Introduction and Scope
The International Board of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery (IBSES) (“IBSES,” “we,” “our,” or “us”) operates the website https://ibses.org (the “Website”) as an informational and governance resource for an international academic and professional audience.
This Privacy Policy describes how we collect, use, and protect personal data in connection with the Website. IBSES is a non-commercial, institutional organization and does not engage in advertising, data monetization, or commercial data exploitation.
This Policy applies to all users of the Website globally.
Information Collected
We may collect the following categories of information:
Information You Provide
- Name
- Email address
- Any information voluntarily submitted via contact forms or communications
Member and Institutional Information
- Names, titles, and organizational affiliations of board members, delegates, or affiliated individuals
- Professional contact details were voluntarily provided for institutional purposes
Automatically Collected Information
- Basic usage data (e.g., pages visited, session duration, device/browser type) collected through analytics tools
We do not collect sensitive personal data unless it is voluntarily submitted.
How Information Is Used
We use collected information solely for institutional and operational purposes, including:
- Responding to inquiries and communications
- Maintaining governance transparency and institutional records
- Displaying member and organizational information where appropriate
- Improving the functionality and usability of the Website
- Monitoring aggregate usage for technical and administrative purposes
We do not use personal data for marketing, profiling, or advertising.
Legal Basis for Processing (GDPR)
Where the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) applies, IBSES relies on the following lawful bases:
- Legitimate Interests: Operating and maintaining an institutional website, ensuring communication, and supporting governance transparency
- Consent: Where individuals voluntarily submit information (e.g., contact forms)
- Legal Obligations: Where required to comply with applicable laws or regulations
Analytics and Cookies
We use Google Analytics (GA4) to understand general Website usage.
- Data is collected in aggregate form only
- No cross-site tracking or behavioral advertising is conducted
- Data is used solely for internal, non-commercial analysis
- IP anonymization and privacy-focused configurations are applied where available
Users may manage or disable cookies through their browser settings.
Data Sharing
We do not sell, rent, or trade personal data.
Limited sharing may occur only where necessary:
- With service providers supporting Website hosting or analytics (under appropriate safeguards)
- When required by law or legal process
- To protect the rights, integrity, or security of IBSES or its users
International Data Transfers
IBSES operates globally, and data may be processed in jurisdictions outside a user’s country of residence.
Where applicable, we implement appropriate safeguards for international transfers, consistent with GDPR principles.
Data Retention
We retain personal data only as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined in this Policy:
- Contact form submissions: retained for administrative follow-up and recordkeeping
- Institutional/member information: retained as part of governance records
- Analytics data: retained in aggregate form according to platform settings
Data is periodically reviewed and deleted when no longer required.
Data Security
We implement reasonable administrative, technical, and organizational measures to protect personal data from unauthorized access, disclosure, or misuse.
No system is completely secure, and users submit information at their own discretion.
User Rights (GDPR and CCPA/CPRA)
Depending on the jurisdiction, users may have the following rights:
GDPR (EU/EEA Users)
- Right of access
- Right to rectification
- Right to erasure
- Right to restriction of processing
- Right to data portability
- Right to object to processing
CCPA/CPRA (California Users)
- Right to know what personal information is collected
- Right to request deletion
- Right to correct inaccurate information
- Right to opt out of sale (note: IBSES does not sell personal data)
- Right to non-discrimination
Requests may be submitted using the contact information below.
Children’s Privacy
This Website is not directed to children under the age of 16, and IBSES does not knowingly collect personal data from children.
Changes to This Policy
IBSES may update this Privacy Policy periodically. Updates will be posted on this page with a revised effective date where applicable.
Contact Information
For privacy-related inquiries or to exercise your rights:
Email: ibses(at)ibses.org