Privacy Policy

Privacy Policy

Last Updated: March 1, 2026   |   Effective Date: March 1, 2026

This Privacy Policy describes how Ic² Research Institute (operated by Michael K. Baines) collects, uses, and protects information when you visit www.eequalsicsquared.com. By using our website, you agree to the practices described in this policy.

1. Our Philosophy — We Do Not Sell Your Data

2. Who We Are

This Privacy Policy applies to the Ic² Research Institute website operated by Michael K. Baines as a sole proprietor. The institute is not a registered corporation or non-profit entity.

Contact: mkb.info@proton.me

3. Information We Collect

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 to understand how the site is being used; 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, research updates, and event information you have opted into
• Enabling community features such as discussions and member profiles
• Responding to your direct inquiries and support requests
• Processing voluntary financial contributions through PayPal
• Maintaining the security and technical operation of the website
• Complying with applicable legal obligations

We will never use your information for purposes beyond those listed above without first obtaining your explicit, informed consent.

5. Third-Party Data Sharing

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

We retain your data only as long as necessary for its stated purpose:

• 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.

7. Your Rights — All Users

• 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.

8. California Residents — CCPA / CPRA Rights

If you are a California resident, the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) as amended by the California Privacy Rights Act (CPRA) provides you additional rights:

• Right to Know — request disclosure of the categories and specific pieces of personal information we have collected about you, and the purposes for which it was collected
• Right to Delete — request deletion of personal information we have collected from you, 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; there are no commercial data arrangements involving your personal data
• 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, with one possible 45-day extension when reasonably necessary.

9. European & UK Users — GDPR / UK GDPR Rights

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 and optional account features (which you may withdraw at any time)
• Legitimate Interests — for basic website security and aggregate analytics
• Legal Obligation — when required to retain data by applicable law

In addition to the rights listed above, EEA/UK residents 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.

10. Cookies and Tracking

We use only the minimal set of cookies necessary for the site to function. These include session cookies required for login and security. We do not use third-party advertising cookies, cross-site tracking cookies, or social media tracking pixels.

If we use website analytics (such as an anonymized, self-hosted analytics tool), it is configured to: anonymize all IP addresses; not share data with third parties; and not create individual user profiles. 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. Every email includes a functional unsubscribe mechanism, and we honor opt-out requests within 10 business days. We do not use deceptive subject lines or false headers. Our mailing address is included in all commercial emails.

14. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Material changes — particularly those affecting how we use or share your data — will be communicated to registered users and newsletter subscribers via email at least 14 days before taking effect. The "Last Updated" and "Effective Date" at the top of this policy reflect when it was most recently revised. Continued use of the website after the effective date constitutes acceptance of the revised policy.

15. Contact Us

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.