Great Lakes Observing System Privacy Policy
Updated June 8, 2026
The Great Lakes Observing System (GLOS) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with a mission to provide end-to-end data services that support policy, science, management, and industry throughout the Great Lakes region. Based in Ann Arbor, Michigan, GLOS has served as the Integrated Ocean Observing System (IOOS) Regional Association for the Great Lakes since 2008. In 2021, GLOS was certified as a Regional Coastal Observing System (RCOS) under the authority of the Integrated Coastal and Ocean Observation System Act of 2009 (ICOOS Act).
GLOS develops and operates a variety of digital products and services, including the Seagull data platform, the Seagull Coast mobile application, GLOS.org, and related information services. This Privacy Policy describes how GLOS collects, uses, stores, and protects personally identifiable information (PII) across these products and services.
GLOS values transparency, privacy, and responsible stewardship of information. We collect only the information necessary to provide, improve, and support our services. We do not sell personal information and only share it when necessary to operate services, fulfill legal obligations, or support collaborative projects.
Throughout this Privacy Policy, all GLOS digital products, services, websites, applications, and platforms are collectively referred to as “GLOS Services.”
By using GLOS Services, you agree to the practices described in this Privacy Policy.
What is protected:
This Privacy Policy applies to personally identifiable information (“PII”) collected by GLOS.
PII is information that can be used to identify an individual directly or indirectly, including but not limited to:
- Name
- Email address
- Phone number
- Organizational affiliation
- Device identifiers
- IP addresses
- Location information
- User account information
This policy does not apply to publicly available environmental observations, datasets, metadata, or other information that is not associated with an individual’s identity.
GLOS may update this Privacy Policy periodically. Material changes will be posted on GLOS Services and become effective upon publication. Continued use of GLOS Services constitutes acceptance of the updated Privacy Policy.
What information does GLOS collect?
Information you provide
GLOS may collect information that you voluntarily provide when you:
- Create an account
- Subscribe to newsletters or communications
- Contact GLOS for support
- Complete surveys or feedback forms
- Register for webinars or events
- Submit information through GLOS Services
Examples of information provided may include:
- Full name
- Email address
- Phone number
- Organizational affiliation
- Account credentials
- Communication preferences
- Saved preferences and settings
Information collected automatically
When you interact with GLOS Services, certain information may be collected automatically, subject to your device and browser settings.
Examples include:
- Device type
- Operating system
- Browser type
- Application version
- IP address
- Approximate location
- Referral website information
- Search activity
- Page views
- Clicks, taps, and interactions
- Diagnostic and performance information
- Crash reports
Where possible, this information is aggregated or de-identified.
Cookies and similar technologies
GLOS Services may use cookies and similar technologies to:
- Improve website functionality
- Understand user behavior
- Measure service performance
- Improve user experiences
Third-party service providers used by GLOS may also utilize cookies or similar technologies.
Users may disable or limit cookies through browser settings; however, some functionality may be affected.
How we use information
GLOS uses information to:
- Operate and maintain GLOS Services
- Provide requested services and support
- Improve products and user experiences
- Understand usage patterns
- Develop new features and functionality
- Communicate updates, news, and opportunities
- Conduct surveys and gather feedback
- Protect the security and integrity of GLOS Services
- Comply with legal obligations
GLOS does not sell personal information.
When information may be shared
GLOS shares personal information only when necessary.
Service Providers
GLOS works with third-party providers for services such as:
- Cloud hosting
- Authentication
- Databases
- Search services
- Communications
- Analytics
- Monitoring and diagnostics
These providers may process information only as necessary to perform services on behalf of GLOS.
Contractors and subcontractors
Authorized contractors and subcontractors may receive limited access to personal information solely for work performed on behalf of GLOS and subject to contractual confidentiality obligations.
Collaborative projects
GLOS frequently collaborates with partner organizations. Personal information may be shared when necessary to administer jointly organized events, projects, training sessions, or webinars.
Legal requirements
GLOS may disclose information when required by law, court order, subpoena, legal process, or government request, or when necessary to protect the rights, safety, security, or integrity of GLOS Services.
Data retention
GLOS retains personal information only as long as necessary to:
- Provide services
- Fulfill operational requirements
- Meet legal obligations
- Resolve disputes
- Enforce agreements
When personal information is no longer required, it will be deleted, anonymized, or securely archived.
Data security
GLOS maintains administrative, technical, and physical safeguards designed to protect personal information.
Security measures may include:
- Encryption of data in transit
- Secure authentication systems
- Role-based access controls
- Monitoring and auditing systems
- Secure cloud infrastructure
Access to personal information is limited to authorized individuals with a legitimate operational need.
While GLOS takes reasonable measures to protect information, no system can guarantee complete security.
If you believe your information has been compromised, please contact GLOS immediately.
Your rights and choices
Depending on applicable laws and regulations, users may have the right to:
- Access personal information
- Correct inaccurate information
- Request deletion of personal information
- Withdraw consent where applicable
- Opt out of certain communications
Requests may be submitted by contacting GLOS at:
GLOS will respond within a reasonable timeframe and in accordance with applicable legal requirements.
Product-specific information
Seagull platform
The Seagull platform provides access to Great Lakes environmental observations, datasets, information products, and related services.
In addition to the information described elsewhere in this policy, Seagull may collect:
- User account information
- Saved preferences
- Saved views and configurations
- Group and organization memberships
- User-generated settings
Seagull users may access many platform features anonymously; however, account creation may be required for certain functionality.
Seagull Coast mobile application
Seagull Coast is a mobile application designed to provide environmental conditions, coastal hazard information, and recreational safety insights for Great Lakes users.
In addition to the information described elsewhere in this policy, Seagull Coast may collect:
- Device information
- Application diagnostics
- Usage analytics
- Saved locations and preferences
- User account information
- Notification delivery tokens, if notifications are enabled
- Location information, if permission is granted
Location Services
Seagull Coast may use location information to identify nearby locations and provide relevant environmental conditions and safety information.
Location access is optional and can be disabled through device settings at any time.
Push Notifications
Users may choose to receive notifications related to environmental conditions, hazards, application updates, or other relevant information.
Notification preferences may be modified or disabled through application or device settings.
Analytics and Diagnostics
Seagull Coast may collect analytics and diagnostic information to:
- Improve functionality
- Understand feature usage
- Identify software issues
- Improve application performance
Where practical, analytics information is aggregated or de-identified.
Mobile Application Permissions
Seagull Coast may request access to device capabilities including:
- Location services
- Notifications
Permissions are requested only when necessary for application functionality and may be revoked at any time through device settings.
Children’s privacy
GLOS Services are not directed toward children under the age of 13.
GLOS does not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If GLOS becomes aware that personal information has been collected from a child under 13, reasonable steps will be taken to delete such information.
Parents or guardians who believe a child has submitted personal information should contact:
Contact us
If you have questions regarding this Privacy Policy, wish to exercise your privacy rights, or need assistance regarding personal information, please contact:
Great Lakes Observing System (GLOS)
Email: support@glos.org
Website: https://glos.org
GLOS will make reasonable efforts to respond to privacy-related inquiries in a timely manner.
You may also write GLOS at:
Great Lakes Observing System
4840 S. State Road,
Ann Arbor, MI, USA
48108