1. Introduction
Lunar Shadow Project ("we," "our," or "the Project") is committed to protecting the privacy and security of personal information. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard information when you visit our website and use our services.
By accessing or using the Lunar Shadow Project website, you agree to the terms of this Privacy Policy. If you do not agree with our policies and practices, please do not use our website.
2. Information We Collect
2.1 Information You Provide
We may collect personal information that you voluntarily provide when you:
- Contact us through our contact form or email
- Subscribe to updates or newsletters
- Submit research inquiries or collaboration proposals
- Participate in surveys or feedback forms
This information may include your name, email address, institutional affiliation, and the content of your communications.
2.2 Automatically Collected Information
When you visit our website, certain information may be automatically collected, including:
- IP address and geographic location
- Browser type and version
- Operating system
- Pages visited and time spent on pages
- Referring website addresses
- Device information
2.3 Cookies and Tracking Technologies
We use cookies and similar tracking technologies to enhance user experience and analyze website traffic. Cookies are small data files stored on your device. You can control cookie preferences through your browser settings, though disabling cookies may affect website functionality.
3. How We Use Your Information
We use collected information for the following purposes:
- Communication: To respond to inquiries, provide requested information, and communicate about research collaborations
- Website Improvement: To analyze usage patterns, improve content, and enhance user experience
- Research Updates: To send notifications about new publications and research developments (with consent)
- Security: To monitor and prevent security threats, fraud, or unauthorized access
- Legal Compliance: To comply with applicable laws, regulations, and legal processes
4. Information Sharing and Disclosure
We do not sell, trade, or rent personal information to third parties. We may share information in the following circumstances:
4.1 Service Providers
We may engage third-party service providers to perform functions on our behalf, such as website hosting, analytics, and email services. These providers have access to personal information only as necessary to perform their functions and are obligated to maintain confidentiality.
4.2 Legal Requirements
We may disclose information if required by law, court order, or governmental regulation, or if we believe disclosure is necessary to protect our rights, your safety, or the safety of others.
4.3 Research Collaborations
With your explicit consent, we may share contact information with collaborative research partners or institutions for legitimate research purposes.
5. Data Security
We implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect personal information against unauthorized access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction. However, no internet transmission or electronic storage method is completely secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.
6. Data Retention
We retain personal information for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined in this Privacy Policy, comply with legal obligations, resolve disputes, and enforce agreements. When information is no longer needed, it is securely deleted or anonymized.
7. Your Rights and Choices
Depending on your location, you may have the following rights regarding your personal information:
- Access: Request access to personal information we hold about you
- Correction: Request correction of inaccurate or incomplete information
- Deletion: Request deletion of personal information
- Objection: Object to processing of your information for certain purposes
- Portability: Request transfer of your information to another service
- Withdrawal of Consent: Withdraw consent for processing where consent was the legal basis
To exercise these rights, please contact us at contact@lunarshadowproject.org.
8. Children's Privacy
Our website is not directed to individuals under the age of 16. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If we become aware that we have inadvertently collected information from a child, we will take steps to delete it promptly.
9. International Data Transfers
The Project operates from Germany. If you access our website from outside the European Union, your information may be transferred to, stored, and processed in Germany or other jurisdictions. By using our website, you consent to such transfers.
10. Third-Party Links
Our website may contain links to external websites operated by third parties, including space agencies, research institutions, and scientific databases. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of these external sites. We encourage you to review their privacy policies.
11. Changes to This Privacy Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy periodically to reflect changes in our practices, technologies, legal requirements, or other factors. The "Effective Date" at the top indicates when the policy was last revised. Continued use of the website after changes indicates acceptance of the updated policy.
12. Contact Information
If you have questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or our data practices, please contact us:
Lunar Shadow Project
Invalidenstraße 42
10115 Berlin, Germany
Email: contact@lunarshadowproject.org
Phone: +49 30 5879 4312
13. GDPR Compliance
For users in the European Union, we comply with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). Our lawful bases for processing include:
- Consent: When you provide explicit consent for specific processing activities
- Legitimate Interests: For website operation, security, and research communication
- Legal Obligations: When required by applicable law