We at National Innovation Council (“NIC”, “we”, or “our”) respect your privacy and are committed to protecting it through our compliance with this policy.

This policy outlines the types of information we may collect from you or that you may provide when you visit our website at www.joinnic.org (the “Site”), and our practices for collecting, using, maintaining, protecting, and disclosing that information in connection with the services and benefits we offer (the “Services”).

This policy applies to information collected:

• On the Site

• In email, text, and other electronic messages between you and the Site

• Through mobile or web applications that include links to this policy

• When you interact with our advertising or applications on third-party sites

This policy does not apply to information collected:

• Offline or through any other means not listed above

• By any third party, including through any applications or content that may link to or be accessible from our Site

By using the Site, you agree to the terms outlined in this Privacy Policy. If you do not agree with our policies, your choice is not to use our Site or Services.

Lawful Basis for Processing
By accessing our Site and Services, you consent to our processing of your personal information under lawful bases, including:

• Performing operations necessary to provide our services

• Meeting legal or regulatory obligations

• Improving, securing, and personalizing your experience

• Notifying you of opportunities relevant to your career and education

• Fulfilling any contract you enter into with us

• Processing your consented preferences and communications

Children Under the Age of 16
The Site is not intended for individuals under the age of 16. We do not knowingly collect information from children under 16 without verified parental consent. If you believe we have mistakenly collected such information, contact us immediately at contact@joinnic.org.

Information We Collect
We may collect several types of information, including:

• Personally identifiable information (name, email, phone, university, etc.)

• Information that does not personally identify you (browsing behavior, device type, etc.)

• Data collected automatically through cookies, IP logs, and other tracking technologies

How We Collect Information
We collect data through:

• Direct entries via forms and account creation

• Automatic tracking during site visits

• Information shared with us by affiliates or university partners

Information You Provide
This includes:

• Account registrations and form submissions

• Emails and correspondence

• Survey responses

• Transactions and payment information

• Public or posted content shared via the Site

User Contributions (e.g., public posts or shared work) are shared at your own risk. We cannot guarantee full security or limit the behavior of other users once content is shared.

Automatic Data Collection Technologies
We use cookies and web beacons to:

• Improve site speed and personalization

• Track user behavior and patterns

• Help identify returning visitors

• Deliver targeted content and advertisements

Third-Party Use of Tracking
We may work with advertisers or analytics providers who use cookies or similar technologies. We do not control their practices and encourage you to review their privacy policies. You can opt out of targeted ads via the Network Advertising Initiative or adjust your browser settings.

How We Use Your Information
Your data is used to:

• Operate and improve the Site and Services

• Deliver the services or credentials you request

• Communicate about programs or account changes

• Personalize user experience and recommendations

• Fulfill legal or contractual obligations

• Promote NIC programs (with your consent)

• Conduct research, reporting, and internal evaluation

Disclosure of Information
We may disclose personal information:

• To affiliates, staff, or contractors under NDA

• In the event of a business restructure or acquisition

• To comply with law, court orders, or legal process

• To prevent fraud, protect rights, or enforce terms

• With your consent or at your direction

Your Choices and Rights
You may:

• Disable cookies via your browser settings

• Opt out of promotional communications at any time

• Request to view, modify, or delete your information by contacting contact@joinnic.org

Residents of specific states may have additional rights. Please see Your State Privacy Rights below.

FERPA Compliance
NIC may receive Directory Information from educational institutions and complies with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). We use this information only to offer relevant services and destroy all Directory Information within 90 days of program deadlines. All vendors and partners are required to follow strict confidentiality and data destruction protocols.

State Privacy Rights
State-specific laws may offer additional protections (e.g., California, Nevada, Colorado). For more info, visit the US State Privacy Tracker at https://iapp.org/resources/article/us-state-privacy-legislation-tracker.
California residents may review their rights under CCPA or request data access at contact@joinnic.org.

Changes to This Policy
We reserve the right to modify this Privacy Policy. When we do, we will:

• Update the effective date

• Post a notice on the homepage

• Notify registered users via email if the changes are material

Contact
For questions, corrections, or requests related to this policy, contact:
contact@joinnic.org