1. Purpose and scope
This Privacy Policy applies to consultations, surveys, event registrations, submissions, and other data collection activities managed by the IUGS Commission on Geoscience Education (IUGS-COGE), a scientific commission of the International Union of Geological Sciences (IUGS).
This notice applies only to online activities (website, forms, events, consultations) managed by IUGS-COGE and to information collected through these channels. It does not apply to information collected offline or via other channels.
2. Data controller
-
Data controller: IUGS-COGE
-
Contact for data protection: contact_iugscoge@iugscoge.org
-
Parent organization: International Union of Geological Sciences (IUGS)
3. What data we collect
We may collect personal data such as:
-
Name
-
Affiliation / institution
-
Country or region
-
Role in geoscience education
-
Contact details (email, phone, if provided)
-
Consultation responses, comments, submission content, or other contributions
For technical and administrative purposes, our website also uses standard log files that may record:
-
Internet protocol (IP) address
-
Browser type and Internet Service Provider (ISP)
-
Date and time stamp
-
Referring/exit pages
-
Number of clicks (if applicable)
Log file information is not linked to personal data collected through consultations or forms.
4. Purpose and legal basis for processing
IUGS-COGE processes personal data for the following purposes:
-
Managing consultation, survey, and event participation processes
-
Reviewing and refining policy-oriented documents (e.g., White Papers)
-
Communicating with participants about follow-up activities, collaboration opportunities, or related geoscience education initiatives
-
Preparing anonymized or summarized reports for internal use or public dissemination
The legal basis for processing is:
-
Performance of COGE activities as part of IUGS, and
-
The participant’s consent when providing personal data voluntarily
5. How we use your data
COGE may use your data to:
-
Link participation to relevant context (e.g., role, region, institution)
-
Acknowledge contributors in the final document or related materials, where consent is given
-
Contact you about future collaboration in geoscience education initiatives
-
Prepare consultation reports, summaries, or the final version of policy documents
No automated decisions will be made based on personal data collected through these activities.
6. Data retention
Personal data will be retained:
-
For the duration necessary to complete the consultation or activity, and
-
For a reasonable period afterward to support follow-up, collaboration, and reporting
-
Or as required by applicable legal obligations
Consultation responses that are anonymized may be retained indefinitely for documentation and transparency purposes.
7. Who may access your data
Your personal data may be accessed by:
-
Authorized members of the COGE consultation or working team
-
Relevant IUGS representatives involved in the activity
-
Technical service providers (e.g., survey platform, hosting, email services), under confidentiality and security obligations
Personal data will not be shared publicly unless you explicitly consent (e.g., for acknowledgment).
8. International transfers
IUGS-COGE operates internationally. Your data may be transferred to, or processed in, countries outside your own. COGE ensures that appropriate safeguards are applied when personal data is transferred internationally.
9. Children’s information
IUGS-COGE does not knowingly collect Personal Identifiable Information from children under the age of 13. If you believe that a child has provided such information through our website or forms, please contact us at contact_iugscoge@iugscoge.org and we will remove it from our records as soon as possible.
10. Your rights
You have the right to:
-
Request access to your personal data
-
Request correction of inaccurate data
-
Request deletion of your data, where applicable
-
Request restriction of processing or object to certain uses
-
Request data portability, where applicable
-
Withdraw consent at any time, without affecting the legality of processing before withdrawal
To exercise your rights, contact COGE at contact_iugscoge@iugscoge.org. Requests will be handled within 1 month, which may be extended to 2 months for complex cases.
11. Security
COGE applies appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect personal data against unauthorized access, loss, manipulation, or disclosure. However, transmission of data over the internet is not entirely secure, and users should be aware of this limitation.
12. Consent
By using the IUGS-COGE website, forms, or consultation activities, you consent to the collection and use of your information for the purposes described in this Privacy Notice.
13. Updates
This Privacy Notice may be updated to reflect changes in activities, legal requirements, or best practices. Updated versions will be posted on the COGE website.
This notice was last updated on: 22 June 2026.