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Ethics & Compliance

Last Updated: MAY 2025

TattooResearch.org is committed to conducting ethical, transparent, and participant-centered research. Our studies adhere to Australia’s National Statement on Ethical Conduct in Human Research (NHMRC), GDPR (for EU participants), and global best practices for academic and industry research.

This page explains our research ethics principles, participant rights, data handling policies, and compliance standards to ensure that all participants are treated with respect, autonomy, and confidentiality.

 

1. Our Ethical Research Principles

Our research follows the four core ethical principles set by Australia’s NHMRC:

(A) Respect for Persons

    • Participation in research is voluntary and based on informed consent.

    • Participants have the right to withdraw at any time without consequence.

    • We recognize the deeply personal and emotional nature of tattoo experiences and allow participants to skip sensitive questions.

(B) Beneficence (Minimizing Harm & Maximizing Benefit)

    • We assess the risks and benefits of every study and ensure that potential harm is minimized.

    • A risk matrix is created for each survey to evaluate possible sensitivities, especially regarding tattoo regret, self-image, or identity.

    • If a study covers sensitive topics, participants are given content warnings and exit options.

(C) Justice (Fair & Inclusive Research Practices)

    • Our research is inclusive of diverse cultural, gender, and socioeconomic backgrounds.

    • No participant is excluded or pressured into participation.

    • Findings will be published in ways that fairly represent participants’ experiences.

(D) Integrity & Transparency

    • We are transparent about how data is collected, stored, and used.

    • Participants are never deceived or misled about the purpose of research.

    • All findings are reported accurately, without bias or alteration.

 

See Our Research Standards: NHMRC Research Ethics Guidelines

 

2. Participant Rights & Consent

We ensure that all participants:

    • Receive clear information about the purpose of each study before participating.

    • Can choose to remain anonymous (via Unique Research ID).

    • Have the right to withdraw from research at any time.

    • Can request deletion of their data at any point (see “Manage My Data” section).

 

See our Informed Consent Policy: Privacy Policy

Manage Your Research Participation Here: Go to Manage My Data

 

3. How We Handle Sensitive Topics

Tattoo experiences can be deeply personal, and some research topics may bring up challenging emotions, memories, or cultural sensitivities. To protect participant well-being, we have the following safeguards:

Content Warnings Before Sensitive Sections

    • If a study discusses tattoo regret, trauma, or identity-related experiences, a content warning appears before the question.

    • Participants can choose to skip sensitive sections without impacting their participation.

Exit & Support Options

    • All surveys have an “Exit Without Saving” button, allowing participants to leave mid-survey.

    • Our Exit & Support Page provides mental health resources for those needing support.

Handling of Qualitative Interviews

    • Participants in interviews can pause, take breaks, or end the interview at any time.

    • If an interviewee shares sensitive or traumatic experiences, they are offered support resources after the session.

    • No real names are used in transcripts unless participants explicitly consent to attribution.

 

Need Support? Visit Our Exit & Support Page

 

4. Data Protection & Privacy Compliance

TattooResearch.org follows strict data security and privacy protocols to protect participant information.

(A) What Data We Collect & Why
We collect:

    • Survey responses (tattoo experiences, opinions)

    • Demographic data (age, gender, location)

    • Unique Research ID (instead of names for anonymity)

    • Email (only if you opt into long-term studies)

We do NOT collect:

    • Sensitive health data (unless self-reported)

    • Financial or payment details

    • Government-issued IDs

Why We Collect Data:

    • To analyze tattoo experiences over time.

    • To publish aggregated, anonymous research findings.

    • To track long-term changes in participant perspectives.

We never sell or use your data for marketing.

See Full Data Policy: Privacy Policy

 

(B) Data Storage & Security

    • All survey responses are stored in encrypted databases (AWS, Google Cloud).

    • Research IDs are used instead of names to protect participant anonymity.

    • Access is restricted to approved researchers only.

    • If you request data deletion, your responses will be permanently removed.

 

Request Data Removal: Manage My Data

 

5. Ethical Use of Research Findings

    • Results are published in aggregated, anonymised formats.

    • Participants are not identifiable in public reports.

    • Quotes from interviews are only used with explicit consent.

Our research is shared with academics, the tattoo industry, and the public to improve understanding of tattoo culture and decision-making.

View Research Findings: Published Studies & Insights

 

6. Compliance with Australian & International Research Standards

TattooResearch.org adheres to:

    • Australia’s National Statement on Ethical Conduct in Human Research (NHMRC)

    • GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation, for EU participants)

    • Australia’s Privacy Act 1988

    • University & Institutional Research Ethics (HREC approval when applicable)


For academic collaborations or ethics inquiries, contact us:

Email: [email protected]

 

7. Reporting Ethical Concerns

If you have concerns about research ethics, participant treatment, or data security, we encourage you to contact us:

    • Submit an Ethics Concern Form: Ethics Reporting Form

We take all concerns seriously and will review them in accordance with our ethical guidelines.