1. Legal Notice & Identification of the Website Owner
- Purpose: To legally identify the university as the website owner, fulfilling requirements under Spanish Law 34/2002 on Information Society Services and Electronic Commerce (LSSI-CE).
- Location: Typically a dedicated page linked prominently in the website footer (e.g., "Legal Notice," "Aviso Legal").
- Sample Disclaimer:
Owner Identification:
This website, [Metropolitan University Website URL], is owned and operated by [Metropolitan University Full Legal Name], with Tax Identification Number (NIF) [Metropolitan University NIF/VAT ID], registered address at [Metropolitan University Full Address, including City and Postal Code, Spain]. [Metropolitan University Legal Name] is registered in [Specify relevant registry, e.g., Ministry of Universities, Regional Education Authority, or specific university registry details if applicable].Contact Information:For any inquiries or communications, please contact us via:
- Email: [Metropolitan University General Contact Email]
- Telephone: [Metropolitan University General Contact Phone Number]
- Postal Address: [Metropolitan University Full Address]By accessing and using this website, you agree to be bound by the terms and conditions set forth in this Legal Notice, our Privacy Policy, and our Cookies Policy.
2. Intellectual Property Disclaimer
- Purpose: To assert the university's ownership of all content and materials on the website and prohibit unauthorised use, protecting against copyright and trademark infringement.
- Location: Integrated within the "Legal Notice" page.
- Sample Disclaimer:
Intellectual and Industrial Property:All content, including but not limited to text, graphics, images, logos, icons, photographs, audio clips, video clips, software, and designs, as well as the structure, selection, arrangement, and presentation of the content, are the exclusive property of [Metropolitan University Legal Name] or its licensors, and are protected by Spanish and international intellectual and industrial property laws.The trademarks, trade names, or distinctive signs appearing on the website are also the property of [Metropolitan University Legal Name] or third parties, and their use or access does not grant the user any right over them.Any form of reproduction, distribution, public communication, transformation, or any other act of public exploitation of all or part of the contents of this website, for commercial purposes, in any medium and by any technical means, without the prior express written authorisation of [Metropolitan University Legal Name], is strictly prohibited.Users may view the elements of the website and even print, copy, and store them on the hard drive of their computer or any other physical medium, solely and exclusively for their personal and private use. Any other use is prohibited and requires the prior express written authorisation of [Metropolitan University Legal Name]."
3. General Liability & Website Usage Disclaimer
- Purpose: To limit the university's liability for issues arising from website use, such as technical failures, content accuracy, and user conduct.
- Location: Integrated within the "Legal Notice" page.
- Sample Disclaimer:
Exclusion of Liability:[Metropolitan University Legal Name] shall not be held liable for any damages or harm that may arise from:
- Website Availability & Functionality: Interruptions, delays, viruses, technical failures, or disconnections in the operational functioning of this electronic system or in the services or content of the website, caused by reasons beyond the control of [Metropolitan University Legal Name].
- Content Accuracy & Timeliness: Any inaccuracies, omissions, or lack of timeliness in the information provided on the website, particularly concerning external links or information provided by third parties. While we strive for accuracy, content may not always reflect the most current situation.
- User Conduct: The unlawful, negligent, fraudulent, or improper use of the website, its services, or content by users, or the impersonation of another person.
- Security Breaches: Damages caused by third parties through illegitimate interference beyond the control of [Metropolitan University Legal Name], such as computer viruses, denial-of-service attacks, or other technologically harmful material that may infect your computer equipment, computer programs, data, or other proprietary material due to your use of the website or to your downloading of any content on it, or on any website linked to it.
- Reliance on Information: Any decisions made or actions taken based on the information provided on this website. Users are solely responsible for verifying the accuracy and applicability of any information before relying on it."
4. Academic & Course Information Disclaimer
- Purpose: To explicitly state that academic offerings, fees, and admission criteria are subject to change, managing student and applicant expectations.
- Location: On program/course pages, admissions pages, and linked in the footer (e.g., "Academic Information Disclaimer").
- Sample Disclaimer:
Academic Programs and Fees Disclaimer:All information regarding academic programs, course curricula, admission requirements, tuition fees, scholarships, and associated costs published on this website is provided for guidance only. [Metropolitan University Legal Name] reserves the right to modify, withdraw, or discontinue any program, course, fee structure, or admission criteria at any time, without prior notice. This may occur due to academic restructuring, regulatory changes, or other reasons. Prospective students and applicants are strongly advised to confirm the most current and definitive information directly with the Admissions Office or the relevant academic department before submitting applications or making any financial commitments. The information presented here does not constitute a binding offer or contract."
5. Comprehensive Data Protection & Privacy Disclaimer (GDPR & LOPDGDD)
- Purpose: To inform users about the university's data processing practices, legal bases, security measures, and data subject rights under GDPR and LOPDGDD. This is usually a high-level summary that links to a detailed Privacy Policy.
- Location: Prominently linked in the footer (e.g., "Privacy Policy," "Política de Privacidad," "Data Protection"). A short statement can also appear near data collection forms.
- Sample Disclaimer:
Data Protection and Privacy Policy:At [Metropolitan University Legal Name], we are deeply committed to protecting your personal data and upholding your privacy rights in strict compliance with the General Data Protection Regulation (EU) 2016/679 (GDPR) and Spanish Organic Law 3/2018 on the Protection of Personal Data and Guarantee of Digital Rights (LOPDGDD).We collect and process personal data for legitimate, specified, and transparent purposes related to your interaction with the university, including but not limited to: admissions, academic management, student services, research activities, alumni relations, marketing communications, and website functionality.Your personal data is processed on lawful bases, which may include your explicit consent, the necessity for contract performance (e.g., enrollment), compliance with legal obligations, the protection of vital interests, tasks carried out in the public interest, or our legitimate interests.We implement robust technical and organisational security measures to protect your data from unauthorised access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction.As a data subject, you have the following rights:
- Right to Information: To be informed about the processing of your data.
- Right of Access: To obtain confirmation of whether your personal data is being processed and to access it.
- Right to Rectification: To request the correction of inaccurate or incomplete data.
- Right to Erasure ('Right to be Forgotten'): To request the deletion of your data under certain conditions.
- Right to Restriction of Processing: To request the limitation of processing under certain conditions.
- Right to Data Portability: To receive your data in a structured, commonly used, and machine-readable format.
- Right to Object: To object to the processing of your data under certain conditions, including for direct marketing.
- Right to Withdraw Consent: To withdraw your consent at any time, where consent is the legal basis for processing.
- Right to Lodge a Complaint: To file a complaint with the Spanish Data Protection Agency (Agencia Española de Protección de Datos - AEPD) if you believe your rights have been infringed.For a comprehensive understanding of our data processing activities, your rights, and how to exercise them, please refer to our full [Link to Detailed Privacy Policy Page]."
6. Cookies Policy Disclaimer
- Purpose: To inform users about the use of cookies and other tracking technologies, their purposes, and how users can manage their preferences, as required by GDPR and LSSI-CE.
- Location: A dedicated page linked prominently in the footer (e.g., "Cookies Policy," "Política de Cookies") and via an initial cookie consent banner.
- Sample Disclaimer:
Cookies Policy:This website uses cookies and similar technologies (e.g., pixels, web beacons) to enhance user experience, analyse website traffic, personalise content, and serve relevant advertising. Cookies are small text files stored on your device.We use different types of cookies:
- Strictly Necessary Cookies: Essential for the website's basic functionality.
- Analytical/Performance Cookies: To understand how visitors interact with the website.
- Functionality Cookies: To remember user preferences (e.g., language).
- Advertising/Targeting Cookies: To deliver relevant advertisements.By continuing to use our website, you consent to the use of cookies in accordance with this policy. You can manage your cookie preferences at any time through our [Link to Cookie Consent Tool/Settings] or by adjusting your browser settings. For detailed information about the types of cookies we use, their purposes, and how to manage them, please consult our full [Link to Detailed Cookies Policy Page]."
7. External Links Disclaimer
- Purpose: To explicitly state that the university is not responsible for the content, privacy practices, or security of external websites linked from its site.
- Location: Integrated within the "Legal Notice" page, or a dedicated "External Links" section.
- Sample Disclaimer:"External Links Disclaimer:This website may contain links to external websites, resources, or content provided by third parties. These links are provided solely for your convenience and informational purposes. [Metropolitan University Legal Name] has no control over the content, privacy policies, or practices of these third-party sites and does not endorse, guarantee, or make any representations regarding the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any information found on them.The inclusion of any link does not imply endorsement by [Metropolitan University Legal Name] of the site or any association with its operators. When you access these external websites, you do so at your own risk, and you are subject to the terms and conditions and privacy policies of those websites. [Metropolitan University Legal Name] disclaims all liability for any loss or damage that may arise from your use of these external links.
8. Earnings/Outcomes/Career Disclaimer (If applicable to career services/alumni success stories)
- Purpose: To clarify that any career outcomes, salary figures, or success stories presented are illustrative and not guaranteed for all individuals.
- Location: On career services pages, alumni success story sections, or program pages that highlight career outcomes.
- Sample Disclaimer:
Career Outcomes and Earnings Disclaimer:Any information presented on this website regarding potential career outcomes, employment rates, salary expectations, or success stories of alumni or students is for illustrative purposes only. [Metropolitan University Legal Name] makes no guarantee, express or implied, that all individuals will achieve similar results. Career success and earnings are highly dependent on individual effort, market conditions, academic performance, and other factors. Past performance is not indicative of future results.
9. Testimonial Disclaimer
- Purpose: To clarify that testimonials reflect individual experiences and are not necessarily representative of all users or typical outcomes.
- Location: Near any displayed testimonials.
- Sample Disclaimer:
Testimonial Disclaimer:Testimonials appearing on this website are actual feedback from students, alumni, or faculty and reflect their individual experiences and opinions. They are not intended to represent or guarantee that anyone will achieve the same or similar results. Individual experiences may vary significantly.
10. Accessibility Statement
- Purpose: To state the university's commitment to web accessibility and provide a means for users to report accessibility issues.
- Location: Prominently linked in the footer (e.g., "Accessibility," "Accesibilidad").
- Sample Disclaimer:Accessibility Statement:[Metropolitan University Legal Name] is committed to making its website accessible to the widest possible audience, regardless of technology or ability. We are actively working to increase the accessibility and usability of our website and, in doing so, adhere to many of the available standards and guidelines. Our goal is to conform to the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 Level AA.While [Metropolitan University Legal Name] strives to adhere to the accepted guidelines and standards for accessibility and usability, it is not always possible to do so in all areas of the website. Should you experience any difficulty in accessing the [Metropolitan University Legal Name] website, please do not hesitate to contact us at [Accessibility Contact Email] or [Accessibility Contact Phone Number]."
11. Governing Law & Jurisdiction
- Purpose: To clearly state which country's laws govern the website and which courts have jurisdiction in case of disputes.
- Location: Integrated within the "Legal Notice" page.
- Sample Disclaimer:
Governing Law and Jurisdiction:This Legal Notice, along with the Privacy Policy and Cookies Policy, and any disputes or claims arising out of or in connection with them, shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of Spain.Any dispute, controversy, or claim arising out of or relating to the use of this website shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the Courts and Tribunals of [City where University is located, e.g., Valencia, Barcelona], Spain, to which the parties expressly submit, waiving any other jurisdiction that may correspond to them.
Potential Thinkpoints:
- Consult Legal Counsel: While this list is comprehensive, it is imperative that we consult with a legal professional specialising in Spanish and EU data protection and internet law if possible. They can tailor these disclaimers precisely to our university's specific operations, services, and any unique circumstances, ensuring full compliance and robust legal protection.
- Language: Ensure all disclaimers are available in both Spanish and English, and deciding if the Spanish or English version will be the legally binding one?