About AD Scientific Index
Privacy and Cookies Policy
Discover more about our mission, vision and the values that guide AD Scientific Index.
Privacy and Cookies Policy
PRIVACY & COOKIES POLICY
AD Scientific Index Ltd
Effective Date: 28 February 2026
1. Introduction
AD Scientific Index Ltd (“we”, “our”, “us”) is a UK-registered academic analytics and ranking platform.
We are committed to protecting your personal data and ensuring transparency in how information is collected, processed, published, and protected.
This Privacy & Cookies Policy explains how we handle personal data when you access or use:
This Policy applies globally, including users in the United Kingdom, European Union, United States, and other jurisdictions.
By using our website or services, you acknowledge that you have read and understood this Policy.
2. Data Controller
The data controller responsible for your personal data is:
AD Scientific Index Ltd
Registered in England and Wales
Registered Office: Unit 501 Leroy House, 434–436 Essex Road, London, England, N1 3QP
Email: [email protected]
Privacy inquiries: [email protected]
3. Categories of Personal Data We Process
We may process the following categories of personal data:
A. Identity & Profile Data
Full name
Academic title
Institutional affiliation
Country
Public academic identifiers
B. Contact Data
Email address
Phone number (if provided)
C. Academic & Professional Data
Publication metrics
Citation indicators
Research areas
Google Scholar-derived data
Institutional ranking positions
D. Technical & Usage Data
IP address
Device information
Browser type
Log files
Session data
Cookie identifiers
E. Account & Transaction Data
Account credentials
Membership status
Billing reference numbers
Payment confirmation details
Important:
Payment card data is processed securely by third-party payment processors such as Stripe Payments Europe Ltd or Stripe, Inc. We do not store full payment card details on our servers.
4. Sources of Data
We collect data:
Directly from you (account registration, premium purchase, profile submission)
From publicly available academic sources (e.g., Google Scholar)
Automatically through cookies and analytics tools
From institutions or authorized representatives
5. Academic Ranking & Publication Model
AD Scientific Index operates as a global academic performance ranking platform.
Certain academic profile data — including citation metrics, publication indicators, institutional affiliations, and ranking positions — may be publicly displayed as part of our ranking methodology.
Much of this information is derived from publicly available academic sources.
Our legal basis for publishing ranking data includes:
Legitimate interest in promoting academic transparency
Public interest in research visibility
Contractual necessity (where premium services apply)
If you believe information is inaccurate or wish to request profile removal, please contact:
Requests are reviewed in accordance with applicable law.
6. Legal Basis for Processing (UK & EU)
Under UK GDPR and EU GDPR, we rely on:
Consent (e.g., cookies, optional submissions)
Contractual necessity (premium services)
Legitimate interests (ranking publication, fraud prevention, platform improvement)
Legal obligations
Where consent is required, it may be withdrawn at any time.
7. US Privacy Rights (Including California Residents)
If you are a resident of the United States, including California, you may have rights under applicable state privacy laws (e.g., CCPA/CPRA), including:
Right to know what personal data is collected
Right to request deletion
Right to request correction
Right to opt out of certain data sharing
Right to non-discrimination
We do not sell personal data.
To exercise U.S. privacy rights, contact:
[email protected]
8. Cookies & Tracking Technologies
We use cookies for:
Essential Cookies
Required for core functionality and security.
Analytics Cookies
To analyze traffic and improve performance (e.g., Google Analytics).
Functionality Cookies
To remember user preferences.
Advertising & Embedded Content Cookies
For limited promotional services and embedded media.
Where required by UK/EU law, non-essential cookies are activated only after explicit consent through our cookie banner.
You may manage cookies via browser settings or site tools.
9. Third-Party Service Providers
We use carefully selected third-party providers including:
Stripe (payment processing)
Hosting infrastructure providers
Analytics services
Email service providers
Each provider processes data under contractual data protection obligations.
10. International Data Transfers
As a global academic platform, personal data may be transferred outside the UK or EEA.
Where required, we apply appropriate safeguards including:
UK International Data Transfer Agreements (IDTA)
EU Standard Contractual Clauses (SCCs)
Equivalent lawful transfer mechanisms
11. Data Retention
We retain personal data only as long as necessary to:
Maintain academic rankings
Provide services
Fulfill contractual obligations
Comply with legal requirements
Resolve disputes
Published ranking data may remain visible unless lawful removal is required.
12. Profile Deletion
You may request deletion of your profile or account by contacting:
Verified requests are processed within five (5) business days unless legal retention obligations apply.
13. Data Security
We implement appropriate technical and organizational safeguards, including:
Encryption
Secure hosting
Role-based access controls
Monitoring and anomaly detection
Fraud prevention systems
No system is completely immune from risk, but we take reasonable steps to protect data.
14. Children’s Privacy
Our services are not directed to individuals under the age of 16.
We do not knowingly collect personal data from minors.
15. Your Privacy Rights
Depending on your location, you may have rights to:
Access personal data
Correct inaccurate data
Request deletion
Restrict processing
Object to processing
Request portability
Withdraw consent
File a complaint with a supervisory authority
UK users may contact the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO).
16. Payment Processing Transparency
Payments for premium services are processed securely through third-party payment processors (including Stripe).
Payment processors may collect:
Payment card data
Billing information
Transaction metadata
Such processing is governed by the payment provider’s own privacy policy and regulatory obligations.
17. Updates to This Policy
We may update this Policy to reflect changes in legal requirements or platform operations.
Updated versions will be published with a revised effective date.
18. Contact Information
For privacy-related inquiries:
AD Scientific Index Ltd
United Kingdom
Email: [email protected]
Privacy inquiries: [email protected]
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