Privacy Policy
Overview
The Universal Open Textbook Initiative (UOTI) is committed to safeguarding the limited information we receive when you use our website. This Privacy Policy explains what data is collected, how it is used, and the choices available to you.
Information Collection
We minimize the information we collect and limit it to what is needed to operate the site.
- We do not require you to create an account or register to download or read textbooks.
- If you subscribe to our newsletter, we collect your email address through our newsletter service provider to send you updates and announcements. This is entirely voluntary and you can unsubscribe at any time.
- If you contact us by email, we receive the information you voluntarily provide in that message so we can respond.
- When you browse the site, our analytics tools and hosting providers automatically log limited technical data (such as IP address, approximate location, device/browser information, and pages viewed) for performance monitoring and security.
Cookies and Analytics
We use analytics services to understand how visitors engage with uotinitiative.org (for example, which pages are visited, how long readers stay on a page, and what devices are used). These services place first-party cookies on your device to remember interactions between visits. We do not use analytics for targeted advertising, and we do not combine analytics data with other information to build user profiles. You can disable analytics cookies through your browser settings.
For visitors in the European Economic Area (EEA), United Kingdom, and Switzerland: We recognize that certain jurisdictions require explicit consent before placing analytics cookies. If you are visiting from these regions and wish to opt out of analytics tracking, you may use your browser settings or contact us for assistance. We continuously review regulatory guidance and will implement additional consent mechanisms if required.
Data Retention and Security
We retain analytics data only as long as necessary to understand site usage and improve our services, after which it is deleted or anonymized. Server logs are retained for a limited time for security and troubleshooting purposes. Access to any data we collect is limited to authorized team members, and the data is protected by encryption in transit and at rest, along with appropriate administrative, technical, and physical safeguards. We do not sell or rent personal data to third parties.
Your Choices and Rights
You can opt out of analytics cookies using the methods described above, configure your browser to block cookies altogether, or use a privacy-focused browser. You may also request access to, correction of, or deletion of any personal information you believe we hold by emailing [email protected]. We will respond within 30 days and comply with applicable data-protection laws, including GDPR (for EU residents) and CCPA (for California residents).
Children's Privacy
Our website is designed to provide educational resources to learners of all ages, including children under 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. Because we do not require registration or accounts to access textbooks, children can use our site without providing any personal information. If you believe we have inadvertently collected personal information from a child, please contact us at [email protected] and we will delete it promptly.
International Data Transfers
UOTI operates globally and our website is accessible worldwide. The data we collect may be processed and stored on servers located in the United States and other countries through our service providers. These providers maintain appropriate security measures and comply with applicable data protection frameworks. By using our website, you acknowledge that your information may be transferred to and processed in countries other than your own.
Third-Party Services
We use third-party services to operate our website, including analytics tools and hosting providers. These services may collect and process data on our behalf in accordance with their own privacy policies and applicable data protection laws. We do not control these third-party services and encourage you to review their privacy policies.
Third-Party Links
Our website may contain links to other sites. Please be aware that those sites have their own privacy policies, which we do not control. We encourage you to review the privacy policies of any third-party sites you visit.
Policy Updates
We may update this privacy policy from time to time. Any changes will be posted on this page with an updated effective date.
Contact
If you have any questions regarding this policy, please contact us at [email protected].
Effective Date: November 14, 2025