Privacy Policy

DCI ("we," "our," or "us") provides a global digital content identification and verification service. We are committed to protecting the privacy and security of all users, including researchers, universities, government agencies, museums, journalists, content creators, and the public. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, share, and protect your information.

By using DCI's services, you consent to the practices described in this policy. Please read this policy carefully to understand our data handling practices.

1. Introduction

This Privacy Policy applies to all DCI services, including our website (dci.wiki), mobile applications, APIs, and related services. We are committed to transparency about our data practices and your rights regarding your personal information.

2. Information We Collect

2.1. Information You Provide:

• Account Details: Name, email, phone number, organization, and payment information
• Uploaded Content & Metadata: Works registered, DCI identifiers, authorship details, version histories, and related intellectual property data
• Communications: Messages sent to our support team, forums, or partner institutions

2.2. Automatically Collected Information:

• Usage Data: IP address, browser type, operating system, pages visited, and timestamps
• Cookies & Tracking: Analytics tools, session cookies, and preference cookies
• Device Information: Device identifiers and geolocation (where enabled by the user)

2.3. Third-Party Sources:

• Verification data from partner registries, academic institutions, or government databases
• Publicly available content used for authentication or fraud detection

3. How We Use Your Information

We use your information for the following purposes:

• Service Delivery: To issue, manage, and verify DCI identifiers
• Authenticity Verification: Confirm ownership, authorship, and provenance of content
• User Support: Respond to inquiries and resolve disputes
• Research & Analytics: Improve our registry's accuracy and performance
• Legal Compliance: Satisfy regulatory requirements or respond to lawful requests
• Fraud Prevention: Detect and prevent unauthorized or harmful activities

4. How We Share Information

We share your information in the following circumstances:

• Public Registry: Core DCI metadata (e.g., identifier, title, author, timestamp) is publicly viewable to ensure transparency
• Trusted Partners: Academic institutions, museums, or media organizations assisting with verification
• Service Providers: Hosting, analytics, payment processing, and security vendors under strict confidentiality agreements
• Legal & Regulatory Requests: As required by applicable law or to enforce our rights
• Business Transactions: In mergers, acquisitions, or transfers, provided successors honor this Policy

5. International Data Transfers

Because DCI operates globally, your data may be processed outside your country. We use standard contractual clauses or equivalent safeguards to protect your information where required by law, ensuring that your data receives adequate protection regardless of where it is processed.

6. Data Retention

Our data retention practices vary based on the type of information:

• Metadata and identifiers may be retained indefinitely to preserve historical records and authenticity verification
• Personal account data is retained only as long as necessary for active use, compliance, or dispute resolution
• Users may request deletion of personal data (except where retention is legally or operationally required)

7. Your Rights

Depending on your jurisdiction, you may have the following rights regarding your personal information:

• Access your personal information
• Correct your personal information
• Delete your personal information
• Withdraw consent or restrict processing
• Object to data sharing
• Request data portability

To exercise these rights, contact us at [email protected]. We will respond to your request within the timeframes required by applicable law.

8. Security Measures

We implement comprehensive security measures to protect your information, including:

• Encryption of data in transit and at rest
• Access controls and multi-factor authentication
• Regular security assessments and penetration testing
• Audit logging and continuous vulnerability monitoring
• Employee training on data protection and security protocols

9. Cookies & Tracking

We use cookies and similar tracking technologies to:

• Remember preferences and login sessions
• Measure traffic and usage trends
• Support fraud detection and security
• Provide personalized content and recommendations

You can control cookies through your browser settings. However, disabling cookies may affect the functionality of our services.

10. Children's Privacy

DCI is not directed to children under 13 years of age. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If we become aware that we have collected personal information from a child under 13, we will take steps to delete such information promptly.

11. Third-Party Links

DCI may contain links to external websites and services. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of those third-party sites. We encourage you to read the privacy policies of any external sites you visit.

12. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy periodically to reflect changes in our practices, technology, or legal requirements. Significant changes will be communicated via email or platform notifications. Your continued use of our services after such changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.

13. Data Protection Officer

We have appointed a Data Protection Officer (DPO) to oversee our data protection practices and serve as your point of contact for privacy-related matters. You can reach our DPO at [email protected].