The Gulf Academic Accreditation and Authentication Agency (GAAAA) is committed to protecting your privacy and ensuring the security of your personal information. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you visit our website or use our services.
1. Information We Collect
1.1 Personal Information
We may collect personal information that you voluntarily provide to us when you:
- Apply for institutional or program accreditation
- Submit scholarship or grant applications
- Register for webinars, workshops, or events
- Contact us through our website forms
- Subscribe to newsletters or updates
- Create an account on our platform
This information may include:
- Full name and contact details (email, phone number, mailing address)
- Institutional affiliation and position
- Educational background and professional qualifications
- Documentation related to accreditation applications
- Payment and billing information
1.2 Automatically Collected Information
When you visit our website, we may automatically collect certain information about your device and browsing behavior, including:
- IP address and geographic location
- Browser type, version, and language settings
- Operating system and device information
- Referring website and search terms
- Pages visited, time spent, and navigation patterns
- Date and time stamps of visits
1.3 Cookies and Tracking Technologies
We use cookies and similar tracking technologies to enhance your experience on our website. Cookies are small data files stored on your device that help us:
- Remember your preferences and settings
- Analyze website traffic and usage patterns
- Improve website functionality and user experience
- Provide personalized content and recommendations
You can control cookie settings through your browser preferences. Note that disabling cookies may limit some website functionality.
2. How We Use Your Information
We use the information we collect for the following purposes:
2.1 Service Provision
- Processing and evaluating accreditation applications
- Managing scholarship and grant programs
- Providing consulting and training services
- Organizing and administering events, webinars, and workshops
- Responding to inquiries and providing customer support
2.2 Communication
- Sending updates about application status and accreditation decisions
- Providing information about services, events, and resources
- Distributing newsletters and educational materials
- Sending administrative notifications and policy updates
2.3 Improvement and Analytics
- Analyzing website usage to improve functionality and content
- Conducting research to enhance our services and processes
- Identifying trends in accreditation and quality assurance
- Evaluating the effectiveness of our programs and initiatives
2.4 Compliance and Security
- Complying with legal obligations and regulatory requirements
- Protecting against fraud, security breaches, and illegal activities
- Enforcing our terms and conditions
- Resolving disputes and addressing complaints
3. Information Sharing and Disclosure
We respect your privacy and do not sell, rent, or trade your personal information. We may share information in the following circumstances:
3.1 With Your Consent
We may share your information when you have provided explicit consent or direction to do so.
3.2 Service Providers
We may share information with trusted third-party service providers who assist us in:
- Website hosting and technical infrastructure
- Payment processing and financial services
- Email communications and marketing platforms
- Data analysis and business intelligence
- Event management and registration systems
These providers are contractually obligated to protect your information and use it only for specified purposes.
3.3 Accreditation Process
As part of the accreditation evaluation process, we may share relevant information with:
- Peer reviewers and evaluation teams
- Accreditation commission members
- Partner accreditation agencies (with appropriate agreements)
All parties involved in accreditation are bound by confidentiality agreements.
3.4 Legal Requirements
We may disclose information when required by law or when we believe disclosure is necessary to:
- Comply with legal processes, court orders, or government requests
- Enforce our agreements and policies
- Protect the rights, property, or safety of GAAAA, our users, or the public
- Investigate potential fraud or security incidents
3.5 Business Transfers
In the event of a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets, your information may be transferred to the acquiring entity, subject to this Privacy Policy.
4. Data Security
We implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect your personal information, including:
- Encryption of data in transit and at rest
- Secure server infrastructure and access controls
- Regular security audits and vulnerability assessments
- Employee training on data protection and confidentiality
- Incident response procedures for security breaches
While we strive to protect your information, no method of transmission or storage is completely secure. We cannot guarantee absolute security.
5. Data Retention
We retain personal information for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined in this Privacy Policy, unless a longer retention period is required by law. Retention periods vary based on:
- The nature of the information and purpose of collection
- Legal, regulatory, and accreditation requirements
- The need to resolve disputes or enforce agreements
- Legitimate business interests and historical records
When information is no longer needed, we securely delete or anonymize it.
6. Your Rights and Choices
You have the following rights regarding your personal information:
6.1 Access and Correction
You may request access to the personal information we hold about you and request corrections to inaccurate or incomplete information.
6.2 Deletion
You may request deletion of your personal information, subject to legal and contractual obligations that may require retention.
6.3 Data Portability
You may request a copy of your personal information in a structured, commonly used format.
6.4 Opt-Out
You may opt out of receiving marketing communications by:
- Clicking "unsubscribe" links in emails
- Contacting us directly to update preferences
- Adjusting account settings (if applicable)
Note that you cannot opt out of essential service-related communications.
6.5 Objection and Restriction
You may object to certain processing of your information or request restrictions on how we use your data.
To exercise these rights, please contact us using the information provided below.
7. International Data Transfers
GAAAA is based in the Kingdom of Bahrain. If you are accessing our services from outside Bahrain, your information may be transferred to and processed in Bahrain or other countries where our service providers operate. We ensure appropriate safeguards are in place to protect your information in accordance with this Privacy Policy.
8. Children's Privacy
Our services are not directed to individuals under the age of 18. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If we become aware that we have collected information from a child without parental consent, we will take steps to delete such information.
9. Third-Party Links
Our website may contain links to third-party websites and 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 sites you visit.
10. Changes to This Privacy Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy periodically to reflect changes in our practices, services, or legal requirements. We will post the updated policy on this page with a revised "Last Updated" date. Significant changes will be communicated through:
- Email notifications to registered users
- Prominent notices on our website
- Other appropriate communication channels
Continued use of our services after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated Privacy Policy.
Questions or Concerns?
If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or how we handle your information, please contact our Data Protection Officer at privacy@gaaaa.org
11. Contact Information
For privacy-related inquiries, data access requests, or to exercise your rights, please contact us:
Gulf Academic Accreditation and Authentication Agency (GAAAA)
Data Protection Officer
Building 123, Road 456
Diplomatic Area, Block 317
Manama, Kingdom of Bahrain
Email: privacy@gaaaa.org
Phone: +973 1456 7890
Website: www.gaaaa.org