Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

Association Fulbright & Friends ("we," "us," or "our") is committed to protecting the privacy and security of your personal information. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you use the ConnectUS Alumni Platform (the "Platform").

By using the Platform, you consent to the data practices described in this Privacy Policy. If you do not agree with this Privacy Policy, please do not access or use the Platform.

2. Information We Collect

2.1. Information You Provide to Us

We collect information that you voluntarily provide when creating and maintaining your profile, including:

• Personal identification information (name, email address, phone number)
• Professional information (current employer, job title, industry, specializations)
• Educational background and exchange program information (program name, year of participation)
• Professional biography and profile photo
• Any other information you choose to include in your profile

2.2. Information Automatically Collected

When you access the Platform, we may automatically collect certain technical information, including:

• Log data (IP address, browser type, operating system, date and time of access)
• Device information (device type, unique device identifiers)
• Usage data (pages visited, features used, search queries, time spent on Platform)
• Cookies and similar tracking technologies (see Section 7 for details)

3. How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect for the following purposes:

• To provide and maintain the Platform's core functionality, including user authentication, profile management, and search features.
• To facilitate networking and connections among alumni of U.S. Government exchange programs.
• To communicate with you about your account, Platform updates, events, and other relevant information.
• To improve and optimize the Platform's performance, user experience, and features.
• To monitor and analyze usage patterns and trends.
• To detect, prevent, and address technical issues, security threats, and fraudulent activity.
• To comply with legal obligations and enforce our Terms and Conditions.
• To organize and promote alumni events, professional development programs, and networking opportunities.

4. How We Share Your Information

4.1. With Other Platform Users

Your profile information is visible to other registered and authenticated users of the Platform. This is the primary purpose of the Platform – to facilitate connections among alumni. You control what information you include in your profile.

4.2. With Service Providers

We may share your information with third-party service providers who perform services on our behalf, such as:

• Technical infrastructure and hosting providers (Forga/United Focal Points LLC)
• Email communication services
• Analytics providers

These service providers are contractually obligated to protect your information and use it only for the purposes for which it was disclosed.

4.3. With Program Partners

We may share aggregated, non-personally identifiable information with the U.S. Embassy in Belgrade and other program partners for reporting and evaluation purposes. We will not share individual user data without explicit consent unless required by law.

4.4. For Legal Reasons

We may disclose your information if required to do so by law or in response to valid requests by public authorities, or to:

• Comply with legal obligations
• Protect and defend our rights or property
• Prevent or investigate possible wrongdoing
• Protect the personal safety of users or the public

4.5. We Do Not Sell Your Information

We do not sell, rent, or trade your personal information to third parties for marketing purposes.

5. Data Security

We implement appropriate technical and organizational security measures to protect your personal information. Security measures include:

• Secure user authentication and password protection
• Encrypted data transmission (SSL/TLS)
• Regular security assessments and updates
• Access controls limiting who can view and modify data
• Secure hosting infrastructure

No method of transmission over the Internet is 100% secure. You are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of your account credentials. Please notify us immediately if you suspect any unauthorized access.

6. Data Retention

We retain your personal information for as long as your account is active or as needed to provide the Platform's services. If you request deletion of your account, we will delete or anonymize your personal information within 30 days, except where required by law. We may retain aggregated, anonymized data indefinitely for analytical purposes.

7. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

We use cookies and similar tracking technologies. Types of cookies we use:

• Essential cookies: Necessary for the Platform to function properly
• Functional cookies: Enable enhanced functionality and personalization
• Analytics cookies: Help us understand how users interact with the Platform

8. Your Data Protection Rights

Under applicable data protection laws, including GDPR where applicable, you have the following rights:

• Right to Access: Request copies of your personal information.
• Right to Rectification: Request correction of inaccurate information.
• Right to Erasure: Request deletion of your personal information.
• Right to Restrict Processing: Request restriction of processing under certain circumstances.
• Right to Data Portability: Request transfer of your data in a structured format.
• Right to Object: Object to our processing of your personal information.
• Right to Withdraw Consent: Withdraw consent at any time where processing is based on consent.

9. International Data Transfers

Your information may be transferred to and maintained on servers located outside of Serbia, including in the United States or other countries where our service providers operate. We ensure appropriate safeguards are in place in accordance with applicable data protection laws.

10. Children's Privacy

The Platform is not intended for use by individuals under the age of 18. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If you believe we have collected information from a child, please contact us immediately.

11. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of any material changes by posting the updated Policy on the Platform and updating the Effective Date. Your continued use of the Platform after any changes indicates your acceptance of the updated Privacy Policy.

12. Contact Us

If you have any questions or requests regarding this Privacy Policy, please contact us at: