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Privacy and Data Protection Policy

Last updated: June 2026

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 as an independent scientific and educational resource focused on peptide chemistry. The website currently does not offer paid products, subscriptions, advertising placements, or commercial services. The data controller for this website can be contacted at [email protected]. The website does not currently provide 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)

Security-related technical information may also be processed for spam prevention, fraud detection, and website security. While some technical information may be considered personal data under applicable privacy laws, it is used solely for security, operational, and analytical purposes as described in this policy. 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

Certain service providers, including Google and Cloudflare, may process technical information outside the European Economic Area (EEA), including in the United States.

Where applicable, such transfers rely on:

  • Standard Contractual Clauses (SCCs)
  • Adequacy decisions where available
  • Additional safeguards implemented by the service provider

We select providers that implement industry-standard security measures and support GDPR compliance.

6. Data Sharing

We share data only with service providers necessary to operate the website, including:

  • Bluehost (hosting services)
  • Cloudflare (security and content delivery)
  • Google Analytics 4 (analytics, only after consent)
  • Google Workspace (email communications)

We do not sell, rent, or commercially share personal information.

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 as long as reasonably necessary to respond to inquiries and maintain correspondence records
  • Security logs: typically 7–30 days, depending on provider and security requirements

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 and is not directed toward children. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children.

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]. You also have the right to lodge a complaint with the Belgian Data Protection Authority (Autorité de protection des données / Gegevensbeschermingsautoriteit) if you believe your personal data has been processed unlawfully.

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.