Privacy Policy

LAST UPDATED

November 10, 2025

The University of Toronto is committed to the protection of privacy. Ontario universities are covered by the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act which supports access to University records and the protection of privacy. The University upholds these principles. For more information, please visit the University’s Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy (FIPP) Office.

Gathering Information

When you visit our website (citizenlab.ca) we automatically receive non-identifiable information about your browser and device. This information is collected to provide access to our website and relevant web content, and to monitor our website’s performance. Our website’s server logs your Internet protocol (IP) address in association with web resources requested by your browser. The time and URL of each resource you request is logged and stored on our web server in a directory accessible only to authorized Citizen Lab staff.

Third-Party Services

This website includes a form that allows you to subscribe to our newsletter. We use a third-party service, MailChimp, to manage and distribute our newsletter. Any information you provide through the newsletter subscription form is sent to MailChimp. You can always unsubscribe from our mailing list by selecting “Unsubscribe” in the email. We encourage you to read MailChimp’s privacy policy.

Analytics

Our website uses Google Analytics to collect data about user activity. Google Analytics anonymizes your IP address prior to processing. The use of Google Analytics does not allow us to identify individuals and we do not use Google Analytics for advertising related purposes. Google Analytics cookies on our site may expire at the end of your browsing session or a maximum of two years after access, depending on their function. For more information about Google’s use of data, please read their privacy policy as well as Google Analytics’ support article about safeguarding your data.

Videos

We embed YouTube videos on our website in “privacy enhanced mode.” These videos use cookies to retain user preferences but do not track viewing behaviour. More information on privacy enhanced mode is available here. Youtube cookies on our site may expire at the end of your browsing session or a maximum of one year after access, depending on their function.

Cookies

By using our website you consent to the use of such cookies. If you do not wish to be tracked by YouTube or Google Analytics, consider installing an ad blocking web extension such as uBlock Origin or changing the settings in your internet browser.

Data Storage

We store your personal information in Canada and use appropriate safeguards to keep your data safe. If you choose to provide us with your email address, that data will be stored in the United States and will be safeguarded by security practices described on MailChimp’s Security page. Google Analytics and YouTube may also collect information that is considered personal information and will store this information in conformity with their privacy policy including complying with the E.U.-U.S. and Swiss-U.S. Privacy Shield Frameworks.

External Sites

This website includes links that may direct you away from our site. We are not responsible for the content on any of these external pages, and encourage you to read their privacy policies.

Updates

We may update this policy from time to time without notice. Please check this page for updates.

Questions

If you have questions or feedback about the privacy of this website, please contact us at [email protected].

General questions or concerns related to the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act can be directed to the University of Toronto’s Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Office.