Privacy Policy

Introduction

Welcome to Phylogeny Footics, accessible at www.phylofoot.org .

Phylogeny Footics is a scientific and educational website providing resources relating to phylogenetics, molecular evolution, comparative genomics, evolutionary biology and related scientific disciplines.

We recognize the importance of privacy and the responsible handling of personal information.

This Privacy Policy describes how personal information may be collected, used, stored and protected in connection with website visits, inquiries and related communications.

The policy also explains the rights available to individuals under applicable data protection legislation, including the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR), where applicable.

Who We Are

Phylogeny Footics is a scientific educational website operating at www.phylofoot.org.

The website provides information and educational resources intended to support scientific understanding, academic learning and research awareness.

For questions concerning website privacy, personal information or data protection rights, visitors may contact us using the information below.

Personal Information We Collect

The categories of information processed depend on how visitors interact with the website, its features and communication channels.

Information You Provide

When visitors contact us or submit inquiries, the information provided may include:

• Name and contact information.
• Email address and telephone number, where provided.
• Organization or institutional affiliation, where provided.
• Questions, messages and correspondence.
• Other information voluntarily included in communications.

Technical and Usage Information

When visitors access the website, certain technical information may be processed to support website functionality, security and technical administration.

Depending on the systems used, this information may include:

• IP address and connection information.
• Browser type, operating system and device characteristics.
• Requested pages and access timestamps.
• Server logs and security-related data.
• Website preferences, where applicable.

The collection of personal information should be limited to what is relevant and necessary for the intended purpose.

How Personal Information Is Used

Personal information may be processed for purposes connected with website operation, communication, security and applicable legal requirements.

These purposes may include:

• Receiving, reviewing and responding to inquiries and communications.
• Providing information requested by website visitors.
• Operating and maintaining the website.
• Supporting website functionality and technical performance.
• Detecting technical issues and preventing unauthorized use.
• Maintaining website and information security.
• Complying with applicable legal and regulatory obligations.

Where additional website features or communication services are available, relevant information will be processed in accordance with applicable privacy requirements.

Legal Bases for Processing

Under applicable data protection legislation, including the UK GDPR, the processing of personal information must have an appropriate lawful basis.

Depending on the purpose and circumstances of processing, relevant legal bases may include legitimate interests, consent, compliance with a legal obligation or steps taken before entering into a contract.

The lawful basis applicable to each processing activity depends on its nature and the relevant legal circumstances.

Cookies and Similar Technologies

Cookies are small files that websites may store on a visitor's device to support functionality, remember preferences or provide information about website use.

Essential Cookies

Essential cookies may be used to support basic website functionality, security and technical operation.

These technologies can help websites operate correctly and maintain essential services requested by visitors.

Analytics and Optional Cookies

Depending on the technologies enabled on the website, optional cookies may support analytics, user preferences or additional features.

Where required by applicable privacy and electronic communications legislation, non-essential cookies and similar technologies are subject to appropriate consent requirements.

Consent, where required, should be obtained before the relevant technologies are used and visitors must be able to withdraw consent.

Managing Cookie Preferences

Visitors can manage, restrict or delete cookies through their browser settings. Disabling certain technologies may affect website functionality.

Further information about cookies and privacy rights is available from the Information Commissioner's Office .

Data Sharing and International Transfers

The operation of a website may involve external service providers that support technical infrastructure, communications, security and website administration.

Depending on the services used, these providers may include:

• Website hosting and infrastructure providers.
• Email and communication service providers.
• Technical support and security services.
• Website analytics services, where applicable.

When personal information is processed by external providers on behalf of the website operator, appropriate data protection arrangements are required under applicable legislation.

International Data Transfers

Some technical services may involve the processing or transfer of personal information outside the United Kingdom.

Where international transfers are subject to data protection restrictions, appropriate legal mechanisms and safeguards must apply.

These may include recognized adequacy regulations, international data transfer agreements or other legally accepted safeguards, depending on the destination and circumstances.

Data Retention

Personal information is retained only for as long as necessary to fulfil the purposes for which it was collected, subject to applicable legal and regulatory requirements.

Retention periods may vary depending on the type of information and the purpose of processing.

For example, different retention considerations may apply to correspondence, website access logs, technical information and security-related records.

When personal information is no longer required, it is deleted, anonymized or otherwise handled in accordance with applicable data protection requirements.

Information Security

Phylogeny Footics recognizes the importance of protecting personal information against unauthorized access, accidental loss, alteration or disclosure.

Appropriate technical and organizational measures should be maintained according to the nature of the information, its processing and the associated risks.

Relevant safeguards may include access restrictions, secure communications, system maintenance and protection against unauthorized activity.

Although reasonable security precautions can reduce risks, no internet-based system or electronic communication method can guarantee absolute security.

Your Data Protection Rights

Under applicable data protection legislation, individuals have certain rights concerning their personal information.

These rights are subject to relevant legal conditions, exceptions and limitations.

• Right of Access: Request access to personal information held about you.
• Right to Rectification: Request correction of inaccurate or incomplete information.
• Right to Erasure: Request deletion of personal information in applicable circumstances.
• Right to Restriction: Request restrictions on certain processing activities.
• Right to Data Portability: Request eligible information in a structured, commonly used, machine-readable format.
• Right to Object: Object to certain forms of personal data processing, including processing based on legitimate interests, where applicable.
• Right to Withdraw Consent: Withdraw consent where processing relies on it, without affecting the lawfulness of earlier processing.
• Rights Regarding Automated Decisions: Exercise applicable rights relating to qualifying solely automated decision-making.

Exercising Your Rights

To submit a privacy-related request, please contact: [email protected] .

Requests are handled in accordance with applicable data protection legislation. Reasonable identity verification may be required.

Under the UK GDPR, requests generally must be addressed without undue delay and within one month, subject to permitted extensions and exceptions.

Complaints

If you have concerns about the handling of your personal data, you may contact Phylogeny Footics directly.

You may also have the right to lodge a complaint with a competent data protection supervisory authority.

In the United Kingdom, the relevant authority is the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) .

External Websites and Scientific References

Phylogeny Footics may provide links to external scientific publications, academic institutions, research databases, scientific journals and educational resources.

These links are provided to support further learning, scientific exploration and access to original research materials.

External websites operate independently and may maintain their own privacy policies, data protection practices and terms of use.

Phylogeny Footics does not control the privacy practices or information processing activities of third-party websites.

Visitors are encouraged to review the relevant privacy information when accessing external resources.

Changes to This Policy and Contact

This Privacy Policy may be updated periodically to reflect changes in website functionality, information processing, technical operations or applicable legal requirements.

Updated versions will be published on this page.

Where required by law, significant changes affecting personal data processing will be communicated through appropriate means.

Visitors are encouraged to review this policy periodically to remain informed about privacy practices.

Privacy Inquiries

For questions concerning this Privacy Policy, personal information or data protection rights, please contact us.