Legal Notices
Privacy Policy
Venomous Herpetology Research and Education Collective (VHREC)
Effective Date: 09/07/2025
At the Venomous Herpetology Research and Education Collective (“VHREC,” “we,” “our,” or “us”), we value your privacy and are committed to protecting your personal information. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, store, and disclose information when you interact with our website, services, programs, events, or communications.
1. Information We Collect
a. Personal Information
- Name, email, mailing address, phone number, organization.
- Payment information for donations or events (processed through secure third-party processors).
b. Non-Personal Information
- IP address, browser type, device information, pages visited, time on pages, navigation patterns.
- Collected via cookies, analytics, and tracking technologies.
c. User-Provided Media
- Images, audio, videos, and other media submitted voluntarily.
d. Third-Party Data
- Information from social media or other third-party services you connect with VHREC.
2. How We Use Your Information
- Deliver and improve services, programs, and educational resources.
- Respond to inquiries and provide support.
- Send newsletters, updates, and event communications (with consent).
- Conduct research, data analysis, and program evaluation.
- Protect VHREC, its members, staff, volunteers, and the public.
- Comply with legal obligations.
3. How We Share Your Information
- Service Providers: Trusted third-party providers (hosting, email, analytics, donations).
- Legal Compliance: Required by law, government authority, or legal process.
- Protection of Rights: To protect VHREC or others’ rights and safety.
- Volunteers & Media: With your consent for research or educational purposes.
- We do NOT sell or rent personal information.
4. Cookies and Tracking Technologies
- We use cookies, web beacons, and similar technologies to improve functionality and analyze traffic.
- Cookies may be first-party or third-party.
- You may disable cookies, but some features may not function properly.
5. Data Retention
- Personal data is retained as long as necessary for purposes outlined here.
- Research/volunteer data may be anonymized for long-term use.
6. Data Security
- Reasonable technical and organizational safeguards are in place.
- No system is completely secure; you are responsible for account security.
7. International Users
- By accessing VHREC from outside the U.S., you consent to international transfer and storage of your data.
8. Children’s Privacy
- VHREC services are not directed to children under 13.
- If personal data from a child is collected, it will be deleted promptly.
9. Your Rights
- Access, correct, or delete personal data.
- Withdraw consent for communications.
- Exercise rights under GDPR or CCPA.
- Contact: privacy@vhrec.org
10. Third-Party Links
- VHREC is not responsible for external sites’ privacy practices.
11. Changes to This Policy
- Updates will be posted with the new effective date.
- Continued use constitutes acceptance.
12. Contact
Venomous Herpetology Research and Education Collective (VHREC)
Email: privacy@vhrec.org
Website: https://vhrec.org
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Legal Notice / Terms of Use
Effective Date: 09/07/2025
By accessing or using the VHREC website or services, you agree to the following terms:
1. Intellectual Property
- All content is VHREC property or licensed, protected by copyright and trademark laws.
- No reproduction or derivative works without written permission.
2. Website Use
- Use only for lawful purposes.
- Prohibited activities: unauthorized access, interference, viruses, fraud, harassment.
3. Disclaimers
- Website and content are "as is"; no warranties of any kind.
- Participation in research or field activities is voluntary; VHREC is not responsible for injury or damage.
4. Limitation of Liability
- VHREC and affiliates are not liable for direct, indirect, incidental, or consequential damages.
5. Indemnification
- You agree to indemnify and hold VHREC harmless from claims arising from your use of the website or participation in programs.
6. Third-Party Links
- VHREC is not responsible for content or privacy practices of external websites.
7. Governing Law
- These terms are governed by the laws of Michigan, U.S.
- Disputes are resolved in Michigan courts.
8. Modifications
- VHREC may modify terms; updates posted with effective date.
- Continued use constitutes acceptance.
9. Contact Information
Venomous Herpetology Research and Education Collective (VHREC)
Email: legal@vhrec.org
Website: https://vhrec.org