Privacy Policy for BanglaChain Foundation Website

BanglaChain Foundation ("we," "us," or "our") is a non-governmental, non-profit organization committed to leveraging emerging technologies for digital sovereignty, environmental resilience, social justice, and inclusive innovation in Bangladesh. We operate the website at www.banglachain.com (the "Website"). This Privacy Policy outlines how we collect, use, disclose, and protect your personal information in compliance with applicable laws in Bangladesh, including the Personal Data Protection Ordinance, 2025 (PDPO), the Digital Security Act, 2018, and other relevant regulations. By accessing or using the Website, you consent to the practices described herein. If you do not agree, please refrain from using the Website.

We are dedicated to safeguarding your privacy and ensuring transparent data handling. All activities are conducted ethically and in full adherence to Bangladeshi legal requirements, with no involvement in unregulated financial or technological services.

1. Information We Collect

1.1 Personal Information

We may collect the following personal information when you interact with our Website:

• Contact Information: Name, email address, phone number, and mailing address when you contact us, subscribe to newsletters, or participate in our programs.
• Volunteer and Participation Data: Information provided when applying for volunteer positions, attending events, or participating in our initiatives, including skills, experience, availability, and motivation.
• Communication Records: Content of emails, messages, or other communications you send to us.
• Survey and Feedback Data: Responses to surveys, feedback forms, or research studies conducted by us.

1.2 Non-Personal Information

We automatically collect certain non-personal information when you visit our Website:

• Technical Data: IP address, browser type and version, operating system, device information, and referring website.
• Usage Data: Pages visited, time spent on the Website, click patterns, and other interaction data.
• Cookies and Tracking Technologies: Small data files stored on your device to enhance user experience and analyze Website performance.

2. How We Use Your Information

We use the collected information for the following purposes:

• Program Operations: To manage volunteer applications, coordinate events, and facilitate participation in our initiatives.
• Communication: To respond to inquiries, send updates about our programs, and provide information about opportunities relevant to your interests.
• Website Improvement: To analyze usage patterns, improve Website functionality, and enhance user experience.
• Research and Development: To conduct research on digital literacy, blockchain adoption, and social impact for academic and policy purposes.
• Legal Compliance: To comply with applicable laws, regulations, and legal processes.
• Security: To protect the Website, our organization, and users from fraud, abuse, or other harmful activities.

3. Information Sharing and Disclosure

We do not sell, trade, or rent your personal information to third parties. We may share your information only in the following circumstances:

• With Your Consent: When you explicitly agree to share your information for specific purposes.
• Service Providers: With trusted third-party service providers who assist us in operating the Website, conducting our activities, or serving our users, provided they agree to keep this information confidential.
• Legal Requirements: When required by law, court order, or government regulation, or to protect our rights, property, or safety, or that of others.
• Academic and Research Partners: Anonymized or aggregated data may be shared with academic institutions or research organizations for studies related to our mission, ensuring no individual identification is possible.

4. Data Security

We implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect your personal information against unauthorized access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction. These measures include encryption, secure servers, access controls, and regular security assessments. However, no method of transmission over the internet or electronic storage is 100% secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.

5. Data Retention

We retain your personal information only for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined in this Privacy Policy, comply with legal obligations, resolve disputes, and enforce our agreements. When personal information is no longer needed, we will securely delete or anonymize it.

6. Your Rights

Under applicable Bangladeshi laws, you have the following rights regarding your personal information:

• Access: Request access to the personal information we hold about you.
• Correction: Request correction of inaccurate or incomplete personal information.
• Deletion: Request deletion of your personal information, subject to legal and operational requirements.
• Objection: Object to the processing of your personal information for certain purposes.
• Portability: Request transfer of your personal information to another organization, where technically feasible.

To exercise these rights, please contact us using the information provided in Section 9. We will respond to your request within the timeframe required by applicable law.

7. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

Our Website uses cookies and similar tracking technologies to enhance your browsing experience and analyze Website usage. Cookies are small text files stored on your device that help us remember your preferences and understand how you interact with our Website.

Types of Cookies We Use:

• Essential Cookies: Necessary for the Website to function properly.
• Performance Cookies: Help us understand how visitors use our Website by collecting anonymous information.
• Functional Cookies: Remember your preferences and provide enhanced features.

You can control cookies through your browser settings. However, disabling certain cookies may affect the functionality of our Website.

8. Third-Party Links

Our Website may contain links to third-party websites or services. We are not responsible for the privacy practices or content of these external sites. We encourage you to review the privacy policies of any third-party websites you visit.

9. Contact Information

If you have any questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or our data practices, please contact us:

10. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices, legal requirements, or other factors. When we make significant changes, we will notify you by posting the updated policy on our Website and updating the "Last Updated" date. Your continued use of the Website after such changes constitutes your acceptance of the updated Privacy Policy.

11. Governing Law

This Privacy Policy is governed by the laws of Bangladesh. Any disputes arising from this policy will be subject to the jurisdiction of the courts of Bangladesh.