Data Management & Privacy Policy

Effective date: 30 July 2024

At Articulating Science, we are committed to protecting your privacy and managing your information responsibly. This policy outlines how we collect, use, store, and protect your personal data in connection with the Unity Poll — in compliance with South Africa’s Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA).

1. What Information We Collect

When you take part in the Unity Poll, we collect:

  • Your age

  • Your email address

  • Your responses to the poll questions

All information is collected via a secure form. No names or additional identifying details are required or requested.

2. Why We Collect This Data

We collect this information to:

  • Understand how different age groups and communities engage with ideas of global cooperation and sustainability;

  • Share poll results and follow-up opportunities with you (only if you have opted in to receive updates);

  • Help shape people-driven, collaborative efforts aimed at achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs);

  • Support long-term public-interest research and engagement on unity and collective action.

We do not sell, rent, or use your data for commercial purposes.

3. How We Store and Protect Your Data

Your information is stored securely using Google Sheets, protected by Google’s encrypted infrastructure. Access is strictly limited to authorized members of the Articulating Science team.

We take reasonable steps to:

  • Prevent unauthorized access, loss, or misuse of your data;

  • Use anonymized, aggregated insights in public communications and reporting;

  • Review our data storage practices regularly to ensure continued protection.

4. How Long We Keep Your Data

Because this poll contributes to a long-term public-interest initiative, we may retain your data indefinitely for the purposes of:

  • Tracking shifts in public sentiment over time,

  • Informing future engagement strategies,

  • Supporting follow-up research aligned with our mission.

That said, you remain in control. You may request that we delete your personal information at any time — no questions asked.

5. Your Rights

Under POPIA, you have the right to:

  • Access the personal data we hold about you;

  • Correct or update your information;

  • Withdraw your consent and request deletion of your data at any point.

To do so, please email us at unitypollresponses@gmail.com

6. Contact Us

If you have any questions or concerns about this policy or your data, you can reach us at: 📧 unitypollresponses@gmail.com

7. Policy Updates

We may update this policy occasionally to reflect changes in our data practices or legal requirements. The date at the top will always show when the latest version was published.