Privacy Policy of the Balkan Foot and Ankle Society (BAFAS)
Last Updated: 15.12.2025
The Balkan Foot and Ankle Society (“BAFAS,” “we,” “us,” or “our”) is committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your personal information when you visit our website, [insert website URL] (the “Website”), interact with us online, or become a Member.
By using the Website or providing your information to us, you consent to the practices described in this policy.
1. Information We Collect
We collect information in the following ways:
A. Information You Provide Directly:
* Membership Applications & Renewals: Name, title, professional credentials, institutional affiliation, contact details (email, phone, address), specialization, payment information (processed securely by a third-party payment processor).
* Event Registrations: Name, contact details, dietary preferences, accessibility needs, abstract submissions, and invoice details.
* Abstract Submissions: Author names, affiliations, contact emails, and the full abstract content.
* Communications: When you contact us via email, contact forms, or mailing list sign-ups, we collect your name, email address, and the content of your message.
* Committee or Volunteer Applications: CVs, professional background, and other information you submit.
B. Information Collected Automatically:
* Usage Data: When you visit our website, we may automatically collect information such as your IP address, browser type, operating system, referring URLs, pages viewed, links clicked, and the dates/times of your visits. This helps us understand how our site is used.
* Cookies & Tracking Technologies: We use cookies and similar technologies (like web beacons) to enhance user experience, analyze trends, and administer the website. You can control cookie settings through your browser.
C. Information from Third Parties:
We may receive information about you from trusted partners, such as co-organizers of events or other national foot and ankle societies for joint membership verification, in accordance with applicable laws.
2. How We Use Your Information
We use the information we collect for legitimate business and operational purposes, including to:
* Process and manage your membership, including sending renewal notices and membership materials.
* Register you for congresses, conferences, workshops, and other events.
* Evaluate, process, and publish (in abstract books, etc.) submitted scientific abstracts.
* Communicate with you about society news, events, educational opportunities, surveys, and important updates (you can opt-out of marketing communications at any time).
* Improve the functionality and content of our website.
* Comply with legal obligations and protect the rights and safety of BAFAS and others.
* Facilitate networking among members via a secure, optional online directory (subject to your explicit consent).
3. Legal Basis for Processing (GDPR Compliance)
For users in the European Union (EU) and European Economic Area (EAA), our processing of your personal data is based on:
* Performance of a Contract: To fulfill our membership or event registration services you request.
* Legitimate Interests: For administrative communications, website security, and promoting the society’s educational mission.
* Consent: For sending certain marketing communications or listing you in a member directory. You can withdraw consent at any time.
* Legal Obligation: To comply with applicable laws and regulations.
4. How We Share Your Information
We do not sell, trade, or rent your personal information to third parties. We may share your information in the following limited circumstances:
* Service Providers: With trusted third-party vendors who perform services on our behalf (e.g., website hosting, payment processing, email delivery, event management). These partners are contractually bound to protect your data.
* Scientific Publications: Abstracts accepted for presentation may be published in digital or print congress materials, on our website, or in affiliated journals.
* Co-Organizers: For jointly organized events, necessary participant information may be shared with the co-organizing society.
* Legal Requirements: If required to do so by law or in response to valid requests by public authorities.
* Member Directory: Only if you have explicitly opted-in to be included in a password-protected member directory for professional networking.
5. Data Security
We implement appropriate technical and organizational measures designed to protect the security of your personal information. However, no electronic transmission or storage method is 100% secure. While we strive to use commercially acceptable means to protect your data, we cannot guarantee its absolute security.
6. Data Retention
We retain your personal information only for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined in this policy, unless a longer retention period is required or permitted by law (e.g., for tax, accounting, or member history purposes). Membership records are typically retained for the duration of membership and a reasonable period thereafter.
7. Your Rights and Choices
Depending on your location, you may have certain rights regarding your personal data, including:
* Access and Portability: Request a copy of the data we hold about you.
* Correction: Request correction of inaccurate or incomplete data.
* Erasure (“Right to be Forgotten”): Request deletion of your data under certain conditions.
* Restriction/Objection: Request restriction of or object to our processing of your data.
* Withdraw Consent: Withdraw previously given consent at any time.
* Opt-Out of Marketing: Unsubscribe from our marketing emails by clicking the “unsubscribe” link in any such email.
To exercise these rights, please contact us using the details in Section 9. We will respond to your request in accordance with applicable law.
8. International Data Transfers
BAFAS operates across the Balkan region and European Union and may transfer and process your data in countries outside your country of residence. We will ensure such transfers comply with applicable law and that your data is protected by appropriate safeguards (e.g., Standard Contractual Clauses approved by the European Commission).
9. Children’s Privacy
Our website is not intended for individuals under the age of 18. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children.
10. Links to Other Websites
Our website may contain links to third-party sites. This Privacy Policy does not apply to those sites. We encourage you to read the privacy policy of any website you visit.
11. Updates to This Privacy Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy periodically. We will notify you of any material changes by posting the new policy on this page and updating the “Last Updated” date.
12. Cookie Policy Addendum:
Our website uses necessary cookies for functionality and analytical cookies to improve our services. Upon your first visit, you will be asked to consent to the use of non-essential cookies. You can manage your cookie preferences at any time through your browser settings.
13. Contact Us
If you have any questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or our data practices, please contact our Data Protection Officer/Secretariat at:
Balkan Foot and Ankle Society (BAFAS)
Email: info@bafas.org
Postal address: “George Washington” str. 22, Sofia 1000, BULGARIA
Phone number: +35929834726
Balkan Foot and Ankle Society (BAFAS) (in Bulgarian language “Балканско дружество по хирургия на ходилото и глезена“) is registered according to Bulgarian Law like Non – Profit Organization with BULSTAT № 208145291.
Bank: FIRST INVESTMENT BANK – SOFIA
IBAN : BG20FINV91501416767798
BIC : FINVBGSF