1.    Who We Are

The SEASTARS Project Consortium (“SEASTARS”, “we”, “us”, or “our”) takes the privacy of its users seriously. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, process, use, and safeguard your personal data when you visit our website, www.seastars-project.eu, and use our services, as well as the rights you have regarding your personal data. By accessing our website and using our services, you acknowledge that you have read and understood this Privacy Policy.

This Privacy Policy applies solely to our website under the domain www.seastars-project.eu. Please note that our website may contain links to third-party websites; however, we are not responsible for the data processing practices or the content of such external sites.

2. Introduction

2.1 We are committed to safeguarding the privacy of SEASTARS website visitors and service users.

2.2 This policy applies where we act as a data controller with respect to the personal data of SEASTARS website visitors and service users; in other words, where we determine the purposes and means of the processing of that personal data.

2.3 We use cookies on our website. Insofar as those cookies are not strictly necessary for the provision of the SEASTARS website and services, we will ask you to consent to our use of cookies when you first visit our website.

2.4 In this policy, “we”, “us” and “our” refer to the SEASTARS Project Consortium.

3. Credit

3.1    This document was created using a template from SEQ Legal (https://seqlegal.com/free-legal-documents/privacy-policy).

4. Principles of Data Processing

We respect your fundamental rights and prioritize the protection of your privacy. In processing your personal data, we adhere to these principles:

4.1. We process your personal data lawfully, fairly, and transparently.

4.2. We collect and process your personal data only for specified, explicit, and legitimate purposes.

4.3. We limit the collection and processing of your personal data to what is necessary for these purposes.

4.4. We take reasonable steps to ensure the accuracy and up-to-date nature of your personal data and correct or delete any inaccuracies promptly.

4.5. We retain your personal data only for as long as necessary for the purposes outlined in this Policy.

4.6. We safeguard your personal data using appropriate technical and organizational measures.

4.7. We do not process your personal data for purposes beyond those for which it was originally collected without your consent.

4.8. Providing your personal data is voluntary; however, failure to do so may limit our ability to provide you with certain services.

4.9. We do not disclose your personal data to third parties without your consent, unless required by law or permitted under contractual agreements.

4.10. We do not transfer your personal data to countries or organizations outside the European Commission’s approved list under the GDPR.

4.11. We adhere to all applicable data protection laws and statutory obligations regarding the handling of your personal data.

4.12 We may process your contact and communication data (“correspondence data”) for the purposes of communicating with you and record-keeping. The legal basis for this processing is our legitimate interests, namely the proper administration of our website and communications with users.

4.13 We may process your enquiry data (e.g., contact form submissions) for the purpose of addressing your request. The legal basis for this processing is consent.

4.14 We may process data related to subscriptions to newsletters or other updates (“notification data”) for the purpose of sending you relevant communications. The legal basis for this processing is your consent.

4.15 We may process your usage data (e.g., IP address, browser type, interaction history) to improve our website. The legal basis is our legitimate interest in website administration.

4.16 We may process personal data when necessary for legal compliance, for the establishment or defense of legal claims, or to protect your vital interests or those of another person.

5. Providing Your Personal Data to Others

5.1 We may disclose your personal data to relevant SEASTARS consortium members, professional advisers, or website service providers, only as reasonably necessary for the purposes described in this policy.

5.2 We may also disclose your data to comply with legal obligations or to protect vital interests.

6. International Transfers of Your Personal Data

6.1 Some SEASTARS partners and hosting services may operate outside the EEA. Data transfers are safeguarded by appropriate legal mechanisms, including EU-approved Standard Contractual Clauses.

6.2 Please note that any personal data you publish on the website (e.g., in comments or forms) may be available worldwide.

7. Retaining and Deleting Personal Data

7.1 Personal data will not be retained longer than necessary for the purposes described above.

7.2 For example, data related to project inquiries or mailing list subscriptions may be stored for up to 5 years after the project concludes, unless longer retention is required for legal reasons.

8. Website Users’ Rights

You have the following rights regarding your personal data:
·       The right to access
·       The right to rectification
·       The right to erasure
·       The right to restrict processing
·       The right to object to processing
·       The right to data portability
·       The right to complain to a supervisory authority
·       The right to withdraw consent

To exercise any of your rights, please contact us at: info@seastars-project.eu. We will respond to your request within one month, with the possibility of a two-month extension for complex or multiple requests.

9. Cookies

9.1 Our website uses cookies to distinguish you from other users and to improve your experience.

9.2 Cookies used:
·       Authentication (e.g., login sessions)
·       Status (logged-in status)
·       Cookie consent preferences

9.3 You may block cookies via your browser settings, but doing so may affect the functionality of our website.

10. Amendments

10.1 We may update this policy from time to time by publishing a new version on our website.

10.2 You should check this page occasionally to stay informed about any changes.

11. Contact Details

This website is operated by the SEASTARS Project Consortium.

For any questions or concerns regarding your personal data, please contact us at:
📧 info@seastars-project.eu
🌐 www.seastars-project.eu