Privacy Policy

Last updated: May 11, 2025

1. Introduction

The Midwest Alliance for Applied Genomic Epidemiology (MAAGE) is committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you use our platform.

2. Information We Collect

2.1 Personal Information

We may collect personal information that you voluntarily provide when creating an account or using our services, including:

• Name and contact information (email address, institutional affiliation)
• Account credentials (username and password)
• Professional information (research interests, publications)

2.2 Research Data

Our platform processes genomic and epidemiological data that you upload or generate through our tools:

• Genomic sequence data
• Metadata associated with samples
• Analysis results and visualizations

We treat all research data with the highest level of security and confidentiality.

2.3 Usage Information

We automatically collect certain information about your device and how you interact with our platform:

• IP address and browser information
• Pages visited and features used
• Time spent on the platform
• Referring websites or applications

3. How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect for the following purposes:

• Provide, maintain, and improve our platform and services
• Process and complete transactions
• Send administrative information, such as updates, security alerts, and support messages
• Respond to your comments, questions, and requests
• Monitor and analyze trends, usage, and activities in connection with our platform
• Detect, investigate, and prevent fraudulent transactions and other illegal activities
• Comply with legal obligations

4. Data Security

We implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect the security of your personal information and research data. However, please be aware that no method of transmission over the internet or electronic storage is 100% secure.

5. Data Sharing and Disclosure

We may share your information in the following situations:

• With Your Consent: We may share your information when you have given us permission to do so.
• With Collaborators: If you choose to share your research data with specific collaborators through our platform.
• With Service Providers: We may share your information with third-party vendors who provide services on our behalf.
• For Legal Reasons: We may disclose your information if required to do so by law or in response to valid requests by public authorities.

6. Your Rights

Depending on your location, you may have certain rights regarding your personal information:

• Access and receive a copy of your personal information
• Rectify inaccurate or incomplete personal information
• Request deletion of your personal information
• Restrict or object to the processing of your personal information
• Data portability

To exercise these rights, please contact us using the information provided in the "Contact Us" section.

7. Data Retention

We will retain your personal information only for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined in this Privacy Policy, unless a longer retention period is required or permitted by law.

8. Children's Privacy

Our platform is not intended for individuals under the age of 18. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children.

9. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update our Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of any changes by posting the new Privacy Policy on this page and updating the "Last updated" date.

10. Contact Us

If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy, please contact us at: