Back to Home

Privacy Policy

Last updated: December 18, 2025

1. Introduction

GenotypeNet ("we," "our," or "the Service") is committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, and safeguard information when you use our decentralized genomic variant calling network and dashboard. As a decentralized network built on Bittensor, certain data is inherently public on the blockchain, which is detailed below.

2. Information We Collect

2.1 Blockchain Data (Public)

The following information is publicly recorded on the Bittensor blockchain:

  • Wallet addresses (hotkeys and coldkeys)
  • Stake amounts and emission distributions
  • Validator weights and trust scores
  • Network participation metrics (incentive, dividends, consensus)
  • Axon endpoint information (IP addresses for network communication)

2.2 Platform Data

Our platform collects and stores:

  • Evaluation task metadata (task IDs, regions, timestamps)
  • Miner performance scores (F1, precision, recall, SNP/INDEL metrics)
  • VCF file checksums and validation results (not the actual genomic data)
  • Network activity logs for debugging and monitoring

2.3 Dashboard Analytics

When you visit our dashboard, we may collect:

  • Browser type and version
  • Pages visited and interaction patterns
  • Referral source
  • Device information

We do not require account creation or login to view the dashboard.

3. Genomic Data Handling

GenotypeNet processes genomic data with the following safeguards:

  • Reference Data Only: Validators use publicly available reference genomes (e.g., from GIAB consortium) for benchmarking
  • No Personal Genomic Data: The network does not process individual patient or personal genomic samples
  • Temporary Processing: Genomic data files are processed transiently and not permanently stored by miners
  • Result Validation: Only scoring metrics and checksums are retained, not raw genomic sequences

4. How We Use Information

We use collected information to:

  • Calculate and distribute performance-based token emissions
  • Display network statistics and leaderboards on the dashboard
  • Monitor network health and detect fraudulent activity
  • Improve the scoring algorithm and network infrastructure
  • Communicate important updates to network participants
  • Comply with legal obligations

5. Information Sharing

5.1 Public Information

Miner and validator performance data, wallet addresses, and network statistics are publicly displayed on the dashboard and recorded on the blockchain. This transparency is fundamental to the decentralized verification process.

5.2 Third-Party Services

We may use third-party services for hosting, analytics, and infrastructure. These services process data according to their own privacy policies. We do not sell personal information to third parties.

5.3 Legal Requirements

We may disclose information when required by law, court order, or to protect the rights, property, or safety of GenotypeNet, its users, or others.

6. Data Retention

  • Blockchain data: Permanently stored on the Bittensor network (immutable)
  • Performance history: Retained for historical analysis and EMA score calculations
  • Task metadata: Retained for 90 days for debugging, then aggregated
  • Analytics data: Retained for 12 months, then anonymized or deleted

7. Security

We implement industry-standard security measures including:

  • Encrypted data transmission (HTTPS/TLS)
  • Secure cloud infrastructure with access controls
  • Regular security audits and monitoring
  • Cryptographic verification of submissions

However, no system is completely secure. Users are responsible for securing their own wallet keys and compute infrastructure.

8. Your Rights

Depending on your jurisdiction, you may have the right to:

  • Access the personal information we hold about you
  • Request correction of inaccurate information
  • Request deletion of your data (where technically feasible and not on-chain)
  • Object to certain processing activities
  • Data portability

Note: Blockchain data cannot be modified or deleted due to the immutable nature of distributed ledgers. This is a fundamental property of decentralized networks.

9. Cookies and Tracking

Our dashboard may use cookies and similar technologies for functionality and analytics. You can control cookie preferences through your browser settings. Essential cookies required for dashboard operation cannot be disabled without affecting functionality.

10. International Data Transfers

As a decentralized network, data may be processed in various jurisdictions where miners and validators operate. By participating in the network, you consent to this distributed processing. We take steps to ensure appropriate safeguards are in place for any centralized infrastructure.

11. Children's Privacy

GenotypeNet is not intended for use by individuals under 18 years of age. We do not knowingly collect personal information from minors. If we learn that we have collected data from a minor, we will take steps to delete it.

12. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy periodically. Changes will be posted on this page with an updated revision date. Significant changes will be communicated through the dashboard or community channels. Your continued use of the Service after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.

13. Contact Us

For privacy-related questions or to exercise your rights, please contact us through our GitHub repository or community channels.

See also our Terms of Service