Explorer Data Policy

Your data integrity is fundamental to our **Lumen Network**. It is **UOOLS**'s policy to uphold your privacy regarding any information we may collect from you across our research platform. We are committed to protecting the **Explorer Data** you share with us.

1. Explorer Data We Collect

We collect information in the following ways:

• Personal Data You Provide: This includes information you provide when you register for an account, such as your name, email address, and professional affiliation. When you submit a **Signal**, we also collect the manuscript and any associated metadata you provide.
• Usage Data: We may automatically collect information about your access, such as your IP address, browser type, pages viewed, and the time and date of your visit. This data helps us understand how our Explorers use our platform so we can improve the **Lumen Network**.

2. How We Utilize Explorer Data

We use the information we collect for various purposes:

• To provide, operate, and maintain our platform and services.
• To manage your account and your **Signal** transmissions.
• To facilitate the **Curator Review** process, which may involve sharing your submission with qualified **Curators**.
• To communicate with you, including responding to your inquiries and sending important notices about your **Signals** or account status.
• To improve our platform, services, and Explorer experience.

3. Data Security & Integrity

We take the security of your data seriously. We use administrative, technical, and physical security measures to help protect your **Explorer Data**. While we have taken reasonable steps to secure the personal information you provide to us, please be aware that despite our efforts, no security measures are perfect or impenetrable, and no method of data transmission can be guaranteed against any interception or other type of misuse.

4. Sharing Explorer Data

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

• Curator Review: Transmitted manuscripts may be shared with qualified Curators for evaluation purposes. Curators are bound by confidentiality agreements.
• Legal Requirements: We may disclose your information if required to do so by law or in response to valid requests by public authorities.
• Network Transfers: In the event of a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets, your information may be transferred to the acquiring entity.

5. Data Retention

We retain your personal information for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined in this **Explorer Data Policy**, unless a longer retention period is required or permitted by law. Transmitted manuscripts and related materials are retained indefinitely as part of our **Lumen Archive**.

6. Your Explorer Rights

You have certain rights regarding your personal information:

• Access: You can request access to the personal information we hold about you.
• Correction: You can request that we correct any inaccurate or incomplete information.
• Deletion: You can request that we delete your personal information, subject to certain legal obligations.
• Objection: You can object to the processing of your personal information in certain circumstances.

7. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

We use cookies and similar tracking technologies to monitor activity on our platform and store certain information. You can instruct your browser to refuse all cookies or to indicate when a cookie is being sent. However, if you do not accept cookies, you may not be able to use some portions of our platform.

8. Third-Party Links

Our platform may contain links to third-party websites. 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 access.

9. 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 you become aware that a child has provided us with personal information, please contact us, and we will take immediate steps to delete such information.

10. Changes to This Explorer Data Policy

We may update our **Explorer Data Policy** from time to time. We will notify you of any changes by posting the new policy on this page and updating the "Last Updated" date. You are advised to review this policy periodically for any changes. Changes to this policy are effective when they are posted on this page.

11. International Data Transfers

Your information may be transferred to and maintained on computers located outside of your state, province, country, or other governmental jurisdiction where data protection laws may differ. By using our services, you consent to the transfer of your information to our facilities and those third parties with whom we share it as described in this policy.

By using **UOOLS**, you acknowledge that you have read and understood this **Explorer Data Policy** and agree to its terms.