Updated: May 28, 2024
Privacy Policy
Effective Date: May 28, 2024
The “Mongol Ecology Center” (MEC) and its “Youth Sustainable Development Corps” (YSC) program are committed to protecting the privacy of all users, especially Mongolian youth aged 15–20, who are the program’s primary participants. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, and disclose information from users of our website and mobile application (collectively, the “Platform”). By using our services, you agree to the terms outlined in this Privacy Policy.
Information Collection
We follow the principle of minimal data collection and only collect the following two types of information:
Personally Identifiable Information (PII)
This includes data that can identify an individual, such as name, email address, and optionally provided phone number or school-related information. We collect PII only when voluntarily submitted through program registration, scholarship applications, event registration, or contact forms on the Platform.
This allows us to collect only the minimum information necessary for effective program administration and to provide resources and opportunities aligned with YSC’s mission of supporting young environmental leaders. We may also use PII to connect you with opportunities such as mentorship programs and internships based on your skills and interests.
Non-Personally Identifiable Information (Non-PII)
This includes data that does not identify an individual, such as device type, operating system, IP address, platform usage activity, and anonymized survey responses. This information is automatically collected to improve the Platform and user experience.
For example, we may identify areas needing improvement based on user activity or prioritize content development according to user interests. This data-driven approach enables continuous improvement of the Platform’s functionality and design.
Usage Data
The Platform automatically collects anonymized information about your usage patterns, including pages viewed, features used, time spent, session duration, and device information (operating system and browser type). This information helps us understand how users interact with the Platform and identify areas for improvement.
User-Generated Content
You may upload content such as comments, photos, and videos to the Platform. Please note that such content may contain your own or others’ PII. It is important to obtain permission before sharing another person’s identifiable information.
How We Use Information to Create a Valuable YSC Experience
The information we collect is used for purposes directly beneficial to your YSC experience:
Platform Functionality
We use data to maintain and improve the Platform’s functionality to ensure a smooth and efficient user experience.
Registration Management
Your PII helps verify registrations and efficiently manage user accounts.
Delivering Important Information
We use your email address to send important notices, such as updates to platform terms, policies, and this Privacy Policy.
Providing Support
Usage data helps improve user support and enables us to respond more effectively to inquiries.
YSC Program Participation
We aim to personalize your YSC experience by delivering program information, event updates, and opportunities relevant to your interests. Anonymized usage data may also be used to generate recommendations.
Data-Driven Improvements
By analyzing anonymized usage data, we can identify user behaviors and trends to better tailor the Platform’s features and functionality for Mongolian youth users.
Legal Compliance
We comply with all Mongolian laws and regulations related to data privacy.
Use of Information
The information collected may be used for the following purposes:
Program Administration
To effectively deliver information about events, training, scholarships, and related content. It is also used to process applications and registrations and to monitor participation in YSC activities.
This enables effective program implementation and helps provide resources aligned with your interests and learning goals in support of YSC’s mission to foster environmentally responsible citizenship among Mongolian youth.
Improving the Platform
We personalize the user experience by recommending relevant content, programs, and resources based on your interests and activity. Non-PII also helps improve the Platform’s functionality, design, and user experience.
For example, heatmaps may be used to identify highly active areas of the Platform and prioritize content development based on usage patterns.
Legal Compliance
We ensure compliance with all legal and regulatory requirements related to data protection and program reporting. We are committed to transparency and accountability in our data collection practices.
Your Responsibility in Protecting Your Information
In addition to the security measures we implement, you also play an important role in protecting your information. Please follow these recommendations:
Choose a Strong Password
Your password is the primary protection for your account. Choose a strong password with at least 12 characters, combining uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. Avoid easily guessed information such as birthdays or names.
Be Careful When Sharing Information Online
The YSC Platform is a great place to connect with youth interested in sustainable development, but avoid posting sensitive information such as your home address, phone number, or financial details.
Beware of Phishing Attacks
Phishing involves fake emails or messages intended to steal personal information. Be cautious of emails that appear to come from MEC but ask you to click suspicious links or provide your password. If in doubt, contact MEC directly without opening links or attachments.
Data Security
We use industry-standard security measures to protect your PII. These include secure servers, encryption technologies, and access controls. We place special emphasis on protecting the information of young users and take all reasonable measures to safeguard your data.
However, no method of internet transmission or electronic storage is completely secure. We regularly conduct security assessments and update our security protocols.
Security Measures: Protecting Your Information
Secure Data Storage
We use secure servers with strong encryption technologies to protect sensitive information such as passwords.
Advanced Access Controls
Only authorized personnel and trusted service providers with legitimate needs may access your information.
Regular Security Assessments and Penetration Testing
We conduct regular security assessments, ethical hacking penetration tests, and vulnerability scans to identify system weaknesses and reduce the risk of unauthorized access.
However, it is important to understand that no internet or electronic storage system is completely immune to attacks. In the event of a security breach, we are committed to notifying you promptly.
Your Choices
We provide you with control over your privacy. Through your account settings, you may access, update, or delete your PII. You may also opt out of receiving marketing communications.
Access and Update
You may update your PII at any time by contacting:
[email protected]
Deletion
You may request deletion of your PII by contacting:
[email protected]
However, certain information may need to be retained to comply with legal or reporting obligations.
Disclosure of Protected Information
We may share necessary information with trusted third-party service providers who assist in operating the Platform (for example, data storage or communication services). These organizations are contractually required to follow privacy standards equivalent to ours.
We may also disclose information when legally required to:
Data Retention
We retain your information only for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined in this Policy. Information will be deleted once accounts become inactive or the purpose of collection is no longer relevant.
However, certain information may be retained for legal obligations, dispute resolution, or enforcement of agreements.
Children’s Privacy
Protecting children’s privacy is a top priority for MEC and YSC. This Platform is not intended for children under the age of 15.
We do not knowingly collect PII from children under 15 and comply with applicable laws, including Mongolia’s Law on Personal Data Protection. If you believe your child has provided us with PII, please contact us at:
Changes to This Privacy Policy
This Privacy Policy may be updated periodically due to changes in our operations, technological developments, or legal requirements. Significant changes will be communicated through the Platform or via contact information provided by users.
Contact Information
If you have questions or suggestions regarding this Privacy Policy, please contact us:
Email: [email protected]
Phone: +(976) 7010-0826
Address:
Mongol Ecology Center
Dalai Tower, Office 602
UNESCO Street-31
1st Khoroo, Sukhbaatar District
Ulaanbaatar-14220, Mongolia