We design for trust. This page explains how we handle data, privacy, and terms across our site, programs, and linked project micro-sites.
On this page:
Overview ·
RIL Network & Linked Sites ·
Data We Collect ·
How We Use Data ·
Cookies ·
Lurch, HouseKey & Services ·
Sharing ·
Security ·
Retention ·
Your Rights ·
Children ·
Changes ·
Contact ·
Terms
Privacy & Terms Overview
The Responsible Innovation Lab (“RIL”, “we”, “us”) respects your privacy and is committed to protecting it through our safeguards-first approach. This policy explains what we collect, why we collect it, how we use it, and your choices.
- We minimize data collection and avoid sensitive data by default.
- We explain how tools work and give you simple choices.
- We don’t sell your personal information.
How This Applies Across the RIL Network
RIL operates a small network of sites, micro-sites, and program pages. Some are hosted here at Responsible Innovation Lab. Others are project-specific sites (for example, course hubs, SDG Campus micro-sites, or pilot program pages) that link back to this policy.
- When a site or page shows a short privacy/terms notice and links here, that notice is a summary. This page serves as the full umbrella policy for RIL’s handling of information for that project, unless that site has its own standalone policy.
- Program and project sites we operate may collect similar categories of data (e.g., contact details, program interests, basic analytics). They follow the same core practices described on this page: minimal collection, no selling of personal information, and safeguards by design.
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Some offerings (such as online courses, certificates, or learning communities) are delivered through third-party platforms (for example, learning management systems, form tools, or video platforms). In those cases, the platform’s own privacy policy also applies. We encourage you to review it
whenever you create an account or submit information there. - If there is ever a conflict between a short-form notice on a micro-site and this page, this Privacy & Terms page should be treated as the governing description of how RIL itself collects and uses data.
If you are unsure whether a site or program is operated by RIL, or how this policy applies, you can always contact us at ccontact@responsibleinnovationlab.org.
Data We Collect
We collect only what’s necessary to provide services, improve them responsibly, and meet legal obligations.
Information You Provide
- Name and contact details
- Organization/role and program interests
- Message content you choose to share
Usage & Device
- Pages viewed and interactions
- Approximate location (city/region), device, browser
- Referrer and session timing
Program-Specific
- Project goals and outcome metrics
- Anonymous or aggregated feedback
- Optional contact for updates
Sensitive information is avoided by design. Please don’t share medical, financial, or other sensitive data via public forms.
How We Use Data
- Provide, maintain, and improve our website, tools, and programs
- Respond to inquiries and manage partnerships
- Measure outcomes and report impact in aggregate
- Comply with legal, security, and integrity obligations
- Where micro-sites link here, ensure consistent safeguards and reporting across the RIL network, while respecting any additional requirements of the platforms we use.
Cookies & Similar Technologies
- Strictly necessary — basic site functions
- Performance — anonymized page analytics
- No ad tracking — we don’t run ad tech
You can block cookies in your browser; some features may not function as expected.
SDG Campus, HouseKey & Student Services Privacy
RIL prototypes and operates several AI assistants and resource tools (for example, the HouseKey resource chatbot for food and basic needs, or learning assistants embedded in courses). These tools are designed with strict guardrails and minimal data collection.
- No account required for basic resource lookup where possible.
- No Social Security numbers or payment information collected; location and names are optional and limited.
- Short-term logs are maintained only for reliability, abuse prevention, and program evaluation.
- Clear refusals for unsafe or inappropriate requests.
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When these tools run on third-party AI infrastructure, that provider may process your inputs under
its own terms; we aim to choose vendors whose practices align with our safeguards-first approach.
Sharing & Vendors
- Vetted service providers (infrastructure, analytics, forms, learning platforms).
- Program partners only with your consent and clear purpose.
- Compliance with legal requests, safety, and security.
We don’t sell your personal information. When possible, reports are aggregated or de-identified. Some program partners or platforms may be independent controllers of the data you provide to them; in those cases, their own privacy policies apply in addition to this one.
Security
We take reasonable steps to protect information in our care, recognizing that no system can be guaranteed 100% secure.
- Use of HTTPS on our sites to encrypt data in transit.
- Access to form submissions and program records limited to team members and partners who need it.
- Preference for vendors with strong security practices and transparent policies.
- Periodic review of tools and pilots, especially those serving vulnerable communities.
If we become aware of a security issue affecting your information, we will review the impact and, where appropriate, notify affected partners or individuals and cooperate with any required response.
Data Retention
- Website forms: typically 12–24 months.
- Program records: for the duration of the project + required reporting period.
- Aggregated metrics may be stored longer without identifiers.
- Micro-sites and project pages that link here follow these same general retention practices unless a different timeframe is clearly stated on that site or required by a funder, institution, or law.
Your Choices & Rights
Depending on where you live and how you engage with us, you may have specific legal rights related to your personal information. Regardless, we aim to offer simple, human responses to reasonable requests.
- Request access to or deletion of information you’ve shared with us.
- Opt-out of non-essential communications (for example, newsletters or event updates).
- Ask questions about how your data is used across any RIL-operated site or program.
To exercise these choices, you can email us at
chris@responsibleinnovationlab.org. For requests tied to a specific course platform or partner site, we may direct you to that provider’s process as well.
Children’s Privacy
Our primary website and most programs are not directed to children under 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children in this age group. If we learn that we have collected such information, we will take steps to delete it.
If we run a youth-focused pilot or program, it will include its own age-appropriate consent and privacy information in collaboration with the relevant institution or guardian.
Changes to This Policy
We may update this page to reflect changes in our practices or in the laws and guidance that apply to our work. We’ll adjust the “Last updated” date and, when appropriate, notify stakeholders or highlight key changes in a prominent place on the site.
Last updated: November 2025
Contact Us
Responsible Innovation Lab
chris@responsibleinnovationlab.org
Executive Director: Chris Deaton
Terms of Use
These terms apply to your use of this site and, where indicated, to RIL-operated project pages and micro-sites that link here (SDG Campus network as an example).
- Use the site lawfully and for its intended educational and program-related purposes.
- Do not attempt to interfere with site security or access others’ data.
- Materials are provided for educational/program purposes; do not republish or commercialize them without permission unless a resource is clearly marked for open use.
- Third-party tools and platforms (for example, course platforms, AI systems, or analytics services) have their own terms and policies. Your use of those services is subject to their conditions in addition to ours.
- This site and related content are provided “as is,” without warranties, to the fullest extent permitted by law.
We Design for Trust
See how privacy, safety, and inclusion are embedded across our programs—so communities can build with confidence.