Privacy Policy

This Privacy Policy explains how the Verto application (“Verto,” “the App,” “our App”) collects, uses, stores, protects, and shares information about its users. We prioritize transparency and trust, ensuring that your personal information is safeguarded in a responsible manner.

This Privacy Policy applies to all versions of Verto, including the mobile application and the web-based platform. By accessing or using Verto, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to the practices described in this Privacy Policy. If you do not agree with this Privacy Policy, please refrain from using the App.

Verto is a digital application developed by the Center for Digital Governance and Agentic Innovation (CDGAI), an initiative powered by CECOS University of IT and Emerging Sciences, Peshawar, Pakistan.

• CDGAI is a research and innovation center at CECOS University, focusing on digital governance, artificial intelligence, and policy innovation for public benefit.
• CECOS University is a recognized higher education institution in Pakistan, committed to academic excellence and responsible innovation.

Verto is designed to support research, education, and governance initiatives and is used by students, researchers, faculty, and professionals for various activities like academic studies, data collection, and policy development.

This Privacy Policy applies to all individuals interacting with Verto, including:

• App users accessing Verto via mobile devices or web browsers.
• Students and faculty of CECOS University using the App for academic or institutional activities.
• Researchers and research participants engaging with Verto for data collection or studies.
• Policy professionals and collaborators using Verto for governance or policy analysis.
• Event participants interacting with Verto during workshops, seminars, or conferences.

We collect two categories of information:

4.1 Personal Information

Information that can identify you as an individual, including:

• Identity Information: Full name, email address, phone number, profile photo, student or employee ID.
• Account Information: Username, password (encrypted), and preferences.
• Demographic Information: Age, gender, city, university affiliation.
• Location Information: City name and GPS coordinates, with user permission.
• Academic and Professional Information: University name, department, field of study, and profession.
• Communication Information: Feedback, queries, and messages sent to us.
• Research Participation Information: Responses to surveys, interviews, or questionnaires.

4.2 Non-Personal Information

Information that does not identify you directly:

• Device Information: Device type, operating system, browser, screen resolution, device language, and unique identifiers.
• Usage Information: Features used, pages viewed, session duration, and frequency of use.
• App Performance Information: Crash logs, error reports, diagnostics.
• Aggregated Data: Anonymized information for statistical analysis or system improvements.

4.3 Information Generated Through AI and Digital Features

When interacting with AI tools:

• Input Information: Text or selections you provide.
• Output Information: Results generated by AI tools.
• Interaction Logs: Records of AI interactions for quality control.

Information is collected via:

• Direct Interaction: Account creation, surveys, communication.
• Automatic Collection: Usage data through cookies, analytics tools.
• Research Activities: Data collected from participation in research or academic studies.
• Third-Party Sources: Information from institutional databases, partners, or collaborators.
• Public Events: Data collected during workshops, conferences, or training sessions.

Your information is used for the following purposes:

• To operate and maintain the App: Provide services, manage accounts, and ensure functionality.
• To support academic and research activities: Facilitate studies, data collection, and policy analysis.
• To improve the App: Analyze usage, fix issues, and develop new features.
• To personalize your experience: Tailor content, recommendations, and features based on your profile and activity.
• To communicate with you: Notify you about updates, announcements, and responses.
• To maintain security: Protect against unauthorized access or misuse.
• To comply with legal obligations: Meet regulatory or institutional requirements.
• To support leaderboards and engagement: Track contributions, calculate rankings, and motivate participation.

Verto is a tool for academic research, innovation, and policy development. We adhere to the following principles:

• Ethical Research: All research involving human participants is reviewed by CECOS University's ethics committee.
• Informed Consent: Before collecting data for research, participants are informed of the purpose, risks, and benefits. Consent is obtained before participation.
• Anonymization and Aggregation: Research data is anonymized or aggregated whenever possible to protect user identities.
• Publications: Research findings may be published in academic journals or reports, maintaining academic integrity.
• Data Sharing: Anonymized research data may be shared with authorized collaborators under formal agreements.

Verto includes AI-powered tools for enhanced user experience and research. These features may include:

• Natural Language Processing for text analysis or translation.
• Automated Content Suggestions based on user inputs.
• Data Analysis for research purposes.

8.1 Human Oversight and Transparency

AI outputs are not final decisions and are overseen by humans. We ensure transparency by clearly labeling AI features within the App.

8.2 Improving AI Features

Data from AI interactions is used to improve the quality of AI tools, ensuring more accurate responses. Data is anonymized before being used for model training.

We will not sell, rent, or trade your personal information. We may share information in the following circumstances:

• Within CECOS University and CDGAI: Authorized personnel who need access for operational purposes.
• Research Collaborators: Anonymized or aggregated data may be shared with approved research partners.
• Service Providers: Trusted third-party providers may assist with operating the App, but are bound to protect your data.
• Legal Compliance: We may disclose information to comply with legal obligations or protect our rights.
• With Your Consent: Information may be shared with third parties upon your express consent.

10.1 Data Storage Locations

Information is stored on secure servers, utilizing industry-standard cloud services with robust security measures.

10.2 Retention Period

We retain your data for as long as necessary to fulfill its purpose. For example:

• Account data is retained while your account is active.
• Research data is retained for a minimum of five years, in accordance with academic standards.
• Usage data is stored in aggregated or anonymized form for continuous improvement.

10.3 After Account Closure or Research Completion

Upon closure or project completion, personal information is deleted or anonymized. Research data may continue to be used in aggregated form.

We implement various security measures to protect your data:

• Encryption during transmission and at rest.
• Access controls limiting data access to authorized personnel.
• Secure authentication with encrypted password storage.
• Regular monitoring and security audits to detect vulnerabilities.

As a user, you have the following rights:

We do not knowingly collect information from children under 13. If the App is used by minors, parental consent will be obtained. We limit data collection to only what's necessary for the educational or research purposes.

Verto operates primarily in Pakistan. If data is transferred outside Pakistan, we will ensure that it receives an adequate level of protection, in line with recognized international standards.

This Privacy Policy is governed by Pakistani law. We comply with:

• Privacy rights under the Constitution of Pakistan.
• Applicable data protection laws including PECA 2016.
• University policies on research and data protection.

In the event of a data breach, we will:

• Contain the breach and assess its impact.
• Notify affected users and relevant authorities if required.
• Remediate the breach and take steps to prevent recurrence.

We may update this Privacy Policy to reflect changes in practices or legal requirements. Any significant changes will be communicated via email or App notifications. The “Last Updated” date will be revised accordingly.

For questions or grievances, contact: