Rivers Network

Bridging River's advocates

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Privacy Policy

Last updated: October 2025

1. Introduction

Welcome to Rivers Network (“we”, “our”, “us”). We are committed to protecting your privacy and handling your personal data transparently and securely. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, and protect information when you visit https://www.riversnetwork.org, including our interactive map tools, environmental data visualizations, and embedded media, in accordance with the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and related European legislation.

2. Who We Are

Rivers Network is a non-commercial initiative providing open access to river-basin and wetland information for public, academic, and educational purposes.

3. Data We Collect

a. Information you provide directly

  • Your name, email address, and message when you contact us.

b. Information automatically collected

  • IP address (anonymised where possible)
  • Browser type, version, and device information
  • Pages visited, referring URL, and time spent
  • Date and time of your visit

c. Cookies and similar technologies

We use only essential cookies needed to display maps, language preferences, and security features. We do not use cookies for advertising or profiling. You can control or delete cookies in your browser settings.

4. Purpose and Legal Basis for Processing

Purpose Legal Basis
Operating and displaying the website and maps Legitimate interest
Responding to user enquiries Consent / Legitimate interest
Ensuring security and technical stability Legitimate interest
Complying with legal obligations Legal obligation

We never use personal data for marketing or behavioural advertising.

5. Data Security

All communications use HTTPS (SSL/TLS) encryption. Our servers are hosted in secure EU data centres or other jurisdictions recognised by the European Commission as providing adequate protection. Technical and organisational measures prevent unauthorised access or alteration of data.

6. Data Retention

  • Emails and contact-form messages are stored only while necessary to respond.
  • No persistent tracking or personal analytics data are retained.

7. Sharing of Data

We do not sell or rent personal information. We may share limited data only with:

  • Trusted hosting, security, or email service providers (under GDPR-compliant contracts)
  • Public authorities when required by law

8. Your Rights (under GDPR)

You have the right to: access, rectify, erase, restrict, object, or port your personal data, and to withdraw consent.

9. International Transfers

If any service provider processes data outside the EEA, it is protected using EU Standard Contractual Clauses (SCCs) or equivalent safeguards.

10. Cookies and Third-Party Services

Our website integrates several open-source and media services to display maps and videos. These may collect limited technical data (IP address, browser details) necessary to deliver content.

a. Map and visualization services

  • CesiumJS (3D mapping)
  • LeafletJS (2D mapping)
  • OpenStreetMap, OpenTopoMap, or ESRI imagery layers
  • JSDelivr, GitHub, and Google Fonts for library delivery

b. YouTube videos

Some pages embed videos hosted on YouTube (a service of Google Ireland Limited). When you view an embedded video, YouTube may set cookies and collect usage data such as IP address, device type, and watch history. We use YouTube’s “privacy-enhanced mode” where possible so that data are not transferred until you start the video.

For more information, see:
Google Privacy Policy
YouTube Terms of Service

c. User choice

You can block or delete cookies from these services in your browser settings. If you disable them, some media or maps may not display correctly.

11. External Links

Our site may link to external organisations, river authorities, or research projects. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of external sites. Please review their own privacy statements.

12. Updates to This Policy

We may revise this Privacy Policy periodically to reflect legal or technical changes. The latest version will always be available here.

13. Contact

Rivers Network
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Website: https://www.riversnetwork.org

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