Privacy Policy

Information Collection Practices

Open Drug & Disease Platform (opdp.org) is committed to protecting your privacy and ensuring transparency in how your personal information is collected, used, and safeguarded in accordance with the laws of the United States of America. We collect personal information, including but not limited to your name, email address, IP address, and browsing data, when you register, log in, or use our services. Additionally, non-personal information such as aggregate demographic data and device information may be automatically gathered through cookies and similar tracking technologies for analytical purposes. Our platform strives to limit data collection to that which is necessary for service improvement, site functionality, and enhanced user experience. We may also collect data provided voluntarily through inquiries, feedback, surveys, and contact forms on the site. Information collected is stored securely and utilized solely for the stated purposes herein or as permitted by applicable law. In the context of healthcare-related inquiries, we do not require or store sensitive medical information unless expressly submitted by you for support or research participation. By accessing and using opdp.org, you consent to the information collection practices described in this policy.

Use of Collected Information

The information gathered on opdp.org is used to provide, personalize, and improve user experience throughout the platform. We utilize your data to respond to inquiries, deliver content more directly aligned with your interests, and offer tailored recommendations for pharmaceuticals, diseases, and supplements. Additionally, collected data supports the administration and operation of our website, including troubleshooting, analytics, and performance monitoring. Information may also be used for communication about updates, changes to services, or relevant health alerts and security notifications. Where necessary, your data may assist us in enforcing our Terms of Service or preventing and addressing technical issues and misuse. We may also use aggregated, anonymized data for research, statistical analysis, and to advance the mission of open access to reliable health information. Under no circumstances will we sell or rent your personal information to third parties for commercial gain.

Disclosure and Sharing of Information

We take your privacy seriously and limit disclosure of your information to the extent necessary to fulfill operational, legal, and security responsibilities. Personal information may be shared with authorized personnel or service providers that assist in website operation, analytical processing, customer support, or security, all of whom are bound by confidentiality obligations. We may disclose your information if legally required by court order, subpoena, or law enforcement request, or to protect the rights, property, or safety of Opdp.org, its users, or the public. In the event of a business transfer, merger, or acquisition, your information may be part of the transferred assets under conditions of confidentiality. We ensure all third parties adhere to equivalent privacy standards. Your information will never be shared with advertisers or unrelated third parties without your explicit consent. Anonymized data that cannot be used to identify you personally may be shared for research or educational purposes.

Cookies and Tracking Technologies

Opdp.org employs cookies and other tracking technologies to enhance site functionality, user experience, and facilitate personalized content delivery. Cookies are small data files stored on your device that help monitor usage patterns, track session information, and recall user preferences. They allow us to understand how visitors navigate the platform for ongoing optimization and to measure the effectiveness of our informational resources. We may use both session and persistent cookies for various purposes such as remembering login status, customizing site content, and supporting security features. While most web browsers automatically accept cookies, you can modify your browser settings to refuse cookies or alert you when cookies are being sent. Please note that disabling cookies may affect certain features and functionality of the site. By continuing to use our services, you consent to the placement and retrieval of cookies as outlined in this policy.

Data Security Measures

We take rigorous measures to ensure the security and confidentiality of your personal data. Systems and practices are in place to safeguard information against unauthorized access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction. Access to personal information is strictly limited to personnel who require such information to operate, develop, or improve our services. We employ firewalls, encryption, secure socket layer (SSL) technology, and regular security audits to protect data integrity and confidentiality. Although we strive to employ the highest standards of security, no method of data transmission over the Internet or electronic storage is completely secure. We recommend you adopt secure practices, such as using strong passwords and logging out of accounts when finished, to help protect your data. In the unlikely event of a data breach, affected parties will be notified in accordance with applicable U.S. laws and regulations.

User Rights and Choices

You have the right to access, update, correct, or delete personal information held by Opdp.org, subject to certain exceptions as permitted or required by law. Users may manage communication preferences or opt out of non-essential communications at any time. Requests for data access or modification should be submitted to us at [email protected]. We endeavor to respond promptly to such requests, validating your identity before making any changes where required. Additionally, you may control certain data collection practices by adjusting browser settings or using opt-out features where available. For information stored on third-party platforms associated with website functionality, requests for deletion may also be directed to those third parties directly. If you have concerns about your data rights or our data practices, please contact us promptly.

Children’s Privacy

Opdp.org does not knowingly collect or solicit personal information from individuals under the age of 13 in compliance with the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA). If we become aware that we have inadvertently received personal information from a minor without the requisite parental or legal guardian consent, that information will be promptly deleted from our records. We encourage parents and guardians to supervise their children's online activities and to help enforce our privacy commitments by instructing minors never to provide personal information without permission. Any concerns or requests regarding the information of children under 13 should be directed immediately to [email protected] for immediate review and action.

International Data Transfers

Personal information collected by opdp.org may be processed and stored in the United States and, in rare circumstances, in jurisdictions where our service providers, technical teams, or the owner may operate, in compliance with local and international privacy regulations. We ensure that all cross-border data transfers occur with adequate data protection measures in place and in accordance with U.S. law. Users accessing our platform outside the United States should be aware that data may be transferred to, stored, and processed in countries with different data protection laws. By using our services, you consent to such transfers as described in this Privacy Policy. In all cases, we take appropriate steps to maintain the security and confidentiality of your information regardless of where it is processed or stored.

Retention and Deletion of Data

We retain personal information for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes for which it was collected, or as required by applicable law, regulation, or contractual obligations. Retention periods may vary depending on the nature of the information, user activity, and compliance requirements. When personal data is no longer needed, we securely delete or anonymize it in accordance with best practices and our internal retention policies. Where you request deletion of your data, it will be removed within a reasonable period unless retention is mandated by law or for legitimate business reasons. Aggregated, non-identifiable data may be retained for research or analytical purposes indefinitely. You may request additional information about our data retention practices or initiate deletion by contacting us at [email protected].

Third-Party Links and Services

Opdp.org may contain references to, or integrations with, third-party websites, resources, or online services provided for informational purposes only. These external platforms operate independently and are governed by their own privacy policies and terms of use. We do not control, endorse, or assume responsibility for the privacy practices or content of any third-party sites. Users are advised to review the privacy policies of external sites before disclosing any personal information or interacting with their services. Opdp.org shall not be liable for any loss or damage arising from use of or reliance on such third-party content. Our inclusion of such resources is solely for your convenience and should not be interpreted as an affiliation or endorsement.

Modifications to the Privacy Policy

Opdp.org reserves the right to amend or update this Privacy Policy at any time to reflect changes in legal requirements, technological advancements, or the evolution of our services. All modifications will be prominently posted on this page with a revised "effective date." We recommend users periodically review this policy to remain informed of any updates. Continued use of our platform following any changes indicates your acceptance of the amended terms. Significant changes affecting your rights or the manner in which we handle your data will be communicated directly to you where possible. For questions or clarifications regarding this Privacy Policy, please contact Molissa Jordan at [email protected] or by mail at: University of Glasgow, University Avenue, Glasgow, G12 8QQ, United Kingdom.