Privacy Policy

We at OpenDeSci (“OpenDecentralized Science Foundation”) and Wang Advisory GmbH respect your privacy and are committed to protecting your personal data. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you visit our website or interact with our decentralized research platform. Please read this policy carefully.

1. Controller and Hosting Entity

Controller: OpenDeSci Foundation operates as a decentralized research project and does not constitute a legal entity. Control over personal data shared on our platform resides with users or respective participants.
Hosting Entity: Wang Advisory GmbH solely provides web hosting services for this website. It does not determine the purposes or means of processing personal data within the decentralized ecosystem of OpenDeSci.

Contact Information: Wang Advisory GmbH
Schwedter Str. 36a,
10435 Berlin, Germany
Email: opendesci@wangadvisory.com
Tel.: +49 1516 3153241

2. Definitions

This Privacy Policy is aligned with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). For clarity, we use the following definitions:

Personal Data: Any information relating to an identified or identifiable natural person.
Data Subject: The individual to whom personal data relates.
Processing: Any operation performed on personal data, such as collection, storage, or sharing.
Controller: The entity that determines the purposes and means of processing personal data.
Processor: A natural or legal person that processes personal data on behalf of the controller.

3. Data Collection and Processing

3.1 Data Collected Automatically

When you access our website, certain data is collected automatically, including:

Browser type and version.
Operating system.
Referrer URL.
IP address.
Time and date of access.
Other diagnostic and usage data.

3.2 Data You Provide

You may voluntarily provide personal data when:

Registering on the platform.
Submitting a project or funding request.
Communicating with collaborators.
Subscribing to newsletters or updates.

3.3 Cookies and Tracking Technologies

We use cookies and similar tracking technologies to enhance your experience on our website. Cookies are small text files stored on your device. These may include:

Essential Cookies: Necessary for core functionalities.
Analytics Cookies: Used to understand website usage and improve performance.
Social Media Cookies: Enable sharing via social platforms like X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, and Telegram.

You can manage your cookie preferences through your browser settings. Note that disabling cookies may affect the functionality of our website.

3.4 Third-Party Tracking Tools

We use third-party tools and services, including:

Google Analytics: To analyze website traffic and user behavior.
Meta (Facebook) Pixel: For targeted advertising and performance tracking.
Social Media Integrations: Platforms like X (Twitter), Telegram, and YouTube may collect data when interacting with embedded features or sharing content.

These services may collect personal data, such as IP addresses or activity information. Please review their respective privacy policies for more details.

4. Purpose of Data Processing

The personal data we collect may be used for the following purposes:

Facilitating decentralized collaboration and matchmaking.
Enhancing platform functionality.
Enabling secure tokenized data sharing.
Complying with legal obligations.
Improving user experience and platform performance.
Enabling targeted marketing and analytics.

5. Legal Basis for Processing

Data processing is conducted in accordance with the GDPR, under the following legal bases:

Consent: When you voluntarily provide personal data.
Contractual Obligations: To provide requested services.
Legitimate Interests: To ensure the security and functionality of the platform.
Legal Compliance: To fulfill legal or regulatory requirements.

6. Data Sharing and Recipients

Personal data may be shared in the following scenarios:

With other users or collaborators as part of decentralized research activities.
With third-party service providers engaged by Wang Advisory GmbH to support web hosting and analytics.
With social media platforms for sharing and promotional purposes.
When required by law, regulatory authorities, or to protect the rights of OpenDeSci users.

Wang Advisory GmbH does not process or access user-contributed data stored within the decentralized ecosystem unless explicitly required for hosting and maintenance purposes.

7. Data Security

OpenDeSci and Wang Advisory GmbH implement robust technical and organizational measures to protect personal data. However, due to the decentralized nature of OpenDeSci and inherent vulnerabilities in internet-based data transmission, absolute security cannot be guaranteed.

8. Data Retention

Personal data will be retained only for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined in this policy or as required by applicable laws. Users may request the deletion of their data unless legal or regulatory obligations necessitate retention.

9. Rights of Data Subjects

Under GDPR, you have the following rights:

Right to Access: Request access to your personal data.
Right to Rectification: Request corrections to inaccurate or incomplete data.
Right to Erasure: Request deletion of your data (subject to legal obligations).
Right to Restriction: Request limited processing of your data.
Right to Data Portability: Receive your data in a structured, machine-readable format.
Right to Object: Object to processing based on legitimate interests or direct marketing.
Right to Withdraw Consent: Withdraw consent at any time.

To exercise these rights, contact: opendesci@wangadvisory.com.

10. Data Transfers to Third Countries

Data shared or processed via the decentralized OpenDeSci platform may involve cross-border data transfers. While Wang Advisory GmbH ensures compliance with GDPR for hosting, decentralized activities may operate beyond traditional regulatory boundaries.

11. Children’s Privacy

OpenDeSci does not knowingly collect data from children under 16 without verified parental consent. If you believe a child has provided us with personal data, please contact us immediately.

12. Changes to this Privacy Policy

OpenDeSci and Wang Advisory GmbH reserve the right to amend this Privacy Policy as needed to reflect updates in technologies, laws, or operational practices. We encourage you to review this policy regularly.

13. Contact Information

For any questions or concerns regarding this Privacy Policy or data protection practices, please contact:

Wang Advisory GmbH
Schwedter Str. 36a,
10435 Berlin, Germany
Email: opendesci@wangadvisory.com
Tel.: +49 1516 3153241

This Privacy Policy is effective as of January 2025.