Privacy Policy

2. Information We Collect

2.1 Information You Provide Directly

We collect information that you voluntarily provide to us, including:

• Newsletter Subscriptions: Email address, subscription preferences, and consent records when you subscribe to our newsletter.
• Team Applications: Name, email address, professional information (resume, CV, expertise areas), and any messages you provide when applying to join our team.
• Contact Inquiries: Name, email address, and message content when you contact us through our website forms or email addresses.
• Donation Information: For cryptocurrency donations, we may receive wallet addresses and transaction hashes. Note that blockchain transactions are publicly visible, but we do not link them to personal identities unless you explicitly request acknowledgment for tax or recognition purposes.
• Event Registration: Information provided when registering for events, webinars, or briefings.

2.2 Automatically Collected Information

When you visit our website, we automatically collect certain information, including:

• Usage Data: Pages visited, time spent on pages, click patterns, and navigation paths.
• Technical Data: IP address, browser type and version, device information, operating system, and referring URLs.
• Analytics Data: We use Cloudflare Web Analytics (privacy-preserving) to understand website usage patterns. This service does not use cookies or track individual users.

2.3 Cookies and Tracking Technologies

Our website uses cookies and similar tracking technologies to enhance your browsing experience, analyze site traffic, and personalize content. We respect your privacy and provide you with control over cookie preferences.

Types of Cookies We Use:

• Necessary Cookies: These cookies are essential for the website to function properly. They enable core functionality such as security, network management, and accessibility. These cookies cannot be disabled as they are required for the website to operate.
• Analytics Cookies: We use Cloudflare Web Analytics, a privacy-preserving analytics service, to understand how visitors interact with our website. This service collects aggregated, anonymized data and does not track individual users or use traditional tracking cookies. No personal information is collected or stored.
• Functional Cookies: These cookies enable enhanced functionality and personalization, such as remembering your preferences and settings (including your cookie consent choices).

Cookie Consent: When you first visit our website, you will be presented with a cookie consent banner that allows you to:

• Accept all cookies
• Accept only necessary cookies
• Customize your cookie preferences

Your cookie preferences are stored locally in your browser and will be remembered for future visits. You can change your preferences at any time by clearing your browser's local storage or by contacting us.

Third-Party Cookies: We do not use advertising cookies or third-party tracking for marketing purposes. We do not sell or share your data with advertisers. Any third-party services we use (such as Cloudflare Web Analytics) are privacy-preserving and do not collect personal information.

Browser Controls: You can also control cookies through your browser settings. Most browsers allow you to refuse or delete cookies. However, disabling necessary cookies may impact your ability to use certain features of our website.

3. How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect for the following purposes:

• Communication: To send you newsletters, research updates, event invitations, and respond to your inquiries.
• Recruitment: To process and evaluate team applications, assess candidate qualifications, and communicate about opportunities.
• Donation Processing: To verify, acknowledge, and process donations, and provide tax documentation when requested.
• Research Transparency: To maintain public records of our activities, as part of our commitment to radical transparency in AI safety research.
• Website Improvement: To analyze website usage, improve user experience, and ensure security and functionality.
• Legal Compliance: To comply with applicable laws, regulations, and legal processes.
• Protection of Rights: To protect the rights, property, or safety of The Galion Initiative, our team members, or others.

We do not sell, rent, or trade your personal information to third parties for marketing purposes.

4. Information Sharing and Disclosure

We may share your information in the following circumstances:

• Service Providers: We may share information with trusted service providers who assist us in operating our website, managing newsletters, or processing donations, subject to strict confidentiality obligations.
• Legal Requirements: When required by law, court order, or government regulation, or to respond to legal process.
• Research Transparency: As part of our commitment to transparency, we may publish aggregated, anonymized data about our activities, but never individual personal information without explicit consent.
• Organizational Transfers: In the event of a merger, reorganization, or transfer of assets, your information may be transferred, subject to the same privacy protections.

5. Data Security

We implement institutional-grade security measures appropriate for a research organization handling sensitive information. These measures include:

• Encryption of data in transit using TLS/SSL protocols.
• Secure storage of data using industry-standard practices.
• Access controls limiting data access to authorized personnel only.
• Regular security assessments and updates.

However, no method of transmission over the Internet or electronic storage is 100% secure. While we strive to protect your information, we cannot guarantee absolute security. You use our services at your own risk.

6. Data Retention

We retain your information 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:

• Newsletter Subscriptions: Until you unsubscribe or request deletion.
• Team Applications: For the duration of the recruitment process and up to 2 years for potential future opportunities, unless you request deletion.
• Donation Records: As required by law for tax and accounting purposes (typically 7 years).
• Website Analytics: Aggregated, anonymized data may be retained indefinitely for research purposes.

7. Your Rights and Choices

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

• Access: Request access to the personal information we hold about you.
• Correction: Request correction of inaccurate or incomplete information.
• Deletion: Request deletion of your personal information, subject to legal and operational requirements.
• Objection: Object to processing of your information for certain purposes.
• Portability: Request transfer of your information to another service provider.
• Withdraw Consent: Withdraw consent for newsletter subscriptions or other communications at any time.
• Opt-Out: Unsubscribe from newsletters using the link in any email or by contacting us directly.

To exercise these rights, please contact us at contact@galioninitiative.org. We will respond to your request within 30 days.

8. International Data Transfers

The Galion Initiative operates globally, and your information may be transferred to and processed in countries other than your country of residence. These countries may have data protection laws that differ from those in your country. By using our services, you consent to the transfer of your information to these countries. We take appropriate safeguards to ensure your information receives adequate protection in accordance with this Privacy Policy.

9. Children's Privacy

Our website and services are not directed to individuals under the age of 18. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If we become aware that we have collected personal information from a child without parental consent, we will take steps to delete that information. If you believe we have collected information from a child, please contact us immediately.

10. Third-Party Links

Our website may contain links to third-party websites, services, or resources (such as Ko-fi, Coinbase Commerce, or research paper repositories). We are not responsible for the privacy practices or content of these third parties. We encourage you to review the privacy policies of any third-party services you access through our website.

11. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices, technology, legal requirements, or other factors. We will notify you of any material changes by posting the updated policy on this page with a new "Last Updated" date. We encourage you to review this Privacy Policy periodically to stay informed about how we protect your information.

12. Contact Us

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