Privacy Policy

1. Data Controller

Erasmus Search Platform operates the finderasmus.eu service. For privacy-related inquiries, contact us at privacy@finderasmus.eu.

2. Information We Collect

We may collect the following categories of information:

• Account information: name, email address, password (stored in hashed form), user role (participant or organizer), and profile details you choose to provide.
• Profile and application data: bio, languages, interests, uploaded profile photos, Youthpass documents, portfolio content, and project application responses.
• Location data: country or region you enter in your profile or project preferences (not precise GPS unless you explicitly provide it).
• Usage and analytics data: pages visited, features used, device type, browser type, IP address (anonymized where possible), and referral sources.
• Communications: messages you send through contact forms or support channels.
• Cookies and similar technologies: session identifiers and preference data stored in cookies or local storage. See Section 7.

3. How We Use Your Information

We use collected data to:

• Provide, maintain, and improve the platform;
• Create and manage user accounts;
• Match participants with Erasmus+ projects and enable organizer workflows;
• Send service-related notifications and respond to inquiries;
• Analyze usage trends and improve user experience;
• Detect, prevent, and address fraud, abuse, or security issues;
• Comply with legal obligations.

4. How We Store Your Data

Account and profile data are stored locally in your browser (localStorage) for this demo/static deployment, and/or on secure servers when connected to a production backend. We apply appropriate technical and organizational measures including access controls, encryption in transit (HTTPS), and regular security reviews.

We retain personal data only for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes described in this policy, unless a longer retention period is required by law.

5. How We Share Your Data

We do not sell your personal information. We may share data only in the following circumstances:

• With your consent: e.g., when you apply to a project or publish a public portfolio.
• With service providers: hosting, analytics, or email delivery partners bound by data processing agreements.
• With project organizers: application data you submit for specific Erasmus+ opportunities.
• Legal requirements: when required by law, court order, or to protect our rights and users’ safety.

6. Legal Basis for Processing (GDPR)

If you are in the European Economic Area (EEA), UK, or Switzerland, we process personal data based on:

• Performance of a contract (providing the service you requested);
• Legitimate interests (security, analytics, service improvement);
• Consent (cookies, marketing where applicable);
• Legal obligations.

7. Cookies and Analytics

We use cookies and local storage to remember your login session, preferences, and cookie consent choice. Analytics tools may collect aggregated usage statistics only after you click Accept All in our cookie modal. You can change your choice at any time via Cookie Settings in the site footer.

8. Your Rights (GDPR & Similar Laws)

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

• Access the personal data we hold about you;
• Rectify inaccurate or incomplete data;
• Request erasure (“right to be forgotten”);
• Restrict or object to certain processing;
• Data portability;
• Withdraw consent at any time;
• Lodge a complaint with your local data protection authority.

To exercise these rights, email privacy@finderasmus.eu.

9. California Privacy Rights (CCPA/CPRA)

California residents have the right to know what personal information we collect, request deletion, and opt out of the sale or sharing of personal information. We do not sell personal information. To submit a request, contact privacy@finderasmus.eu. We will verify and respond within the timeframes required by law.

10. International Data Transfers

If data is transferred outside your country, we ensure appropriate safeguards such as Standard Contractual Clauses or equivalent mechanisms approved under applicable law.

11. Children’s Privacy

Our service is intended for users aged 13 and older in connection with Erasmus+ youth programmes. We do not knowingly collect data from children under 13 without parental consent. Contact us if you believe we have collected such data.

12. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Material changes will be posted on this page with an updated “Last updated” date. Continued use of the platform after changes constitutes acceptance.

13. Contact Us

Questions about this Privacy Policy or our data practices:

Email: privacy@finderasmus.eu
IP / infringement reports: legal@finderasmus.eu