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Privacy Policy

Last updated: August 24th 2026

This Privacy Policy explains how personal data is collected and processed when using the website The Origin and Early History of the IPCC, available at ipcc-origin.org.

1. Data Controller

The controller responsible for processing personal data is:

Suren Erkman – ICAST

17, chemin du Lacuez
1807 Blonay
info@ipcc-origin.org

Any questions concerning the processing of personal data may be sent using the contact details above.

2. Data Collected

Website visits

When the website is accessed, certain technical data may be recorded automatically, including:

  • IP address;
  • date and time of access;
  • pages visited;
  • browser and device type;
  • information required for the security and proper functioning of the website.

This data is used to ensure the operation, stability and security of the website and to prevent misuse and unauthorised access attempts.

Downloading the book in PDF format

To receive the link allowing them to download the book in PDF format, users must complete a form.

The data entered in this form is used to:

  • send the download link;
  • gain general information about the audience interested in the document;
  • compile basic internal statistics;
  • improve the content and its distribution.

This information is not used to send newsletters, commercial offers or advertising communications without separate consent.

The data is retained for a maximum period of 2 years, after which it is deleted or anonymised.

Contact form

When you use the contact form, the information you provide, such as your name, email address and the contents of your message, is processed in order to respond to your request and manage any related correspondence.

This data is retained for as long as necessary to process the request and then for a maximum period of 2 years after the last exchange, unless a longer retention period is required to comply with a legal obligation or to establish, exercise or defend a legal claim.

Orders for the printed book

When an order is placed through the online shop, the following data may be collected:

  • first and last name;
  • billing and delivery address;
  • email address;
  • telephone number, where requested;
  • contents and total value of the order;
  • payment method and payment status;
  • information required for delivery;
  • correspondence relating to the order.

This data is processed in order to:

  • record and fulfil the order;
  • receive payment;
  • prepare and ship the book;
  • communicate with the customer concerning the order;
  • manage any returns, complaints or refunds;
  • comply with accounting, tax and legal obligations.

Information required for accounting purposes and as evidence of transactions may be retained for 10 years.

3. PayPal Payments

Online payments are processed using PayPal.

When you select PayPal as your payment method, certain information required for the transaction is transmitted to PayPal. Depending on the payment method used, this information may include:

  • your identity;
  • your contact details;
  • the amount and reference number of the order;
  • information required to authorise and confirm the payment;
  • certain technical information relating to your device and internet connection.

Bank details and PayPal login credentials are processed directly by PayPal. ICAST does not have access to the full details of your payment method.

PayPal processes this information in accordance with its own privacy policy and may retain it for the periods required to comply with its legal, regulatory and security obligations.

4. Hosting

The website and the data stored in its database are hosted by:

Infomaniak Network SA
Rue Eugène-Marziano 25
1227 Les Acacias
Geneva, Switzerland

Infomaniak processes the technical data required for the hosting, operation and security of the website. Its hosting infrastructure is located in Switzerland.

5. Forms and Online Shop

The website forms are managed using the Forminator plugin. Information submitted through the forms may be stored in the website’s WordPress database and sent to the website administrator by email.

The online shop is managed using WooCommerce. The data required to process orders is stored in the website database.

6. Recipients of Personal Data

Personal data is accessible only to the persons and service providers who need it in order to perform their duties, including:

  • the website controller and any authorised staff members;
  • Infomaniak, for hosting and technical services;
  • PayPal, for payment processing;
  • service providers responsible for preparing and delivering orders;
  • technical service providers responsible for website maintenance or backups;
  • the competent authorities where disclosure is required by law.

Personal data is not sold or rented to third parties.

7. Transfer of Data Abroad

The website is hosted in Switzerland. However, the use of PayPal or certain technical service providers may result in data being processed in other countries.

Where personal data is transferred abroad, it is processed in accordance with the applicable legal requirements and, where necessary, subject to appropriate safeguards intended to protect the individuals concerned.

8. Cookies

The website primarily uses technical cookies that are necessary for its proper functioning.

These cookies may be used to:

  • maintain the browsing session;
  • remember the contents of the shopping cart;
  • enable the checkout process to function;
  • ensure website security;
  • store certain technical user preferences;
  • enable PayPal payments to function.

These cookies are not used by ICAST to create advertising profiles.

Users may configure their browser to block or delete cookies. However, blocking certain technical cookies may prevent the shopping cart, checkout process or payment functions from working correctly.

9. Security and Backups

Reasonable technical and organisational measures are implemented to protect personal data against:

  • unauthorised access;
  • loss;
  • destruction;
  • alteration;
  • disclosure;
  • any other misuse.

Website backups may temporarily contain personal data. They are retained for the period provided for by the backup system, normally 3 months, before being replaced or deleted.

Despite the precautions taken, no electronic transmission or storage system can be guaranteed to be entirely free from risk.

10. Rights of Data Subjects

Within the limits provided for by applicable law, any data subject may request:

  • confirmation as to whether personal data concerning them is being processed;
  • access to their personal data;
  • correction of inaccurate data;
  • deletion of data that is no longer required;
  • restriction or termination of certain processing activities;
  • provision of certain data in a commonly used electronic format;
  • withdrawal of consent previously given.

Certain data cannot be deleted immediately where it must be retained in order to comply with a legal, accounting or tax obligation, or to establish, exercise or defend a legal claim.

Requests may be sent to:

info@ipcc-origin.org

Proof of identity may be requested where necessary to ensure that data is not disclosed to an unauthorised person.

11. Third-Party Links and Services

The website may contain links to websites or services operated by third parties. ICAST is not responsible for their data protection practices.

Users are encouraged to consult the privacy policies of the relevant third-party services, particularly when using PayPal.

12. Amendments to This Privacy Policy

This Privacy Policy may be amended to reflect changes in the operation of the website, the services used or the applicable legislation.

The version currently in force is the version published on the website. The date of the latest update appears at the top of this page.