InterNodes, Inc.
Effective Date: February 26, 2026
1. Introduction
InterNodes, Inc. (“InterNodes,” “we,” “us,” or “our”) respects the privacy of visitors, collaborators, researchers, contributors, partners, and other users of our websites and online services.
This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, retain, and protect personal information in connection with the InterNodes website at internodes.org and other websites or online services that expressly link to this Privacy Policy (collectively, the “Services”).
InterNodes is an Indiana nonprofit corporation organized for public-benefit purposes. Its activities include supporting scientific research, data infrastructure, international collaboration, and the development of tools and resources relating to forests, biodiversity, and the biosphere.
This Privacy Policy applies only to personal information handled through Services that expressly reference this Policy. Separate platforms, datasets, research projects, collaborations, or services operated by or associated with InterNodes, including Science-i and the Global Forest Biodiversity Initiative (“GFBI”), may be governed by additional or separate policies, data-use agreements, contributor agreements, or terms.
2. Information We Collect
2.1 Information You Provide
Depending on how you interact with the Services, you may provide information such as:
- your name;
- email address and other contact information;
- institutional or organizational affiliation;
- professional title or area of expertise;
- information contained in messages, inquiries, applications, registrations, or forms you submit;
- information you provide when requesting information, participating in an event, joining an initiative, or communicating with InterNodes; and
- other information you choose to provide.
If a particular InterNodes service permits account creation, project participation, data submission, or other specialized activities, additional information may be collected under terms applicable to that service.
2.2 Information Collected Automatically
When you access the Services, certain technical information may be collected automatically by our website infrastructure or service providers. This information may include:
- Internet Protocol address;
- browser and device type;
- operating system;
- referring website;
- pages visited and features used;
- date and time of access;
- approximate geographic information derived from an IP address; and
- technical logs, cookie identifiers, or similar information used to operate, secure, or understand use of the Services.
2.3 Cookies and Similar Technologies
The Services may use cookies or similar technologies that are necessary for website operation, security, preferences, analytics, or other functionality.
Your browser may allow you to block or delete cookies. Disabling some cookies may affect the operation of certain website features.
Where required by applicable law, InterNodes will seek consent before using non-essential cookies or similar technologies.
3. How We Use Information
InterNodes may use personal information to:
- operate, maintain, administer, and improve the Services;
- respond to inquiries and requests;
- communicate with researchers, collaborators, partners, supporters, and other members of the InterNodes community;
- administer programs, events, projects, applications, or collaborations;
- facilitate participation in scientific or professional activities;
- protect the security and integrity of our systems;
- detect or prevent misuse, fraud, or other unlawful activity;
- understand how our websites and services are used;
- maintain appropriate organizational and administrative records;
- comply with applicable law, regulation, contractual obligations, or legal process; and
- carry out InterNodes’ charitable, educational, scientific, and organizational purposes.
We may also use information for another purpose disclosed at the time it is collected or with your consent.
4. Research, Scientific, and Data Activities
InterNodes supports scientific data infrastructure and international research collaboration. Information submitted through specialized research projects, scientific platforms, contributor networks, databases, or data-access procedures may therefore be subject to separate data governance rules, licenses, contributor agreements, confidentiality provisions, or research protocols.
This Privacy Policy does not by itself grant access to any InterNodes, GFBI, Science-i, or third-party dataset, nor does it modify any agreement governing scientific data, metadata, software, models, or other research resources.
5. How We Disclose Information
InterNodes may disclose personal information when reasonably necessary to:
Service providers. We may use vendors or contractors that provide website hosting, information technology, communications, security, analytics, administrative, or similar services.
Collaborators and program partners. Where appropriate to a program, event, application, research activity, or collaboration in which you participate, information may be shared with relevant participating organizations or collaborators.
Legal and regulatory purposes. We may disclose information if reasonably necessary to comply with applicable law, legal process, governmental requests, or to protect the rights, property, safety, or security of InterNodes or others.
Organizational transactions. Information may be transferred as part of a reorganization, transfer of operations or assets, or similar transaction, subject to applicable law and InterNodes’ nonprofit purposes.
InterNodes does not disclose personal information to third parties merely because those third parties wish to independently market products or services to users of the Services.
6. Third-Party Websites and Services
The Services may link to websites, platforms, databases, publications, tools, or services operated by third parties.
InterNodes does not control the privacy or security practices of those third parties. Their collection and use of information are governed by their own policies and agreements. We encourage users to review those policies before providing personal information.
7. International Users and Transfers
InterNodes works with scientists, institutions, governments, nonprofit organizations, and other partners internationally.
As a result, personal information may be processed or accessed in countries other than the country in which it was originally collected. Those countries may have different privacy laws.
Where applicable law requires particular safeguards for international transfers of personal information, InterNodes will take reasonable steps to implement appropriate safeguards.
8. Data Retention
InterNodes retains personal information for as long as reasonably necessary for the purposes for which it was collected, including legitimate organizational, scientific, administrative, contractual, security, archival, and legal purposes.
Retention periods may differ depending on the nature of the information and the relevant program or activity.
Research records and records associated with scientific data stewardship may be retained for extended periods when necessary to preserve scientific provenance, attribution, accountability, legal compliance, or the integrity of long-term research activities.
9. Data Security
InterNodes uses reasonable administrative, organizational, and technical measures designed to protect personal information against unauthorized access, alteration, loss, misuse, or disclosure.
No Internet transmission, information system, or storage method can be guaranteed to be completely secure. Accordingly, InterNodes cannot guarantee absolute security.
10. Your Choices and Privacy Rights
Depending on where you reside and applicable law, you may have rights concerning your personal information, such as the right to request:
- access to personal information we hold about you;
- correction of inaccurate information;
- deletion of certain information;
- restriction of certain processing;
- withdrawal of consent where processing is based on consent; or
- information regarding how your personal information is used or disclosed.
These rights may be subject to legal exceptions, including requirements to preserve organizational, contractual, scientific, archival, or legally required records.
Requests may be submitted using the contact information identified below.
You may also unsubscribe from optional electronic communications by following the instructions included in those communications.
11. Children’s Privacy
The general InterNodes website is intended primarily for researchers, professionals, institutions, collaborators, and members of the public interested in InterNodes’ scientific and charitable activities. It is not directed to children under 13 years of age.
InterNodes does not knowingly collect personal information online from children under 13 without appropriate authorization. If we learn that such information has been collected in circumstances requiring parental consent, we will take appropriate steps to address it.
12. Changes to This Privacy Policy
InterNodes may revise this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our Services, organizational practices, technology, or applicable law.
The effective date appearing at the top of the Policy indicates when it was most recently updated. Material changes may also be communicated through the Services when appropriate.
13. Contact Us
Questions, requests, or concerns concerning this Privacy Policy or InterNodes’ privacy practices may be directed to:
InterNodes, Inc.
Attn: Privacy