Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

Design Your Assay ("we," "our," or "us") is committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you use our web-based primer design platform and related services ("the Service").

2. Information We Collect

2.1 Personal Information

We may collect personal information that you voluntarily provide, including:

• Name and contact information (email address, phone number)
• Account credentials (username, password)
• Professional information (institution, research area, job title)
• Payment information (processed securely through third-party providers)
• Communication preferences and subscription settings

2.2 Usage Information

We automatically collect information about your use of the Service:

• Log data (IP address, browser type, operating system)
• Device information and unique identifiers
• Usage patterns and feature interactions
• Performance metrics and error reports
• Cookies and similar tracking technologies

2.3 Scientific Data

We may collect and process scientific data you input into our platform, including DNA sequences, primer designs, and analysis results. This data is used solely to provide our services and is handled with strict confidentiality.

3. How We Use Your Information

We use the collected information for the following purposes:

• Providing and maintaining the Service
• Processing primer design requests and analyses
• Managing user accounts and authentication
• Processing payments and managing subscriptions
• Communicating with users about the Service
• Improving and optimizing our platform
• Ensuring security and preventing fraud
• Complying with legal obligations

4. Information Sharing and Disclosure

4.1 Third-Party Service Providers

We may share your information with trusted third-party service providers who assist us in operating our platform, including cloud hosting, payment processing, analytics, and customer support services. These providers are contractually bound to protect your information.

4.2 Legal Requirements

We may disclose your information if required by law, court order, or government regulation, or if we believe disclosure is necessary to protect our rights, property, or safety, or that of our users or the public.

4.3 Business Transfers

In the event of a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets, your information may be transferred as part of the transaction. We will notify you of any such change in ownership or control.

5. Data Security

We implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect your information:

• Encryption of data in transit and at rest
• Regular security assessments and updates
• Access controls and authentication mechanisms
• Secure data centers and infrastructure
• Employee training on data protection practices

6. Data Retention

We retain your personal information for as long as necessary to provide the Service and fulfill the purposes outlined in this policy. Account information is typically retained for the duration of your account plus a reasonable period thereafter. Scientific data may be retained longer for research and development purposes, subject to your consent and applicable laws.

7. Your Rights and Choices

Depending on your location, you may have the following rights:

• Access: Request access to your personal information
• Correction: Request correction of inaccurate information
• Deletion: Request deletion of your personal information
• Portability: Request transfer of your data to another service
• Restriction: Request limitation of processing
• Objection: Object to certain types of processing
• Withdrawal: Withdraw consent where processing is based on consent

8. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

We use cookies and similar technologies to:

• Remember your preferences and settings
• Authenticate users and prevent fraud
• Analyze usage patterns and improve our Service
• Provide personalized content and features

You can control cookie settings through your browser preferences, though disabling certain cookies may affect Service functionality.

9. International Data Transfers

Your information may be transferred to and processed in countries other than your country of residence. We ensure appropriate safeguards are in place for such transfers, including standard contractual clauses and adequacy decisions where applicable.

10. Children's Privacy

Our Service is not intended for children under 13 years of age. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If we become aware that we have collected such information, we will take steps to delete it promptly.

11. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of any material changes by posting the new policy on this page and updating the "Last updated" date. We encourage you to review this policy periodically.

12. Regulatory Compliance

We comply with applicable data protection laws, including:

• General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) for EU users
• California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) for California residents
• Other applicable regional privacy laws