Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

MentorsGate ("Platform," "we," "our," or "us") is committed to protecting the privacy and confidentiality of its users, including mentees, mentors, institutional representatives, and consortium collaborators.

This Privacy Policy describes how we collect, use, process, store, and protect personal and institutional data in connection with our services.

By accessing or using MentorsGate services, users agree to the terms of this Privacy Policy.

2. Scope

This Policy applies to:

• Website visitors
• Registered mentees
• Approved mentors
• Institutional representatives
• Participants in IMPARC initiatives
• Contributors or collaborators associated with IMT (Ignited Minds Today)

3. Information We Collect

3.1 Personal Information

We may collect the following information:

• Full name
• Email address
• Phone number
• Institutional affiliation
• Academic qualifications
• Professional experience
• Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Profile photographs (optional)

3.2 Academic & Professional Information

• Publication records
• Research interests
• Project requirements
• Institutional documentation
• Conference or editorial submissions

3.3 Technical Information

When users access the website, we may collect:

• IP address
• Browser type
• Device information
• Cookies and usage analytics

This information is used for security, functionality, and performance optimization.

4. Purpose of Data Collection

We collect and process information for the following purposes:

• Account registration and verification
• Mentor vetting and profile validation
• Matching mentors and mentees
• Project coordination and milestone tracking
• Institutional collaboration management
• Administrative communication
• Compliance with legal obligations
• Improving platform functionality

We do not sell personal data to third parties.

5. Legal Basis for Processing

Where applicable, data processing is based on:

• User consent
• Contractual necessity
• Legitimate interests in platform operation
• Compliance with legal obligations

6. Confidentiality of Academic Materials

All research materials, manuscripts, drafts, institutional documents, and project communications are treated as confidential.

Mentors and moderators are required to adhere to confidentiality obligations under platform policy and, where applicable, formal NDAs.

7. Data Sharing & Disclosure

We may share information only under the following circumstances:

• With assigned mentors or mentees for engagement purposes
• With MG Moderator for oversight
• With institutional representatives (where applicable)
• Where required by law or regulatory authority

We do not disclose user data for marketing by unrelated third parties.

8. Data Retention

Personal and project-related information is retained:

• For the duration of active engagement
• As required for administrative, compliance, or legal purposes
• Until account deactivation, subject to regulatory retention requirements

Users may request deletion of data, subject to contractual and legal obligations.

9. Data Security

MentorsGate implements reasonable administrative and technical safeguards to protect user data from:

• Unauthorized access
• Loss or misuse
• Alteration or disclosure

However, no system can guarantee absolute security.

10. Cookies & Analytics

The website may use cookies to:

• Improve user experience
• Analyze website performance
• Maintain session functionality

Users may control cookie preferences through browser settings.

11. User Rights

Subject to applicable laws, users may have the right to:

• Access their personal data
• Request correction of inaccurate data
• Request deletion (where legally permissible)
• Withdraw consent (where applicable)
• Request data portability

Requests may be submitted through official support channels.

12. International Data Transfers

Where users access services internationally, data may be processed in accordance with applicable jurisdictional regulations.

Users are responsible for compliance with local data protection laws where required.

13. Third-Party Links

MentorsGate may contain links to external websites, including journal platforms or institutional portals. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of third-party websites.

14. Children's Privacy

MentorsGate services are not directed toward individuals below the age of majority in their jurisdiction. We do not knowingly collect data from minors.

15. Alignment with IMPARC & IMT

Where services involve:

• IMPARC consortium activities
• IMT editorial collaboration

additional confidentiality or editorial policies may apply in accordance with consortium or publication governance.

16. Policy Updates

This Privacy Policy may be updated periodically to reflect:

• Regulatory changes
• Operational updates
• Best practices in data protection

Updated versions will be published on the official website.

17. Contact Information

For privacy-related inquiries, users may contact:

MentorsGate Support Desk
privacy@mentorsgate.com
Ignited Minds Edutech Pvt. Ltd.