My wiki:Privacy policy

Privacy Policy<o:p></o:p>

Last Updated: 11^th April 2022<o:p></o:p>

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Welcome to the World Habitation Development Council (WHDC) Academic Knowledge Bank, accessible at <a href="https://whdc.ac/">https://whdc.ac</a>. Your privacy is of utmost importance to us. This Privacy Policy describes how we collect, use, store, protect, and share your information when you use our portal, contribute to our knowledge base, or interact with our services.<o:p></o:p>

By using this website, you agree to the terms of this Privacy Policy. If you do not agree, please discontinue your use of the platform.<o:p></o:p>

1. Scope and Commitment<o:p></o:p>

This Privacy Policy applies to:<o:p></o:p>

All visitors, contributors, researchers, and registered users of the WHDC Academic portal.<o:p></o:p>
All data collected through the portal including research content, user contributions, technical logs, and community participation.<o:p></o:p>

WHDC commits to:<o:p></o:p>

Respecting your right to privacy.<o:p></o:p>
Collecting only what is necessary.<o:p></o:p>
Protecting your data with secure technologies.<o:p></o:p>
Being transparent in how we use your information.<o:p></o:p>

2. Information We Collect<o:p></o:p>

a) Information You Provide Directly<o:p></o:p>

Registration Data: Name, email address, username, password, institutional affiliation (if any).<o:p></o:p>
Contributions: Articles, edits, discussions, uploads, and any knowledge shared on the portal.<o:p></o:p>
Communication Data: Queries, feedback, or correspondence with WHDC.<o:p></o:p>

b) Information Collected Automatically<o:p></o:p>

Usage Data: IP addresses, browser type, operating system, device type, date and time of access.<o:p></o:p>
Cookies & Tracking: To improve functionality, remember preferences, and analyze traffic.<o:p></o:p>
Log Files: Records of edits, contributions, and administrative actions for transparency and accountability.<o:p></o:p>

c) Third-Party Information<o:p></o:p>

If you sign up using external services (e.g., academic institutions, federated login), we may receive basic profile data necessary to authenticate your identity.<o:p></o:p>

3. How We Use Your Information<o:p></o:p>

WHDC uses collected data strictly for purposes aligned with our mission:<o:p></o:p>

To create and maintain an open knowledge platform on habitation and environmental studies.<o:p></o:p>
To authenticate contributors and ensure accountability in community knowledge sharing.<o:p></o:p>
To improve user experience through personalization and technical optimization.<o:p></o:p>
To protect platform integrity, detect misuse, spam, or vandalism.<o:p></o:p>
To conduct research and analytics on content usage, contribution trends, and impact assessment.<o:p></o:p>
To communicate with users about updates, policy changes, opportunities for participation, or security matters.<o:p></o:p>

We will never sell your personal information for commercial gain.<o:p></o:p>

4. Data Sharing and Disclosure<o:p></o:p>

We may share information only in these circumstances:<o:p></o:p>

Public Contributions: Articles, edits, and discussions you contribute are public and permanently archived as part of the knowledge base.<o:p></o:p>
Research Use: Aggregated, anonymized data may be used for academic studies, reports, or publications.<o:p></o:p>
Legal Compliance: If required by law, court order, or governmental request.<o:p></o:p>
Platform Partners: Trusted technical providers (hosting, security, analytics) who process data on our behalf under strict confidentiality agreements.<o:p></o:p>

5. Data Retention<o:p></o:p>

Knowledge Contributions: Permanent and public, in line with academic transparency. Even if your account is deleted, your contributions will remain attributed to your username (or an anonymized identifier).<o:p></o:p>
Personal Information: Retained only as long as necessary to maintain your account or comply with legal obligations.<o:p></o:p>
Cookies: Stored according to your browser settings; you may disable them, though some features may not function properly.<o:p></o:p>

6. Data Protection and Security<o:p></o:p>

We employ industry-standard security practices to safeguard your information, including:<o:p></o:p>

Encrypted data transmission (HTTPS).<o:p></o:p>
Secure server hosting with regular monitoring.<o:p></o:p>
Access controls and administrative safeguards.<o:p></o:p>
Routine audits and compliance checks.<o:p></o:p>

However, no online system is 100% secure. Users are encouraged to protect their passwords, log out after use, and report suspicious activity.<o:p></o:p>

7. Your Rights<o:p></o:p>

Depending on your jurisdiction, you may have the right to:<o:p></o:p>

Access the data we hold about you.<o:p></o:p>
Request correction of inaccurate or incomplete data.<o:p></o:p>
Request deletion of your personal data (subject to knowledge contribution retention rules).<o:p></o:p>
Restrict or object to processing of your data.<o:p></o:p>
Withdraw consent for specific uses (e.g., newsletters).<o:p></o:p>

Requests can be submitted at <a href="mailto:privacy@whdc.ac">privacy@whdc.ac</a>.<o:p></o:p>

8. Children s Privacy<o:p></o:p>

The WHDC Academic portal is intended for individuals aged 16 years and above. We do not knowingly collect personal data from children. If we learn that a child has provided us with information, we will take steps to delete it.<o:p></o:p>

9. International Users<o:p></o:p>

As a global academic platform, your data may be stored and processed in multiple jurisdictions. By using the site, you consent to the transfer and processing of your information in accordance with this Privacy Policy.<o:p></o:p>

10. Policy Updates<o:p></o:p>

We may revise this Privacy Policy from time to time. Updates will be published on this page with the revised Last Updated date. Users are encouraged to review the policy periodically.<o:p></o:p>

11. Contact Us<o:p></o:p>

For privacy concerns, requests, or complaints, please contact:<o:p></o:p>

World Habitation Development Council (WHDC)
Email: <a href="mailto:privacy@whdc.ac">privacy@whdc.ac</a>
Website: <a href="https://whdc.ac/">https://whdc.ac</a><o:p></o:p>

🔒 Our Pledge: WHDC Academic is built on principles of trust, transparency, and accountability. We protect your data as seriously as we protect our mission to create a sustainable balance between human habitation and the environment.

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