Privacy Policy for CosmoSearch

Last Updated: 25/06/2025

Welcome to CosmoSearch ("we", "our", or "us"). We are committed to protecting your privacy while providing a powerful tool to search astronomical data archives using natural language processing. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you use our service.

1. Information We Collect

1.1 Personal Information

When you register for an account or use our service, we may collect:

• Name and contact information (email address)
• Institutional affiliation (optional)
• Account credentials
• Billing information (for paid services)

1.2 Usage Data

We automatically collect information about your interactions with our service:

• Search queries and natural language inputs
• Astronomical data accessed or downloaded
• IP address and browser type
• Usage patterns and preferences
• Error reports and performance data

1.3 Cookies and Tracking Technologies

We use cookies and similar technologies to:

• Authenticate users and maintain sessions
• Remember preferences and settings
• Analyze service usage and improve performance

2. How We Use Your Information

We use the collected information to:

• Provide and maintain our service
• Improve search accuracy and natural language processing
• Develop new features and functionality
• Monitor service usage and performance
• Respond to inquiries and provide support
• Comply with legal obligations

3. Data Sharing and Disclosure

We may share information in the following circumstances:

• Service Providers: With third parties who perform services on our behalf (hosting, analytics, payment processing)
• Research Collaboration: Aggregated and anonymized search patterns may be shared with research partners to improve astronomical data discovery
• Legal Compliance: When required by law or to protect our rights
• Business Transfers: In connection with a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets

4. Data Security

We implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect your information, including:

• Encryption of sensitive data
• Regular security assessments
• Access controls and authentication protocols
• Secure data storage practices

5. Data Retention

We retain personal information only as long as necessary to:

• Provide services you have requested
• Comply with legal obligations
• Resolve disputes and enforce agreements
• Improve our service functionality

Astronomical search queries may be retained indefinitely in anonymized form for research purposes.

6. Your Rights and Choices

Depending on your jurisdiction, you may have the right to:

• Access, correct, or delete your personal information
• Object to or restrict certain processing
• Receive your data in a portable format
• Withdraw consent (where applicable)
• Opt-out of marketing communications

7. International Data Transfers

As an astronomical research tool, our service may process data globally. We implement appropriate safeguards for international data transfers when required.

8. Children's Privacy

Our service is not directed to children under 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13.

9. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy periodically. Please make sure to check this page regularly