Terms and Conditions of Website Use
1. Who We Are
The website www.sepsimetro.ro is administered by the Intercommunity Development Association SEPSI METROPOLITAN AREA (hereinafter referred to as the „Operator”), an intercommunity cooperation organization established in accordance with the legislation of Romania.
The Operator has its headquarters in the municipality of Sfântu Gheorghe, Covasna County, Romania, and brings together several administrative-territorial units from the metropolitan area, including: Sfântu Gheorghe, Arcuș, Bixad, Bodoc, Chichiș, Ghidfalău, Ilieni, Malnaș, Micfalău and Moacșa, Reci, Ozun, Valea Crișului, for the purpose of implementing joint development projects. The Operator acts in the public interest, for the purpose of coordinated and sustainable development of the metropolitan area.
2. Purpose and Role of the Platform
The Platform www.sepsimetro.ro has an informative and public transparency character, being intended for the presentation of the activities, projects and initiatives carried out by the Operator.
Through the Platform, access of the public to relevant information regarding the development of the Sfântu Gheorghe metropolitan area is facilitated, supporting the cooperation between the member local authorities and the implementation of projects financed from national and European funds.
The Operator pursues the sustainable development of the member communities through initiatives that target urban mobility, infrastructure, public services and the increase of the quality of life. The Platform represents an instrument of open communication with citizens, institutions and interested partners.
The information published on the Platform is provided exclusively for informational purposes and may include official documents, announcements, strategies, reports and other materials relevant to the activity of the Operator.
The Platform contributes to increasing the transparency of public activity and to strengthening the relationship between local authorities and the community, by providing accessible and up-to-date information.
3. Definitions
For the purposes of this document, the following terms shall have the following meanings:
Operator – the Intercommunity Development Association SEPSI METROPOLITAN AREA, the entity that administers and manages the Platform www.sepsimetro.ro;
Platform – the web page available at the address www.sepsimetro.ro, as well as all its subpages;
User – any natural or legal person who accesses or uses the Platform;
Content – the totality of the information available on the Platform, including texts, images, documents, graphics, multimedia materials, data and any other published elements;
Official documents – acts, decisions, strategies, reports, announcements or other materials published by the Operator in the exercise of its duties;
Partners – public institutions, local authorities, organizations or other entities that collaborate with the Operator within projects and activities;
Personal data – any information relating to an identified or identifiable natural person, in accordance with the applicable legislation;
Data subject – the person whose personal data are processed;
Authorized person – employee or collaborator of the Operator who has legitimate access to personal data;
Processing – any operation or set of operations performed on personal data, such as collection, storage, transmission or deletion thereof;
Contact form / private messages – tools made available on the Platform through which visitors can transmit data or requests to the Operator;
Cookies / cookie files – small data files stored on the User’s device, used to facilitate navigation on the Platform, for statistical analyses or for the personalization of the experience;
Public information / public data – data or documents made available to the public, accessible without restrictions, in accordance with the legislation in force regarding the transparency of public administration;
Online services / Platform functionalities – any tools, applications or modules available on the Platform that allow the User’s interaction with the content or the transmission of information to the Operator;
GDPR – Regulation (EU) 2016/679 adopted by the European Parliament and the Council of the European Union on 27 April 2016, regarding the protection of natural persons with regard to the processing of personal data and the free movement of such data;
Privacy Policy – the document through which information is provided regarding the manner in which the Operator processes the Users’ personal data;
Cookie Policy – the document through which information is provided regarding the use of cookie files, the types of data collected and the purposes for which they are used;
Applicable legislation – the totality of the normative acts in force in Romania;
Force majeure – any external, unforeseeable, absolutely invincible and unavoidable event that prevents the execution of obligations;
External links – links to other web pages that are not administered by the Operator.
4. Intellectual Property Rights
The entire content of the Platform www.sepsimetro.ro, including, but not limited to, texts, images, graphic elements, multimedia materials, official documents, databases, as well as any other published materials, is the property of the Operator or of its partners, as the case may be, and is protected by the applicable legislation regarding copyright and related rights.
It is strictly prohibited to copy, distribute, publish, transfer to third parties, modify and/or use the content of the Platform for purposes other than personal and non-commercial ones, without the prior written consent of the Operator. Any reproduction, distribution or dissemination through digital means, social networks or other online platforms may be carried out only with the written permission of the Operator.
Users have the right to access and use the content of the Platform exclusively for informational, documentation or public transparency purposes, in compliance with the legal provisions in force. Any unauthorized use of the content may attract civil, contraventional or criminal liability, in accordance with the applicable legislation.
All intellectual property rights remain valid for the entire duration of legal protection and do not expire through the mere access to the Platform. Any use of the information must properly cite the source and mention the Operator as the holder of the intellectual property rights.
The Operator reserves all rights, including the right to monitor and protect the use of the content and to take measures against any illegal reproduction or distribution of its materials, in accordance with the legislation in force.
5. Use of the Platform
Users have the obligation to use the Platform www.sepsimetro.ro in accordance with the applicable legal provisions, the rules of conduct in society, as well as the provisions of these Terms and Conditions. The access and use of the Platform are carried out exclusively for legitimate purposes, of public information, documentation or administrative nature, any abusive, fraudulent use or any use that could affect the functioning, security, integrity or availability of the Platform being strictly prohibited.
Users undertake not to carry out activities that could prejudice the Operator, its partners or other users, including, but not limited to: transmitting false, inaccurate or misleading information, introducing computer viruses, malicious programs or other harmful components, unauthorized access to the Platform’s systems, as well as transmitting spam messages, phishing or any other actions that may compromise the security of the Platform or its users.
Also, the use of any automated means (such as robots, scripts or scraping-type applications) for accessing, collecting or copying the content of the Platform is prohibited, without the prior written consent of the Operator.
The Operator reserves the right to monitor and protect the use of the Platform, including by implementing technical measures of security and data protection, within the limits of the law, and to take any measures deemed necessary in case of violation of these conditions, including restricting or blocking users’ access, without prior notice and without the need to fulfill any additional formalities.
The violation of these provisions may attract civil, contraventional or criminal liability, in accordance with the applicable legislation.
6. Limitation of Liability
The content published on the Platform www.sepsimetro.ro is provided exclusively for informational purposes, of public transparency, and does not constitute warranties of any kind, express or implied, regarding the accuracy, completeness, timeliness or suitability of the information for specific purposes. The available information does not replace professional, legal or technical advice and must be used with discernment.
The Operator makes constant efforts to ensure the correctness and updating of the published information, but cannot guarantee that it is permanently free of errors, omissions or inaccuracies. Users use the available information at their own responsibility and are fully responsible for the manner in which they apply it, including in making personal or professional decisions.
The Operator cannot be held liable for any kind of direct or indirect damages, including, but not limited to, data loss, financial losses, unrealized benefits or other damages resulting from:
- the use or the impossibility of use of the Platform;
- the access, interpretation or use of the information published by Users;
- possible errors, omissions or inaccuracies in the content;
- the improper functioning of the Platform, including temporary or permanent interruptions;
- technical problems, communication network failures, cyber-attacks, force majeure events or other circumstances independent of the Operator’s will.
The Operator makes constant efforts to maintain the Platform functional and the information correct, but users must understand the inherent limits of any online system and act with responsibility.
7. External Links
The Platform www.sepsimetro.ro may contain links to other web pages or external services, including, but not limited to, Facebook, Instagram or Google Maps, which are not operated or controlled by SepsiMetro. These links are provided exclusively for facilitating Users’ access to additional information or relevant resources, without implying any approval, endorsement or assumption of their content by the Operator.
The Operator does not exercise any control over the content, availability, security or privacy policies of these external sites and does not assume responsibility for their accuracy, legality or functioning. External links may be updated, modified or removed by third parties at any time.
Accessing external links is carried out at the User’s own responsibility, who has the obligation to consult the terms and conditions, as well as the privacy policies applicable to each site. Users are encouraged to carefully analyze these documents and to verify the security and privacy settings before providing personal information or using third-party services.
Consequently, the Operator cannot be held liable for any damages, losses or issues arising from the use of external sites or services provided by third parties. The Operator provides these links solely for the Users’ convenience and does not assume any responsibility for the content or functionality of third-party sites.
8. Availability of the Platform
In addition to the previous provisions regarding the use of the Platform and the limitation of liability, the Operator makes reasonable efforts to ensure the continuous and proper functioning of the Platform www.sepsimetro.ro, however it does not guarantee its uninterrupted availability.
The Platform reserves the right to modify, suspend or interrupt its operation temporarily or permanently, in whole or in part, without prior notice, for maintenance, update, implementation of security measures or other objective reasons. Access to the Platform may thus be temporarily limited, and Users are requested to take these possibilities into account.
The Operator cannot be held liable for any possible malfunctions, technical errors, interruptions of access or delays in operation, regardless of their cause, including in situations generated by external factors, such as communication network issues, technical failures, cyber-attacks or other events independent of its will.
Users understand and accept that the access and use of the Platform are carried out at their own responsibility, and its availability may vary depending on technical or operational circumstances. Users are recommended to periodically check the Platform in order to stay informed about any updates or modifications.
9. Personal Data Protection
The Operator processes Users’ personal data in accordance with the applicable legislation in force, including the provisions of Regulation (EU) 2016/679 regarding the protection of natural persons with regard to the processing of personal data.
The Operator collects and processes Users’ data for the primary purpose of enabling the functioning of the Platform, as well as for improving the experience on the Platform. Users’ data are stored for the period necessary to fulfil the purposes of the Platform, which means that personal information will not be kept longer than is necessary for the initial purpose of using the Platform.
The processing is carried out on the basis of the Operator’s legitimate interest, in compliance with the principles of data minimisation and proportionality. At the same time, data processing is carried out in a lawful, fair and transparent manner, exclusively for the purposes for which they were collected, as well as in compliance with the rights of the data subjects. The Operator applies appropriate technical and organisational measures to protect the data against unauthorised access, loss, alteration or disclosure.
Within the activities and programmes organised or supported by the Operator, photographs and/or video materials may be taken in which participants may appear. By participating in these events, the data subjects understand and accept that such materials may be used by the Operator exclusively for the purpose of promoting, documenting and implementing the programmes and projects carried out, including their publication on the Platform or on official communication channels. The use of these materials is carried out in compliance with the applicable legislation on personal data protection and the right to image.
Users may request from the Operator access to their personal data, rectification, erasure or restriction of processing by contacting the Operator directly in accordance with the instructions in the Privacy Policy. If Users consider that their data protection rights have been violated, they have the right to lodge a complaint with the National Supervisory Authority for Personal Data Processing (ANSPDCP).
Detailed information regarding the categories of data processed, the purposes of processing, legal bases, storage duration, Users’ rights and applied protection measures are available in the dedicated documents, namely the Privacy Policy and the Cookie Policy, available on the Platform.
By using the Platform, Users confirm that they have taken note of these policies and understand how their personal data is processed.
10. Force Majeure
The Operator shall not be held liable for the total or partial non-performance of its obligations under these Terms and Conditions when such non-performance is caused by force majeure events, as defined by the applicable legislation.
Force majeure refers to external, unforeseeable, absolutely invincible and unavoidable events that make the performance of the Operator’s obligations impossible, including but not limited to: cyberattacks, infrastructure issues, communication network outages, technical failures, or other external situations affecting the operation of the Platform.
In such cases, the Operator shall make all reasonable efforts to inform Users about the situation and to restore the normal operation of the Platform as soon as possible, without however being able to guarantee an exact timeframe for remediation.
Users understand and accept that, in force majeure circumstances, access to the site, availability of information, or the functioning of services may be temporarily limited or suspended.
The Operator shall not be held liable for any damages, losses, or inconveniences arising as a result of force majeure events, in accordance with the applicable law.
11. Applicable Law and Jurisdiction
This website and its Terms and Conditions are governed by and interpreted in accordance with the legislation in force in Romania.
In the event of any misunderstandings or disputes between the User and the Operator, the parties shall make all efforts to resolve them amicably, through dialogue and cooperation.
If such a resolution is not possible, any dispute arising from or in connection with the use of the Platform or these Terms and Conditions shall be submitted for resolution to the competent courts in the municipality of Sfântu Gheorghe, Romania.
Users are also encouraged to submit complaints or notifications to the Operator or, where applicable, to the competent authorities in the field of consumer protection or personal data protection, in accordance with the applicable legal framework.
The Operator expresses its commitment to maintaining an open and transparent dialogue with Users, promoting good practices and respect for their rights in all situations. Users are encouraged to communicate any uncertainties or suggestions, so that the use of the Platform can be as efficient and beneficial for the community as possible.
12. Amendments and Final Provisions
The Operator reserves the right to modify, supplement, or update these Terms and Conditions at any time, without prior notice, in order to reflect legislative, operational, or technical changes of the Platform. The Operator undertakes to inform Users about significant changes to the Terms and Conditions, in order to facilitate a correct and transparent use of the Platform.
The modifications shall be published on the Platform and shall enter into force immediately upon publication. Users are invited to periodically consult this section in order to stay informed about any updates. Continued use of the Platform after the publication of modifications constitutes acceptance of such modifications by the User. The modifications shall remain permanently available on the Platform, and Users are encouraged to regularly check this section.
Any questions, complaints, or notifications regarding the application of these Terms and Conditions or the functioning of the Platform may be submitted to the Operator, who shall analyse and respond within a reasonable timeframe. In cases where direct resolution is not possible, Users may contact the competent authorities in the field of consumer protection or personal data protection, in accordance with the applicable legislation.
If any provision or clause of these Terms and Conditions is deemed, in whole or in part, null, invalid, unenforceable, or illegal, it shall remain effective to the maximum extent permitted by applicable law, without affecting the validity or enforceability of the remaining provisions. The Operator ensures that such modifications shall not affect Users’ rights provided by applicable legislation, including the rights granted under Regulation (EU) 2016/679.
13. Contact
For any questions, suggestions, complaints, or requests regarding the website www.sepsimetro.ro and the application of these Terms and Conditions, Users may contact the Operator through the following means:
Email: zmsepsi@gmail.com
Headquarters address: Municipality of Sfântu Gheorghe, 1 Decembrie 1918 Street, no. 2, Covasna County, Romania
Online form: Users may also submit requests via the contact form available on the Platform.
Complaints and notifications regarding the application of the Terms and Conditions or the functioning of the Platform shall be reviewed by the Operator, who shall respond within a reasonable timeframe. The Operator guarantees that all transmitted data will be processed in accordance with the Privacy Policy. In situations where direct resolution is not possible, Users may contact the competent authorities in the field of consumer protection or personal data protection, in accordance with the applicable legislation.
The Operator undertakes to provide appropriate support for clarifying information and resolving any issues related to the Platform and its services.