Privacy Policy

Effective Date: January 1, 2026
Last Updated: June 5, 2026

Foundation Layer Institute Privacy Policy

Foundation Layer Institute ("Foundation Layer," "we," "our," or "us") is committed to protecting your privacy and handling your information responsibly. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard information obtained through our websites, programs, events, publications, research activities, and other services.

This Privacy Policy applies to:

  • FoundationLayer.org

  • DigitalFluency.Tech

  • ShareTheMicInCyber.com

  • Any affiliated websites, online resources, newsletters, surveys, events, toolkits, educational programs, or digital services operated by Foundation Layer Institute

DigitalFluency.Tech and ShareTheMicInCyber.com may redirect to, be hosted within, or operate as programs of Foundation Layer Institute. Information collected through those domains is governed by this Privacy Policy.

By accessing our websites or engaging with our programs, you agree to the practices described in this Privacy Policy.

1. Information We Collect

We may collect information directly from you, automatically through your use of our websites, or from third-party partners.

Information You Provide

You may voluntarily provide:

  • Name

  • Email address

  • Organization

  • Job title

  • Mailing address

  • Phone number

  • Demographic information

  • Event registration information

  • Survey responses

  • Research participation information

  • Donation information

  • Volunteer applications

  • Fellowship applications

  • Speaker applications

  • Community submissions

  • Communications with Foundation Layer

We may also collect information you provide when:

  • Subscribing to newsletters

  • Downloading toolkits or educational materials

  • Registering for events or webinars

  • Participating in research initiatives

  • Applying for fellowships, scholarships, grants, or programs

  • Contacting us through forms or email

2. Information Collected Automatically

When you visit our websites, we may automatically collect:

  • IP address

  • Browser type

  • Device information

  • Operating system

  • Pages viewed

  • Time spent on pages

  • Referring websites

  • Geographic region

  • Usage analytics

This information helps us understand how visitors use our websites and improve our services.

3. Cookies and Similar Technologies

We may use:

  • Cookies

  • Pixels

  • Web beacons

  • Analytics technologies

  • Similar tracking technologies

These tools help us:

  • Understand website traffic

  • Improve user experience

  • Measure engagement

  • Support fundraising and outreach efforts

  • Analyze content performance

You may adjust browser settings to decline cookies, though some website functionality may be affected.

4. How We Use Information

We may use information to:

  • Operate and improve our websites

  • Deliver educational resources and toolkits

  • Conduct research and analysis

  • Administer fellowships, programs, and initiatives

  • Manage event registrations and attendance

  • Communicate with participants and supporters

  • Respond to inquiries

  • Process donations

  • Evaluate program effectiveness

  • Publish reports and research findings

  • Improve digital resilience, digital fluency, cybersecurity, AI governance, and related educational initiatives

  • Comply with legal obligations

  • Protect our rights, programs, and users

5. Research and Survey Activities

Foundation Layer conducts research, surveys, interviews, focus groups, and educational assessments.

Information collected through these activities may be used to:

  • Develop reports and publications

  • Inform educational resources

  • Improve programs

  • Support policy and governance initiatives

  • Advance public-interest research

Where appropriate, data may be aggregated, anonymized, or de-identified before publication or sharing.

6. Donations and Financial Transactions

Donations may be processed through third-party payment processors.

Foundation Layer does not store full payment card information on its servers.

Payment processors maintain their own privacy and security practices, which govern the collection and processing of payment information.

7. How We Share Information

We do not sell personal information.

We may share information with:

  • Service providers

  • Event partners

  • Research collaborators

  • Grant-making partners

  • Educational partners

  • Technology providers

  • Legal or regulatory authorities when required by law

Information may also be disclosed:

  • To protect rights or safety

  • To prevent fraud or abuse

  • To comply with legal obligations

  • In connection with organizational restructuring, merger, or asset transfer

We may publish aggregated, anonymized, or de-identified information that cannot reasonably identify individuals.

8. Newsletter and Communications

If you subscribe to our newsletter or communications, we may send:

  • Educational resources

  • Research updates

  • Event announcements

  • Program information

  • Fundraising communications

  • Organizational updates

You may unsubscribe at any time using the unsubscribe link included in emails.

9. Third-Party Services and Links

Our websites may contain links to third-party websites, platforms, or services.

We are not responsible for the privacy practices of third parties. We encourage users to review the privacy policies of those organizations before providing information.

10. Children's Privacy

Our websites are intended primarily for adults, educators, policymakers, researchers, professionals, caregivers, and community members.

Some educational materials may be designed to support children and families. However, we do not knowingly collect personal information directly from children under 13 without appropriate consent.

If you believe a child has provided personal information without appropriate authorization, please contact us so we may take appropriate action.

11. Data Security

We maintain administrative, technical, and organizational safeguards designed to protect personal information.

While we take reasonable measures to secure information, no method of transmission or storage can be guaranteed to be completely secure.

12. Data Retention

We retain information only as long as necessary to:

  • Fulfill the purposes described in this Privacy Policy

  • Operate programs and services

  • Maintain organizational records

  • Comply with legal obligations

  • Resolve disputes

  • Enforce agreements

13. Your Privacy Rights

Depending on your location, you may have rights regarding your personal information, including the right to:

  • Access information we maintain about you

  • Request correction of inaccurate information

  • Request deletion of information

  • Request restrictions on processing

  • Withdraw consent where applicable

  • Request information regarding data sharing practices

To exercise these rights, contact us using the information below.

14. California Privacy Rights (CCPA/CPRA)

California residents may have rights to:

  • Know what personal information is collected

  • Request deletion of personal information

  • Request correction of inaccurate information

  • Access information about data practices

  • Limit certain uses of sensitive personal information where applicable

Foundation Layer does not sell personal information.

Requests may be submitted using the contact information below.

15. European Economic Area and United Kingdom (GDPR)

Individuals located in the EEA, UK, or other jurisdictions with similar laws may have rights to:

  • Access personal data

  • Correct inaccurate data

  • Delete personal data

  • Restrict processing

  • Object to processing

  • Request data portability

  • Withdraw consent

Where applicable, Foundation Layer processes personal data based on legitimate interests, contractual necessity, consent, legal obligations, or other lawful bases recognized under applicable law.

16. International Users

Information may be processed and stored in the United States or other countries where our service providers operate.

By using our services, you understand that information may be transferred across international borders.

17. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy periodically.

Updates will be posted on this page with a revised effective date.

Continued use of our websites or services after changes become effective constitutes acceptance of the revised policy.

18. Contact Us

Foundation Layer Institute

Website: FoundationLayer.org

Email: info@foundationlayer.org

For privacy-related inquiries, requests, or concerns, please contact us using the information above.