Privacy Policy

How we protect and handle your personal data in our research platform

Research Prototype Software

1. Information We Collect

Account Information:

  • Email address (for authentication and communication)
  • Name (for identification within the platform)
  • Profile information you choose to provide
  • Authentication data from third-party providers (Google, GitHub, etc.)

Usage Data:

  • FRAM models you create, edit, and share
  • Annotations and comments on models
  • Collaboration activities and interactions
  • Platform usage patterns and preferences

Technical Data:

  • IP address and browser information
  • Session data and cookies
  • Error logs and performance metrics

2. How We Use Your Information

Platform Operation:

  • Provide access to FRAM modeling tools and features
  • Enable collaboration and sharing between users
  • Maintain and improve platform functionality
  • Provide technical support and troubleshooting

Research Purposes:

  • Analyze usage patterns to improve the platform (anonymized data only)
  • Conduct research on FRAM methodology and systems safety analysis
  • Publish academic research based on aggregated, anonymized data
  • Develop new features and methodologies

Communication:

  • Send important platform updates and notifications
  • Respond to support requests and inquiries
  • Share relevant research findings (with your consent)

3. Data Protection and Security

Encryption: All data transmission is encrypted using industry-standard protocols (HTTPS/TLS). Sensitive data is encrypted at rest.

Access Control: Access to personal data is restricted to authorized personnel only and follows the principle of least privilege.

Data Minimization: We collect only the data necessary for platform operation and research purposes.

Regular Audits: We regularly review our security practices and update them as needed to maintain data protection standards.

Incident Response: We have procedures in place to detect, respond to, and notify users of any data security incidents.

4. Data Sharing and Disclosure

We DO NOT sell or rent your personal data to third parties.

Limited Sharing Occurs Only For:

  • Collaboration Features: Information you choose to share with other users through the platform
  • Research Partners: Anonymized, aggregated data with academic research partners (with appropriate agreements)
  • Service Providers: Third-party services necessary for platform operation (authentication, hosting, AI services) under strict data protection agreements
  • Legal Requirements: When required by law or to protect the rights and safety of users

5. Your Rights and Choices

Access: You can access and review your personal data through your account settings.

Correction: You can update or correct your personal information at any time.

Deletion: You can request deletion of your account and associated data, subject to research data retention requirements.

Data Portability: You can export your FRAM models and other content you've created.

Opt-out: You can opt out of non-essential communications and certain data processing activities.

Withdraw Consent: You can withdraw consent for data processing where consent is the legal basis.

6. Data Retention

Account Data: Personal account information is retained while your account is active and for a reasonable period after account deletion to comply with legal obligations.

Research Data: Anonymized research data may be retained longer for ongoing and future research projects, in accordance with academic research standards.

Model Data: FRAM models and related content are retained according to your sharing preferences and research requirements.

Technical Logs: System logs and technical data are typically retained for operational purposes and then automatically deleted.

7. Research Ethics and Consent

Ethical Review: Research activities involving user data follow institutional research ethics guidelines and may be subject to ethical review board approval.

Informed Consent: You will be informed about any specific research studies and asked for explicit consent before your data is used for research purposes beyond platform improvement.

Anonymization: Research publications and presentations use only anonymized and aggregated data that cannot be traced back to individual users.

Voluntary Participation: Participation in research activities is always voluntary and does not affect your access to the platform.

8. Changes to This Policy

We may update this privacy policy periodically to reflect changes in our practices, technology, or legal requirements. We will notify users of significant changes through the platform or email.

Continued use of the platform after policy updates constitutes acceptance of the revised policy.

9. Contact Information

For questions about this privacy policy, data protection concerns, or to exercise your rights regarding your personal data, please contact the research team through the appropriate academic channels or the contact information provided in the platform.

If you have concerns about how your data is being handled, you also have the right to contact relevant data protection authorities in your jurisdiction.