Privacy Policy & Data Handling

Our Commitment to Your Privacy

ClearPath is designed to help researchers create IRB proposals while giving you full control over your data. We believe in transparency and user privacy.

Two Storage Modes

🌐 Database Mode (Default)

  • Storage Location: Your proposal drafts are saved to our secure database
  • Benefits: Access your work from any device, automatic cloud backup, collaboration via shareable review links
  • Data Retention: Drafts are stored until you delete them
  • Security: All data is encrypted in transit and at rest
  • Sharing: Generate secure UUID-based review links for collaborators (read-only access)

💾 Local Mode

  • Storage Location: Your proposal drafts are saved only in your browser's local storage
  • Benefits: Complete privacy - data never leaves your device, works offline
  • Data Retention: Data persists until you clear browser data or manually delete it
  • Limitations: Only accessible on this device/browser, no shareable links, lost if browser data is cleared
  • Best For: Highly sensitive research or users who prefer maximum data privacy

What Data We Collect

In Database Mode:

  • Proposal content (research details, PI information, study descriptions)
  • Template selection and form responses
  • Version history and save timestamps
  • Validation results and export history

In Local Mode:

  • No data is sent to our servers
  • All information stays in your browser's localStorage
  • We cannot access, view, or recover your local data

In Both Modes:

  • No personally identifiable information beyond what you enter in the forms
  • No tracking cookies or analytics
  • No third-party data sharing

How to Switch Modes

When creating or editing a proposal, you'll see a "Local Mode" toggle at the top of the form. You can:

  • Enable Local Mode to keep all data in your browser only
  • Disable Local Mode to save to our database for cross-device access

Important: Switching from Local to Database Mode will upload your local draft to the database. Switching from Database to Local Mode will not delete the database copy.

Data Security

  • Encryption: All database connections use TLS/SSL encryption
  • Access Control: Proposals are identified by secure UUIDs, not sequential IDs
  • Admin Access: Password-protected admin panel with session-based authentication
  • No Data Mining: We do not analyze, sell, or share your research proposals

Your Rights

  • Access: You can view all your data at any time
  • Export: Download proposals as DOCX or PDF files
  • Delete: Remove your proposals from the database at any time
  • Choose Storage: Select Local Mode for complete data privacy

Data Deletion

  • Database Mode: Contact us or use the delete function (when implemented)
  • Local Mode: Clear your browser's localStorage or use browser settings to remove site data

Contact & Questions

If you have questions about data handling or privacy practices, please contact the system administrator.

Policy Updates

This privacy policy may be updated to reflect changes in our practices. Last updated: October 2025

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