Privacy Policy

Updated: 14 March 2022

What is Location Logger?

Location Logger is an app that uses your mobile device to provide continuous location information to University of Manchester servers in the United Kingdom. Location information is captured based on a distance filter and, with your permission, runs even while the app is not in the foreground. The data collection activity is run by Professor Roberto González of Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, who is also teh data controller. The University of Manchester is therefore a data processor, collating and storing the data on behalf of the data controller.

Who has reviewed Location Logger?

The app has been developed as part of an informal collaboration between Professor González and Dr Jonathan Huck of the University of Manchester. The processing and handling of any data collected by the app is handled in accordance with the Privacy Notice for Research Participants. This privacy policy and details of the data collection activity have been reviewed by the Information Governance Office at The University of Manchester. The app has undergone an internal test programme prior to public release and has been approved for release by the research team and the Research IT Strategy and Change Management Board (RIT SCMB) at The University of Manchester.

How does Location Logger handle data?

Research IT at The University of Manchester handles data in compliance with UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018. By using the app, users agree that researchers at The University of Manchester and collaborating institutions, associated with the development of the app can use any data collected for research purposes only. All research data handling is compliant with our Privacy Notice for Research Participants.

What data is stored on the device?

In order to function, the app is required to store some information locally on your device. The following information is stored in a database which resides in a private application directory on your device. This data may be used strictly behind-the-scenes or may be displayed directly on screen in appropriate locations to assist with the function of the app.

• Anonymised username -- this is used as a login credential to identify a particular user with the data backend servers. It is randomly generated and not connected with any of you personal information.
• Backend tokens -- These are security tokens which are used to authorise the sending of data packets to the backend servers.

This database is erased when the app is uninstalled.

It is the responsibility of the device owner to protect their access to their device and hence the data store on it. We strongly recommend that you use some form of screen lock and storage encryption to protect unauthorised access to any of the data we store or display in the app.

What data is transmitted to researchers?

The app sends data to University researchers through the following mechanisms:

• StorageConnect - data collection system owned by Research IT at the University of Manchester

Note that if an internet connection is not available at the time of transmission, StorageConnect data is buffered in a separate local database on the device. Once an internet connection is available again, these records are transmitted and deleted from this local database.

The following data is transmitted to researchers:

• Latitude
• Longitude
• Accuracy of the GPS coordinates
• Timestamp when the GPS coordinates were captured

Is any data Person Identifying Information (PII) and linked to my identity?

None of the data collected is linked to your PII.

How will you protect my data?

All transmissions over the internet are encrypted using a standard TSL/SSL encryption protocol and is thus protected in transit. The data you send us is stored on systems that are access-controlled and data is only accessible by project researchers and nominated collaborators. The StorageConnect system is also accessible by select members of Research IT. Access to StorageConnect is controlled by Research IT on a person-by-person basis and will not be granted to individuals not affiliated with the research project to which the data is attached. StorageConnect is backed-up and replicated daily. Records stored in StorageConnect are given an anonymous user ID and are not identified against any username or password you may have been asked to enter into the app.

What will you use the data for?

The data will be used to understand the geographic distribution and movements of users around Santiago, Chile for the purposes of understanding social segregation and/or integration.

Who will you share the data with?

The data will be shared between The University of Manchester and Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile and potentially future collaborators for research purposes only.

Does Location Logger collect usage statistics or analytics?

The app connects automatically to Microsoft App Center servers for the purposes of crash reporting and usage monitoring. In the event of a crash, or when you install, uninstall or open the app, the app will collect the following information:

• Device information (e.g. make, model, operating system and version)
• Unique device identifiers (not directly person-identifying but allows us to know two reports came from the same device)
• Location data (only what country your device is in and what time zone)
• Usage data (limited to when you installed / uninstalled / opened the app)

This information is transmitted to servers not owned by The University of Manchester, and is hence shared with the third-parties who operate the crash monitoring services. We make use of this service to monitor how many people are using the app and to acquire details on crashes users may have experienced. This allows us to improve future versions of the app. This data is only accessible to Research IT staff and is not shared with other services.

Does Location Logger access third-party content?

The app contains links to websites. If you click on a link, you will be directed to that site. Note that these external sites are not operated by the app provider. Therefore, we would advise you to review the Privacy Policy of these websites. We have no control over, and assume no responsibility for, the accuracy of content, the privacy policies, or practices of any third-party sites or services.

What permissions does Location Logger need?

The app requires permission to access certain features of your device for its functionality. The permissions required along with the reason are described below:

• Fine Location -- For obtaining precision GPS position information
• Foreground Service -- For presenting a permanent notification when the service is running (Android Only)

Who do I contact about the study?

Lead Researcher: Professor Roberto González
Phone: ++(56)22 354 1732
Email: rgonzale@uc.cl

What if I have a complaint about the research team?

We encourage you to contact the research team in the first instance. However, if you are dissatisfied with their response and wish to make a formal complaint about the conduct of the research team, please write to:

Head of the Research Office
Christie Building
The University of Manchester
Oxford Road
Manchester
M13 9PL

What if I have a complaint about Data Protection and Information Governance?

We encourage you to contact the research team in the first instance. However, if you are dissatisfied with their response and wish to make a formal complaint about data protection, please contact:

Information Governance Office
G7 Christie Building
The University of Manchester
Oxford Road
Manchester
M13 9PL
Tel: +44 (0)161 275 7789
Email: information.governance@manchester.ac.uk