1. About This Policy
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This Privacy Policy explains how AIRO Research Inc. ("AIRO Research," "we," "us," or "our") collects, uses, stores, shares, and protects personal information. It applies to research participants, website visitors, and anyone who communicates with us by phone, email, or text message.
- We comply with applicable privacy laws in Canada and the United States, and with CTIA Messaging Principles and Best Practices governing SMS communications. We also follow the standards and codes of practice of the market research industry.
2. Information We Collect
2.1 Research Participant Information
- When you register or participate in a study, we may collect:
- Contact details: name, mailing address, email, and phone number(s)
- Date of birth
- Demographic information: gender, ethnicity, household income, education, and employment
- Lifestyle and behavioral information relevant to the research topic
- Business information for B2B studies: company name, role, industry, and size
- Opinions and experiences shared during sessions
- Audio or video recordings (with your explicit consent)
2.3 Website Information
- When you visit our website, we automatically collect IP address, browser type, pages visited, and usage data through cookies and similar technologies (see Section 6).
2.4 SMS and Phone Communications
- AIRO Research complies fully with CTIA Messaging Principles and Best Practices for all text message communications.
- When you provide your mobile number and opt in to SMS communications, we collect your number, consent records, and message delivery data. By opting in, you agree that:
- We may contact you by call or text regarding research scheduling and participation
- Message frequency varies based on active projects; standard carrier rates may apply
- You may opt out at any time by replying STOP, or by emailing privacy@airoresearch.com
- After opting out, you will receive one confirmation message and no further texts
- Reply HELP at any time for assistance
- We do not sell, share, or transfer your mobile number to any third party for marketing or lead generation purposes.
3. How We Use Your Information
- We use personal information only for clearly identified, legitimate purposes:
- Match you with relevant research studies and screen for eligibility
- Schedule, confirm, and manage research sessions
- Conduct qualitative and quantitative research on behalf of our clients
- Process and distribute participant incentive payments
- Communicate with you about upcoming opportunities (with your consent)
- Operate, maintain, and improve our website and digital platforms
- Detect and prevent fraud and unauthorized access
- Comply with legal obligations
4. Sharing Your Information
- AIRO Research does not sell, rent, or trade your personal information. We share information only in these limited circumstances:
- Research clients: Only with your prior consent, and only to the extent necessary for the study (e.g., session observation). Findings shared with clients are aggregated and anonymized wherever possible.
- Service providers: Trusted vendors who assist with incentive payments, technology platforms, messaging delivery, and data hosting. All are bound by written agreements to protect your information and use it only as directed.
- Legal requirements: Where required by law, court order, or to protect the rights and safety of AIRO Research or others.
- Business transfers: In the event of a merger or acquisition, personal information may transfer to the successor entity, which will be required to honour this policy.
5. Data Retention
- We retain personal information only as long as necessary for the purposes it was collected, or as required by law. Participant profile data: up to 10 years from last participation. Financial/incentive records: up to 10 years for tax and accounting purposes. Session recordings: deleted 180 days after project close. Signed consent forms: minimum 12 months. SMS consent records: duration of messaging relationship plus minimum 4 years. Website analytics: up to 26 months, in anonymized form. When data is no longer needed, we securely delete or de-identify it.
6. Data Security
- We implement layered safeguards to protect your personal information against unauthorized access, disclosure, and misuse:
- Encryption of data in transit and at rest
- Access controls based on least privilege — only authorized staff with a legitimate need may access personal data
- Multi-factor authentication for internal systems
- Ongoing system monitoring and incident response procedures
- Employee training and confidentiality agreements
- No method of electronic storage is 100% secure. In the event of a breach posing risk of harm, we will notify affected individuals and regulatory authorities as required by law.
7. Cookies
- Our website uses cookies to support core functionality and analyze usage. We use strictly necessary cookies (required for the site to work), analytics cookies (to understand how the site is used, with your consent), and functional cookies (to remember your preferences).
- You may disable cookies in your browser settings at any time. We do not use cookies for targeted advertising. We honor Global Privacy Control (GPC) signals as valid opt-out requests where applicable.
8. Your Privacy Rights
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Depending on your location, you may have the right to access, correct, delete, or restrict the processing of your personal information; receive a copy of your data in a portable format; withdraw consent at any time; and opt out of the sale or sharing of your personal information (AIRO Research does not sell personal data).
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You will not be discriminated against for exercising any of these rights. To make a request, contact privacy@airoresearch.com. We will respond within 30 days or as required by applicable law. If your request is denied, you may appeal by contacting us directly.
- For SMS: reply STOP to opt out, or HELP for assistance.
12. Contact Us
- For any privacy questions, requests, or concerns:
- Call us: (555) 123-4567
- Email: privacy@airoresearch.com
- Mail: AIRO Research Inc., Attn: Privacy Officer, 167 Madison Avenue, New York, NY 10016
- SMS opt-out: reply STOP to any message, or email privacy@airoresearch.com. Reply HELP for assistance.