Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

This Privacy Policy outlines our practices regarding the collection, use, and disclosure of information through the Makerere University Model Platform ("Platform"). We are committed to protecting your privacy and ensuring you have a positive experience on our platform.

2. Information We Collect

We collect information necessary to provide, improve, and maintain our Platform:

• Account Information: When you register, we collect your username, email address, password, first name, last name, profile picture, institution, position, and country.
• Model Information: When you upload AI models, we collect metadata including model name, description, documentation, and associated files.
• Usage Data: We collect information about how you interact with our Platform, including pages visited, models accessed, and time spent.
• Technical Data: We collect IP addresses, browser type, operating system, and device information.

3. How We Use Your Information

We use collected information to:

• Create and maintain your user account
• Enable you to upload and manage AI models
• Improve and optimize the Platform
• Send administrative and promotional communications
• Comply with legal obligations
• Analyze usage patterns and trends

4. Data Security

We implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect your personal information against unauthorized access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction. While we strive to use commercially acceptable means to protect your information, no method of transmission over the Internet or electronic storage is completely secure.

5. Data Sharing and Disclosure

We do not sell, rent, or lease your personal information to third parties. We may share information:

• With service providers who assist in operating our Platform
• To comply with legal obligations or court orders
• To protect the rights, privacy, safety, or property of Makerere University

6. User Content and Model Sharing

When you upload AI models marked as "Public," the content becomes publicly available and searchable on our Platform. Private models are only visible to you and designated collaborators. Model metadata and associated documentation may be indexed and used for improving the Platform's search and recommendation features.

7. Cookies and Tracking

Our Platform uses cookies to track user preferences and improve your experience. You can control cookie settings through your browser. We use analytics to understand usage patterns, but no personally identifiable information is shared with analytics providers.

8. Data Retention

We retain your personal information for as long as your account is active. Upon account deletion, we delete your personal data within 30 days, though model metadata may be retained for statistical purposes (anonymized).

9. Your Rights

You have the right to:

• Access your personal information
• Correct inaccurate information
• Delete your account and associated data
• Download your data in a portable format
• Opt-out of promotional communications

10. Children's Privacy

Our Platform is not intended for use by individuals under 13 years of age. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If we become aware that we have collected such information, we will delete it immediately.

11. Third-Party Links

Our Platform may contain links to third-party websites and services. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of these external sites. Please review their privacy policies before sharing information.

12. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy periodically. We will notify you of material changes by posting the updated policy on our Platform and updating the "Last updated" date.

13. Contact Us

If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or our privacy practices, please contact us at the contact information provided on our Platform.