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Privacy Policy

Last Updated: MAY 2025

TattooResearch.org is committed to protecting your privacy and ensuring ethical research practices. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, store, and use your data in compliance with Australia’s Privacy Act 1988, GDPR (for EU participants), and NHMRC research standards.

By participating in our research, you acknowledge and agree to the terms outlined below.

 

1. What Data We Collect

We collect two types of data:

(A) Research Participation Data (Collected through surveys & studies)

  • Required for research tracking & analysis

  • Survey responses (opinions, reflections, and experiences with tattoos)

  • Demographic data (age, gender, tattoo history, country)

  • Unique Research ID (automatically assigned)

  • Follow-up preferences (if you choose to participate in long-term studies)


Optional Data (Only If You Opt-In)

  • Email (for follow-up studies, research tracking)

  • Interview transcripts (for qualitative research, with explicit consent)


We do NOT collect:

  • Sensitive health data (unless self-reported)

  • Financial or payment details

  • Government IDs


(B) Website & Account Data (Collected when you log in)

  • Required for account access & security

  • Email (if using email login)

  • Unique Research ID (if using anonymous tracking)

  • Login activity (to track research participation)

  • Cookies (to improve user experience)

 

2. Why We Collect This Data

TattooResearch.org collects data only for research purposes, including:

  • Conducting research studies on tattoo experiences and decision-making

  • Tracking long-term changes in participants’ tattoo perspectives

  • Publishing anonymous, aggregated findings for academic and industry insights

  • Improving future studies based on participant feedback


We do NOT:

  • Share, sell, or use your data for marketing purposes

  • Disclose individual responses without consent

 

3. How We Store & Protect Your Data

TattooResearch.org follows strict security measures to protect participant data.


Data Storage

  • All research data is stored in encrypted databases (AWS, Google Cloud).

  • Survey responses and Research IDs are stored separately from email login data (ensuring anonymity).


Who Has Access to Your Data?

  • Only approved researchers can access raw survey responses.

  • Your Research ID is used instead of your name for tracking.

  • Interview data is fully anonymised unless you explicitly agree to attribution.


How Long Do We Keep Your Data?

  • Survey responses are retained for 5 years, then anonymised or deleted.

  • If you opt into long-term studies, your data will be stored for follow-ups.

  • If you request deletion, your data is removed within 30 days.

 

4. Your Rights & Choices

You have full control over your participation and data.


You Can:

  • View your past research participation (via the “Manage My Data” page).

  • Update your demographic data for long-term studies.

  • Request to delete your responses at any time.

  • Download your survey responses for personal records.

  • Withdraw from follow-up studies (if you previously opted in).

 

Manage Your Data Here: Go to Manage My Data

 

5. How We Use Research Findings

Your responses contribute to academic and industry research on tattoo decision-making.

  • Published research includes only anonymous, aggregated insights.

  • If we quote from interviews, we obtain explicit participant approval.

  • All findings are used to advance research in tattoo culture, psychology, and decision-making.


See Our Published Research: View Research Findings

 

6. Compliance with Research Ethics & Laws

TattooResearch.org follows:

  • Australia’s Privacy Act 1988 (For Australian participants)

  • GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) (For EU participants)

  • NHMRC Human Research Ethics Guidelines (For compliance with academic research standards)


For full details, see: Research Ethics & Compliance Page

 

7. Contact & Data Protection Officer

If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or wish to request data access/deletion, contact us:

Manage Your Data Here: Go to Manage My Data