Privacy Policy

We collect only what is necessary to provide the services you request.

Information You Provide Directly

• Email address — if you subscribe to our newsletter or create a community account (opt-in only; never required to browse the site)
• Name or display name — if you choose to provide it for account or community features
• Community forum activity — posts, replies, and profile information you choose to share in the PeepSo community forum; visible to other registered members but never sold to third parties or shared with advertisers
• Contact information — when you reach out to us directly via email or a contact form
• Research contributions — any papers, comments, or collaboration proposals you submit; you retain full ownership of all such content
• Contribution information — processed securely through PayPal; we do not store payment card or banking details on our servers

Information Collected Automatically

• Basic technical data — browser type, device type, and IP address, used only for security and proper site functionality
• Anonymous aggregate analytics — page views and general usage patterns; not tied to individual identity

We do not build behavioral profiles, track you across other websites, use pixel tracking or fingerprinting, or collect sensitive personal categories such as health data, biometrics, financial account details, or precise geolocation.

4. How We Use Your Information

Your information is used only for these purposes: sending newsletters and research updates you have opted into; enabling community features; responding to your inquiries; processing voluntary financial contributions through PayPal; maintaining website security; and complying with applicable legal obligations. We will never use your information for purposes beyond those listed without your explicit, informed consent.

We may share data only in the following narrow circumstances:

• PayPal — for secure processing of voluntary financial contributions, governed by PayPal's own privacy policy. We receive only a transaction confirmation.
• Email service provider — for newsletter delivery only. Our provider is contractually prohibited from using subscriber data for their own commercial purposes.
• Legal requirements — when compelled by a valid court order or other legal process, and only to the minimum extent required by law. We will notify you before disclosing where legally permitted.

We will never share your data with data brokers, advertising networks, analytics platforms that profile individuals, or any commercial third party beyond those listed above.

6. Data Retention

• Newsletter subscriber data — retained until you unsubscribe
• Community account data — retained until you request deletion
• Server and security logs — retained no longer than 90 days
• Contribution transaction records — retained as required by applicable tax law

You may request deletion of your personal data at any time by contacting mkb.info@proton.me. We will process deletion requests within 30 days.

• Access — request a copy of the personal information we hold about you
• Correction — request correction of inaccurate information
• Deletion — request that we delete your personal information
• Unsubscribe — opt out of email communications at any time via the unsubscribe link in any email or by contacting us directly
• Objection — object to any processing of your information

To exercise any of these rights, contact mkb.info@proton.me. We will respond within 30 days.

California Residents — CCPA / CPRA

• Right to Know — request disclosure of the categories and specific pieces of personal information we have collected about you
• Right to Delete — request deletion of personal information, subject to limited exceptions
• Right to Correct — request correction of inaccurate personal information
• Right to Opt Out of Sale or Sharing — we do not sell or share your personal information
• Right to Limit Use of Sensitive Personal Information — we do not collect sensitive personal information as defined by CPRA
• Right to Non-Discrimination — we will not discriminate against you for exercising any of these rights

To submit a verifiable consumer request, contact mkb.info@proton.me. We will respond within 45 days as required by California law.

9. European & UK Users — GDPR / UK GDPR

If you are located in the European Economic Area (EEA), the United Kingdom, or Switzerland, the GDPR or equivalent legislation applies. We process your personal data on the following lawful bases: Consent for newsletter subscriptions; Legitimate Interests for basic website security; and Legal Obligation when required to retain data by applicable law.

EEA/UK residents also have the right to data portability, the right to restrict processing, and the right to lodge a complaint with your local supervisory authority (in the UK, the ICO). Contact mkb.info@proton.me to exercise these rights.

Cookies and Tracking

We use only the minimal set of cookies necessary for the site to function, including session cookies required for login and security. We do not use third-party advertising cookies, cross-site tracking cookies, or social media tracking pixels. You may manage or delete cookies at any time through your browser settings.

11. Data Security

We implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect your information, including encrypted connections (HTTPS), access controls, and minimal data storage. We do not store sensitive payment information on our servers. No internet transmission is 100% secure; while we take reasonable precautions, we cannot guarantee absolute security.

12. Children's Privacy (COPPA)

Our website is not directed at children under the age of 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If you believe we have inadvertently collected personal information from a child under 13, please contact us immediately at mkb.info@proton.me and we will promptly delete it.

13. CAN-SPAM Act Compliance

All commercial emails we send comply with the CAN-SPAM Act. We clearly identify every email as coming from Ic² Research Institute, include a functional unsubscribe mechanism in every email, and honor opt-out requests within 10 business days.

14. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Material changes will be communicated to registered users and newsletter subscribers via email at least 14 days before taking effect. Continued use of the website after the effective date constitutes acceptance of the revised policy.

For privacy-related questions, to exercise your rights, or to report a concern:

Email: mkb.info@proton.me
Website: www.eequalsicsquared.com

We will respond to all privacy-related requests within 30 days.