Privacy Policy

1. Data Controller

In accordance with Regulation (EU) 2016/679 (“GDPR”), this Privacy Policy explains how personal data are collected and processed through the website:

Automatic Recognition Networks (ARN)

available at:

https://automaticrecognitionnetworks.info

The Data Controller is:

CIMEA – Information Centre on Academic Mobility and Equivalence

Viale XXI Aprile 36
00162 Rome, Italy

Email: info@cimea.it
Website: https://www.cimea.it

2. Scope of this Policy

This Privacy Policy applies to all visitors and users of the Automatic Recognition Networks website and any related services, including access to project information, publications, events, contact forms, newsletters, and networking activities promoted through the platform.

3. Personal Data Collected

3.1 Navigation Data

During normal operation, the website automatically collects technical information, including:

  • IP address;

  • browser type and version;

  • operating system;

  • device information;

  • date and time of access;

  • pages visited;

  • referring URLs;

  • technical logs required for website security and maintenance.

These data are processed in aggregate form and are not used to identify users unless required for security purposes.

3.2 Data Provided Voluntarily by Users

Users may voluntarily provide personal data when:

  • submitting contact requests;

  • registering for events, webinars, workshops, or meetings;

  • subscribing to newsletters or project communications;

  • participating in surveys, consultations, or networking activities.

The data collected may include:

  • first name and surname;

  • email address;

  • institution or organization;

  • professional role or position;

  • country of residence or affiliation;

  • information included in communications or registration forms.

4. Purposes of Processing

Personal data are processed for the following purposes:

a) Website Administration

To ensure the proper functioning, security, maintenance, and improvement of the website.

b) Communication Management

To respond to inquiries, requests for information, and communications submitted by users.

c) Event and Activity Management

To organize and manage conferences, webinars, workshops, meetings, training activities, and networking initiatives promoted through the platform.

d) Project Dissemination and Stakeholder Engagement

To facilitate communication with stakeholders, experts, higher education institutions, ENIC-NARIC centres, public authorities, and other organizations involved in recognition-related activities.

e) Newsletter and Information Services

Where consent has been provided, to send newsletters, updates, invitations, and information regarding ARN initiatives and related projects.

f) Legal and Administrative Compliance

To comply with applicable legal obligations, reporting requirements, auditing procedures, and obligations arising from European Union-funded projects.

g) Statistical Analysis

To analyze website traffic and user engagement through analytical tools.

5. Legal Basis for Processing

Personal data are processed on the basis of:

  • consent of the data subject, where required;

  • performance of pre-contractual measures requested by the user;

  • legitimate interests pursued by the Data Controller in promoting and managing recognition-related activities and projects;

  • compliance with legal obligations;

  • fulfillment of obligations arising from EU-funded projects and cooperation activities.

6. Google Analytics

The website uses Google Analytics to collect aggregated statistical information concerning website usage.

The information collected may include:

  • pages visited;

  • time spent on the website;

  • visitor interactions;

  • approximate geographic location;

  • browser and device information.

Google Analytics cookies are activated only following the user’s consent, where required by applicable law.

Further information is available at:

https://policies.google.com/privacy

7. Cookies and Consent Management

The website uses technical cookies necessary for its operation and, subject to consent, analytical and third-party cookies.

Cookie preferences are managed through Cookiebot, which enables users to:

  • accept or reject cookie categories;

  • review cookie information;

  • modify consent preferences at any time.

Detailed information is available in the dedicated Cookie Policy and Cookie Declaration available on the website.

8. Newsletter Communications

Where users subscribe to newsletters or mailing lists, personal data will be processed for the purpose of sending information regarding:

  • project developments;

  • publications and reports;

  • events and webinars;

  • networking opportunities;

  • initiatives related to automatic recognition and higher education policy.

Users may unsubscribe at any time by using the unsubscribe link included in communications or by contacting the Data Controller.

9. Data Processing Methods

Personal data are processed using electronic and organizational measures designed to ensure:

  • confidentiality;

  • integrity;

  • availability;

  • protection against unauthorized access;

  • protection against accidental loss, alteration, or disclosure.

Access to personal data is limited to authorized personnel and service providers acting under appropriate contractual safeguards.

10. Data Retention

Personal data will be retained only for as long as necessary to achieve the purposes described in this Privacy Policy.

Where processing is related to European Union-funded projects, data may be retained for the periods required by:

  • European Commission regulations;

  • Erasmus+ Programme rules;

  • auditing and reporting obligations;

  • applicable national and European legislation.

Newsletter subscription data will be retained until consent is withdrawn.

11. Data Recipients

Personal data may be shared with:

  • authorized personnel of the Data Controller;

  • website hosting and IT service providers;

  • project partners and consortium members;

  • European institutions and funding authorities where required;

  • professional advisers and auditors;

  • public authorities where mandated by law.

Personal data will not be sold or disclosed to third parties for commercial purposes.

12. International Transfers of Personal Data

Where personal data are transferred outside the European Economic Area (EEA), such transfers will occur only in accordance with Chapter V of the GDPR and subject to appropriate safeguards, including Standard Contractual Clauses approved by the European Commission.

13. Rights of Data Subjects

Data subjects have the right to:

  • obtain access to their personal data;

  • request rectification of inaccurate data;

  • request erasure of personal data;

  • request restriction of processing;

  • object to processing;

  • receive their data in a portable format;

  • withdraw consent at any time where processing is based on consent.

Requests may be submitted to:

info@cimea.it

14. Right to Lodge a Complaint

If a data subject believes that the processing of personal data infringes applicable data protection laws, they have the right to lodge a complaint with the competent supervisory authority.

For Italy, the competent authority is:

Garante per la Protezione dei Dati Personali
https://www.garanteprivacy.it

15. Changes to this Privacy Policy

The Data Controller reserves the right to amend or update this Privacy Policy at any time to reflect changes in legal requirements, website functionality, project activities, or organizational arrangements.

Any updates will be published on this page and will become effective upon publication.