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Privacy Policy

The STO Foundation (“Foundation,” “we,” “our,” or “us”) is committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard personal information when you visit sto.foundation or use any related services, tools, or resources (collectively, the “Site”).

By accessing or using the Site, you consent to the practices described in this Policy.

1. Information We Collect

We may collect the following categories of information:

a. Information You Provide Directly

Examples include:

  • Name
  • Email address
  • Organization or employer
  • Job title or professional role
  • Membership application information
  • Vendor accreditation application data
  • Event registration information
  • Messages, inquiries, or feedback
  • Uploaded documents or forms

b. Information Collected Automatically

When you use the Site, we may automatically collect:

  • Device & Technical Data
  • IP address
  • Browser type and version
  • Device type and operating system
  • Language and region settings
  • Usage Data
  • Pages viewed
  • Time spent on the Site
  • Referral URLs
  • Clickstream data
  • Interactions with forms, tools, or downloads
  • Cookies & Tracking Technologies
    • Used for:
      • Site functionality
      • Preferences
      • Analytics
      • Performance tracking

 

See our Cookie Policy for more details.

c. Information from Third Parties

We may receive information from:

  • Event platforms (e.g., webinar tools)
  • Analytics providers
  • Social media platforms (if you interact with our pages)
  • Vendors or partners you engage with through our directory
  • Public sources and databases

2. How We Use Your Information

We use personal information for the following purposes:

  • To Operate and Improve the Site
  • Maintain functionality
  • Enhance user experience
  • Analyze performance and usage patterns
  • To Provide Services and Support
  • Respond to inquiries
  • Process membership or accreditation applications
  • Deliver resources, tools, or educational materials
  • Facilitate event registrations
  • For Communications
  • Send updates, newsletters, or event invitations
  • Provide information related to STO Foundation programs
  • Respond to customer service inquiries

 

You may opt out of promotional communications at any time.

  • For Research and Analytics
  • Improve content and engagement
  • Understand user needs
  • Support industry research
  • For Legal and Compliance Purposes
  • Meet obligations under applicable laws
  • Prevent fraud or abuse
  • Protect the rights and safety of the Foundation and users
 

3. How We Share Information

The Foundation does not sell personal information.

We may share information with:

a. Service Providers

Trusted companies that assist with:

  • Website hosting
  • Analytics
  • Email communications
  • Event management
  • Form processing
  • Security and fraud prevention
 

b. Vendors & Partners (With Consent)

If you request introductions or engage with our directory, we may share information as needed

c. Legal & Regulatory Authorities

  • We may disclose information if required by law or to:
  • Comply with legal processes
  • Respond to regulatory requests
  • Protect against fraud, security risks, or harm
 

d. Organizational Transfers

If the Foundation undergoes reorganization or merges with another entity, personal information may be transferred as part of that process.

4. Your Privacy Choices

a. Email Preferences

You may unsubscribe from promotional emails using the “unsubscribe” link or by contacting us.

b. Cookie Controls

Manage cookies using browser settings or the Site’s cookie banner.

c. Access, Correction, or Deletion Requests

Depending on your jurisdiction, you may have the right to:

  • Access personal information
  • Request corrections
  • Request deletion
  • Request a copy of your information
  • Object to certain uses
  • Restrict processing
 

To exercise rights, contact us at privacy@sto.foundation.

We will respond within a reasonable time.

5. Data Security

We implement administrative, technical, and physical safeguards designed to protect personal information from:

  • Loss
  • Unauthorized access
  • Misuse
  • Disclosure
  • Alteration
 

However, no method of transmission or storage is completely secure.

Use the Site at your own risk.

6. Data Retention

We retain personal information only as long as necessary to:

  • Provide requested services
  • Fulfill contractual or legal obligations
  • Resolve disputes
  • Support business operations
 

When information is no longer needed, we securely delete or anonymize it.

7. International Data Transfers

If you access the Site from outside the United States, your information may be transferred to and processed in the U.S. or other countries with different privacy laws.

We take steps to protect information during such transfers.

8. Third-Party Links

The Site may contain links to third-party sites or services.
We are not responsible for the privacy practices or content of these external sites.
We encourage you to review their privacy policies.

9. Children’s Privacy

The Site is not intended for use by individuals under 18 years of age.
We do not knowingly collect personal information from minors.
If we discover such data, we will take steps to delete it promptly.

10. Updates to This Privacy Policy

We may revise this Policy periodically.
When changes occur, we will update the “Last Updated” date.
Material changes may be communicated through notices on the Site.
Continued use of the Site after updates indicates acceptance of the revised Policy.

11. Contact Us

For questions or privacy-related requests, contact:
STO Foundation — Privacy Team
📧 privacy@sto.foundation