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Terms & Conditions

Last Updated: October 1, 2025

Welcome to Open Foresight (openforesight.eu), a website operated by WRS Group SRL (“we,” “us,” or “our”). By accessing or using this site, you agree to the following Terms and Conditions (“Terms”). Please read these Terms carefully, as they govern your use of the site and outline your rights and obligations. If you do not agree with any part of these Terms, please discontinue use of the site. In addition, please review our Privacy & Cookies Policy below, which explains how we collect and handle your personal data.

1. Intellectual Property – Copyright & Trademarks

All content on openforesight.eu – including text, images, graphics, logos, videos, and software – is the property of WRS Group SRL or its content suppliers and is protected by copyright laws. Open Foresight Executive Innovation is a trademark owned by WRS Group SRL, and all related names, logos, and slogans are proprietary. Unauthorized use of the “Open Foresight”, “Open Foresight Executive Innovation” name or logo is strictly prohibited. You may not use our trademarks in any manner likely to cause confusion or imply endorsement without our prior written consent.

Copyright License for Personal Use: We grant you a limited license to access and use the materials on this site for your own personal, informational, and non-commercial purposes . This means you may display, download, or print content from Open Foresight for non-commercial use only, provided that: (a) you do not modify or alter the content; and (b) you retain all copyright notices and proprietary attributions as they appear on the materials . You must also include proper attribution to Open Foresight as the source if you quote or share our content. Any commercial use, reproduction, or distribution of our content (in whole or in part) is not allowed without express prior written permission from WRS Group SRL . This includes publishing our articles on your own site for profit or using our research in a product or service for sale.

Prohibition on Improper Use: Except as expressly permitted above, you may not copy, reproduce, republish, upload, post, transmit, or distribute any part of this site in any form or by any means. You may not create derivative works from our content, nor attempt to reverse-engineer any software or technology on the site. Any unauthorized use of the site’s materials may violate our copyrights, trademarks, and other proprietary rights and could result in civil or criminal penalties . We reserve all rights not expressly granted in these Terms.

2. Permitted Use of the Site

You may use openforesight.eu only for lawful purposes and in accordance with these Terms. We provide this site to disseminate information about foresight management, innovation, and research. You agree to use the site in a manner that is respectful, non-abusive, and compliant with applicable laws and regulations. Specifically:

  • Personal, Non-Commercial Use: Use of the site is intended for your personal or internal business learning. You may read articles, view videos, and share links to our content for educational or informational purposes. Commercial exploitation of the site (such as selling our content, data mining, or using it for marketing without permission) is not permitted.
  • No Harmful Activity: You must not use the site in any way that could damage, disable, or impair the site or interfere with any other party’s use. Prohibited activities include introducing viruses or other malicious code, attempting to gain unauthorized access to the site’s servers, or using any automated system (like bots or scrapers) to access or copy site content without permission.
  • No Unlawful or Infringing Content: You agree not to submit or transmit through the site any material that is illegal, defamatory, obscene, harassing, or that infringes on the rights of others (including intellectual property rights and privacy rights).

We reserve the right to monitor usage of the site and to take appropriate action (including terminating or restricting access) if we suspect any user is engaging in prohibited conduct or violating these Terms.

3. User Accounts and Registration

Open Foresight may offer features that require account registration (for example, if there is a membership portal, newsletter signup, or a comment platform). If you choose to create an account, you agree to provide accurate, current, and complete information about yourself during the registration process. You must be at least 16 years old (or the legal age of consent for data processing in your country) to register an account, given the GDPR requirements for consent.

Account Security: You are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of your account credentials, including your username and password, and for all activities that occur under your account . You agree to use a strong password and to keep it secure. If you suspect any unauthorized use of your account or a security breach, you must notify us immediately. We will not be liable for any loss or damage arising from your failure to protect your account information or from unauthorized access to your account, to the maximum extent permitted by law .

Account Usage and Termination: You may not transfer your account to others or use anyone else’s account at any time . We reserve the right to suspend or terminate your account (and your access to the site) at our discretion for any reason, including for violation of these Terms or inactivity. If we terminate or suspend your account, you remain obligated to respect the intellectual property rights and other obligations under these Terms.

When using any interactive features (such as posting comments or participating in forums if available), you must ensure that your contributions are lawful and respectful. You retain ownership of any original content you post, but by submitting content to our site, you grant WRS Group SRL a worldwide, royalty-free, perpetual license to use, reproduce, modify, and display that content in connection with operating the site. We are not responsible for monitoring user-generated content, but we reserve the right to remove or edit any content that violates these Terms or our policies.

4. AI-Generated Content Disclaimer

Some content on openforesight.eu may be created or assisted by generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools. We strive to ensure the accuracy and quality of all content on our site; however, we make no guarantee of the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of AI-generated content . AI technology is an evolving tool, and while it can aid in research and drafting, it may also produce errors, omissions, or outdated information. All content is provided “as is” with no warranties of any kind (whether express or implied) regarding its accuracy or reliability .

By using our site, you acknowledge and agree that information on Open Foresight is for general informational purposes. It should not be taken as professional advice (for example, not as legal, financial, or consulting advice specific to your situation). No Factual Guarantee: We endeavor to fact-check and review content, but we cannot guarantee that every statement is correct or up-to-date. The site’s analyses, forecasts, or reports (especially those involving future trends or scenarios) are speculative in nature. Use at Your Own Risk: You should independently verify any important or actionable information obtained from our site before relying on it . If you need expert advice, please consult a qualified professional. WRS Group SRL disclaims any liability for decisions or actions you take based on content from Open Foresight, including AI-generated content.

In sum, while we aim for high-quality insights, we do not warrant the content’s accuracy or suitability and we explicitly caution users not to place undue reliance on any single piece of content. The responsibility is on you, the user, to evaluate the information and use your own judgment (and conduct further research if needed) when applying it to real-world situations .

5. Content Reuse and Sharing Policy

Open Foresight encourages the spread of knowledge and insights, but we also protect our intellectual property. Our content is available for non-commercial reuse with proper attribution under the conditions described here:

  • Non-Commercial Use Only: You may share, quote, or reference our articles for non-commercial purposes (such as academic research, personal blogging, or educational presentations). Any such reuse must be not-for-profit and not part of a product or service that is sold or monetized.
  • Attribution Required: When you reuse or quote our content, you must credit Open Foresight as the source. Please include the name “Open Foresight” and, where possible, a link to the original page on openforesight.eu. For example, if you quote a paragraph from our article, cite it as originating from Open Foresight (and hyperlink to our site if the medium allows).
  • No Modifications that Mislead: You should not alter or excerpt our content in a way that changes its meaning or presents it out of context. Minor edits for brevity or integration into a larger work are allowed, but any changes must not misrepresent the original intent. If you do adapt or summarize our content, still provide attribution and a disclaimer that you have modified it.
  • Retention of Notices: Do not remove any copyright notices, trademark legends, or authorship credits that are included in our content . If an article or report contains our copyright footer or other proprietary notices, those should remain intact in any shared version.

Any commercial use or redistribution of our content is strictly prohibited unless you obtain prior written permission from WRS Group SRL . Commercial use includes, but is not limited to, selling our content, using it in advertising or marketing materials, or distributing it on a platform that monetizes the content (through ads, paywalls, etc.). To request permission for commercial use, please contact us directly; we evaluate such requests on a case-by-case basis and may require a license agreement and fee.

If you are uncertain whether your intended use is allowed under this policy, please contact us for clarification. We value openness but also must prevent misuse of our content. Unauthorized use of Open Foresight content may violate intellectual property laws and these Terms. We reserve the right to revoke the above reuse permissions for any party who violates these guidelines.

6. Advertising, Sponsorships, and Affiliate Links

Our site may contain advertisements, sponsored content, or affiliate links that help fund our operations. We believe in transparency and integrity in advertising. This section explains what that means for you as a user:

  • Third-Party Advertising (Google AdSense): Open Foresight participates in advertising networks such as Google AdSense. As a result, you may see banner ads or sponsored links on our pages. Third-party vendors, including Google, use cookies to serve ads based on a user’s prior visits to our website or other websites . Google’s use of advertising cookies (e.g., the DoubleClick cookie) enables it and its partners to show ads to you based on your visits to this and other sites on the Internet . These ads are labeled as advertising. We do not directly control the specific ads shown (as they may be automatically provided based on your interests, browsing behavior, or other factors). We do not endorse any products or services advertised by third parties on our site, and the appearance of an ad does not imply our recommendation.
  • Affiliate Links: Some links on our site may be affiliate links, which means if you click them and make a purchase or take an action, we might earn a small commission. This comes at no extra cost to you. We will strive to identify affiliate links or sponsored content clearly (for example, with a note like “(affiliate link)” or a disclosure in the article). Our editorial content is not influenced by advertisers or affiliate partnerships – we maintain independent analysis and opinions. Any product reviews or recommendations reflect our honest views.
  • Sponsored Content: Occasionally, we might publish content that is sponsored by or created in collaboration with a partner organization. Such content will be clearly marked (e.g., “Sponsored” or “In partnership with [Sponsor]”) to differentiate it from our regular editorial content. Even when content is sponsored, we aim to ensure it remains valuable and relevant to our readers. Sponsors may have had input on the topic or message, but we maintain final editorial control to preserve quality and accuracy – and any opinions expressed will be genuine or appropriately attributed.
  • No Liability for Third-Party Content: We are not responsible for the content, promises, or practices of any third-party websites or services linked to or advertised on Open Foresight . If you click on an ad or an affiliate link, and it takes you to a third-party site, be aware that you are subject to that third party’s terms and privacy policy, not ours. We do not guarantee and are not liable for anything provided by a third party, including the quality, accuracy, or reliability of third-party ads or sites . If you decide to transact with advertisers or other third parties found on our site, you do so at your own risk. WRS Group SRL shall not be liable for any loss or damage of any sort incurred as a result of your dealings with third parties or presence of third-party advertising on our site .
  • Advertising Standards: We strive to ensure that ads or sponsored materials on Open Foresight are appropriate for our audience. If you encounter any ad or sponsored content that you find intrusive, misleading, or offensive, please let us know. We will investigate and, if necessary, work with our ad providers to block or remove problematic ads.

Opting Out of Personalized Ads: If you prefer, you can opt out of personalized advertising. For Google ads, you may opt out of personalized ads by visiting Google’s [Ads Settings] . Additionally, you can opt out of many third-party ad networks’ cookies for personalized advertising by visiting resources like the NAI’s opt-out page . (See the Privacy & Cookies Policy below for more information on cookies and ad data). Keep in mind that even if you opt out, you will still see ads, but they may be less relevant to your interests.

7. Disclaimers and Limitation of Liability

No Warranties – “As Is” Provision: Open Foresight and all content, materials, and services provided through it are offered on an “as is” and “as available” basis, without warranties of any kind. WRS Group SRL makes no express or implied warranties or representations regarding the site. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we disclaim all warranties, express or implied, including but not limited to implied warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, title, non-infringement, accuracy, and reliability . In other words, we do not guarantee that the site will be error-free, uninterrupted, secure, or free of viruses or other harmful components. You assume full responsibility for your use of the site.

Informational Purpose Only: All content provided is for general informational or educational purposes. While we strive for accuracy and timeliness, there is no guarantee that information is complete or up-to-date. Any reliance you place on information from our site is strictly at your own risk. In particular, any forward-looking statements, predictions, or analyses of future trends are inherently uncertain and should be understood in that context. We do not warrant any results from the use of our information, and we are not obligated to update content if circumstances change.

Limitation of Liability: To the maximum extent allowed by law, WRS Group SRL and its affiliates, officers, employees, agents, and partners will not be liable for any damages arising out of or related to your use of (or inability to use) openforesight.eu. This exclusion of liability applies to all types of damages or losses, whether direct, indirect, incidental, consequential, special, or punitive . It includes, for example, damages for lost profits or revenues, loss of data, business interruption, or personal injuries or property damage resulting from using our site or relying on any information on it . These limitations apply under any theory of liability, whether in contract, warranty, tort (including negligence), strict liability, or any other legal theory, even if we have been advised of the possibility of such damages .

In plain language, we are not liable for any harm or losses you may experience in connection with using our site. This includes if the site is unavailable or if your use of the site or content causes issues with your computer or data. You are responsible for implementing sufficient security and backup measures to protect yourself.

Exceptions: Some jurisdictions do not allow the exclusion of certain warranties or the limitation/exclusion of liability for certain types of damages (for instance, in the case of personal injury or for intentional misconduct). To the extent that such a law applies to you, some of the above disclaimers or limitations may not apply, and in that case WRS Group SRL’s liability will be limited to the maximum extent permitted by law. However, nothing in these Terms is intended to limit any rights you may have as a consumer under Romanian or EU law that cannot be legally limited or waived.

Indemnification: You agree to indemnify and hold harmless WRS Group SRL (and its directors, employees, and agents) from and against any and all claims, liabilities, damages, losses, or expenses (including reasonable attorney’s fees) arising out of your use of the site or your violation of these Terms. This means if a third party brings a claim against us related to your conduct on the site (for example, something you posted or how you used our content), you will be responsible for those costs.

8. Changes to Terms, Suspension and Termination

Modifications to Terms: WRS Group SRL reserves the right to change or update these Terms at any time. If we update the Terms, we will post the revised version here with a new “Last Updated” date. Changes are effective immediately upon posting, unless otherwise stated. It is your responsibility to review the Terms periodically for updates. By continuing to use the site after any modifications are posted, you agree to be bound by the updated Terms . If you do not agree with a change, you must stop using the site. We may, at our discretion, also notify registered users of significant changes via email or a site notice, but this is not an obligation.

Site Availability: We aim to keep Open Foresight available and running smoothly, but we cannot guarantee continuous or error-free operation. We may suspend or withdraw or restrict the availability of all or any part of our site for business and operational reasons, including maintenance, updates, or technical issues. Whenever reasonably possible, we will try to give advance notice of downtime (for example, via a notice on the website). However, emergency maintenance or events beyond our control may occur without notice. We are not liable if for any reason the site is unavailable at any time or for any period.

Termination of Access: We also reserve the right to terminate or suspend your access to the site (or certain features of the site) at our sole discretion, without prior notice, if we believe you have violated these Terms or applicable laws, or if we decide to discontinue the site or a feature. In such cases, your right to use the site will immediately cease. If you have a user account, we may disable or delete it. We shall not be liable to you or any third party for any termination or suspension of your access. Sections of these Terms that by their nature should survive termination (such as intellectual property rights, disclaimers, limitation of liability, and governing law) will continue to remain in effect.

Changes to Site Content: The content, layout, and functionalities of openforesight.eu may be updated, modified, or removed by us at any time. We are constantly improving and evolving our offerings, so any aspect of the site is subject to change without notice. However, our core commitment to quality insights remains, and any changes will be aimed at enhancing user experience or keeping content current.

9. Governing Law and Jurisdiction

These Terms and any dispute or claim arising out of or related to them (including non-contractual disputes or claims) shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of Romania. We operate from Romania, and the choice of Romanian law ensures a consistent legal framework for these Terms.

If you are accessing the site from outside Romania, you are responsible for complying with local laws. Access to our site is intended for users globally, but our Terms are set under Romanian law. Note that as a consumer in the European Union, you may also have mandatory rights under your local laws; these Terms do not override those rights where applicable.

Jurisdiction: In the event of any controversy or claim arising from or relating to your use of the site or these Terms that cannot be resolved amicably, such dispute shall be submitted to the exclusive jurisdiction of the competent courts of Romania. By using this site, you agree that any legal action or proceeding between you and WRS Group SRL shall be brought in the courts of Romania. In particular, unless otherwise required by law, the courts of Bihor County, Romania (the region in which our company is based) will have jurisdiction. You waive any objection to the exercise of jurisdiction over you by such courts and to the venue of such courts, including any claim that such legal proceedings have been brought in an inconvenient forum.

However, if you are a consumer located in the EU, you may also be entitled to bring claims in your home country under certain consumer protection laws. The above jurisdiction clause does not override any rights you have under EU consumer laws to seek redress in your country of residence. For the avoidance of doubt, nothing in this section limits your rights under EU law regarding dispute resolution or applicable law.

International Use: Open Foresight makes no representation that the content on this site is appropriate or available for use in all locations. Accessing the site from territories where the content or practices are illegal is prohibited. If you choose to access the site from outside of the EU, you do so on your own initiative and are responsible for compliance with local laws.

10. Privacy & Cookies Policy

We value your privacy and are committed to protecting your personal data. This Privacy & Cookies Policy explains what information we collect, how we use it, how it may be shared, and your rights regarding your personal data when you use openforesight.eu. This Policy is designed to comply with the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and other applicable privacy laws. By using our site, you acknowledge that your information will be handled as described in this Policy.

Data Controller: For the purposes of data protection law, the “controller” of your personal data collected via openforesight.eu is WRS Group SRL (operator of the Open Foresight site). WRS Group SRL is a european company EUID ROONRC.J2023000854053. You can contact us with privacy-related inquiries at contact@openforesight.eu or via the postal address above.

10.1 Information We Collect

We may collect and process the following categories of personal data about you:

  • Information You Provide Directly: When you engage with our site, for example by filling out our contact form, signing up for a newsletter, creating an account, or posting comments, you may provide personal information. This can include your name, email address, phone number, affiliation, and any other information you choose to share in your message or profile. We only ask for information that is necessary for the relevant purpose. For instance, the contact form on our site asks for your name, email, subject, and message so that we can respond to your inquiry  . If we offer newsletter subscriptions, we will collect your email address (and possibly your name) to send you the newsletter. If registering an account, you may provide a username, password, and contact details.
  • Content You Post: If the site allows user-generated content (such as comments on articles or forum posts), any personal data you include in such content (for example, signing a comment with your name, or including biographical info in a profile) will be collected by us as part of that content. Please avoid sharing sensitive personal details in public areas of the site.
  • Automatically Collected Data: When you visit openforesight.eu, our system and third-party tools may automatically collect certain technical data about your device and browsing actions. This includes your IP address, browser type and version, device identifiers, operating system, referring website, pages you view, the dates/times of your visits, and other usage statistics. We use technologies like cookies, web beacons, and log files to gather this information. For example, our server logs record requests made to the site (and include IP and timestamp), and our analytics tools track page views and click streams. This data helps us understand how users interact with our site and enables us to improve performance and content delivery. (See the “Cookies and Tracking Technologies” section below for more details on these tools.)
  • Cookies and Similar Technologies: We and our partners use cookies and similar tracking technologies (like pixel tags and local storage) to collect information about your browsing behavior on our site. Cookies are small text files that websites place on your device to store data that can be recalled on future visits. The types of cookies we use include: (a) Necessary cookies – these are essential for the site to function (e.g., to remember your cookie consent preferences or to enable you to log in); (b) Analytics cookies – provided by third parties like Google Analytics, to collect information about site usage (number of visitors, pages viewed, time spent, etc.) so we can understand and improve user experience; and (c) Advertising/Marketing cookies – such as those from Google AdSense and Meta Pixel, which track your visit to enable ad delivery, personalization, and retargeting (with your consent). More details on these in the Cookies section below.
  • Emails and Communications: If you contact us via email or other means, we may keep a record of that correspondence. Similarly, if you subscribe to our newsletter or mailing list, we will collect your email address and any preferences. Our email marketing service might also track certain metrics like email open rates or link clicks, to gauge engagement.

We do not intentionally collect any sensitive personal data (such as racial or ethnic origin, political opinions, religious beliefs, health information, or biometric data) through our site. Please refrain from providing such sensitive information when interacting with the site. We also do not knowingly collect personal data from children under 16. If you are under 16, please do not provide personal information without verifiable parental consent. If we learn that we have inadvertently collected personal data from a child under 16, we will promptly delete it.

10.2 How We Use Your Data

We use the collected information for the following purposes, in accordance with applicable legal bases (such as your consent, our legitimate interests in running our site and business, or fulfilling a contract with you):

  • To Provide and Maintain the Website: We process technical data (IP address, device info, cookies) to deliver the web pages to you and ensure the site functions properly. This includes using your IP to route content and using cookies to keep you logged in (if applicable) or remember preferences. It is in our legitimate interest to present a functional and secure site to users.
  • To Communicate With You: If you contact us or submit an inquiry, we will use your contact details to respond to you. For example, we will use your email address to answer questions you submit via the contact form or to send confirmations if you register an account. If you sign up for newsletters or updates, we will send those to you via the email provided. You can opt out of marketing emails at any time (see below).
  • For Email Marketing and Newsletters: With your consent (or as otherwise permitted by law), we will use your email address to send you our newsletter or promotional communications about Open Foresight content, upcoming events, or services that may interest you. We use an email marketing platform (such as Mailchimp or a similar service) to manage our subscriber list and send emails. This may involve transferring your email data to that platform. Each marketing email will contain an unsubscribe link allowing you to opt out of future emails. You can also contact us to be removed from our mailing list.
  • Analytics and Improvement: We use data (largely aggregated or pseudonymized) to understand how our site is used. For instance, we use Google Analytics to see which pages are most popular, how users navigate the site, and where visitors come from. This helps us analyze trends and improve the structure, design, and content of Open Foresight. Google Analytics may collect information such as your IP address, browser type, and browsing actions on our site. We may configure Google Analytics to anonymize IP addresses (truncating them within the EU) to enhance your privacy. The insight we gain from analytics is used under our legitimate interest in improving our offerings, and in some cases, where required by law (e.g., dropping analytics cookies), based on your consent. We do not use the data collected to personally identify you for analytics purposes; it is more about general trends.
  • Personalization and User Experience: We might use information about your visits to personalize your experience, such as recommending related articles or remembering your preferences (language selection, font size, etc.). This is typically done via functional cookies or similar technologies so that the site “recognizes” you when you return. For example, if you set preferences on a user profile or accept a cookie banner, the site recalls those settings.
  • Advertising and Remarketing: If you consent to advertising cookies, we (and our advertising partners) use your browsing data to show you relevant ads. Specifically, we utilize Google AdSense to serve ads on our site. AdSense may process data about your visit (such as pages viewed or interactions) to provide tailored ads within our site or to inform ads you see on other sites within Google’s ad network. Additionally, we use the Meta Pixel (Facebook Pixel) for remarketing purposes – this means that Meta (Facebook) may receive information that you visited our site, which can help us show you Open Foresight’s promotional content on Facebook/Instagram later. Third parties, including Facebook, may use cookies, web beacons, and other storage technologies to collect or receive information from our website and elsewhere on the internet and use that information to provide measurement services and target ads . In practical terms, the Meta Pixel records certain actions you take on our site (like visiting a specific page) and connects it with your Facebook user ID (in a hashed, non-personally identifiable form) to measure the effectiveness of our Facebook ads or to build a custom audience for future ads . We only deploy such tracking with your consent, in line with GDPR’s requirements for marketing cookies. You can opt out of this processing as described in the Cookies section.
  • Security and Fraud Prevention: We may use personal data (like IP addresses or user account information) to monitor for suspicious activity and to protect our site, users, and organization against fraud, abuse, or other malicious activities. It is our legitimate interest to ensure the security of our services. For example, we might use automated tools to detect multiple failed login attempts or unusual patterns that could indicate a bot or attack. We also reserve the right to use data to investigate and take action against illegal or violating behavior on the site.
  • Compliance with Legal Obligations: If necessary, we will use and disclose personal information to comply with our legal obligations, such as responding to lawful requests by public authorities, fulfilling tax and accounting requirements, or as part of legal proceedings. For instance, if law enforcement requires information under lawful process, or if we need to retain certain data for compliance (e.g., proof of consent).
  • Service Providers: We use third-party service providers to support our website and operations – for example, web hosting providers, data analytics services, email delivery services, and advertising networks. These providers may process your data only for the purposes we specify and under our instructions, acting as “processors” under GDPR. We ensure they are bound by contractual obligations to keep your data secure and use it only for the intended purpose. Section 10.3 below details with whom we might share data.

We will not use your personal data for purposes that are incompatible with the above, unless we obtain your consent or are required/permitted by law to do so. We do not engage in automated decision-making or profiling that produces legal or similarly significant effects on you, except for the described advertising customization (which relies on your consent). If we intend to process personal data for a new purpose, we will update this Policy and, if legally required, notify or obtain consent from you.

10.3 Disclosure of Your Information (Third-Party Sharing)

We treat your personal information with care and confidentiality. We do not sell your personal data to third parties. However, we do share your information in certain circumstances, as outlined here:

  • With Service Providers and Partners: We share data with trusted third-party vendors who perform services on our behalf. These include:
    • Website Hosting and Infrastructure: Our site is hosted on servers provided by [our hosting provider], which means any data you transmit to the site (including personal data) passes through and is stored on their servers. They act under our instructions to keep data secure.
    • Analytics Providers: As noted, we use Google Analytics (provided by Google LLC) to collect usage data. Google acts as a data processor in providing aggregate analytics, but it may also use the collected data for its own purposes. We have configured Google Analytics to avoid collecting directly identifiable information where possible, and you can opt out (see Cookies section). Google’s activities are governed by Google’s privacy policy.
    • Advertising Partners: We integrate with advertising networks like Google AdSense. When ads are displayed, third-party advertisers and ad networks may process certain data (e.g., via cookies or ad tags). For instance, Google and its partners may receive your device identifiers or cookie data for ad personalization if you have consented . Similarly, our use of Meta Pixel means Meta Platforms, Inc. receives some data about your visit for ad targeting purposes . These third parties act as independent controllers of the data they collect for advertising, under their own privacy policies (Google’s Privacy Policy and Meta’s Data Policy, respectively). We encourage you to review those policies for details on their data practices.
    • Email Marketing Platform: If we send newsletters, we likely use a platform such as Mailchimp (The Rocket Science Group LLC) or a similar email marketing service. If you subscribe, your email and name may be stored on their system so we can manage mailouts. These providers are generally based in the U.S. and may process data under Standard Contractual Clauses or other transfer mechanisms to comply with GDPR (see International Data Transfers below). They are not allowed to use your email for their own purposes.
    • Payment/Billing Processors: (If applicable) Should we ever sell products, services, or event tickets via the site, and you make payments, we would share necessary information with payment processors like Stripe or PayPal. This can include your name, billing address, and payment details. (At present, our site’s “Invoices” section indicates a partnership with Stripe for billing , which suggests that if you were to manage any account billing, it goes through Stripe’s system). Payment providers handle your financial information securely and are PCI-DSS compliant.
    • Other Tools: We might use other SaaS tools for things like contact form handling, content delivery (CDNs), or social media widgets. These could collect IP or user-agent data automatically as part of providing their service. We only choose reputable providers with appropriate privacy and security measures.

We ensure that when we engage service providers, they are bound by data protection obligations (via Data Processing Agreements) to only use your data as we’ve instructed, and to protect it. They cannot use your data for their own marketing or other purposes without your consent.

  • Within Our Corporate Group: If WRS Group SRL has any subsidiaries, affiliates, or is part of a larger corporate group (e.g., “World Research Solutions Group”), we may share data with those affiliated entities as needed to operate the site and our business. For example, if Open Foresight is part of a group of companies, we might share a subscriber list with the parent company for centralized newsletter management. Any such sharing will observe the same security standards, and those entities will either comply with this Policy or provide at least equal protection for your data.
  • Business Transfers: If Open Foresight or WRS Group SRL undergoes a business transaction such as a merger, acquisition, restructuring, or asset sale, personal data may be transferred to the successor or new owner as part of that deal. We would ensure that the receiving party is bound to respect your personal data in a manner consistent with this Policy. If such a transfer materially affects how your data is used, we will endeavor to inform you and provide choices where possible.
  • Legal Compliance and Protection: We may disclose personal information to third parties (such as attorneys, law enforcement, courts, or regulators) when we believe in good faith that such disclosure is necessary to: (a) comply with a legal obligation, process, or request (e.g., a court order, subpoena, or law enforcement inquiry); (b) enforce our Terms and other agreements, or investigate potential violations thereof; (c) detect, prevent, or address fraud, security, or technical issues; or (d) protect the rights, property, or safety of Open Foresight, WRS Group SRL, our users, or the public. This can include exchanging information with other companies and organizations for the purposes of cybersecurity protection and fraud prevention. Any government or law enforcement requests we receive will be carefully reviewed for legal sufficiency before we consider compliance, and we’ll only provide the minimum data necessary in such cases.
  • With Your Consent: Apart from the scenarios above, we will ask for your explicit consent before sharing your personal data with third parties for purposes not covered by this Policy. For instance, if we ever wanted to publish a user testimonial with personal details, we would obtain consent. Or if you explicitly request us to share data with a third party (e.g., you want us to collaborate with another researcher and share your contact info), we will do so with your permission.

Third-Party Content and Links: Our site may include links to third-party websites (for example, references in articles or sponsor/partner sites) and embedded content (like videos from YouTube, social media widgets, or infographics from other sources). If you click those links or interact with that content, the third parties may collect data from you independently. We do not control the data collection of third-party sites, and this Privacy Policy does not apply to them. We encourage you to review the privacy policies of any external sites you visit. For example, if an article on our site embeds a YouTube video, YouTube/Google may set cookies and gather usage info according to Google’s policies. Similarly, a “Share on Facebook” button on our page might allow Facebook to collect data about your browser through their embedded code. We only use reputable platforms, but please be mindful of their data practices.

10.4 Cookies and Tracking Technologies

Cookies and similar technologies are used on Open Foresight to ensure the site works correctly, to analyze traffic, and (with consent) to serve and personalize ads. When you first visit our site, you will see a cookie consent banner or notice that provides you the option to accept or reject non-essential cookies (such as analytics and marketing cookies). By clicking “Accept” on the cookie banner, you indicate your consent to our use of cookies as described here. You can manage or withdraw your consent at any time (as explained below).

What Are Cookies? Cookies are small text files placed on your device (computer, smartphone, tablet) when you visit a website. They allow the website to remember your actions or preferences over time. Cookies can be “first-party” (set by our domain, openforesight.eu) or “third-party” (set by a different domain, often when we have integrated third-party services into our pages). Cookies can also be session-based (temporary, erased when you close your browser) or persistent (lasting for a defined period or until deleted).

Types of Cookies We Use:

  • Strictly Necessary Cookies: These cookies are essential for you to navigate the site and use its features. Without these cookies, certain services you have asked for (like logging in or remembering your privacy preferences) cannot be provided. For example, if our site has a login feature, a session cookie will keep you logged in as you move between pages. We might also have a cookie to remember that you closed the cookie banner, so it doesn’t keep popping up. These cookies do not store personally identifiable information and are usually first-party cookies.
  • Analytics and Performance Cookies: These cookies collect information about how visitors use our site – which pages are visited most often, how users move around, and if they encounter errors. We use this information to improve the site’s performance and content. For instance, we use Google Analytics cookies to get insights into page visits and user behavior patterns. The data from these cookies is aggregated and anonymized (we do not see individual user identities). Google Analytics sets cookies like _ga and _gid to distinguish users and throttle request rates. The information generated by these cookies (including a truncated IP address, in our configuration) is transmitted to Google servers (which may be in the United States or elsewhere) for analysis. Google provides us reports on website usage. We use this information to analyze trends and enhance the user experience. (You can opt out of Google Analytics as described below.)
  • Functionality Cookies: These cookies allow the site to remember choices you make (such as your username, language or region, or other preferences) and provide enhanced, more personalized features. They may be set by us or by third-party providers whose services we have added to our pages. For example, if we have a feature that lets you adjust text size or if we integrate a third-party commenting system that needs to remember your account, a cookie might be used for that. The goal is to make your experience more convenient.
  • Advertising and Targeting Cookies: Our site uses advertising cookies to deliver relevant ads and track ad campaign performance. Google AdSense cookies: Google uses cookies (like the DoubleClick cookie) to serve ads on our site and elsewhere based on your prior web browsing . These cookies can track that you visited our site and certain pages, and then use that info to show you related ads either on our site or across other sites that use Google advertising. If personalized ads are enabled, these cookies profile your interests over time. Meta Pixel cookies: The Meta (Facebook) Pixel uses cookies and similar storage to collect data on our site (for instance, a cookie identifies your browser session), which Meta then can match with your Facebook profile if you have one. This helps us later retarget you with ads on Facebook/Instagram or measure if our Facebook ads led you to take actions on our site . Other third-party advertising: If we have not opted out of third-party ad networks in AdSense, other ad vendors may also set cookies via our site . These cookies might collect info about your browsing to show you ads from other networks. We are required to inform you of these and provide opt-out links. For example, aside from Google and Facebook, if any other ad networks are in use, we will update this policy to name them. For now, assume Google and Meta are the main ones.

Consent Management: On your first visit, our cookie banner allows you to accept all cookies or reject non-essential ones. If you reject, we will not set analytics or advertising cookies (though some basic site cookies will still function). If you accept and later change your mind, you have a few options:

  • Using our Cookie Settings Tool: If available, you can find a “Cookie Settings” or “Privacy Settings” link on our site (often in the footer). Clicking that will bring up a preferences center where you can toggle categories of cookies on or off (and save your preferences). This tool will then set a cookie to remember your new choices.
  • Browser Settings: You can also control cookies through your web browser settings. Most browsers allow you to view, delete, or block cookies. You can typically set your browser to notify you when a cookie is being set or to automatically refuse all cookies. However, please note that if you disable cookies entirely, some parts of our site may not function properly (for example, you might not be able to log in or some preferences might not be saved). For guidance on how to adjust cookie settings on common browsers (Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge, etc.), see their help documentation.
  • Opt-Out Mechanisms: For Google Analytics, you can install the Google Analytics Opt-out Browser Add-on, which prevents Google Analytics from collecting information on websites you visit. For Google AdSense personalized ads, as mentioned, you can visit Google’s Ads Settings page to manage your ad preferences . For the Meta Pixel, you can adjust your ad settings in your Facebook account (under “Ad Preferences” > “Ad settings”, you can control data used to show you ads, and you can opt-out of seeing ads based on data from partners like us). Also, websites like YourOnlineChoices.eu or optout.aboutads.info provide industry-wide opt-out options for interest-based advertising cookies. These tools typically place opt-out cookies on your browser to signal your preferences to participating networks.

Cookie Duration: The lifespan of cookies varies. Some cookies (like session cookies) are erased when you close your browser. Others (like persistent cookies for preferences or tracking) remain for a set period. For example, Google Analytics cookies (_ga) can last 2 years unless deleted, while a cookie that remembers your consent choice might last a similar duration so we don’t bother you with the banner repeatedly. Advertising cookies might persist anywhere from a few days to a year or more, depending on the cookie. You can see the exact durations by checking cookies in your browser’s developer tools or settings. We will periodically audit our cookie usage and update this information as needed.

Do Not Track: Some browsers offer a “Do Not Track” (DNT) feature that, when enabled, signals websites not to track your activity. Currently, there is no standard interpretation of DNT signals across websites. Our site does not respond to DNT signals, because, like many websites, we operate consistently for all users. We rely on our consent mechanism described above. We remain attentive to industry developments around DNT or global privacy control signals and will adjust if a standardized approach emerges that is recognized under relevant law.

10.5 Data Retention

We retain personal data only for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes we collected it for, including for satisfying any legal, accounting, or reporting requirements. The retention period will vary depending on the type of data and the context:

  • Account Information: If you create an account on Open Foresight, we will keep your account data as long as your account is active. If you decide to delete your account or if we terminate it, we will remove or anonymize your personal data associated with the account within a reasonable time after deletion. However, we may retain certain logs or minimal information afterward for legitimate purposes (e.g., to demonstrate compliance with your request or for security incident review).
  • Newsletter Subscription: We retain your email on our mailing list until you unsubscribe. If you opt out, we will promptly remove or suppress your contact from future mailings, but we might keep a record of your unsubscribe request to ensure we honor it going forward.
  • Contact Form Communications: If you contact us via a form or email, we may keep that correspondence (including your contact details and message) for a period necessary to address your inquiry and potentially for our records. Typically, we might retain routine communications for up to a couple of years, unless you request deletion earlier and we have no ongoing need to keep it.
  • Analytics Data: Data collected via Google Analytics is aggregated and not tied to a name or email. Google Analytics allows us to set a data retention period for user-level and event-level data associated with cookies, etc. We might set this to, say, 14 months or 26 months (a common setting) before it is automatically deleted from Analytics servers. We use aggregated historical analytics for trend analysis.
  • Logs: Our web server logs and security logs (which contain IP addresses) are generally kept for a short period (a few weeks to a few months) unless we need to investigate security incidents. These logs are for internal use and are securely handled.
  • Ad/Tracking Data: The Meta Pixel and advertising data we receive is not stored by us in an individualized way (the data goes to Meta and Google systems). We ourselves do not keep personal profiles of ad interaction. However, any data we do hold (e.g., a list of visitors in a custom audience) is maintained only as long as needed for advertising campaigns, and we honor removal requests.
  • Legal Requirements: We may need to retain certain data for longer if required by law. For example, if a financial transaction occurred, we may keep records for tax and accounting for a number of years as mandated by law. If there is a dispute or enforcement of our Terms, we might keep relevant information until it is resolved and no further claims are possible.

When we have no ongoing legitimate business need to process your personal data, we will either delete it or anonymize it so it can no longer be associated with you. If deletion or anonymization is not immediately feasible (e.g., because the data is stored in secure backups), we will isolate it from any further use until deletion is possible.

10.6 Data Security

We take appropriate technical and organizational measures to safeguard your personal data against unauthorized access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction. These measures include:

  • Encryption: Our website is served over HTTPS, which means data transmitted between your browser and our site is encrypted in transit using SSL/TLS. If we store sensitive information (for instance, account passwords), we apply encryption or hashing. Passwords are stored in hashed form (not in plain text).
  • Access Control: Personal data is accessible only to those team members, contractors, or service providers who need access to perform their duties. We implement access controls and authentication to prevent unauthorized access to our systems. For example, our administrative interface is password-protected and limited to authorized personnel.
  • Data Minimization: We collect only the personal data that we need. By limiting the amount and types of data, we reduce the risk in case of any security issue.
  • Monitoring and Testing: We keep our software, website platform, and plugins up-to-date to patch security vulnerabilities. We may employ security tools or services to monitor our site for malicious activity or intrusions. Our team reviews any flagged activity.
  • Contracts with Processors: We ensure that any third-party service providers handling personal data on our behalf (like our web host, analytics, or email service) are contractually obligated to implement adequate security measures in line with GDPR requirements.
  • Backup and Recovery: We regularly back up our site data to be able to restore information in case of technical issues or data loss incidents. Backups are secured and limited to authorized access.

Despite our efforts, please be aware that no method of transmission over the internet or method of electronic storage is 100% secure. We cannot guarantee absolute security of information. For example, email communications might not be fully secure if your own email service is compromised. You also play a role in keeping your data safe: protect your account credentials, use a strong password unique to our site, and notify us if you suspect any unauthorized access to your account.

In the unfortunate event of a data breach that is likely to result in a high risk to your rights and freedoms (under GDPR), we will notify both you and the relevant supervisory authorities promptly, as required by law. We have a breach response plan in place to handle such incidents, including identification, containment, investigation, and remediation steps.

10.7 International Data Transfers

Open Foresight is based in the European Union (Romania). However, the nature of the internet and certain third-party services we use means that your personal data may be transferred to, or stored/processed in, countries outside the EU/European Economic Area. In particular:

  • Our web hosting servers might be located in the EU, but if not, they could be in a country deemed adequate by the European Commission or otherwise protected by appropriate safeguards.
  • Some of our service providers are in the United States or other countries outside the EU (for instance, Google, Meta/Facebook, Mailchimp, etc.). The U.S. currently does not have an EU adequacy decision (as of the date of last update, except specific frameworks like the EU-U.S. Data Privacy Framework for certified entities, if applicable). To ensure lawfulness of these transfers, we rely on mechanisms such as the European Commission’s Standard Contractual Clauses (SCCs), which these providers commit to, or the provider’s certification under frameworks like Privacy Shield (historically) or its successor programs, if recognized. For example, Google and Meta have typically incorporated SCCs in their terms for European data transfers.
  • We will only transfer personal data outside the EU when it is necessary (for the services we use) and with adequate safeguards in place. We review our vendors for their compliance with GDPR transfer requirements.

By using our site or submitting your information to us, you acknowledge this transfer, storing or processing of your personal data in these ways. We will take all steps reasonably necessary to ensure that your data is treated securely and in accordance with this Privacy Policy wherever it is processed. If you have questions about our international transfer arrangements or want more details about the safeguards (e.g., copies of SCCs), you can contact us.

10.8 Your Rights Under GDPR

As a data subject in the European Union (or in jurisdictions with similar data protection laws), you have specific rights regarding your personal data that we hold. We are committed to upholding these rights. Below is a summary of those rights :

  1. Right to Be Informed: You have the right to be informed about the collection and use of your personal data. This Privacy Policy is intended to provide you with that information, explaining what data we collect and why, how long we keep it, and with whom we share it. If anything is unclear, you can always contact us for further details.
  2. Right of Access: You have the right to access the personal data we hold about you . This means you can ask us to confirm if we are processing your personal data and request a copy of that data (commonly known as a “data subject access request”). We will provide this information free of charge, within one month of your request (unless an extension is needed for complex requests, in which case we will inform you).
  3. Right to Rectification: You have the right to have inaccurate personal data corrected or completed if it is incomplete . If you find that any information we have about you is incorrect or outdated (for example, if you change your email address), please let us know, and we will rectify it promptly. For some data, you may be able to correct it yourself through your account settings (if you have an account).
  4. Right to Erasure (Right to be Forgotten): You have the right to request the deletion of your personal data in certain circumstances . You can ask us to erase your data, for example, if it’s no longer necessary for the purposes we collected it, or if you withdraw consent and there’s no other legal basis for processing, or if you object to processing and we have no overriding legitimate grounds, or if we unlawfully processed your data, or to comply with a legal obligation. We will honor such requests where applicable by law. Note that this right is not absolute – sometimes we may have legal grounds to retain some data (e.g., transaction records for legal compliance). We will inform you of any data we cannot delete and the reasons. If you have an account and wish to delete it, you can also often do so from account settings or by contacting us.
  5. Right to Restrict Processing: You have the right to request that we limit the processing of your personal data under certain conditions . This means we would mark the data to be limited in use. You might exercise this right if, for example, you contest the accuracy of the data (and we are verifying it), or if our processing is unlawful but you prefer restriction over deletion, or if you need the data preserved for legal claims while we no longer need it, or if you have objected to processing (see next right) and await verification of overriding grounds. When processing is restricted, we will only store your data and not actively process it except for specific reasons (like with your consent or for legal claims). We will inform you when a restriction is lifted.
  6. Right to Data Portability: For data you provided to us and that we process by automated means based on your consent or a contract, you have the right to obtain that data from us in a structured, commonly used, machine-readable format , and you have the right to transmit that data to another controller (or have us transfer it where technically feasible). This right mostly applies to data in systems, like account information or content you gave us, not to the results of analysis we did. If you request it, we will provide a CSV or similar file of your data that falls under this right, or transmit it directly to another service upon your request when possible.
  7. Right to Object: You have the right to object to our processing of your personal data when the processing is based on our legitimate interests or for direct marketing . – Legitimate interests: If we are processing data on the ground of legitimate interest (see sections above, e.g., for analytics or improvement), you can object on grounds relating to your particular situation. We will then stop processing the data unless we have compelling legitimate grounds that override your interests, rights, and freedoms, or the processing is for the establishment, exercise, or defense of legal claims. – Direct marketing: If we use your data for direct marketing, you have an absolute right to object at any time. This includes profiling related to direct marketing. If you object, we will stop using your data for that purpose immediately. Practically, this means if you unsubscribe from our newsletter or object to marketing messages, we will cease sending them.
  8. Rights in Relation to Automated Decision-Making and Profiling: We currently do not make any decisions about you that are solely by automated means with legal or similarly significant effects. However, if that changes, you have the right not to be subject to a decision based solely on automated processing (including profiling) that significantly affects you, unless it’s necessary for a contract with you, authorized by law, or based on your explicit consent, and even then you have rights to have human intervention and to contest the decision .

To exercise any of your rights, please contact us at contact@openforesight.eu with your request. We may need to verify your identity to ensure that we do not disclose data to the wrong person (for example, by asking you to provide information confirming you are the owner of the data). We will respond to your request within one month (and let you know if we need an extension). There is generally no fee for exercising your rights, but if a request is manifestly unfounded or excessive (especially if repetitive), we may charge a reasonable fee or refuse to act on it (we would explain why in that case).

If you feel that we have not addressed your concerns satisfactorily, you also have the right to lodge a complaint with a supervisory authority, in particular in the EU country where you live, work, or where the issue took place. Our lead supervisory authority in Romania is the National Supervisory Authority for Personal Data Processing (ANSPDCP). You can find their contact details on their official website. We would, however, appreciate the chance to deal with your concerns before you approach a regulator, so please do reach out to us first if possible.

10.9 Cookie Consent and Managing Preferences

As noted in the Cookies section, you have choices about cookies and tracking. We want to reiterate here as part of your privacy rights: you have the right to withdraw consent for any processing that is based on consent. This includes, for example, withdrawing consent for advertising/analytics cookies. You can do so by adjusting the cookie settings on our site (if available) or by clearing cookies from your browser (which will remove the consent cookies and thus effectively withdraw consent). Keep in mind that withdrawing consent does not affect the lawfulness of processing based on consent before its withdrawal.

10.10 Changes to this Privacy & Cookies Policy

We may update this Privacy & Cookies Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices, legal requirements, or for other operational reasons. If we make significant changes, we will notify users by posting a prominent notice on our site (and/or via email if appropriate, for example, if you are a subscriber or account holder). The “Last Updated” date at the top of this Policy will always indicate when the last changes were made. Please check back periodically to review any updates.

If changes are material, we may provide an opportunity for you to review the revised policy before continuing to use the site. If required by applicable law, we will obtain your consent for changes to how we use your data (for instance, if we ever introduce new types of data collection or new purposes that require consent).

By continuing to use the site after those changes become effective, you agree to the revised Policy. If you do not agree with the changes, you should stop using the site and can request us to remove your data as per your rights.

10.11 Contact Us (Privacy Inquiries)

If you have any questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy & Cookies Policy or about your personal data, please contact us:

WRS Group SRL (Open Foresight Program)

Attn: Data Protection Officer / Privacy Team

Luceafărului Building 4B, Office 3, Calea Aradului Nr. 4, Sc. B, ap.3

Oradea, Bihor County 410223, Romania

Email: contact@openforesight.eu

Telephone: +40 733 648 700 (RO) [This is one of our contact numbers for general inquiries, as listed on our Contact page].

We will be happy to assist with any questions or issues you might have. Your privacy is important to us, and we welcome feedback that helps us improve our policies and practices.

By using openforesight.eu, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agreed to these Terms and our Privacy & Cookies Policy.

Thank you for visiting Open Foresight. We appreciate your trust and engagement. Our aim is to provide valuable foresight and innovation insights while respecting your rights and privacy. If you have any questions about these Terms or any other policies, don’t hesitate to reach out to us.