Last updated: January 2026
Introduction
The Society for Digital Finance (SDF) is committed to protecting your privacy and personal data. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you visit our website, become a member, or participate in our activities.
We comply with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and other applicable data protection laws.
Data Controller
The Society for Digital Finance (SDF) is the data controller for personal data collected through this website and membership activities.
Contact: privacy@sdf-finance.org
Information We Collect
Information You Provide
- Membership data: Name, email address, institutional affiliation, research interests, and professional information
- Conference registration: Contact details, dietary requirements, and presentation materials
- Newsletter subscriptions: Email address and name
- Contact inquiries: Any information you include in correspondence with us
Information Collected Automatically
- Usage data: Pages visited, time spent, and navigation patterns
- Device information: Browser type, operating system, and IP address
- Cookies: Essential cookies for website functionality (see Cookie Policy below)
How We Use Your Information
We use collected information for the following purposes:
- Processing and managing membership applications
- Organizing conferences, workshops, and events
- Sending newsletters and research updates (with consent)
- Facilitating Special Interest Group (SIG) activities
- Improving our website and services
- Responding to inquiries and providing support
- Fulfilling legal obligations
Legal Basis for Processing
We process your personal data based on:
- Consent: For newsletter subscriptions and marketing communications
- Contract: For membership services and event registration
- Legitimate interests: For improving our services and academic networking
- Legal obligation: For compliance with applicable laws
Data Sharing
We do not sell your personal data. We may share information with:
- Service providers: Website hosting, email services, and event management platforms
- Academic partners: For collaborative research activities (with consent)
- Legal authorities: When required by law
Data Retention
We retain your personal data for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined in this policy:
- Membership data: Duration of membership plus 3 years
- Conference records: 5 years for archival purposes
- Newsletter subscriptions: Until unsubscription
- Website analytics: 26 months
Your Rights
Under GDPR, you have the following rights:
- Access: Request a copy of your personal data
- Rectification: Correct inaccurate or incomplete data
- Erasure: Request deletion of your data ("right to be forgotten")
- Restriction: Limit how we process your data
- Portability: Receive your data in a machine-readable format
- Objection: Object to processing based on legitimate interests
- Withdraw consent: Withdraw consent at any time
To exercise these rights, contact privacy@sdf-finance.org.
Cookie Policy
Our website uses essential cookies necessary for basic functionality. We do not use tracking or advertising cookies.
- Session cookies: Maintain your session during visits
- Preference cookies: Remember your settings
International Transfers
Your data may be transferred to and processed in countries outside the European Economic Area (EEA). We ensure appropriate safeguards are in place, including Standard Contractual Clauses approved by the European Commission.
Security
We implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect your personal data against unauthorized access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction.
Children's Privacy
Our services are not directed at individuals under 16 years of age. We do not knowingly collect personal data from children.
Changes to This Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy periodically. We will notify you of significant changes by posting a notice on our website or via email.
Contact Us
For questions about this Privacy Policy or our data practices:
Supervisory Authority
You have the right to lodge a complaint with a supervisory authority if you believe your data protection rights have been violated.