Privacy Policy

1. Introduction — scope & governing law

CAUSE systems (hereinafter “CAUSE”, “we”, “us”, or “our”) operates a matchmaking tool (the “Service”) designed to connect individuals and organisations based on skills, interests and project needs. This Privacy Policy explains what personal data we collect when you use the Service, why we process it, with whom we share it, how long we keep it, and which rights you have under Swiss law. The Service is operated from Switzerland and the processing described here is governed by the Swiss Federal Act on Data Protection (FADP).

2. Data controller & contact information

The data controller for the Service is:

For questions about this Privacy Policy or to exercise your privacy rights, please contact the address/email above. You also have the right to lodge a complaint with the Swiss Federal Data Protection and Information Commissioner (FDPIC).

3. Personal data we collect

We collect only the personal data that is necessary for providing and improving the matchmaking Service. Typical categories of data we process include:

• Identity and profile data: name, title, photograph (optional), organisation, position, biography, skills, interests, languages, tags and preferences.
• Contact data: email address, telephone number (if provided), organisation address.
• Matching & preference data: match settings, search filters, project preferences, recommendations and ratings.
• Usage & technical data: log data (timestamps, IP address, browser/device information), cookies and interaction data.
• Communications: messages you send through the platform, support requests, and transactional emails.

4. How we collect data

We collect data that you provide directly (registration, profile creation), data automatically collected (logs, cookies), and data from integrated third-party services where you have authorised such imports (e.g., LinkedIn or calendar integration).

5. Purposes of processing and legal bases

Under the Swiss FADP, we process data for:

• Service Provision: To provide and maintain the matchmaking tool (contractual).
• Recommendations: To build matches using automated matching logic (legitimate interest/contract).
• Communication: To send account and support updates (contractual).
• Compliance: To meet legal obligations (record-keeping, audits).
• Improvement: For analytics and anonymised insights (legitimate interest).
• Marketing: For newsletters where you have given consent.

6. Automated decisions & profiling (matching)

The Service uses automated algorithms to suggest matches. You can request human review of any automated decision affecting you and may update or remove the profile data used for matching via your settings.

7. Cookies and similar technologies

We use cookies to remember preferences and measure performance. We obtain your consent for non-essential cookies and follow the recommendations from the FDPIC and industry guidance.

8. Sharing, processors & third parties

We may share data with service providers (hosting, analytics, email), matched parties (limited profile info), and legal recipients. When data is transferred outside Switzerland, we rely on appropriate safeguards (e.g., adequacy decisions or standard contractual clauses).

9. International transfers & hosting

If we transfer personal data to a country without adequate protection under Swiss law, we implement FDPIC-approved contractual clauses and technical measures to protect your data.

10. Data retention

We retain data only as long as necessary. Profile data is kept while your account is active. After deletion, we retain minimal records for a limited period to meet legal obligations or prevent abuse.

11. Security measures

We apply technical and organisational measures (encryption, access controls, regular assessments) to protect personal data against unauthorised access or alteration.

12. Minors

The Service is not intended for minors under 16. If we become aware that we have collected data from a child under 16 without parental consent, we will delete such data.

13. Your rights (under Swiss law)

Under the FADP, you have the right to:

• Information and access to your data;
• Correction of inaccurate data;
• Deletion or restriction of processing;
• Objection to processing based on legitimate interests;
• Withdrawal of consent;
• Lodge a complaint with the FDPIC.