Privacy Policy
Last updated: January 2026
1. Our Commitment
The BIONG Community portal is committed to protecting the privacy and personal information of every member. This policy explains what information we collect, how it is used, and the rights you have over your data. We collect only what is necessary to operate the community platform and preserve our shared heritage.
2. Information We Collect
We collect the following categories of information:
- Account information — your name, email address, and the credentials used to sign in.
- Profile information — details you choose to add to your member profile, such as biography, profession, location and community affiliation.
- Contributions — media, writing and records you submit to the Digital Cultural Repository.
- Activity information — sign-in records, including approximate location and device, used to keep your account secure.
- Optional analytics — usage information collected only where you have given consent.
3. How We Use Your Information
Your information is used to:
- Provide access to community features such as forums, messaging, events and the repository.
- Verify your identity and protect your account against unauthorised access.
- Review and publish contributions to the cultural repository.
- Communicate important updates about the community and your account.
- Improve the platform, where you have consented to analytics.
4. Security of Your Data
We apply appropriate technical and organisational measures to safeguard your information, including encrypted passwords, role-based access controls, and continuous monitoring of account activity. Access to member data is restricted to authorised administrators acting in the interest of the community.
5. Your Rights
You have the right to:
- Access and review the personal information we hold about you.
- Download a copy of your data at any time from your account settings.
- Correct inaccurate profile information.
- Withdraw consent for optional analytics.
- Request the closure of your account.
6. Data Retention
We retain your information for as long as your account remains active and as needed to preserve community contributions. Security and activity records are retained for a limited period in line with our security policy, after which they are removed.
7. Contact
For any question about this policy or your personal information, please contact the community administration team through the portal.