The Academy of
Systems Thinking

Privacy Policy

Effective date: February 15, 2026

The Academy of Systems Thinking (AST) (“AST,” “we,” “our,” or “us”) is committed to protecting your privacy and handling personal information responsibly. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, store, and protect information obtained through our website, programs, and communications.

1. Information We Collect

We may collect the following types of information:

• Personal information you provide voluntarily, such as name, email address, institutional affiliation, professional role, and contact details when you subscribe to newsletters, apply for membership or affiliation, register for events, make donations, or communicate with us.
• Payment information for donations or paid programs, processed securely through third-party payment processors. AST does not store full credit card details.
• Technical and usage data, such as IP address, browser type, device information, pages visited, and referring URLs, collected through standard analytics and cookies.

2. How We Use Information

AST uses collected information to:

• Administer memberships, affiliations, programs, and events
• Communicate about research, publications, events, and organizational updates
• Process donations and payments
• Improve website functionality and user experience
• Maintain internal records and comply with legal obligations

We do not sell, rent, or trade personal information.

3. Cookies and Analytics

Our website may use cookies and similar technologies to understand site usage and improve performance. You may disable cookies through your browser settings, though some features may not function properly.

4. Sharing of Information

We may share information only in the following circumstances:

• With trusted service providers (e.g., website hosting, email distribution, payment processing) who are contractually obligated to protect your data
• When required by law, regulation, or legal process
• To protect the rights, safety, or integrity of AST or others

5. Data Security

AST employs reasonable administrative, technical, and organizational safeguards to protect personal information. While no system can guarantee absolute security, we take data protection seriously and regularly review our practices.

6. Data Retention

We retain personal information only as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined in this policy, comply with legal requirements, or maintain organizational records.

7. Your Rights and Choices

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

• Access or update your personal information
• Request correction or deletion of your data
• Opt out of non-essential communications at any time

Requests can be made by contacting us at the address below.

8. Third-Party Links

Our website may contain links to external sites. AST is not responsible for the privacy practices or content of third-party websites.

9. Children’s Privacy

AST does not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If such information is discovered, it will be deleted promptly.

10. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy periodically. Updates will be posted on this page with a revised effective date.

11. Contact Information

For questions or concerns regarding this Privacy Policy or your data, please contact:

Academy of Systems Thinking (AST)
Email: hub@academyofsystemsthinking.org
Website: https://academyofsystemsthinking.org