Privacy Policy

Effective Date: March 1, 2025

1. Introduction

This privacy policy explains how our app (“the App”) collects, uses, and protects your information. The App is developed and owned by the HUN-REN Centre for Social Sciences, a non-profit public research organization dedicated to advancing academic research in social and health sciences.

The App is designed for pre-registered participants in research studies. If you are not a registered participant, you will not be able to use the App.

We are committed to protecting your privacy and ensuring transparency about how your data is handled. Our data collection practices comply with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) of the European Union and other applicable privacy laws.

2. Purpose of the App

The primary purpose of the App is to support academic research in the fields of social sciences and health sciences. The App is designed to gather data from participants to help researchers better understand behaviors, experiences, and environmental influences.

The App actively collects data in various formats, including:

• Surveys: Users may be prompted to answer questions about their experiences, behaviors, or environment.
• Image Uploads: Users may be asked to take or upload images relevant to their surroundings or activities.
• Audio and Video Uploads: In some research projects, users may be asked to record audio or video entries to capture additional context for their responses.

All data collection methods are carefully designed to align with the goals of the research study in which participants are enrolled.

3. Information We Collect

The App collects the following data to fulfill its research objectives:

• Location Data: Collected only when users explicitly agree to participate and grant permission. Details about collection frequency and accuracy are communicated before data collection starts.
• User Account Information: Only pre-registered participants can log in. We do not collect or store additional sensitive personal data.
• Survey Responses: Securely transmitted for analysis.
• Photo, Audio, and Video Data: Access to your camera, microphone, or file storage is requested only when needed. The App will never access or upload media without your active interaction. Media must be either created directly within the App or selected manually by the user.
• Notifications: Required for reminders about upcoming surveys, research tasks, or other study-related events.
• Storage Access: May be requested to allow media file uploads for specific research tasks. No automatic file scanning occurs.
• Battery Optimization Exemption: Ensures the App can maintain critical background processes like survey triggers and notifications.
• Background Data Connection: The App may run continuously in the background to maintain a stable connection with the server and ensure scheduled tasks function reliably.

4. How We Use Your Information

• To deliver timely, location-triggered surveys or other research-related prompts.
• To improve the accuracy and effectiveness of survey delivery.
• To analyze survey responses, media uploads, and other data for academic research purposes.
• To contribute to scientific insights that support advancements in social and health sciences.

5. Location Data and Background Tracking

In certain projects, background location access is required to ensure surveys are triggered at the correct time and place.

• Users must explicitly agree to this type of data collection.
• The frequency and accuracy of the data collection are always communicated before data collection starts.
• Users may suspend location data collection by revoking location permissions within the App.

6. Data Sharing and Disclosure

We are committed to protecting your privacy. We do not sell, share, or disclose your personal data or location information to third parties. Data is analyzed in aggregated or anonymized form to protect participant identity.

7. Data Retention

• Location Data: If collected, this data is retained only for the duration specified in the research protocol.
• Survey Responses and Media Uploads: Stored securely only as long as required for research objectives.
• All data is deleted after the research study concludes unless participants provide explicit consent for extended retention.

8. GDPR Compliance

We comply with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)

• The right to access your data.
• The right to correct inaccurate or incomplete data.
• The right to request data deletion (subject to legal and research obligations).
• The right to withdraw consent for data collection at any time.