic storage is 100% secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.

9. Children's Privacy

Our website is not directed to individuals under the age of 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If you believe we have inadvertently collected information from a child, please contact us immediately.

10. International Data Transfers

Your information may be transferred to and processed in countries other than your country of residence. These countries may have data protection laws different from those in your jurisdiction. We take steps to ensure appropriate safeguards are in place to protect your information.

11. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of any material changes by posting the new Privacy Policy on this page and updating the "Last Updated" date. We encourage you to review this Privacy Policy periodically.