WCOEA Privacy Policy

Effective Date: January 1, 2025
Last Updated: January 1, 2025

1. Introduction

The World Catholic Online Education Association (“WCOEA,” “we,” “us,” or “our”) respects the dignity, privacy, and data protection rights of all individuals who visit our website or otherwise engage with our services.
This Privacy Policy describes how WCOEA collects, processes, stores, and safeguards personal information obtained through its website and digital platforms.
By using this website, you (“User,” “Visitor,” or “Participant”) acknowledge and accept the terms of this Privacy Policy in full.

2. Nature and Purpose of Data Collection

WCOEA operates solely for educational, informational, and faith-based purposes.
We collect only the minimal information necessary to maintain website functionality, respond to inquiries, and ensure integrity of communication.

The categories of data we may collect include:

• Identification Data: Name, email address, or contact details submitted voluntarily through our contact form.

• Technical Data: Browser type, IP address, operating system, language preference, referring URLs, and access times, collected automatically for website security and performance monitoring.

• Communication Data: Content of messages voluntarily sent through contact or submission forms.

WCOEA does not collect sensitive personal data (such as religious confessions, financial information, or identification numbers) unless voluntarily and knowingly provided by the User.

3. Lawful Basis for Processing

Data is processed under the following lawful bases:

• Consent: When Users voluntarily submit data through contact or subscription forms.

• Legitimate Interest: To maintain and secure website functionality and to respond to genuine inquiries.

• Legal Obligation: To comply with ecclesiastical or data-protection authorities when required by applicable law.

4. How Data Is Used

Information collected by WCOEA is used strictly for the following purposes:

1. To respond to inquiries or messages submitted through the website.

2. To maintain security, prevent misuse, and ensure operational continuity.

3. To compile anonymous analytics for internal evaluation of site performance.

4. To comply with canonical, moral, or civil obligations regarding transparency and accountability.

WCOEA does not engage in marketing campaigns, advertising personalization, or data monetization of any kind.

5. Data Storage and Retention

All personal data is stored on secure servers operated by reputable hosting providers subject to appropriate technical and organizational safeguards.
Information is retained only for as long as necessary to fulfill the purpose for which it was collected or to comply with legal obligations.
When data is no longer required, it is securely deleted or anonymized.

6. Data Sharing and Disclosure

WCOEA does not sell, lease, trade, or otherwise disclose personal data to third parties.
Information may be shared only in the following limited circumstances:

• When required by ecclesiastical or civil authorities acting within lawful competence.

• With trusted service providers (e.g., website hosting) bound by confidentiality and data-protection agreements.

• When disclosure is necessary to protect WCOEA’s rights, prevent fraud, or respond to legal process.

No data is transferred for commercial or advertising purposes.

7. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

The WCOEA website may use essential cookies or similar technologies to ensure functionality and security.
These cookies do not collect personal data for profiling or analytics unless the User expressly consents.
Users can control or delete cookies through their browser settings; disabling cookies may affect site performance but not access to legal content.

8. International Data Transfers

As WCOEA operates globally, data may be processed on servers located in multiple jurisdictions.
Where data is transferred internationally, WCOEA ensures that adequate safeguards consistent with international and ecclesiastical data-protection standards are applied.

9. Security Measures

WCOEA employs reasonable administrative, technical, and organizational safeguards to prevent unauthorized access, alteration, or disclosure of personal data.
While every effort is made to maintain security, no system of transmission over the Internet is entirely immune to risk, and WCOEA cannot guarantee absolute security.

10. Your Rights

Depending on applicable data-protection law, Users may have the right to:

• Access the personal data WCOEA holds about them.

• Request correction of inaccuracies or deletion of data.

• Withdraw consent to processing at any time.

• Request restriction or objection to processing in certain circumstances.

Requests concerning personal data should be directed through the official contact form available on this website.
WCOEA reserves the right to verify the identity of the requester prior to fulfilling any data-related request.

11. Communications and Contact Form

Messages submitted through the WCOEA contact form are voluntary and non-confidential.
WCOEA processes such messages solely to provide a reply or to manage administrative correspondence.
The User assumes full responsibility for the accuracy and legitimacy of the information provided.

12. Third-Party Links

This website may contain external links for informational reference.
WCOEA is not responsible for the privacy practices, content, or data policies of any linked external websites.
Users are encouraged to review the privacy statements of any third-party sites they visit.

13. Minors and Sensitive Data

WCOEA does not knowingly collect or process data from individuals under the age of 16.
If a parent, guardian, or ecclesiastical authority becomes aware that a minor has submitted information, they may request its deletion using the contact form.

14. Jurisdiction and Governing Principles

WCOEA functions as a faith-based, non-commercial Catholic educational association.
To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, this Privacy Policy shall be interpreted under general international privacy standards and the moral and canonical principles of the Catholic Church, without submission to any specific national jurisdiction.
In the event that civil proceedings are required, competent jurisdiction shall lie in the country or ecclesiastical territory where the founder lawfully resides or exercises his priestly ministry.

15. Amendments and Updates

WCOEA reserves the right to amend, revise, or update this Privacy Policy at any time without prior notice.
Any modifications become effective immediately upon publication on this website.
Continued use of the website following such updates constitutes acknowledgment and acceptance of the revised policy.

16. Contact

For questions, requests, or concerns relating to this Privacy Policy or the handling of personal data, please contact WCOEA exclusively via the official website contact form.
WCOEA is under no obligation to respond to communications submitted through other channels.

Final Legal Notice

Use of this website implies full understanding and acceptance of this Privacy Policy.
All processing of personal information is performed in good faith, guided by Catholic moral principles and respect for human dignity.
By accessing this website, the User waives any claim arising from the collection, lawful use, or incidental disclosure of information as described herein.