This document defines the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use for the official website of the Institute for National Security Studies (INSS), located at https://www.inss.org.il ("the Website" or "the Institute"). By using the Website, you agree to all the terms described below.

1. General

The Website is operated by the Institute for National Security Studies (INSS), a research institution providing publications, analyses, events, and research-based content for the public. This policy complies with:

  • The Protection of Privacy Law, 5741–1981 (Israel)
  • The Privacy Protection Regulations (Data Security), 2017
  • International standards (including GDPR), when applicable for users located in the EU

2. Information We Collect

We collect information in two main ways: information submitted voluntarily by users and information collected automatically during Website use.

2.1 Information Submitted Voluntarily

Users may provide personal information when interacting with the Website, including:

  • Full name
  • Email address
  • Phone number
  • Organization/position (for event registration, mailing lists, or contact forms)
  • Information submitted when registering for newsletters or events
  • Any additional information voluntarily submitted via forms

All information is provided voluntarily, and users may choose what information to provide.

2.2 Information Collected Automatically

When visiting the Website, the following information may be collected automatically:

  • IP address
  • Device type, browser type, and operating system
  • Pages visited, navigation patterns, and session duration
  • Cookies-based identifiers
  • Aggregate and statistical data used for Website optimization

3. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

The Website uses cookies and similar technologies to ensure proper operation, improve user experience, and support statistical and performance analysis.

3.1 Types of Cookies Used

  • Essential Cookies – required for Website functionality
  • Analytics Cookies – used for audience measurement and performance
  • Functionality Cookies – remember user preferences
  • Marketing/Third-Party Cookies – used by embedded media such as YouTube, or by external platforms when necessary

Users may disable or manage cookies at any time using their browser settings.

3.2 Use of Google Analytics and Tag Manager

The Website uses Google Analytics and Google Tag Manager for traffic analysis. These tools may collect anonymous statistical data regarding user activity. INSS does not use Google Analytics to identify individual users.

4. Purposes of Data Use

Personal data is used for the following purposes:

  • Operating, securing, and maintaining the Website
  • Improving user experience and Website functionality
  • Processing registrations for INSS events
  • Sending newsletters and research updates (only with user consent)
  • Responding to user inquiries
  • Producing statistical insights to improve content and services
  • Supporting embedded third-party services (e.g., YouTube videos)

Mailing list communications include an unsubscribe/opt-out option in every message.

5. Data Sharing with Third Parties

Information may be shared with the following categories of third parties:

  • Service providers (hosting companies, analytics providers, email distribution systems, CRM platforms)
  • Google/YouTube, when interacting with embedded media
  • Event management systems used by the Institute for registration

INSS does not sell personal information to any third party.

Data is shared only as necessary for the operation of the Website or as required by law.

6. Cross-Border Data Transfers

Some data may be stored on or processed by servers located outside Israel, depending on the service providers used (e.g., cloud platforms, analytics tools).

Whenever data is transferred internationally, INSS ensures that such transfer complies with applicable data protection laws and is subject to appropriate safeguards.

7. Information Security

INSS implements information security measures consistent with the Israeli Privacy Protection Regulations (Data Security), 2017.

Security measures include:

  • Access controls
  • Secure storage systems
  • Encryption where appropriate
  • Periodic monitoring and auditing

If required by law, INSS appoints an Information Security Officer or Data Protection Officer (DPO). Users may request details via the contact form.

8. User Rights

In accordance with Israeli law, users are entitled to:

  • Request access to personal data held about them
  • Request correction of inaccurate data
  • Request deletion of data, subject to legal requirements
  • Unsubscribe from mailing lists at any time

Requests may be submitted through the contact form on the Website.

8.1 GDPR Rights (for EU Users)

Users located in the European Union may also exercise:

  • The right to erasure (“right to be forgotten”)
  • The right to restrict processing
  • The right to data portability
  • The right to object to certain processing activities

Requests will be handled in accordance with GDPR obligations.

9. YouTube API Services

Parts of the Website use YouTube services, including embedded videos and YouTube API functionality.

9.1 Compliance with YouTube Terms of Service

By using the Website and interacting with YouTube-integrated features, you agree to be bound by the YouTube Terms of Service: https://www.youtube.com/t/terms

9.2 Google Privacy Policy

Your use of any YouTube-related functionality is also governed by the Google Privacy Policy: https://policies.google.com/privacy

9.3 Data Usage Limitation

INSS does not use or store any personal information obtained from YouTube API Services beyond what is required for basic functionality and as allowed under YouTube policies.

10. Intellectual Property and Terms of Use

10.1 Copyright

All Website content—including research publications, articles, images, videos, and multimedia—is the property of INSS and protected by copyright.

10.2 Permitted Use

Users may browse and make personal use of content, but may not reproduce, distribute, or use content commercially without prior written consent.

10.3 External Links

The Website may contain links to external sites. INSS is not responsible for the content, privacy practices, or security of external websites.

10.4 Disclaimer

Website content is provided for informational and research purposes only and does not constitute professional advice.

11. Changes to This Policy

This policy may be updated periodically. The updated version will be published on this page with a revised "Last updated" date. Continued use of the Website constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.

12. Contact Information

For any inquiries or requests regarding privacy, data protection, or information security, please contact INSS via the contact form available on the Website.