Privacy Policy

Skynet is committed to protecting the privacy of its users. This Privacy Policy outlines the types of data we collect, how we use it, and your rights regarding your personal information. We also explain how cookies and similar technologies help us operate and improve the site.

Skynet is a technology (scheduling software and interface) operated by the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (“UNC” or “We”). In the event of any conflict between this Privacy Policy and a written agreement between UNC and a user or institution, including a letter of intent or similar agreement, the terms of such written agreement shall control.

Personal Information: When you register an account, we may collect personal information, such as your name, email address, and institution. Usage Data: We collect data on how you interact with Skynet's services, including logs, usage patterns, and preferences. Technical Data: We gather technical data about your device, such as IP address, browser type, operating system, and diagnostics that help us resolve issues.

To Provide Services: Personal data helps us manage your account, provide telescope access, and deliver observational data. Research and Development: Usage and technical data aid in improving Skynet's platform, enhancing user experience, and developing new features. Communication: We may use your email to send updates, newsletters, or information about new features. You can opt out of non-essential communications. Analytics and Insights: Aggregated analytics allow us to understand how visitors find and use the site so that we can prioritize improvements.

Ownership of observational data and images will be governed by any applicable written agreement between UNC and the user or institution. Nothing in this Privacy Policy alters or supersedes such agreed ownership terms.

For users accessing Skynet through an institutional arrangement, use of personal information will be limited to providing access to Skynet services, supporting observational activities, and related research and educational purposes.

Skynet uses cookies and similar technologies to operate the site, understand engagement, and offer you a more personal experience. Strictly Necessary Cookies: Always active to provide security, accessibility, and basic functionality. Analytics: We measure visits, traffic sources, and product usage using Umami, a privacy-focused analytics platform that we host on our own infrastructure. It sets no cookies, collects no personal information, and no analytics data is shared with or processed by any third party. These anonymous visit counts directly support our grant funding and guide improvements to the site, so analytics is enabled by default — you can opt out at any time via the privacy preferences dialog, after which we record nothing about your visits. Personalization Cookies: Allow us to remember preferences and tailor on-site content. Targeting Cookies: Help us evaluate outreach efforts and interest in new offerings. Social Media Cookies: Support sharing tools and integrations with social platforms. You can modify your selections for analytics, personalization, targeting, and social media at any time by opening the privacy preferences dialog above or through the cookie banner.

With Affiliates and Partners: We may share data as necessary to provide Skynet services, including image scheduling, acquisition, and data retrieval. Such sharing will be limited to what is reasonably necessary for these purposes. Service Providers: We work with trusted vendors that support analytics, hosting, and communications. These partners only process data on our behalf and subject to contractual safeguards. Legal Compliance: Skynet may disclose information if required by law or in response to valid legal requests. With Consent: Your data may be shared with third parties if you provide explicit consent.

We employ industry-standard security measures to protect your data. However, no method of data transmission or storage is entirely secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.

Access and Correction: You have the right to access and correct your personal information. Deletion: You may request deletion of your data if it is no longer necessary for our services or if you wish to terminate your account. Opt-Out: You can opt out of certain data uses, such as marketing communications. Cookie Preferences: Update your cookie selections at any time using the privacy preferences dialog.

We retain your data as long as necessary to provide services, comply with legal obligations, or resolve disputes. Personal data may be anonymized for research purposes after account deletion.

Retention of observational data may also be governed by applicable written agreements with UNC.

Skynet does not knowingly collect personal information from users under 13 without parental consent.

We may update this Privacy Policy periodically; however, such updates will not modify or supersede the terms of any applicable written agreement between UNC and a user or institution.

For questions or concerns about this Privacy Policy, please contact support@skynetgo.org.