1. Overview

Fairness in the Feed is an independent research initiative and data collection platform designed to enable LinkedIn users to participate in controlled experiments testing algorithmic bias. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, store, and disclose personal information in connection with your use of the Fairness in the Feed website and associated services.

We comply with the General Data Protection Regulation (EU) 2016/679 (GDPR), the UK Data Protection Act 2018, the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), and applicable global privacy frameworks.

2. Information We Collect

We collect information that you voluntarily provide and information automatically gathered through our systems:

1. Registration and Account Information
   • Name, email address, gender, LinkedIn profile URL, follower count, and country/region (collected via registration form).
   • Optional data you enter when updating your profile.
2. Experimental Data
   • Data you submit in connection with Test A (“The Identical Content Test”) and Test B (“The 7th Tribe Pattern Recognition Test”), including LinkedIn post URLs, engagement metrics, and analysis results.
3. Communications
   • Content of messages you send via the “Contact Us” form.
4. Technical Data
   • IP address, browser type, session activity, and cookies (for security and analytics).

3. How We Use Your Information

Your information is used to:

• Administer your account and participation in Tests A and B;
• Generate anonymized, aggregated data for statistical and research purposes;
• Improve our website and methodology;
• Communicate with you (including updates or changes to the project);

Comply with legal obligations and enforce our Terms of Use.

4. Legal Basis for Processing

We rely on the following legal bases for processing:

• Consent: When you register, you consent to the collection and processing of your data for participation in the experiments.
• Legitimate interests: To improve the accuracy, integrity, and fairness of the LinkedIn bias testing initiative.
• Legal obligation: To comply with applicable data protection laws.

5. Data Retention

• Your personal account data is stored until you delete your profile.
• Even if you delete your profile, anonymized experimental results remain included in aggregate reports.
• We periodically anonymize or delete inactive accounts after 24 months.

6. Data Sharing and Disclosure

We do not sell or rent personal data.
We may share anonymized or aggregated data publicly (e.g. publishing research findings).

Personal data may be disclosed only to:

• Authorized contractors supporting technical operations;
• Regulatory authorities if legally required;
• Successors in the event of merger or acquisition (subject to equivalent protection).

7. International Data Transfers

Data may be transferred to servers outside your home country, including to jurisdictions that may not provide equivalent data protection. Should this occur, Fairness in the Feed will apply Standard Contractual Clauses and other legal safeguards, acting in good faith.

8. Your Rights

You have the right to:

• Access, rectify, or erase your personal data;
• Withdraw consent at any time;
• Object to processing or request restriction;
• Lodge a complaint with your local data protection authority.

Requests may be sent to hello@fairnessinthefeed.com

9. Security Measures

We employ industry-standard security protocols, including encryption, access controls, and periodic audits. However, no online service can guarantee complete security.

10. Children’s Privacy

Fairness in the Feed is intended for users aged 18 and over. We do not knowingly collect data from minors.

11. Updates to this Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy periodically. Continued use of the site constitutes acceptance of changes.

1. Acceptance of Terms

By accessing or using the Fairness in the Feed website (“the Site”), you agree to these Terms of Use and our Privacy Policy. If you do not agree, you must not use the Site.

2. Nature of the Service

Fairness in the Feed provides tools that allow users to voluntarily participate in social media performance experiments. The Site facilitates data entry, visualization, and reporting for educational and research purposes only.

Fairness in the Feed does not guarantee scientific accuracy, completeness, or fitness for any particular purpose.

3. User Obligations

Users agree to:

• Provide accurate information during registration and participation;
• Comply with all applicable laws and LinkedIn’s Terms of Service;
• Use the Site only for lawful purposes;
• Refrain from uploading defamatory, offensive, or infringing content.

4. Intellectual Property

All text, design, layout, and graphics on the Site are the property of Fairness in the Feed or its licensors. You may not copy, modify, or distribute any part of the Site without express written consent.

You retain ownership of your LinkedIn content and uploaded data but grant Fairness in the Feed a non-exclusive, royalty-free, worldwide license to use anonymized data for research and publication purposes.

5. Disclaimers and Limitations of Liability

• The Site is provided “as is” and “as available.”
• Fairness in the Feed disclaims all warranties, express or implied, including merchantability, fitness for purpose, and non-infringement.
• To the maximum extent permitted by law, Fairness in the Feed shall not be liable for any indirect, consequential, or incidental damages arising from your use of the Site or reliance on experiment results.
• We are not responsible for the content or outcomes of LinkedIn’s platform or third-party tools such as ChatGPT.

6. Indemnification

You agree to indemnify and hold Fairness in the Feed harmless from any claims or damages arising out of your misuse of the Site, violation of these Terms, or infringement of third-party rights.

7. Account Termination

We may suspend or terminate your account if you violate these Terms or engage in behaviour that could harm other users or the integrity of the experiments.

8. Governing Law and Jurisdiction

These Terms shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of England and Wales, and you consent to the exclusive jurisdiction of its courts.

9. Amendments

Fairness in the Feed reserves the right to amend these Terms at any time. Notice will be provided via the Site or email. Continued use after updates constitutes acceptance.