Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

The Institute for Advancement of Justice & Human Rights ("IAJ," "we," "us," or "our") is committed to protecting your privacy and handling your personal information with the utmost care and respect. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you use our website and services.

We understand that individuals seeking human rights assistance and reporting judicial violations are often in vulnerable situations. Therefore, we have implemented robust privacy protections and confidentiality measures to ensure your safety and security.

2. Information We Collect

2.1 Information You Provide Directly

We collect information that you voluntarily provide to us, including:

• Account Information: Name, email address, role, and password when you register
• Contact Information: Phone number, mailing address (when provided)
• Case Information: Details about accommodation requests, complaints, and human rights violations
• Supporting Documentation: Medical records, court documents, evidence files, and other relevant materials
• Communications: Messages sent through our contact forms, email correspondence, and case communications
• Volunteer Applications: Professional qualifications, expertise areas, and personal statements

2.2 Information Collected Automatically

When you visit our website, we may automatically collect:

• Technical Information: IP address, browser type, operating system, device information
• Usage Data: Pages visited, time spent on site, click patterns, referral sources
• Security Logs: Access attempts, login times, and security-related events

2.3 Sensitive Information

Due to the nature of our services, we may collect sensitive information including:

• Medical information related to disability accommodations
• Details of alleged human rights violations and judicial misconduct
• Information about legal proceedings and court cases
• Personal experiences of discrimination or abuse

We handle all sensitive information with the highest level of confidentiality and security.

3. How We Use Your Information

3.1 Primary Service Delivery

We use your information to:

• Process accommodation requests and provide tribunal rulings
• Conduct investigations into human rights violations
• Communicate with you about your cases and requests
• Provide expert analysis and recommendations
• Maintain secure records of your interactions with our services

3.2 Research and Advocacy

We may use anonymized and aggregated information to:

• Conduct research on patterns of judicial violations
• Develop human rights standards and best practices
• Create educational materials and training programs
• Advocate for systemic reforms and policy changes
• Publish reports on human rights compliance (with all identifying information removed)

3.3 Service Improvement

We analyze usage patterns and feedback to:

• Improve our website functionality and user experience
• Enhance our service delivery processes
• Develop new tools and resources
• Ensure the security and reliability of our systems

4. Information Sharing and Disclosure

4.1 Limited Disclosure Principles

We do not sell, trade, or rent your personal information to third parties. We may share your information only in the following limited circumstances:

4.2 With Your Consent

We may share your information when you have given explicit consent, such as:

• When you authorize us to share case information with your legal representatives
• When you consent to participate in research studies or publications
• When you request that we coordinate with other advocacy organizations

4.3 Service Providers

We may share information with trusted service providers who assist us in:

• Website hosting and technical infrastructure
• Data storage and backup services
• Email communication services
• Security monitoring and protection

All service providers are bound by strict confidentiality agreements and are prohibited from using your information for any other purpose.

4.4 Expert Volunteers

We may share case information with qualified expert volunteers for:

• Tribunal review and decision-making
• Medical or legal expert analysis
• Investigation support and research

All volunteers are subject to strict confidentiality requirements and ethical guidelines.

4.5 Legal Requirements

We may disclose information when required by law, such as:

• In response to valid legal process (subpoenas, court orders)
• To comply with applicable laws and regulations
• To protect the rights, property, or safety of the IAJ, our users, or others
• In connection with legal proceedings related to our services

4.6 Private Attorney General Coordination

When you provide consent through the "PAG Permission" option, we may share case information with qualified Private Attorney Generals who may:

• Provide additional legal analysis and support
• Pursue enforcement actions based on documented violations
• Coordinate advocacy efforts for systemic reform

5. Data Security and Protection

5.1 Security Measures

We implement comprehensive security measures to protect your information:

• Encryption: All data transmissions are encrypted using industry-standard protocols
• Secure Storage: Personal information is stored on secure servers with restricted access
• Access Controls: Strict authentication and authorization procedures for staff and volunteers
• Regular Audits: Periodic security assessments and vulnerability testing
• Incident Response: Procedures for detecting, responding to, and reporting security incidents

5.2 File Upload Security

For document uploads, we provide:

• No file size limits to accommodate large evidence files
• Support for comprehensive file formats including medical imaging and professional documents
• Secure encrypted storage with user-specific access controls
• Virus scanning and malware protection

5.3 Data Retention

We retain your information for as long as necessary to:

• Provide ongoing services and support
• Comply with legal obligations and potential litigation
• Maintain historical records for research and advocacy purposes
• Ensure accountability and transparency in our operations

You may request deletion of your personal information, subject to legal and operational requirements.

6. Your Privacy Rights and Choices

6.1 Access and Correction

You have the right to:

• Access your personal information in our systems
• Request corrections to inaccurate or incomplete information
• Update your account information and preferences
• Review the status and history of your cases

6.2 Communication Preferences

You can control how we communicate with you:

• Opt out of non-essential communications
• Choose your preferred communication methods
• Update your contact information
• Request confidential communication protocols if needed

6.3 Data Portability

Upon request, we can provide you with:

• Copies of your personal information in a portable format
• Documentation of your case history and communications
• Copies of documents you have uploaded to our systems

6.4 Account Deletion

You may request deletion of your account and associated data, though we may retain certain information as required by law or for legitimate operational purposes.

7. Special Protections for Vulnerable Users

7.1 Enhanced Confidentiality

For users reporting serious human rights violations or facing potential retaliation, we offer:

• Anonymous submission options where possible
• Enhanced security protocols for sensitive cases
• Coordination with protective services when appropriate
• Careful handling of information that could identify victims or witnesses

7.2 Safety Considerations

We recognize that some users may face safety risks. We:

• Provide guidance on secure communication practices
• Offer alternative contact methods for high-risk situations
• Coordinate with appropriate protective agencies when necessary
• Maintain strict protocols to prevent inadvertent disclosure

8. International Users and Data Transfers

Our services are available internationally, and we may transfer and process your information in the United States and other countries where we operate. We ensure that all international data transfers comply with applicable privacy laws and include appropriate safeguards.

For users in the European Union and other jurisdictions with specific privacy regulations, we provide additional protections as required by applicable law.

9. Children's Privacy

Our services are not intended for 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 information from a child under 13, we will take steps to delete such information promptly.

For users between 13 and 18, we may require parental consent for certain services and provide additional privacy protections.

10. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

We use cookies and similar technologies to:

• Maintain your login session and preferences
• Improve website functionality and user experience
• Analyze usage patterns and site performance
• Provide security features and fraud protection

You can control cookie settings through your browser preferences, though disabling certain cookies may affect website functionality.

11. Third-Party Links and Services

Our website may contain links to third-party websites or services. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of these external sites. We encourage you to review the privacy policies of any third-party sites you visit.

12. Privacy Policy Updates

We may update this Privacy Policy periodically to reflect changes in our practices, technology, or legal requirements. We will notify you of significant changes through:

• Email notifications to registered users
• Prominent notices on our website
• Updates to the "Last Updated" date at the top of this policy

Your continued use of our services after any updates constitutes acceptance of the revised Privacy Policy.

13. Contact Us About Privacy

If you have questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or our privacy practices, please contact us:

We are committed to addressing your privacy concerns promptly and thoroughly. For urgent privacy or security matters, please indicate the urgency in your communication.

14. Compliance and Accountability

The IAJ is committed to maintaining the highest standards of privacy protection and regulatory compliance. We regularly review our privacy practices and update our procedures to ensure continued protection of your personal information.

We maintain detailed records of our privacy practices and are prepared to demonstrate compliance with applicable privacy laws and regulations.