1. Introduction
Project Parallax (“Project Parallax,” “we,” “our,” or “us”) respects your privacy and is committed to protecting the personal information entrusted to us. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, store, disclose, and safeguard information obtained through our website, online services, investigations, membership programs, research activities, and communications.
By using our website, you acknowledge the practices described in this Privacy Policy.
2. Information We Collect
We may collect information that you voluntarily provide, including:
Personal Information
- Name
- Email address
- Mailing address
- Telephone number
- Organization
- Occupation (optional)
- Membership information
- Donation information
Witness Information
When submitting a report, you may voluntarily provide:
- Event descriptions
- Dates and times
- Geographic location
- Weather conditions
- Photographs
- Video recordings
- Audio recordings
- Radar data
- Flight tracking information
- Documents
- Drawings
- Personal observations
Submission of this information is voluntary.
3. Automatically Collected Information
Our website may automatically collect:
- IP address
- Browser type
- Operating system
- Device information
- Pages visited
- Date and time of access
- Referring website
- Session duration
This information is primarily used for website security, analytics, and performance improvement.
4. Cookies
Our website may use cookies and similar technologies to:
- Maintain website functionality
- Remember preferences
- Improve user experience
- Measure website performance
- Protect against malicious activity
You may disable cookies through your browser settings; however, some website features may not function properly.
5. How We Use Information
We collect only information reasonably necessary to fulfill these purposes. Project Parallax may use collected information to:
- Investigate submitted reports
- Respond to inquiries
- Process memberships
- Process donations
- Publish research
- Improve website functionality
- Produce statistical analysis
- Conduct historical preservation
- Maintain organizational records
- Comply with legal obligations
6. Research and Investigative Records
Project Parallax maintains investigative records for scientific, educational, and historical purposes. Investigative records may be retained permanently due to their historical and research value.
These records may include:
- Witness statements
- Investigator notes
- Photographs
- Videos
- Audio recordings
- Environmental data
- Public records
- Supporting documentation
7. Publication of Reports
Project Parallax may publish investigative summaries, research articles, and case studies. Some witnesses may expressly authorize publication of their identity.
Before publication, we may:
- Remove personally identifiable information
- Use pseudonyms
- Generalize locations
- Redact sensitive information
8. Information Sharing
Project Parallax does not sell personal information. Any sharing is limited to information necessary for the intended purpose.
We may share information only:
- With the individual’s consent
- With authorized investigators
- With research collaborators
- To comply with legal obligations
- To protect legal rights
- During organizational audits
9. Donations
When making donations, payment information is processed by secure third-party payment providers. Project Parallax does not store complete credit card numbers or banking credentials.
10. Membership Information
Membership information is used solely for organizational administration. Membership records may include:
- Contact information
- Membership status
- Renewal history
- Volunteer activities
- Certifications
- Training records
11. Children’s Privacy
Project Parallax does not knowingly collect personal information from children under the age of 18 without verifiable parental consent. If we become aware that such information has been collected without appropriate consent, we will take reasonable steps to remove it.
12. Data Security
Project Parallax employs reasonable administrative, technical, and physical safeguards designed to protect personal information from unauthorized access, disclosure, alteration, or destruction.
These safeguards may include:
- Encryption in transit where supported
- Role-based access controls
- Multi-factor authentication for administrative systems
- Regular security updates
- Backup and disaster recovery procedures
- Audit logging
While we take reasonable measures to protect information, no method of transmission or electronic storage can be guaranteed to be completely secure.
13. Data Retention
We retain information only as long as necessary to fulfill our mission, comply with legal obligations, resolve disputes, or preserve historical and scientific records.
Unless otherwise required by law:
- Corporate records may be retained permanently.
- Investigative files may be retained permanently.
- Research data may be retained permanently.
- Financial records are retained in accordance with applicable legal and accounting requirements.
- Membership records are retained while active and for a reasonable period thereafter.
14. Your Privacy Choices
Subject to applicable law, you may request to:
- Access your personal information.
- Correct inaccurate information.
- Update your contact information.
- Withdraw consent for future communications.
- Request deletion of information where legally permissible.
Certain records may not be deleted if retention is required for legal, archival, scientific, or research purposes.
15. Third-Party Services
Our website may use third-party service providers for:
- Website hosting
- Email delivery
- Analytics
- Payment processing
- Cloud storage
- Security monitoring
These providers may collect information as necessary to perform their services under applicable privacy obligations.
16. External Websites
Our website may contain links to third-party websites. Project Parallax is not responsible for the privacy practices or content of external websites. Users should review the privacy policies of those websites independently.
17. Changes to This Policy
Project Parallax may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. The revised version will be posted on this website with an updated effective date. Continued use of the website after changes become effective constitutes acceptance of the revised policy.
18. Contact Us
Questions regarding this Privacy Policy may be directed to:
Project Parallax
Email: info@projectparallax.org
Website: https://www.projectparallax.org
19. Governing Law
This Privacy Policy shall be governed by and interpreted in accordance with the laws of the State of Maryland and applicable federal laws of the United States.
20. Notice Regarding Scientific Research
Project Parallax is a scientific and educational organization dedicated to the objective investigation of unidentified anomalous phenomena. Information voluntarily submitted for investigation may be analyzed, archived, and used in future research, educational materials, publications, and statistical studies. Whenever practical, personally identifiable information will be removed or anonymized before public release unless the individual has expressly authorized disclosure.