AlgaeHub Platform
The AlgaeHub website (https://algaehub.org/) is operated by Via Pontica Foundation, a non-profit organization established under Bulgarian law.
Via Pontica Foundation is committed to protecting your personal data and respecting your privacy in accordance with Regulation (EU) 2016/679 (General Data Protection Regulation – GDPR) and applicable national legislation.
1. Data Controller
Data Controller:
Via Pontica Foundation
Registered seat: Burgas, Republic of Bulgaria
Email: office@viapontica.org
Website: https://viapontica.org
For any questions related to personal data protection, you may contact us using the details above.
2. Scope of This Privacy Policy
This Privacy Policy applies to all users of the AlgaeHub platform, including visitors, registered users, event participants, contributors, and partners.
It explains:
- what personal data we collect;
- how and why we process it;
- how long we retain it;
- what rights you have under GDPR.
3. Personal Data We Collect
Depending on your interaction with the platform, we may collect the following categories of personal data:
3.1 Data you provide voluntarily
- Name and surname
- Email address
- Organization / affiliation
- Country
- Professional role or area of interest
- Information submitted via contact forms, registration forms, or event participation forms
3.2 Automatically collected data
- IP address
- Browser type and version
- Device information
- Pages visited and interaction data
- Date and time of access
This data is collected through cookies and similar technologies (see Section 9).
4. Purposes and Legal Basis for Processing
We process personal data only when there is a lawful basis under GDPR, including:
| Purpose | Legal Basis |
| User registration and account management | Consent (Art. 6(1)(a)) |
| Communication and responding to inquiries | Legitimate interest (Art. 6(1)(f)) |
| Event registration and participation | Contractual necessity (Art. 6(1)(b)) |
| Dissemination of project-related information | Legitimate interest |
| Platform security and performance | Legitimate interest |
| Compliance with legal obligations | Legal obligation (Art. 6(1)(c)) |
5. Data Sharing and Third Parties
Via Pontica Foundation does not sell or trade personal data.
Personal data may be shared only with:
- technical service providers (hosting, IT support);
- project partners, strictly for project-related purposes;
- public authorities, when required by law.
All third parties are bound by confidentiality and data protection obligations.
6. International Data Transfers
If personal data is transferred outside the European Union, Via Pontica Foundation ensures that:
- appropriate safeguards are in place;
- data is transferred only to countries with adequate data protection levels or under GDPR-compliant contractual clauses.
7. Data Retention
Personal data is stored:
- only for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined above;
- in accordance with legal, contractual, and funding requirements.
After this period, data is securely deleted or anonymized.
8. Data Subject Rights
Under GDPR, you have the following rights:
- Right to access your personal data
- Right to rectification
- Right to erasure (“right to be forgotten”)
- Right to restriction of processing
- Right to data portability
- Right to object to processing
- Right to withdraw consent at any time
To exercise your rights, please contact us at: office@viapontica.org
You also have the right to lodge a complaint with the Commission for Personal Data Protection (CPDP), Bulgaria, or your local supervisory authority.
9. Cookies Policy
AlgaeHub uses cookies to:
- ensure proper website functionality;
- analyze traffic and improve user experience.
Cookies may be:
- essential (required for platform operation);
- analytical (used to understand user behavior).
You may manage or disable cookies via your browser settings. Please note that disabling cookies may affect website functionality.
10. Data Security
Via Pontica Foundation applies appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect personal data, including:
- secure hosting environments;
- access control;
- data minimization;
- regular system monitoring.
Despite these measures, no online system can be guaranteed to be 100% secure.
11. Children’s Data
The AlgaeHub platform is not intended for children under the age of 16. We do not knowingly collect personal data from minors.
12. Changes to This Privacy Policy
Via Pontica Foundation reserves the right to update this Privacy Policy when necessary.
Any changes will be published on this page with an updated revision date.
13. Contact
If you have any questions regarding this Privacy Policy or the processing of your personal data, please contact:
Via Pontica Foundation
Email: office@viapontica.org
Website: https://viapontica.org