Last Updated: May 23, 2025

Aussa Research Institute ("we," "us," "our," or "the Company") operates the Ancestors of Aussa website at https://ancestorsofaussa.squarespace.com (the "Site"). This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, store, share, and protect your information when you visit or interact with the Site, including creating an account, making a purchase, submitting inquiries, or signing up for communications. By using the Site, completing a purchase, submitting information, or clicking “Accept” or “Agree” where prompted, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to this Privacy Policy. If you do not agree, please do not use the Site or submit information.

1. Information We Collect

We collect information to enhance your experience, provide services, and improve the Site. The types of information we collect include:

1.1 Personal Information

“Personal Information” refers to data that can identify you, such as:

Name, address, email address, and phone number.
Billing and shipping information, including credit or debit card details.
Account credentials (e.g., username, password).
Other information you voluntarily provide, such as when placing an order, submitting inquiries, requesting newsletters, applying for internships, or participating in surveys.

We collect Personal Information only when you voluntarily provide it, such as during account creation, purchases, or communications with us.

1.2 Non-Personal Information

We may automatically collect non-identifiable information, including:

Technical data like your IP address, browser type, operating system, access provider, and browsing behavior (e.g., pages visited, time spent on the Site).
Aggregated data about purchases or Site usage, which does not identify you individually.

1.3 Cookies and Similar Technologies

We use cookies, small data files stored on your device, to enhance your experience and analyze Site usage. Cookies help us:

Recognize returning visitors and remember preferences.
Track Site navigation and usage patterns.
Deliver personalized content or advertisements.

We may also use “clear gifs” (web beacons) to track email interactions or confirm receipt of communications. Third-party service providers (e.g., analytics or advertising partners) may also use cookies or similar technologies to measure Site activity or ad performance. You can manage cookie preferences through your browser settings, but disabling cookies may affect Site functionality. Refer to your browser’s Help documentation for guidance.

2. How We Use Your Information

We use your information for the following purposes:

To fulfill your requests, such as processing orders, handling exchanges, or responding to inquiries.
To provide and improve Site content, functionality, and user experience.
To understand user preferences and tailor services or communications.
To develop, market, and deliver products or services, including genealogical or historical research tools.
To conduct surveys, research, or evaluations.
To manage accounts, process payments, and maintain business operations.
To detect and prevent fraud, security threats, or illegal activities.
To evaluate internship applications (if applicable).
To comply with legal or regulatory requirements.

We may combine information you provide on the Site with other data we collect (e.g., offline interactions or third-party demographic data) to improve our services.

Non-Confidential Information: Any information you submit to the Site, unless explicitly requested as confidential, is not considered confidential. By submitting such information, you grant us an irrevocable, royalty-free license to use, modify, reproduce, transmit, display, or distribute it for any purpose, without compensation.

3. How We Share Your Information

We may share your information with:

Service Providers: Third parties who perform services on our behalf, such as payment processing, tax calculation, Site analytics, email delivery, or customer database management. These providers are contractually restricted from using your information for purposes other than providing these services and may operate in the United States or other countries.
Legal Compliance: Authorities or third parties if we believe disclosure is required by law, in response to legal processes (e.g., subpoenas), or to protect the safety, property, or rights of the Company, its users, or others.
Business Transfers: In the event of a merger, acquisition, reorganization, or asset sale, your information may be transferred to the acquiring entity, subject to any pre-existing privacy commitments unless you consent otherwise.
Marketing Partners: In the future, we may share information with third parties for marketing our products or services, subject to applicable laws and your preferences (e.g., opt-out options).

We do not sell your Personal Information to third parties for their direct marketing purposes without your consent, where required by law.

4. Third-Party Links

The Site may link to third-party websites, such as social media platforms or survey providers. These sites have their own privacy policies and practices, which we do not control. We are not responsible for the content, privacy, or security of third-party sites. Review their policies before providing information.

5. Children’s Privacy

The Site is a general audience website and is not directed at individuals under 18. We do not knowingly collect Personal Information from anyone under 13 (or the age of majority in your jurisdiction). If we learn we have collected such information, we will delete it promptly. If you believe we have inadvertently collected information from a child under 13, please contact us at the email below.

6. Security

We implement reasonable measures to protect your Personal Information, including:

Secure Socket Layer (SSL) encryption for order-related data transmission.
Firewall technology and password controls.
Procedural safeguards to prevent unauthorized access, use, or disclosure.

However, no system is 100% secure. We cannot guarantee absolute security, and you provide information at your own risk. We are not liable for disclosures due to errors, omissions, or unauthorized third-party actions, to the extent permitted by law.

7. Managing Your Information

Opt-Out: To stop receiving marketing emails, click the “unsubscribe” link in any email or contact us at AEGISSUMMITHOLDINGS@GMAIL.COM. Note that you may still receive transactional emails (e.g., order confirmations).
Access and Retention: We retain Personal Information (e.g., name, address, purchase history) as needed to process transactions, resolve disputes, or comply with legal obligations. Some data may be stored in backup files for financial, legal, or technical reasons.
California Residents: Under California law, you may request information about disclosures of your Personal Information to third parties for direct marketing purposes in the prior calendar year. To make such a request, contact us at the email below.
Content Removal for Minors: California residents under 18 may request removal of content they posted on the Site (if posting is enabled). Email your request to AEGISSUMMITHOLDINGS@GMAIL.COM. Note that removal may not be complete (e.g., data in backups may persist).

8. International Users

The Site is hosted in the United States and governed by U.S. and District of Columbia laws. If you access the Site from outside the United States, your information may be transferred to and processed in the United States, where privacy laws may differ. By using the Site, you consent to such transfers and processing.

9. Updates to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy at our discretion by posting the revised version on this page with an updated “Last Updated” date. For material changes, we may notify you via the Site’s homepage, email (for registered users), or account page. Your continued use of the Site, completion of a purchase, or submission of information after such changes constitutes acceptance of the revised policy. If we believe your Personal Information’s security has been compromised, we will notify you as required by law, including via email if provided.

10. Contact Information

For questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or your information, contact us at:
Email: AEGISSUMMITHOLDINGS@GMAIL.COM

Notes:

This Privacy Policy is tailored for the Aussa Research Institute, assuming the Site supports account creation, purchases (e.g., merchandise, memberships), and research-related interactions. If the Site includes specific features (e.g., genealogical data uploads, forums), additional provisions may be needed.
The policy addresses California privacy rights (e.g., Shine the Light law, minor content removal) as included in the original framework, and it aligns with the District of Columbia governing law from the provided Terms of Use.
International user provisions are included, but GDPR or other international compliance may require further customization if the Site targets users outside the U.S.
The contact email is retained from the provided framework. Ensure it is accurate and monitored.
Legal review is essential to ensure compliance with federal, state, and international privacy laws, especially if handling sensitive genealogical data or processing payments.