Global Systems Lab is designed with a minimal data footprint. We built these tools for open scientific exploration, and we believe that means being transparent about what happens when you use them.
What we collect
This site does not require an account. We do not ask for your name, email address, or any other personal information. When you adjust parameters and run a scenario, those inputs are used solely to generate the result you see on screen. They are not saved to a database, associated with your identity, or used for any purpose beyond producing your output.
We use Google Analytics to measure aggregate site traffic and understand how the tools are being used at a high level (for example, page visits and session duration). We do not use this data to identify or profile individual visitors.
Cookies and tracking
We use a small number of cookies to keep the site functional:
- Analytics cookies (Google Analytics) help us understand traffic patterns and overall tool usage. These are measurement cookies, not advertising related.
- Session cookies are used temporarily to keep the app running smoothly during your visit. These expire when you close your browser.
We do not currently use advertising cookies, behavioral tracking, or browser fingerprinting of any kind.
Hosting logs
Like most web services, our hosting infrastructure automatically captures basic technical logs, such as IP addresses, browser type, and request timestamps. This is for the purpose of maintaining uptime and protecting against abuse. These logs are retained for a short period (typically 30–90 days) and are not used by Global Systems Lab to identify, track, or profile visitors.
Third-party services
We rely on a small number of third-party services to operate the site:
| Service | Purpose | Data involved |
|---|---|---|
| Google Analytics | Aggregate traffic measurement | Anonymized usage data |
| Hosting provider | App infrastructure & uptime | Technical server logs |
We do not sell, rent, or share your data with advertisers, data brokers, or any other third party beyond what is described in this notice.
Data retention
Because we do not collect personal data, there is nothing to retain on our end. Scenario inputs and outputs exist only within your browser session and are discarded when you navigate away or close the tab. Anonymized analytics data is retained by Google in accordance with Google's own data retention policies.
Your rights
Even with minimal data collection, you have meaningful choices:
- Opt out of Google Analytics across all websites using Google's opt-out browser add-on.
- Clear or block cookies at any time through your browser settings.
- Request information about any data we may hold by contacting us through the main site. We will respond promptly.
Questions
If you have questions about this notice, or would like a copy for your records, please reach out through the Global Systems Lab main site.
This notice was last updated February 2026.