Privacy Policy
Effective Date: Nov 9th, 2024
Overview
BOLD collects and maintains information necessary to support biodiversity research and policy development. We gather only the minimum amount of personal information required to appropriately credit contributions and ensure an efficient user experience. The use of personal information is strictly limited to the purposes outlined in this Privacy Notice, and BOLD does not sell personal information to third parties. We apply the same level of privacy protection for all users, regardless of their location or nationality.
Information We Collect
We collect personal and non-personal information when you interact with BOLD.
This includes:
-
Personal Information: This may include your name, email address, affiliation, and other details you provide when creating an account, submitting data, or engaging with our services.
- Non-Personal Information: This may include technical data such as IP addresses, browser types, device information, and usage patterns collected through cookies and analytics tools.
How We Use Your Information
We use the collected information to:
- Provide and maintain our services, including data submission, storage, and access.
- Communicate with you regarding updates, news, and research developments related to BOLD.
- Analyze and improve the functionality and performance of BOLD.
- Comply with legal obligations and enforce our terms of use.
Data Sharing and Disclosure
BOLD may share your information under the following circumstances:
- With Your Consent: We may share your information with third parties if you explicitly consent to such disclosure.
- For Reporting Purposes: BOLD is a publicly-funded platform that facilitates biodiversity research and may share de-identified or aggregated data with funding agencies and institutions.
- Legal Compliance: We may disclose your information if required by law or in response to legal processes, such as subpoenas or court orders.
Data Security
We implement industry-standard security measures to protect the personal data we collect. While we take reasonable precautions to safeguard your information, no method of transmission or storage is completely secure. We cannot guarantee absolute security.
Cookies and Tracking Technologies
BOLD uses cookies and similar tracking technologies to improve user experience, analyze usage, and provide individualized functionality. You can manage your cookie preferences through your browser settings. Please note that disabling cookies may impact some features of the site.
Data Retention
We retain your personal data 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 your data is no longer needed, we will securely delete or anonymize it.
Your Rights
You have the right to:
- Access the personal information we hold about you.
- Correct any inaccuracies in your personal data.
- Request the deletion of your personal data, subject to certain exceptions. (such as compliance with legal obligations)
- To exercise these rights or to inquire about our data practices, please contact us at support@boldsystems.org
Third-Party Links
BOLD may contain links to third-party websites. These external sites are not under our control, and we are not responsible for their privacy practices. We encourage you to review the privacy policies of these third-party sites before providing any personal information.
Changes to This Privacy Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Any changes will be posted on this page with an updated effective date. We encourage you to review this policy periodically to stay informed about how we are protecting your data.
Contact Information
If you have any questions or concerns about this Privacy Policy or our data practices,
please contact us at:
Barcode of Life Data System (BOLD)
support@boldsystems.org
50 Stone Rd East
Guelph, Ontario, Canada
N1G2W1