Effective Date: January 12, 2026
Privacy
By visiting or using the digital properties of The Vertical Institute (the “Institute,” “we,” “us,” or “our”), you acknowledge and accept the practices described in this Privacy Policy. If you do not agree to the terms of this Privacy Policy, you must not access or use the Institute’s digital properties.
About the Institute
The Vertical Institute is an independent research institute dedicated to the study of time, will, and intelligence, and to the development of original intellectual, scientific, and technological frameworks across philosophy, science, and emerging technologies. The Institute recognizes the importance of protecting personal information and is committed to safeguarding the privacy of individuals who interact with its digital properties.
For purposes of this Privacy Policy, “personal information” means any information that identifies, relates to, describes, or could reasonably be linked to an identifiable individual, as defined by applicable law.
Scope of This Privacy Policy
This Privacy Policy applies to all websites, applications, digital platforms, and online services owned or controlled by the Institute where this Privacy Policy is posted (collectively, the “Services”).
This Privacy Policy applies to all users of the Services (“you,” “your,” or “user”). By using the Services, you agree to the Institute’s Terms of Use and to be bound by this Privacy Policy.
Collection of Personal Information
The Institute collects personal information that is voluntarily provided by users, as well as information that is automatically collected when users access or interact with the Services.
Information You Voluntarily Provide
We may collect personal information when you:
- Contact the Institute or submit inquiries
- Subscribe to newsletters or updates
- Register for events, programs, or initiatives
- Apply for research collaboration, employment, or other opportunities
- Purchase publications, merchandise, or digital content
- Participate in surveys, forums, or Institute-sponsored activities
Personal information collected may include, without limitation:
- Name, email address, mailing address, phone number
- Organizational affiliation and professional title
- Communication preferences
- Payment and transaction information (processed through third-party providers)
- Participation history related to programs, events, or initiatives
- Application materials such as resumes, statements, or research proposals
Sensitive Personal Information
You may voluntarily choose to provide sensitive personal information where relevant to research participation, events, or institutional activities. Such information is collected and processed only as permitted by applicable law.
Automatically Collected Information
When you access the Services, the Institute may automatically collect certain information, including:
- IP address
- Browser type and operating system
- Device identifiers
- Pages viewed and interactions with content
- Referring URLs
- Date and time of access
This information is used for security, analytics, performance optimization, and to improve the Services.
Cookies and Similar Technologies
The Institute and its service providers may use cookies, web beacons, pixels, and similar technologies to operate, secure, and improve the Services.
Cookies may be used to:
- Enable essential website functionality
- Maintain user preferences
- Analyze traffic and usage patterns
- Detect and prevent fraud or abuse
You may configure your browser to refuse or limit cookies; however, disabling certain cookies may affect the functionality of the Services.
Use of Personal Information
The Institute may use personal information for the following purposes:
- Operating, maintaining, and improving the Services
- Responding to inquiries and communications
- Providing access to publications, programs, or content
- Processing transactions and fulfilling requests
- Administering events, research initiatives, and collaborations
- Communicating updates, policies, or institutional information
- Conducting research, analytics, and internal assessments
- Protecting the security, integrity, and lawful operation of the Services
- Complying with legal and regulatory obligations
The Institute may also use personal information to protect its rights, property, and safety, and the rights, property, and safety of others.
Legal Bases and Consent
The Institute collects, uses, and discloses personal information only for purposes that a reasonable person would consider appropriate in the circumstances and, where required by applicable law, with your knowledge and consent. This may include express consent (for example, when you opt in to receive newsletters or participate in research initiatives) or implied consent where permitted by law.
You may withdraw your consent to certain uses of your personal information at any time, subject to legal or contractual restrictions, by contacting the Institute using the details provided in the “Contact” section below.
Disclosure of Personal Information
The Institute may disclose personal information:
- To service providers, contractors, or partners who perform functions on the Institute’s behalf
- To affiliated or partner organizations where consistent with the Institute’s mission
- As required by law, regulation, legal process, or governmental request
- To enforce the Institute’s Terms of Use, policies, or legal rights
- In connection with institutional restructuring, mergers, or asset transfers
The Institute may also use and disclose aggregated or anonymized information that does not identify individuals.
Data Retention
Personal information is retained only for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes for which it was collected, or as required by applicable law, regulation, or legitimate institutional interests. Information may be archived, anonymized, or securely destroyed in accordance with the Institute’s data retention policies.
Security
The Institute implements administrative, technical, and organizational safeguards designed to protect personal information against unauthorized access, disclosure, alteration, or destruction.
However, no system or transmission of data over the internet is completely secure. You acknowledge that any transmission of personal information is at your own risk.
Do not transmit sensitive or confidential information via unencrypted email.
Third-Party Services and Links
The Services may contain links to third-party websites or platforms not operated or controlled by the Institute. The Institute is not responsible for the privacy practices or content of such third-party services. Your interactions with third-party services are governed by their respective privacy policies.
Children’s Privacy
The Services are not intended for children under the age of thirteen (13). The Institute does not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If such information is inadvertently collected, it will be promptly deleted unless legally required to retain it.
If you believe your interaction with the Services is no longer secure, please contact the Institute immediately using the details in the “Contact” section.
Your Rights and Choices
Depending on your jurisdiction and subject to applicable law, you may have rights in relation to your personal information, which may include the right to
- Request access to the personal information the Institute holds about you and obtain information about how it is used and disclosed.
- Request correction or updating of inaccurate, incomplete, or out‑of‑date personal information.
- Request deletion or anonymization of your personal information, or restriction of certain processing activities, where permitted by law.
- Object to certain uses of your personal information, including for direct marketing or, where applicable, processing based on legitimate interests.
- Withdraw your consent to processing where processing is based on consent, without affecting the lawfulness of processing carried out before withdrawal.
To exercise these rights, please contact the Institute using the information provided in the “Contact” section. The Institute may need to verify your identity before fulfilling your request and may be required or permitted to retain certain information as required by law.
If you are located in a jurisdiction that provides a right to lodge a complaint with a data protection authority or privacy commissioner, you may also have the right to file a complaint with the relevant supervisory authority.
International Transfers
Personal information may be transferred to and processed in countries other than your country of residence, which may have different data‑protection laws. In such cases, the Institute implements safeguards designed to protect personal information in accordance with applicable law, which may include contractual protections, technical and organizational measures, and limiting access to those with a legitimate need to know.
Changes to This Privacy Policy
The Institute may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Changes will be posted on the Services with an updated effective date. Continued use of the Services constitutes acceptance of the revised Privacy Policy.
Relationship to Terms of Use
This Privacy Policy is incorporated into and should be read together with the Institute’s Terms of Use.
Contact
Questions or requests regarding this Privacy Policy may be directed to: