Privacy and Data Protection Policy

Last updated: December 2025

PeptideChemistry.org (“the website”) is an independent scientific resource focusing on peptide chemistry, synthesis, analytical techniques, and related educational content. We are committed to handling personal data responsibly and transparently for visitors from all regions.

This Privacy Policy explains what information we collect, how we use it, and what rights you may have under applicable privacy laws worldwide.

1. Who We Are

PeptideChemistry.org is operated by a private individual based in Belgium in a personal and non-commercial capacity. The data controller for this website can be contacted at [email protected]. The website does not currently provide services, paid products, or user accounts. Certain features may evolve in the future.

2. Information We Collect

We collect only the minimum information needed to operate and improve the website.

2.1. Information collected automatically

When you visit the site, standard technical information may be processed, such as:

  • IP address (anonymized for analytics)
  • Browser and device type
  • Operating system
  • Pages visited and time spent
  • Referring website or search terms
  • General geographic region (non-precise)

This information does not identify you personally. Additionally, our security provider Cloudflare processes IP addresses and security-related technical data to protect the website from malicious activity and ensure performance.

2.2. Cookies and similar technologies

Cookies may be used for:

  • Essential website functions
  • Security and performance (Cloudflare)
  • Analytics (Google Analytics 4), only after consent

Optional cookies are disabled by default and load only with your permission through our cookie banner (Complianz).

Full details are available in our Cookie Policy, which updates automatically.

2.3. Information you provide

If you contact us directly, we receive the personal information you choose to include, such as:

  • Your name (if provided)
  • Your email address
  • Your message

This information is used solely to respond to your inquiry.

3. How We Use Your Information

We process personal data for the following purposes:

3.1. Website operation and security

  • Ensuring availability and functionality
  • Protecting the site from malicious activity
  • Monitoring performance through hosting and CDN systems (Bluehost, Cloudflare)

3.2. Analytics and usage insights

We use aggregated analytics to understand how visitors interact with our content and to improve scientific articles and features. Analytics (Google Analytics 4) are only activated after you provide consent.

3.3. Communication

If you contact us, we use the provided information solely to respond.

3.4 We do not:

  • profile users
  • use data for advertising
  • sell or share personal information
  • conduct automated decision-making

Google Analytics loads only after explicit user consent through our cookie banner.

4. Legal Basis for Processing (GDPR & UK GDPR)

We rely on:

  • Consent: For analytics and any non-essential cookies.
  • Legitimate Interests: To operate a secure and functional website, prevent abuse, and ensure content performance.
  • Contract: When responding to direct inquiries.

We do not collect sensitive personal data. We do not use your data for advertising, remarketing, behavioural tracking, or profiling. We do not use automated decision-making.

5. International Data Transfers

We rely on consent for analytics and on legitimate interests for website security, performance, and functionality. These legal bases ensure that only essential data is processed without consent, while all analytics and non-essential cookies require explicit user permission.

  • Provider compliance with GDPR and equivalent frameworks
  • Industry-standard security controls

6. Data Sharing

Google and Cloudflare may transfer technical data to the United States under GDPR Standard Contractual Clauses (SCCs).

7. Data Retention

We retain data only as long as necessary for the purposes described:

  • Analytics data: retained according to your GA4 settings (2–14 months)
  • Contact emails: retained only while needed to respond
  • Security logs: typically 7–30 days, depending on provider policies

We do not sell or share personal information as defined under the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA/CPRA).

8. Children’s Privacy

This website is intended for a general scientific audience. Under privacy laws, minors under the age of 16 cannot provide valid consent for optional cookies. We do not knowingly collect or process personal data from individuals under 16. Security logs processed by our hosting provider and CDN (Cloudflare) are retained for short operational periods, typically 7–30 days.

9. Your Rights

Depending on your location, you may have rights to access, correct, delete, or restrict the processing of your personal data, and to withdraw consent at any time. To exercise these rights, contact [email protected]

10. External Links

PeptideChemistry.org contains links to external scientific resources, journals, and tools. We are not responsible for the privacy practices or content of external websites.

11. Security

We use HTTPS encryption, Cloudflare security filtering, server-level protections, and standard technical safeguards to protect the website.

12. Updates to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy as the website evolves. The most recent version will always appear on this page.

13. Contact

If you have questions or wish to exercise your rights: [email protected]. Country of operation: Belgium.