Privacy Policy of Policy Research Foundation

Effective Date: October 16, 2025

1. Introduction

Located in Kirtipur-5, Kathmandu, Nepal, the Policy Research Foundation (PRF) dedicates itself to advancing knowledge through research, data analysis, and policy engagement. In carrying out these activities, PRF is committed to protecting the privacy and personal information of its research participants, staff, partners, donors, and website users.

This Privacy Policy explains what personal data PRF collects, how it is used, when it is shared, and how it is protected, consistent with international norms and Nepalese law.

2. Scope

This policy applies to:

• All research projects, field surveys, and data collection activities conducted by PRF;
• Information collected through our website, online portals, and digital surveys;
• Communications with governments, donors, partners, and collaborators;
• Events, workshops, and training sessions organized by PRF;
• Research outputs including papers, reports, and datasets produced under PRF’s name;
• Collaborations and joint publications with national or international research institutions;
• Digital communication and dissemination activities via online platforms and social media.

3. The Information We Collect

a. Information You Provide Directly

• Name, title, gender, age, and contact details
• Academic or professional affiliation
• Responses to questionnaires or interviews
• Consent forms or participation records
• Financial or transactional details
• Communication preferences and feedback

b. Information Collected Automatically

• IP address, browser type, and device information
• Date/time of access, referring websites, and pages viewed
• Cookies or analytics data (can be disabled in browser settings)

c. Sensitive Personal Data

PRF may collect sensitive data (e.g., health, ethnicity, social identity) only with explicit consent and for legitimate research purposes under ethical approval.

4. Purpose of Data Collection

• Conducting research and analysis
• Communicating with participants and collaborators
• Organizing events and outreach activities
• Complying with legal and ethical obligations
• Improving website functionality

5. Legal Basis for Processing

• Informed Consent
• Legitimate Interests
• Legal Obligation
• Public Interest / Research Purposes

6. Data Sharing and Disclosure

a. Internal Use

Access is restricted to authorized PRF staff bound by confidentiality agreements.

b. Collaboration and Research Dissemination

Shared data are anonymized and protected under GDPR, OECD, and national standards.

c. Third-Party Service Providers

Trusted providers handle data securely under confidentiality contracts.

d. Legal and Regulatory Requirements

Data may be disclosed if required by law or regulation, ensuring lawful transparency.

7. International Data Transfers

• Data anonymized before transfer
• Recipients uphold equivalent safeguards
• Formal agreements ensure compliance

8. Data Retention

Personal data are retained only as long as necessary and securely deleted or anonymized afterward.

9. Data Security

• Secure servers and restricted access
• Encryption and password protection
• Regular audits and backups

10. Your Rights

• Access or correct your data
• Withdraw consent
• Request deletion
• Object to processing
• Request data sharing details

11. Children’s Privacy

PRF does not collect data from minors under 18 without verified parental consent.

12. Cookies and Analytics

PRF uses cookies and analytics tools to improve functionality; users can opt out anytime.

13. Policy Updates

This policy may be updated periodically, with changes reflected on our website.

14. Contact Us

Policy Research Foundation
Kirtipur-5, Kathmandu, Nepal
Email: info@prf.org.np