Privacy Policy

Last Updated: June 13, 2025

COREA Starstroupe (“we,” “us,” or “our”), a non-profit organization based in Cebu City, Philippines, is committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your personal information when you access or use our website, research paper archive, and related services (collectively, the “Services”). We operate in compliance with the Data Privacy Act of 2012 (Republic Act No. 10173) of the Philippines and other applicable data protection laws.

By using our Services, you consent to the practices described in this Privacy Policy. If you do not agree with this policy, please do not use our Services.

1. Information We Collect

We collect minimal personal information to provide and improve our Services. The types of information we may collect include:

1.1 Personal Information You Provide

• Contact Information: When you use our contact forms, subscribe to newsletters, or engage with community forums (if available), we may collect your name, email address, and any other information you voluntarily provide.
• Feedback and Contributions: If you submit feedback, suggestions, or content, we may collect associated personal details to process your input.

1.2 Automatically Collected Information

• Usage Data: We collect anonymized data about your interaction with our Services, such as pages visited, search queries, and time spent on the website. This is collected via cookies, web beacons, or similar technologies.
• Device and Log Data: We may collect information about your device, including IP address, browser type, operating system, and referral URLs, to ensure compatibility and security.

1.3 Third-Party Data

We do not actively collect personal information from third parties. However, if you interact with third-party services linked from our website (e.g., external research platforms), their privacy policies apply.

2. How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect for the following purposes:

• To Provide Services: To deliver access to our research paper archive, respond to your inquiries, and facilitate community engagement.
• To Improve Services: To analyze usage patterns and enhance the functionality, accessibility, and performance of our website.
• To Communicate: To send you updates, newsletters, or responses to your inquiries, provided you have opted in where required.
• To Ensure Security: To detect and prevent fraudulent or unauthorized activities and protect our systems.
• To Comply with Legal Obligations: To fulfill requirements under the Data Privacy Act of 2012 and other applicable laws.

3. Legal Basis for Processing

In accordance with the Data Privacy Act of 2012, we process personal information based on the following legal grounds:

• Consent: Where you have provided explicit consent, such as for newsletters or contact form submissions.
• Legitimate Interests: For purposes such as improving our Services, ensuring security, or analyzing usage, where these interests do not override your rights.
• Legal Obligation: To comply with applicable laws or regulatory requirements.

4. How We Share Your Information

We do not sell, trade, or rent your personal information to third parties. We may share your information in the following limited circumstances:

• Service Providers: With trusted third-party vendors (e.g., web hosting or analytics providers) who assist us in operating our Services, provided they are contractually bound to protect your data.
• Legal Requirements: When required by law, court order, or government authority, such as to comply with a subpoena or regulatory investigation.
• Protection of Rights: To protect our rights, property, or safety, or that of our users, in cases of suspected fraud or illegal activity.

5. Data Security

We implement reasonable technical and organizational measures to protect your personal information from unauthorized access, loss, or misuse. These measures include:

• Encryption of data in transit (e.g., using HTTPS).
• Regular security assessments of our systems.
• Access controls to limit data access to authorized personnel only.

However, no system is completely secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute protection. You are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of any credentials used to access our Services.

6. Your Data Privacy Rights

Under the Data Privacy Act of 2012, you have the following rights regarding your personal information:

• Right to Be Informed: To know what personal information we collect and how it is used.
• Right to Access: To request a copy of the personal information we hold about you.
• Right to Rectification: To correct inaccurate or incomplete personal information.
• Right to Erasure or Blocking: To request deletion or restriction of your personal information, subject to legal obligations.
• Right to Object: To object to certain types of processing, such as direct marketing.
• Right to Data Portability: To receive your personal information in a structured, commonly used format.
• Right to Damages: To seek compensation for damages caused by unlawful or unauthorized processing.

To exercise these rights, contact us at coreastarstroupe@gmail.com. We will respond within the timeframes required by law, typically within 30 days.

7. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

We use cookies and similar technologies to enhance your experience and analyze usage. Cookies are small text files stored on your device. We use:

• Essential Cookies: Necessary for the operation of our website (e.g., session management).
• Analytics Cookies: To collect anonymized data on user behavior (e.g., via Google Analytics).

You can manage cookie preferences through your browser settings. Disabling cookies may limit certain functionalities of our Services. For more information, see our Cookie Policy (if available) or contact us.

8. Third-Party Links

Our Services may contain links to third-party websites or resources (e.g., external research platforms). We are not responsible for the privacy practices or content of these third parties. Please review their privacy policies before providing personal information.

9. Data Retention

We retain personal information only for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined in this Privacy Policy or to comply with legal obligations. For example:

• Contact form submissions are retained until the inquiry is resolved or as required by law.
• Anonymized usage data may be retained indefinitely for analytical purposes.

When personal information is no longer needed, we securely delete or anonymize it in accordance with our data retention policies.

10. International Data Transfers

As a Philippines-based organization, we primarily process data within the country. However, some service providers (e.g., cloud hosting) may be located outside the Philippines. In such cases, we ensure that data transfers comply with the Data Privacy Act of 2012 and include appropriate safeguards, such as standard contractual clauses or agreements with providers in jurisdictions with adequate data protection laws.

11. Children’s Privacy

Our Services are not intended for individuals under 18 years of age. We do not knowingly collect personal information from minors. If we become aware that a minor has provided personal information, we will promptly delete it. If you believe a minor has provided us with personal information, please contact us at privacy@coreastarstroupe.org.

12. Updates to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices or legal requirements. Updates will be posted on our website with a revised “Last Updated” date. Your continued use of the Services after such changes constitutes your acceptance of the updated policy. We encourage you to review this policy periodically.

13. Contact Information

If you have questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or our data practices, please contact our Data Protection Officer at:

COREA Starstroupe
Email: coreastarstroupe@gmail.com
Address: 123 Open Source Avenue, Cebu City, Cebu 6000, Philippines

You may also file a complaint with the National Privacy Commission of the Philippines if you believe your data privacy rights have been violated:

National Privacy Commission
Website: www.privacy.gov.ph
Address: 5th Floor, Delegation Building, PICC Complex, Roxas Boulevard, Pasay City, Philippines

We are committed to addressing your inquiries promptly and transparently.