Privacy Policy

1. Information We Collect

We collect information necessary to operate the Platform, create user accounts, maintain security, and improve overall user experience.

A. Information You Provide Directly

When you register for an account or interact with the Platform, you may provide:

• Name : Used to identify your account and personalize your experience.
• Email Address : Used as your login credential and for essential communication. If affiliated with a university or institution, your institutional email may be used to validate affiliation.
• Profile Information : Optional information you choose to include in your public profile (such as biography or affiliation).

B. Automatically Collected Information

We may automatically collect certain technical information when you access the Platform, including:

• IP Address : Used for security, fraud prevention, and understanding general geographic usage patterns.
• Device and Browser Information : Helps optimize performance across devices and platforms.
• Usage Data : Information about how users interact with the Platform, used to understand user demographics, improve features, and enhance overall experience.

2. Authentication and Session Management

Research Shock uses secure JWT token-based authentication to manage user sessions. We do not use cookies for authentication or tracking purposes. Authentication tokens are used solely to verify identity and maintain secure access to your account.

3. How We Use Your Information

We use collected information for legitimate operational and business purposes, including:

• Providing, operating, and maintaining the Platform.
• Managing user accounts and authentication.
• Improving functionality, usability, and performance.
• Understanding general user demographics and engagement trends.
• Communicating important service updates and account-related notices.
• Preventing fraud, abuse, or unauthorized access.

4. Information Sharing and Disclosure

Research Shock does not sell, rent, or trade personal information to third parties.

We may disclose information only if required to do so by law, in response to valid legal process, or when necessary to protect the rights, safety, and integrity of the Platform and its users.

5. Data Retention

We retain personal information only for as long as necessary to:

• Maintain and manage user accounts.
• Provide platform functionality.
• Comply with legal obligations.
• Resolve disputes and enforce agreements.

6. Data Security

We implement advanced technical and organizational safeguards to protect user information, including:

• Encryption of sensitive data.
• Secure authentication mechanisms.
• Access controls and authorization checks.
• Ongoing monitoring and security improvements.

Protecting user data is a core priority of Research Shock.

7. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices or legal requirements. Updates will be indicated by revising the Effective Date above. Continued use of the Platform after changes take effect constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.