PRIVACY & TERMS | Datum Research

PRIVACY POLICY

The Privacy Policy and Terms of Use are based on professional best efforts and current understanding of legal requirements designed to protect your interests. While they incorporate best practices drawn from international data privacy regulations (e.g., GDPR, CCPA), they do not constitute, and should not be interpreted as, full legal advice. You acknowledge that Datum Research LLC reserves the right to update these terms and policies as required by evolving legal standards.

Effective Date: May 13, 2025

By using or accessing any of Datum Research LLC's content, services, information, or other elements, you explicitly represent that you are eighteen (18) years of age or older and that you agree to be bound by the Privacy Policy and the Terms of Use. Due to their inability to enter into binding agreements, access to or use of any of our content, services, information, or other elements by individuals under the age of eighteen (18) or who are otherwise unable to enter into a binding agreement is unauthorized.

1. Who we are

2. What information we collect, store, and process

3. Why and how we use this information

4. What information we share

5. Why we share this information

6. Third party services we use

7. Protecting your information

8. Data retention

9. Your rights

10. Updates to this policy

11. Contact us

1. Who we are

Datum Research LLC ("Datum Research", "we", "us") is an independent research and analysis company based in the United States of America. We produce written and audio-visual content, services, information, and other elements, including commentary, analysis, methods, and consultations related to markets, economics, world affairs, and other relevant topics or areas.

We provide our content, services, information, and other elements for the benefit of our members, subscribers, followers, and clients, through this website and other platforms that include social media. Some of our content, services, information, and other elements are exclusive to members.

2. What information we collect, store, and process

Datum Research does not directly sell your usage activity or personal information, but this information may be shared with our Service Providers. We do not intentionally integrate advertising software into our website for the purpose of targeted advertising.

We receive, collect, store, and process information needed to provide and maintain our content, services, information, and other elements through this website, other platforms including social media, and client consultations.

With the exception of payment information (which is handled by third-party processors), we receive, collect, store, and process information entered through this website, social media platforms, and/or that you consent to provide to us. When you visit this website or engage with our social media accounts, we automatically collect certain information, which includes:

Account Identity

Elements: Email address, password

Purpose: To create and manage your account and provide access to membership content

Basis: Contractual Necessity

Payment Information

Elements: Name, billing address, and payment details (processed via third party processors)

Purpose: To process membership fees and facilitate access to paid content, services, information, and other elements

Basis: Contractual Necessity

Technical & Usage Data

Elements: IP address, browser type, operating system, device type, and referral URL

Purpose: To ensure website security, prevent fraudulent access or usage, and maintain site functionality for the device and software used for access while limiting extraneous collection to balance user's privacy interests

Basis: Legitimate Interest

Interaction Data

Elements: Page views, link clicks, and aggregated website activity

Purpose: To analyze aggregate website usage and improve content delivery and user experience while balancing user's privacy interests in accordance with specified cookie preferences.

Basis: Legitimate Interest (for aggregate); as configured via privacy preferences

Communication Data

Elements: Content of emails and attachments, contact details, and professional background information provided by you

Purpose: To respond to inquiries, manage consultation requests, and provide tailored services while respecting user's privacy interests

Basis: Contractual Necessity or Legitimate Interest

Marketing Data

Elements: Email address (for subscribers and members)

Purpose: To provide updates on publications, membership, and important company news

Basis: Consent (via explicit opt-in)

Cookies & Tracking

Elements: Cookie preferences and non-essential tracking pixels

Purpose: To remember your preferences and analyze granular usage patterns

Basis: Consent (Opt-in by default)

We use cookies to operate this website and analyze how it is used. Cookies are small text files that are stored on your browser and are retrieved remotely in order to provide information to the website, such as your login status, preferences, or device information. Essential cookies are necessary for the website to function. Optional cookies allow us to better understand how you use the site, and may incorporate tools like Wix Analytics.

You may manage your preferences regarding non-essential cookies through the website interface available via the pop-up window and settings button; your browser may also be able to limit cookie functionality. Our policy is to disable optional cookies by default. Essential cookies are always enabled for the website to function correctly.

We also collect email addresses that are provided directly to us, including via a subscriber form or when signing up for the website. We use your email to notify you about publications, membership, and important updates. When you contact us via email, we collect your email address, metadata, and the content of your messages, including any attachments. We track whether you click links within our emails, including custom links used to access specific pages on our website, allowing us to understand how you engage with our content.

Automatically generated emails may employ tracking pixels. These are invisible image files embedded in an email that trigger a remote request from a server in order to convey information from the email client (e.g. software, time opened) and the recipient (e.g. email address, IP and device information). We use this information to assess the functionality and efficacy of our email notifications. We recommend that you disable automatic image downloads and automatic loading of remote images through your email provider.

When you purchase a membership, we use Wix Payments to process your payment. Wix Payments collects your payment information, including your name, billing address, and payment details. We do not directly collect, store, or process your payment information; all such transactions are handled by our third-party payment processor.

In addition to the information described above, we may collect information you voluntarily provide to us through email inquiries, consultation requests, or other direct communications. The information you provide may vary and may include, but is not limited to, your contact details, professional background information, research interests, and other information directly required to address your specific outreach or request. We will handle this information in accordance with this Privacy Policy.

We do not knowingly collect or solicit information from children under the age of 13. If we become aware that we have inadvertently collected personal information from a child under 13, we will take steps to delete that information as quickly as possible.

You are not required to use this website or access our content, services, information, or other elements. You are not required to correspond with us directly via email or to visit our social media accounts. You are not required to provide your email or other contact information. If you do, you may also disable email notifications apart from important correspondence related to servicing your account should you choose to create one.

3. Why and how we use this information

In addition to the reasons outlined above, we use the information we collect to operate and improve our content, services, information, and other elements, and to communicate with you. This includes, but is not limited to:

- Account Management: We use your email address to create and manage your account, enabling access to our membership offerings and allowing us to communicate important updates.

- Website Functionality: Cookies are essential for our website to function correctly. These cookies allow us to remember your preferences and ensure key features work as expected.

- Session Management: We use your IP address, browser, and device to recognize you when you return to our website. This allows us to maintain your login status and provide a more consistent experience.

- Communication: We use your email address to send important account notifications and respond to your questions. We will only send you promotional emails if you have explicitly opted in.

- Payments: We use Wix Payments to process your payments when you become a paid member. Wix Payments handles the storage of your payment information, which is subject to their privacy and data retention policies.

- Understanding Website Usage: We analyze aggregated data about pages visited and links clicked to understand how people use our website. This helps us improve content and design.

- Consultations: If you request a consultation, we will use the information you provide to understand your needs and provide a response.

- Your Voluntary Information: Any information you choose to share with us, such as through email inquiries or consultation requests, will be used to address your specific request and will be handled in accordance with this Privacy Policy.

We may also use your information to comply with legal requirements, resolve disputes, and enforce our policies.

4. What information we share

For the purposes of this policy, Datum Research LLC is the Data Controller and authorized Service Providers are Data Processors.

We limit disclosure of your personal information to authorized Service Providers whose services are integrated into the operation of our website and the delivery of our content, services, information, or other elements. This includes, but is not limited to, hosting providers, payment processors, client management platforms, and email marketing tools.

5. Why we share this information

We share information with our Service Providers primarily to enable the following:

- Content Delivery: To provide information via this and other platforms, including social media.

- Website Hosting and Management: To ensure our website is accessible and functioning correctly.

- Payment Processing: To process membership fees in a secure manner and handle transaction-related communications.

- Communication: To manage email notifications, newsletters, and direct correspondence.

- Security and Fraud Prevention: To monitor for unauthorized access and protect the integrity of our platform.

6. Third party services we use

We may share your information with the following Service Providers in order to provide and maintain our respective content, services, information, and other elements:

Website: Wix

Website: LegalZoom

Payments: Wix Payments

Payments: Adyen

Privacy Statement: https://www.adyen.com/privacy-policy

Terms and Conditions: https://www.adyen.com/legal/terms-and-conditions

Payments: Apple Pay

Privacy: https://www.apple.com/legal/privacy/data/en/apple-pay

Terms and Conditions: https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/apple-pay-wallet/us/

Payments: Google Pay

Privacy, terms & policies: https://support.google.com/googlepay/answer/9039712?hl=en

Email (direct): Proton

Email (notifications and marketing): Google Workspace (Google Cloud)

Social Media: Instagram

Social Media: Threads

Social Media: Bluesky

Social Media: YouTube

Social Media: Substack

Social Media: LinkedIn

User Agreement: https://www.linkedin.com/legal/user-agreement

Video Hosting: Sprout Video

Video Hosting: Vimeo

Program Hosting: Github

Privacy Statement: https://docs.github.com/en/site-policy/privacy-policies/github-general-privacy-statement#your-privacy-rights

These third parties may process and store the information that you provide. Third-party platforms operate under their own independent privacy policies and may employ different data collection practices that merit your attention. We are not responsible for the data independently collected and managed by third parties.

For data processing that involves transfer outside of our primary jurisdiction (e.g., utilizing platforms hosted in the EEA or Asia), Datum Research LLC relies on the service provider's stated compliance mechanisms, such as Standard Contractual Clauses (SCCs) or equivalent measures, which are detailed within that provider's respective privacy policy and/or terms of use. The full extent of these data transfers is governed by the respective third party's compliance mechanisms and is subject to their stated policies.

You are strongly advised to review the linked Privacy Policies and Terms of Use for each service, as these documents govern the specific data processing practices, rights, and limitations of the respective third parties. We review the data policies of these providers (e.g., Wix Payments) on a regular basis to ensure continued adherence to standard data protection principles.

We may provide links to external content, services, information, and other elements for your convenience. Datum Research LLC is not responsible for any of the content, services, information, or other elements of third parties or controlled by their policies; you must proceed at your own risk.

We may also share your information as you instruct or with your consent.

We periodically update this list as our infrastructure evolves. Please refer to the 'Updates to this policy' section for the most current information.

7. Protecting your information

We limit the information that we collect in order to reduce the information that we expose. We employ physical, technical, and other standard controls such as firewalls and multi-factor authentication to help safeguard your information as well as our devices and networks. Datum Research cannot guarantee the security of your information.

8. Data retention

We will retain your account information while your membership is active and up to 180 days after your membership ends. We will retain any direct correspondence for up to 180 days from the last communication unless otherwise required. These periods allow us sufficient time to investigate, manage, and/or resolve account-related requests and issues. We will retain email addresses explicitly provided to subscribe to updates until you request their removal. We may retain your information for longer as required by law.

Datum Research does not directly collect, store, or process your payment information but uses third-party processors (e.g. Wix Payments). Separate from client consultations, we only offer timed access to this website on a non-recurring basis so as to avoid directly retaining your payment information and to reduce risk of loss in the event of a breach.

9. Your rights

Depending on where you are and where you access our content, services, information, and/or other elements, you have specific rights with respect to your personal information that is collected, shared, or processed. To exercise any of the rights described below, please submit a request to:

privacy@datumresearch.com

When we receive a request via the provided email address, we will thoroughly review the information in our possession. Given the manual nature of this process, we will provide a response within the applicable timeframe (typically 30-45 calendar days). To protect your data, we may require basic verification of your identity before fulfilling a request, which may include confirming details such as your valid, previously provided email address.

Contacting us at the email address provided above to request the deletion of your information or the cancellation of your account also serves as a formal request to cease all further processing of your personal information, except as required by law.

This policy is designed to outline our practices for residents of the United States, the European Economic Area (EEA), and California. Because our website is globally accessible and we do not implement technical restrictions (such as geoblocking) to limit access by country, we must advise that this policy’s specific rights and obligations apply primarily to data subjects within the US, EEA, and California.

For data subjects governed by laws in other regions or countries, we recommend that you consult the specific data protection laws applicable in your jurisdiction. While we strive to adhere to global best practices, our direct and binding obligations under law may be limited to those jurisdictions detailed above. If you believe this policy does not address your legal rights, please contact us immediately so we may seek local counsel to ensure appropriate compliance.

Residents of California (CCPA/CPRA)

California residents have the following rights under the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA):

- Right to Know: You may request disclosure of the categories and specific pieces of information we have collected about you as well as the sources of that information and the purpose for which that information is used.

- Right to Delete: You may request deletion of your information, subject to certain legal exceptions including retention requirements.

- Right to Correct: You may request that we correct inaccurate information that we have about you.

- Right to Opt-Out of Sharing: While we do not directly sell your information, you may opt-out of "sharing" your personal information; however, doing so may technically preclude us from being able to deliver our content, services, information, or other elements.

- Right to Non-Discrimination: You will not be discriminated against for exercising your rights under the CCPA. We will not deny you services, charge different prices, or provide a different quality of service because you choose to exercise these rights.

Residents of the European Economic Area (EEA) and the UK (GDPR)

If you are located in the EEA or the UK, you have the following rights under the General Data Protection Regulation:

- Right of Access: You may request copies of your personal information in our possession.

- Right to Rectification: You may request that we correct any information about you that you believe is inaccurate or incomplete.

- Right to be Forgotten: You may request that we erase your personal information, subject to certain legal exceptions including retention requirements.

- Right to Restrict Processing: You may request that we limit how your information is used.

- Right to Data Portability: You may request that we transfer your information to another entity or to you directly in a common, structured, and machine-readable format.

- Right to Object: You may object to our processing of your personal information.

- Right to Withdraw Consent: You may withdraw your consent for data processing at any time.

- Right to Lodge a Complaint: You may complain to a data protection authority about our handling of your personal information.

10. Updates to this policy

Datum Research reserves the right to update this Privacy Policy at any time.

When the policy is updated, we will display a new effective date. If there are material changes to the policy, we will display an announcement on the landing page for a period of one week and/or notify members and subscribers via email.

11. Contact us

If you have questions regarding our privacy practices or wish to exercise your rights, please contact our Privacy group at:

privacy@datumresearch.com

Who we are

What information we collect store and process

Updates to this policy

Your rights

Data retention

Protecting your information

Third party services we use

Why we share this information

What information we share

Why and how we use this information

TERMS OF USE

Effective Date: May 13, 2026

These Terms of Use ("Terms") are a binding contract between you and Datum Research LLC ("Datum Research", "we", "us"). The Terms govern your use of and access to Datum Research LLC's content, services, information, and other elements (collectively, "Datum Research").

Our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use apply to all users regardless of their physical location. However, our legal obligations and governing laws are primarily structured under the laws of the State of California and the United States of America. By accessing or using this site, you acknowledge that you are responsible for understanding and adhering to the local laws and regulations of your own jurisdiction.

Furthermore, you are advised that due to the complex and varying nature of international laws, Datum Research LLC cannot guarantee the suitability or appropriateness of our content for any specific local purpose and is provided "as-is".

Should any element of this policy or these Terms conflict with the applicable laws of your local country or region, the local laws shall take precedence. In such instances, Datum Research LLC makes no guarantee of full compliance, and we recommend that users in foreign jurisdictions consult local legal counsel.

You are not allowed to use or access this website or any content, services, information, or other elements from Datum Research LLC if doing so is in any way prohibited in your country or under any laws applicable to you. You may not and must not use Datum Research if you are not of legal age or if you are legally prohibited from doing so in any way.

Using or accessing Datum Research in any way means that you acknowledge, understand, and agree to be bound by all of these Terms, including the Privacy Policy. These Terms remain in effect while you use or access Datum Research. Some terms apply indefinitely - these are outlined below.

You may not transfer, assign, or delegate these Terms to anyone else without our written consent.

1. DISCLAIMER AND LIMITATION OF LIABILITY

ALL DATUM RESEARCH LLC CONTENT, SERVICES, INFORMATION, AND OTHER ELEMENTS ARE PROVIDED "AS-IS" AND WITHOUT ANY KIND OF WARRANTY. DATUM RESEARCH IS FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY AND IS NOT PROFESSIONAL ADVICE - FINANCIAL OR OTHERWISE. We do not and cannot represent or guarantee that any of our content, services, information, or other elements is without error or that Datum Research is fit for any purpose. You agree to use and access Datum Research and transmit information to or via our systems, networks, and/or domains at your own risk.

We do not make any representations or warranties about any content, services, information, or other elements contained in or accessed through Datum Research systems, networks, or domains. Datum Research cannot guarantee or promise the availability of this website, other domains, or our content, services, information, or other elements; this includes, but is not limited to, disruptions caused by internet service provider failures, technical malfunctions, or other factors beyond our reasonable control.

Furthermore, Datum Research cannot guarantee the confidentiality, integrity, or availability of information provided to or via the website or any other system, network, or domain that we use or access.

You are responsible for connecting to the Internet to use or access Datum Research, in addition to any related expenses incurred in doing so. By using or accessing any of our content, services, information, or other elements, you agree to the collection, use, and transfer of data provided to us or otherwise necessary to produce the content, services, information, or other elements that you use or access; your information may be transferred outside of the United States or wherever you may happen to use or access Datum Research.

To the maximum extent permitted by applicable law, you agree to indemnify and hold Datum Research LLC harmless from any claims made against us by any third party on account of your use of or access to the website or any of the content, services, information, or other elements associated with Datum Research.

To the maximum extent permitted by applicable law, Datum Research LLC shall not be liable for any damages pertaining directly or indirectly to the use of or access to (or inability to use or access) Datum Research.

2. INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY AND PROHIBITED USES

All Datum Research information, content, trademarks, iconography, composition, and other elements are the exclusive property of Datum Research LLC and are protected by the copyright and intellectual property laws of the United States and other jurisdictions. These Terms and the act of using or accessing Datum Research do not grant you any right, title, or interest in these or other assets and do not imply any license or permission under such rights.

Access to Datum Research is permitted solely for personal, educational, or private research purposes only. You are expressly prohibited from using, reproducing, or exploiting any of our content, services, information, or other elements for any commercial purpose and/or for the benefit of any third party. You are forbidden from applying any kind of automated collection mechanism (e.g. "scraping"), with the exception of public search indexing.

You may not and must not interfere with the proper functioning of any of our content, services, information, or other elements, violate the security of any associated system or network, or attempt to bypass or circumvent any access restrictions or other security controls. You may not and must not copy, disseminate, or otherwise exploit any part of our content, services, information, or other elements without prior written consent; these Terms do not offer or imply any such consent.

Datum Research reserves the right, without notice or liability, to modify, cease, or otherwise limit any of our content, services, information, or other elements at any time and for any or no reason.

3. ACCOUNT MANAGEMENT AND SECURITY

By using or accessing any of our content, services, information, or other elements, you agree to the collection, use, and transfer of data as set forth in our Privacy Policy, which is incorporated by reference.

If you choose to register for an account or subscribe, you promise to provide accurate, complete, and current information that may be used to authenticate, authorize, or service your account or to communicate with you regarding our content, services, information, and/or other elements. You also agree to receive communications from us (via email or other provided contact methods) regarding content, services, and important updates.

You are expressly prohibited from sharing account access with others, transferring your account, or sharing your account credentials. You must use your own contact information and must not provide an email address or other contact information that you are not authorized to use.

You are responsible for the confidentiality of your account credentials and may not recklessly or willingly jeopardize the security of your account or any other account. You alone are responsible and liable for any use of or access to Datum Research by you or anyone using your account credentials. If you believe that someone has used your account or credentials without authorization, please reach out to:

support@datumresearch.com

Datum Research reserves the right, in our sole discretion and without prior notice to the maximum extent permitted by law, to refuse registration or to suspend or terminate access or an account in accordance with these Terms.

4. TERMINATION AND SURVIVAL

You may discontinue use of and access to Datum Research and request to cancel your account at any time; we cannot guarantee that your account or credentials can be restored. If you accidentally terminate your account, please reach out to:

support@datumresearch.com

Datum Research is free to end your use of or access to Datum Research, or your account, for any reason and without notice or liability to the maximum extent permitted by law, especially if we determine that you have violated any provision of these Terms or any applicable laws.

You understand and agree that any Terms that should naturally survive termination of your account, use of, or access to Datum Research - including, but not limited to, obligations related to intellectual property, ownership, payments, indemnifications, and disputes - shall apply indefinitely.

5. PAYMENTS AND MEMBERSHIP ACCESS PLANS

With the exception of private consultations, Datum Research offers access to its content, services, information, and other elements of this website through time-limited, non-recurring membership periods. These are one-time plan purchases; there are no recurring subscriptions, and no automatic renewals will occur.

The following plans are available:

- Free Membership: Provides 30 days of limited access.

- 30-Day Membership: A one-time payment of $10 for 30 days of access.

- Annual Membership: A one-time payment of $100 for 365 days of access.

The specific terms of each membership plan are subject to change.

Upon expiration of a plan, your access to associated content, services, information, and other elements will terminate automatically. You retain sole responsibility for managing your access; Datum Research is not obligated to provide notice of expiration or to facilitate plan renewals.

All payments are processed on a one-time basis via third-party service providers (e.g., Wix Payments). Datum Research does not collect, process, or store your credit card or other sensitive payment information directly. You agree to be bound by the privacy policies and terms of these third-party processors.

All sales are final. Due to the digital nature of our content, services, information, and other elements and the immediate provision of access, Datum Research does not offer refunds or credits for any reason, including, but not limited to, accidental purchases, except as otherwise required by applicable law or on account of a documented technical error of our own.

6. GOVERNING LAW AND DISPUTE RESOLUTION

These Terms, and any claims or disputes related to them or to Datum Research, shall be governed by, construed under and enforced in all respects solely and exclusively in accordance with the internal substantive laws of the United States of America and the State of California, without respect to conflict of laws principles.

To the maximum extent permitted by law, you and Datum Research LLC agree that any and all claims or disputes arising out of or related to these Terms shall first be submitted to good faith mediation in Los Angeles, California. You agree to participate in mediation for a period of no less than sixty (60) days before initiating any formal legal action. Should mediation be unsuccessful after the sixty (60) day period, any claims or disputes between you and Datum Research LLC shall be adjudicated exclusively by a court of competent jurisdiction located in Los Angeles, California.

To the maximum extent permitted by law, you agree that any and all claims against each other can only be brought in an individual capacity, and you explicitly and irrevocably waive your right to participate in any class action, collective action, or representative proceeding. You agree that all such disputes must be pursued solely and exclusively by you, as an individual.

The application of the United Nations Convention of Contracts for the International Sale of Goods is expressly excluded.

7. MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS

Any failure by you or Datum Research LLC to exercise, in any way, any right in these Terms does not waive any further rights.

If any provision of the Terms is determined by a court of competent jurisdiction to be unenforceable or invalid, only that provision alone will be limited or eliminated, and only to the extent necessary, such that the rest of the Terms remain in full force and effect.

You acknowledge and agree that these Terms are the complete and exclusive statement of the mutual understanding between you and Datum Research LLC, and that the Terms supersede and cancel all previous written and oral agreements, communications, and any other understanding or interpretation related to these Terms.

Failure to follow any of these Terms will constitute a breach of these Terms, which may result in immediate termination of your account and access to Datum Research. Datum Research LLC reserves the right to determine, in its reasonable discretion, whether a violation of any of these Terms has occurred.

Datum Research LLC reserves the right to modify these Terms at its discretion and at any time. The date of the latest update will be displayed along with the Terms. Your continued use of or access to Datum Research after any such change constitutes your acceptance of the new Terms.

The headings in these Terms and the Privacy Policy are for convenience of reference only and shall not be construed as part of the substantive terms of the agreement.

8. FINAL NOTICE AND ACCEPTANCE

Datum Research LLC is an independent information and analysis provider. Our content, services, information, and other elements are provided "as-is" and for informational, educational, and analytical purposes only. Access to Datum Research does not constitute, and shall not be construed as, the creation of a professional-client, fiduciary, or advisory relationship between you and Datum Research LLC. You are solely responsible for your own decisions and actions.

If you do not agree to any of these Terms or any future version of the Terms, do not use or access (or continue to access) Datum Research or any of its content, services, information, or other elements.

By using or accessing Datum Research, you acknowledge, understand, and agree to be bound by both the Privacy Policy and the Terms of Use.

Datum Research LLC reserves any and all other rights.