Privacy Policy

A legal disclaimer

The information provided on this page is intended for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. While the content offers an overview of key considerations for developing a privacy policy, it may not reflect the specific legal requirements applicable to your organization or jurisdiction.

Atlantian Cybernetics Development Cluster Inc. makes no representations or warranties as to the completeness, accuracy, or suitability of this information for any particular purpose. You should not rely solely on this material when creating or interpreting your own privacy policy. We strongly recommend consulting with a qualified legal professional to ensure that your policies comply with all relevant privacy and data protection laws applicable to your operations.

Privacy Policy

Effective Date: April 20 2025
Last Updated: Oct 12, 2025
Organization: Atlantian Cybernetics Development Cluster Inc. (“AC | DC,” “we,” “our,” or “us”)
Website: www.ac-dc.ca

1. Overview

At AC | DC, we respect and protect the privacy of every individual who visits our website or interacts with our services. We handle personal information in compliance with Canada’s Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA), relevant provincial laws, the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA/CPRA), and the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). This policy explains what information we collect, how we use it, and the choices you have.

2. Information We Collect

We collect personal information only as necessary to support our operations, research, and communications. Information may include:

Personal identifiers: Name, email address, phone number, organization, and professional title.
Technical data: IP address, browser type, device information, and referring URLs (via analytics tools such as Google Analytics).
Usage data: Pages visited, time on site, downloads, and interactions with forms.
Optional data: Information you voluntarily submit through contact forms, newsletter sign-ups, or event registrations.

We do not knowingly collect information from children under 16 years of age.

3. How We Use Your Information

We use personal information to:

Respond to inquiries and requests.
Communicate about AC | DC projects, partnerships, and opportunities.
Improve our website functionality and user experience.
Support research and innovation activities and report to funding partners.
Comply with applicable laws and regulatory obligations.

We do not sell or share personal information with third parties for monetary or commercial gain. California and other U.S. residents may contact us to exercise privacy rights under applicable laws.

4. Legal Basis for Processing (EU and International Visitors)

For individuals in the EU, UK, and other jurisdictions where GDPR applies, we process personal information under the following legal bases:

Consent: You have given clear permission for a specific purpose (e.g., newsletter sign-up).
Contract: Processing is necessary to perform a contract or take steps before entering into one.
Legal obligation: Processing is required by law or regulation.
Legitimate interests: Processing is necessary for our legitimate business purposes and does not override your rights.

5. Cookies and Analytics

Our website uses cookies and similar technologies to improve performance and analyze traffic. You can adjust browser settings to decline or delete cookies, but some features may not work as intended.

Analytics data is collected through third-party providers (such as Google Analytics) that may store information outside of Canada. Data is aggregated and anonymized whenever possible.

6. International Data Transfers

Some data may be processed or stored in countries other than where it was collected. By using our website or providing information, you consent to the transfer of data to jurisdictions where privacy laws may differ from those in your region. We take reasonable steps to ensure that data transferred outside Canada receives equivalent protection.

7. Sharing and Disclosure

We may share information with:

Service providers who support website hosting, analytics, or communications (under confidentiality agreements).
Research and funding partners to meet reporting or compliance requirements (usually aggregated or de-identified data).
Legal authorities if required by law or to protect our rights and the safety of others.

We require all third parties to maintain appropriate security and privacy standards.

8. Data Security

We implement technical, administrative, and physical measures to protect personal information against unauthorized access, use, loss, or disclosure. Only authorized staff and contractors with a legitimate need have access to personal data. All systems are secured through encryption, access controls, and periodic audits.

9. Data Retention

We retain personal information only for as long as necessary to fulfil the purposes for which it was collected or as required by law. When data is no longer needed, it is securely deleted or anonymized.

10. Your Rights and Choices

Depending on your location, you may have the right to:

Access and obtain a copy of your personal information.
Request corrections or updates.
Withdraw consent for specific processing activities.
Request deletion of your data, where legally permitted.
Opt out of marketing communications.
Lodge a complaint with your local data protection authority.

To exercise these rights, contact us using the details below. We will respond within 30 days or as required by law.

11. Links to Other Websites

Our website may contain links to third-party sites. We are not responsible for the content or privacy practices of external websites. We encourage you to review their privacy policies before providing any information.

12. Contact Information

Privacy Officer
Atlantian Cybernetics Development Cluster Inc.
Fredericton, New Brunswick, Canada
Email: privacy@ac-dc.ca
If you have questions or concerns about this policy or your personal information, please contact our Privacy Officer.

13. Updates to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy periodically to reflect changes in our practices or legal requirements. Updates will be posted on this page with a new effective date. Continued use of our website after changes are posted constitutes your acknowledgment and acceptance of the updated policy.

Compliance Summary

This policy meets the core requirements of:

Canada: PIPEDA and provincial acts (BC PIPA, AB PIPA, QC Law 25)
United States: CCPA/CPRA (California), Colorado Privacy Act, Virginia CDPA, Connecticut DPA, Utah UCPA
International: GDPR (EU/UK)