Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

Welcome to the Privacy Policy of Govonos Institute – Institute for Tangible Governance ("we", "our", "the Institute"). As a Swiss non-profit association under articles 60 ff of the Swiss Civil Code (SCC), we attach fundamental importance to the protection of personal data entrusted to us in the context of our research, training, and international collaboration activities.

This Policy explains how we collect, use, protect, and share personal data, in accordance with:

• applicable Swiss law, particularly the Federal Data Protection Act (nFDPA);
• GDPR principles where applicable due to the cross-border nature of our activities.

Govonos Institute operates exclusively within an academic, professional, and institutional framework, outside private consumption.

2. Data Controller

No external delegate (DPO) is appointed. Any questions relating to data processing or protection may be addressed directly to the Data Controller.

3. Categories of Data Collected

We collect only data necessary for our activities:

Identification Data

• name, first name
• function, title, institution
• professional email address, phone number
• country, academic or professional role

Usage Data

• IP address
• browser type
• pages viewed, files, timestamps
• technical data and security logs

Cookies and Similar Technologies

Used to:

• ensure site functionality;
• analyze platform usage;
• improve user experience.

Non-essential cookies require consent.

4. Legal Basis for Processing

According to nFDPA and, where relevant, GDPR, processing is based on:

• your explicit consent;
• execution of an academic or institutional mandate;
• compliance with a legal obligation;
• the Institute's legitimate interests:
  • IT security,
  • scientific integrity,
  • professional relationship management.

5. Processing Purposes

We use your data exclusively to:

• manage access to programs, workshops, and Institute activities;
• ensure proper functioning of our academic work;
• verify titles, qualifications, and institutional affiliations;
• organize conferences, publications, exchanges, and partnerships;
• ensure system security and performance;
• comply with our legal and statutory obligations.

No data is used for commercial purposes. The Institute does not sell or rent any personal information.

6. Profiling and Automated Decision-Making

The Institute does not perform any automated profiling producing legal or significant effects. All data analysis in research is supervised by human competence.

7. Professional and Academic Scope

We process only data from:

• institutions, administrations, companies, and organizations;
• researchers, experts, partners, or collaborators.

No private consumer data is collected, except voluntary participation in an academic activity.

8. Retention Period

Data is retained only for the necessary duration:

• academic records: up to 5 years;
• technical logs: minimum security duration;
• contractual/administrative documents: Swiss legal duration.

Obsolete data is securely deleted or anonymized.

9. Sharing and International Transfers

We may share data with:

• authorized collaborators;
• service providers under confidentiality obligations;
• academic partners, if necessary for a project;
• Swiss or foreign authorities when required by law.

For any transfer outside Switzerland or the EEA, we apply:

• standard contractual clauses;
• or recognized measures of equivalent protection.

10. Data Security

We apply technical and organizational measures compliant with Swiss and European standards:

• encryption,
• access control,
• secure storage,
• security audit,
• regular monitoring.

No system being infallible, a residual risk remains.

11. Your Rights

According to nFDPA and, where applicable, GDPR, you have the following rights:

• access to your data;
• rectification;
• deletion;
• processing limitation;
• consent withdrawal;
• portability (if applicable);
• filing a complaint with:
  • the Federal Data Protection and Information Commissioner (FDPIC),
  • or a European data protection authority.

To exercise your rights: mail@govonos.org

12. Cookies and Analytics

The site uses:

• strictly necessary cookies,
• analytical cookies subject to consent.

You can withdraw your consent at any time in the site or browser settings.

13. Policy Modifications

This Policy may be updated according to legal, technological, or organizational developments. The current version is the one published on our site. In case of significant changes, notification will be provided.

14. Applicable Law and Jurisdiction

This Policy is governed by:

• Swiss DPA,
• Swiss Civil Code (art. 60 ff SCC).

Exclusive jurisdiction: Geneva courts, subject to mandatory provisions.