Survey1Four Privacy Policy
Your Privacy Matters to Us
Survey1Four operates an online research panel through which individuals may voluntarily participate in market research, opinion research, consumer research, product studies and other research activities.
This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, protect and retain personal information relating to individuals who register with, access or participate in the Survey1Four Panel.
We are committed to treating Panel Members fairly and respectfully and to protecting the confidentiality and security of the information entrusted to us.
Our activities are conducted for research and related panel-management purposes. We do not use information collected through the Panel to directly sell products or services to you.
Where applicable to a particular processing activity, we comply with applicable privacy and data-protection laws, including the General Data Protection Regulation (EU) 2016/679 (“GDPR”) where the GDPR applies.
This Privacy Policy should be read together with the Survey1Four Panel Terms & Conditions and any additional privacy information provided to you when you participate in a particular research project.
1. Scope of This Privacy Policy
This Privacy Policy applies to personal information collected or processed when you:
register for a Survey1Four Panel account; complete or update your Panel profile; participate in surveys or other research activities; receive or interact with research invitations; use the Survey1Four website, Panel platform or related applications; communicate with our support team; receive or redeem research incentives or rewards; participate in product testing or other research methodologies; or otherwise interact with Survey1Four in connection with our research activities.
Individual research projects may have additional privacy notices or participation conditions. Where additional information is provided for a particular study, that information will apply to that study in addition to this Privacy Policy.
2. Information We Collect
The information we collect depends on how you interact with Survey1Four and the research activities in which you participate.
2.1 Information Provided During Registration
When you create a Panel account, we may collect information such as:
first and last name; email address; telephone or mobile number; date or year of birth; age; gender; country and general location; postal or ZIP code; nationality or citizenship, where relevant; household information; education and occupation; employment information; household composition; consumer interests and preferences; lifestyle information; technology and internet usage; travel and purchasing behaviour; other demographic or profiling information necessary to determine eligibility for research opportunities.
Some information may be optional, while other information may be necessary to establish or maintain your Panel account or determine your eligibility for particular research activities.
3. Information Collected During Research Activities
When you participate in a survey or other research activity, we may collect:
your survey responses; answers to screening questions; opinions, preferences and attitudes; information about products, services and brands; information about purchasing or usage behaviour; photographs, audio, video or other materials where the relevant study requires them and appropriate notice or consent is provided; information provided during qualitative research, interviews, focus groups or product testing; responses relating to your household or other relevant demographic characteristics; and other information specifically explained to you before or during the relevant research activity.
Participation in individual research activities is generally voluntary. You may decline an invitation or choose not to answer a particular question unless a response is necessary for participation in that specific activity.
4. Sensitive or Special Categories of Personal Data
Some research projects may involve information that is considered sensitive or subject to additional legal protection in certain jurisdictions.
Depending on the study, this may include information relating to:
health or medical circumstances; racial or ethnic origin; religious or philosophical beliefs; political opinions; trade-union membership; biometric information; genetic information; sexual orientation or sex life; information concerning criminal convictions or offences; or other categories treated as sensitive under applicable law.
We will only collect such information where there is an appropriate legal basis and where permitted by applicable law.
Where consent or explicit consent is legally required, we will obtain it before processing the relevant information.
Where appropriate, questions involving sensitive information may include a “Prefer not to answer” option.
Sensitive information will not be disclosed to a client in an identifiable form unless there is an appropriate legal basis and, where required, your explicit consent.
5. Information About Other Individuals
You should not provide Survey1Four with personal information about another individual unless you are authorised to do so and have an appropriate legal basis for providing that information.
If a research activity involves another member of your household or another individual, we will provide additional information and obtain any consent required by applicable law.
Where children or young persons are involved, additional safeguards apply as described in Section 12.
6. Information Collected Automatically
When you access our website, Panel platform or online surveys, certain technical information may be collected automatically.
This may include:
IP address; approximate location derived from technical information; browser type and version; operating system; device type; screen resolution and display settings; language and regional settings; device identifiers; advertising identifiers where applicable and permitted; browser and device characteristics; date and time of access; referring website or campaign; information concerning survey access and completion; information concerning technical errors; and other technical information necessary for security, functionality, quality control and fraud prevention.
We may also use cookies, pixels, SDKs and similar technologies. Further information is provided in our Cookie Policy.
7. Device Recognition, Digital Fingerprinting and Fraud Prevention
To protect the integrity of our Panel and research activities, Survey1Four may use technology designed to recognise or assess devices and technical characteristics.
This may include information relating to:
device configuration; operating system; browser; IP address; screen characteristics; device identifiers; network information; browser characteristics; and other technical signals used for security and fraud-prevention purposes.
This information may be converted into a technical identifier or device fingerprint.
These technologies may be used to help:
identify duplicate or multiple accounts; detect suspicious activity; prevent fraudulent participation; identify attempts to participate in the same survey more than once; protect surveys and Panel systems; maintain research quality; and investigate potential misuse.
Where required by applicable law, we will obtain consent for cookies or similar technologies that require consent.
8. Why We Use Personal Information
We may use personal information for the following purposes:
Panel Administration
creating and maintaining your Panel account; verifying your registration; maintaining accurate Panel records; communicating with you regarding your membership; managing your preferences; and providing customer or Panel support.
Research Recruitment
identifying research opportunities for which you may qualify; sending survey invitations; conducting screening and eligibility checks; selecting appropriate respondents; managing quotas and sample requirements; and preventing duplicate participation.
Research and Analysis
conducting market, opinion, social and consumer research; analysing survey responses; preparing statistical results; producing research reports; generating aggregated or anonymised insights; and supporting research conducted for our clients.
Quality and Security
validating responses; maintaining Panel quality; detecting fraudulent or suspicious activity; preventing duplicate or unauthorised participation; protecting our systems; investigating abuse; maintaining platform security; and complying with applicable research-quality requirements.
Incentives and Rewards
calculating incentives; administering rewards; processing redemptions; conducting prize draws where applicable; delivering rewards; and maintaining records required for financial, accounting or legal purposes.
Communications
We may send communications relating to:
survey invitations; Panel administration; account verification; rewards; important changes to Panel services; security notices; support requests; and other communications necessary to operate the Panel.
We will not use Panel information to directly market unrelated products or services to you unless you have separately agreed to such use and applicable law permits it.
9. Legal Bases for Processing
Where GDPR or another law requiring a defined legal basis applies, we may rely on one or more of the following grounds.
9.1 Performance of a Contract
We may process information necessary to establish and manage your Panel membership and provide the services associated with your participation.
This may include account information, contact information, profile information, eligibility information and information required to administer rewards.
9.2 Consent
We may rely on your consent where consent is required or appropriate.
For example, consent may be requested for:
particular research activities; certain sensitive or special-category information; certain cookies or similar technologies; particular uses of audio, video or photographs; identifiable research data being shared with a client; optional research activities; or other processing where consent is the appropriate legal basis.
Where consent is the legal basis, you may withdraw it, subject to applicable law and the consequences explained when consent was requested.
9.3 Legal Obligations
We may process information where necessary to comply with legal, regulatory, accounting, tax, court or other lawful requirements.
9.4 Legitimate Interests
Where permitted by applicable law, we may process information because it is necessary for our legitimate interests or those of a relevant third party.
Examples may include:
preventing fraud; maintaining Panel integrity; protecting systems and information; ensuring research quality; administering the Panel; responding to support requests; defending legal claims; improving our services; maintaining business records; and conducting research-related operations.
Where we rely on legitimate interests, we consider the impact of the processing on your rights and interests and will not rely on this basis where those interests are overridden by your rights and freedoms, where applicable.
10. Research Data and Client Relationships
Survey1Four conducts research on behalf of clients and research partners.
The information provided through surveys is generally used to produce aggregated, statistical, pseudonymised or anonymised research results.
Where research information is provided to a client, we will take appropriate steps to protect respondent confidentiality.
We will not ordinarily provide your name, email address, telephone number or other directly identifying information to a research client unless:
there is an appropriate legal basis; the relevant research activity permits such disclosure; and where required, you have provided the necessary consent.
Certain studies may involve identifiable research participation. If so, we will provide appropriate information before participation.
Clients receiving research information must use it consistently with the purpose for which it was collected and the applicable contractual and legal requirements.
11. Information Obtained From Other Sources
In certain circumstances, we may receive information about you from sources other than you.
Depending on the circumstances, these sources may include:
research recruitment partners; sample providers; business partners; publicly available sources; fraud-prevention providers; identity or verification providers; technology providers; clients, where legally permitted; advertising or recruitment platforms; and other research-industry partners.
Where required by applicable law, we will provide appropriate information regarding the source and purpose of such processing.
12. Children and Young Persons
Survey1Four generally restricts Panel membership to individuals who meet the minimum age requirement stated during registration.
Some research projects may involve children or young persons.
Where a study involves a child or young person, we will apply additional safeguards appropriate to the participant’s age, the nature of the research and applicable law.
Where parental or guardian consent is required, we will obtain the necessary consent before the child participates.
We will not knowingly collect children’s personal information in circumstances where such collection is prohibited by applicable law.
13. Sharing Personal Information
We may share personal information with appropriate parties where necessary for the purposes described in this Privacy Policy.
These may include:
Research Clients
For research analysis and reporting, generally using aggregated, anonymised or pseudonymised information.
Service Providers
Companies that provide services such as:
panel technology; hosting and cloud infrastructure; email and messaging; survey technology; fraud prevention; device recognition; identity verification; incentive and reward fulfilment; payment processing; customer support; cybersecurity; analytics; and other technical or operational services.
These providers may process information on our behalf and are expected to maintain appropriate confidentiality and security safeguards.
Research Partners
We may work with other research organisations or sample providers to conduct research projects.
Where personal information is shared, we will apply appropriate contractual and legal safeguards.
Legal and Regulatory Authorities
We may disclose information where required by law or where reasonably necessary to:
comply with legal obligations; respond to lawful requests; protect our rights; investigate fraud or unlawful activity; protect the safety of individuals; or establish, exercise or defend legal claims.
14. International Data Transfers
Survey1Four may use service providers, research partners or other organisations located in countries different from the country in which you reside.
Where personal information is transferred internationally, we will apply safeguards required by applicable law.
Where GDPR applies, such safeguards may include:
transfers to countries recognised as providing an adequate level of protection; appropriate contractual safeguards; Standard Contractual Clauses approved or recognised under applicable law; supplementary technical or organisational safeguards where appropriate; or another lawful transfer mechanism recognised by applicable law.
15. Data Security
We take reasonable technical and organisational measures to protect personal information against:
unauthorised access; unlawful processing; accidental loss; destruction; alteration; disclosure; and other forms of misuse.
Depending on the nature of the information and the risks involved, safeguards may include:
access controls; authentication mechanisms; encryption or secure transmission; system monitoring; network security; restricted access to personal information; contractual confidentiality requirements; security testing; backup and recovery procedures; and employee or contractor confidentiality obligations.
No internet-based system can be guaranteed to be completely secure. However, we continually seek to maintain reasonable and appropriate safeguards.
16. Data Retention
We retain personal information only for as long as reasonably necessary for the purposes described in this Privacy Policy, unless a longer period is required or permitted by applicable law.
Retention periods may depend on:
the nature of the information; the purpose for which it was collected; whether you remain a Panel Member; legal or regulatory requirements; accounting and tax requirements; fraud-prevention requirements; dispute resolution; legal claims; and our legitimate business and research requirements.
When personal information is no longer required, we may securely delete it, anonymise it or otherwise remove its identifying characteristics.
Different categories of information may therefore be retained for different periods.
17. Cookies and Similar Technologies
Survey1Four may use cookies, pixels, SDKs, local storage and similar technologies.
These technologies may be used for purposes including:
essential website functionality; authentication; account management; security; fraud prevention; research quality; analytics; performance measurement; and understanding how our services are used.
Where consent is legally required, we will request it through the relevant cookie or consent mechanism.
You may be able to manage certain cookie preferences through your browser or our cookie-management tools.
Some functions may not operate correctly if certain cookies or technologies are disabled.
18. Profiling and Automated Processing
Survey1Four may use automated tools to support activities such as:
survey eligibility; sample selection; quota management; fraud detection; quality control; duplicate-account detection; security monitoring; and research operations.
Automated tools may evaluate information such as demographic characteristics, survey history, technical information or other relevant indicators.
Automated processing does not necessarily mean that a final decision is made entirely without human involvement.
Where GDPR or another applicable law provides rights relating to solely automated decision-making or profiling, we will respect those rights.
Where applicable, you may request information about relevant automated processing, express your views, challenge a decision or request human intervention, subject to applicable legal limitations.
19. Artificial Intelligence and Emerging Technologies
Survey1Four may use artificial intelligence, machine-learning or other automated technologies in appropriate research and operational activities.
Such technologies may be used for purposes such as:
research sample management; quality control; fraud detection; categorisation; data analysis; operational support; survey optimisation; customer support; or research-related analysis.
Where AI or automated technologies are used in a way that materially affects your rights or where applicable law requires additional transparency or safeguards, we will provide appropriate information and apply the safeguards required by law.
We will not use AI technology as a reason to remove the protections otherwise applicable to your personal information.
20. Your Privacy Rights
Depending on your country of residence and the applicable law, you may have some or all of the following rights.
Right to Access
You may request confirmation of whether we process personal information about you and, where applicable, request access to that information.
Right to Correction
You may request correction of inaccurate or incomplete personal information.
Right to Deletion
You may request deletion of personal information in circumstances where applicable law provides such a right.
Deletion may not always be possible where we are legally required or otherwise permitted to retain certain information.
Right to Restriction
You may have the right to request that we restrict processing in circumstances provided by applicable law.
Right to Object
Where processing is based on legitimate interests or another applicable legal basis, you may have the right to object to certain processing.
Right to Data Portability
Where applicable, you may request certain information you provided to us in a structured, commonly used and machine-readable format and, where legally required, request that it be transferred to another organisation.
Right to Withdraw Consent
Where processing is based on consent, you may withdraw that consent at any time.
Withdrawal of consent does not affect the lawfulness of processing that occurred before withdrawal.
Rights Relating to Automated Decision-Making
Where applicable law provides such rights, you may request human intervention, express your viewpoint or challenge certain decisions based solely on automated processing.
These rights are subject to applicable legal exceptions and limitations.
21. How to Exercise Your Rights
To submit a privacy request, question or complaint, please contact Survey1Four through the privacy/contact mechanism provided on the Survey1Four website or Panel platform.
When making a request, please provide sufficient information for us to identify your Panel account, such as:
registered email address; Panel Member ID, if available; or other information reasonably required to verify your identity.
We may request additional information where reasonably necessary to protect your account and prevent unauthorised disclosure of personal information.
We will respond within the period required by applicable law.
22. Complaints and Regulatory Authorities
If you have a concern about how we handle your personal information, we encourage you to contact us first so that we have an opportunity to investigate and resolve the matter.
Where applicable law provides you with the right to complain to a data-protection or privacy regulator, you may exercise that right directly with the relevant authority in your country or jurisdiction.
For individuals in the European Economic Area, this may include the supervisory authority in the country where you live, work or where you believe an infringement has occurred.
23. Confidentiality of Research Responses
Research responses are treated as confidential.
Unless otherwise explained to you and permitted by applicable law, your individual responses will be used for research purposes and reported in a manner designed to prevent you from being directly identified.
Where a research project requires identifiable participation, recording, observation, product testing, interviews or similar activities, you will be provided with appropriate information before participation and, where required, asked for consent.
We will not intentionally use personal information collected for research purposes for unrelated direct marketing or sales activities.
24. Research Recordings
Certain research projects may involve:
audio recordings; video recordings; photographs; screen recordings; webcam interaction; interviews; focus groups; or other observational or recording technologies.
Where such recording or observation is used, we will provide appropriate information before participation and obtain consent where required by applicable law.
Where applicable, you may be informed about the purpose, nature and intended use of the recording and whether it will be shared with a client or other party.
25. Third-Party Websites and Services
The Survey1Four platform may contain links to websites, applications or services operated by third parties.
This Privacy Policy does not govern the privacy practices of those third parties.
You should review the applicable privacy notice of any third-party website or service before providing personal information.
26. Changes to This Privacy Policy
We may periodically update this Privacy Policy to reflect:
changes to our Panel; new research methodologies; changes to technology; changes to applicable laws; changes to our service providers; changes to our data-processing practices; or improvements to transparency and privacy protections.
The latest version will be made available on the Survey1Four website or Panel platform.
Where applicable law requires notification of a material change, we will provide the notice required by law.
27. Applicable Privacy Laws
Survey1Four operates internationally and may be subject to different privacy and data-protection laws depending on the country or jurisdiction involved.
These may include, where applicable:
the General Data Protection Regulation (EU) 2016/679 (“GDPR”); applicable European Economic Area data-protection requirements; applicable UK data-protection legislation; applicable Indian privacy and data-protection legislation; applicable Romanian or other European national requirements; and other applicable local privacy laws.
The applicable rights and obligations may differ depending on your location, the nature of the processing and the circumstances in which your information is collected.
Nothing in this Privacy Policy is intended to remove or restrict a right that cannot lawfully be excluded under applicable law.
28. Research Ethics and Industry Standards
Survey1Four seeks to conduct research in accordance with applicable law and recognised professional and ethical standards relevant to market, opinion and social research and data analytics.
This includes principles concerning:
transparency; voluntary participation; respondent privacy; confidentiality; data minimisation; responsible use of technology; protection of children and vulnerable individuals; research quality; security; and responsible handling of personal information.
Where applicable to our activities, we seek to align our practices with recognised ICC/ESOMAR principles and other relevant professional standards.
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