GeoFarmer Mobile App: Privacy Notice

Effective date: August 1st, 2023

If you have any questions or concerns about these Terms, please contact us at: A.Eitzinger@cgiar.org.

General aspects

This Privacy Notice ("GDPR notice") describes how we obtain, processes and shares Personal Data on GeoFarmer Application and its derivates MyGeoFarm, GeoFarm Facilitator, MyGeoTree Nursery, and MyGeoTree Collector ("Apps"), developed by the International Center for Tropical Agriculture – CIAT ("Company"). By using the Apps, you agree to be bound by this GDPR notice. If you disagree with these terms, please refrain from using the Apps.

Introduction

While we do not frequently process Personal Data of individuals residing in the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA), or the United Kingdom (UK), we are steadfast in our commitment to safeguarding privacy and ensuring that all personal data is treated with utmost care and in strict accordance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).

GDPR and Research

It's important to note that GDPR is not intended to hinder research efforts; rather, it acknowledges the value of research and extends certain privileges in this regard. GDPR recognizes that all forms of data can contribute to valuable research and acknowledges the long-term nature of research endeavors. Consequently, research activities are granted exemptions from certain purpose and storage limitations, provided that they adhere to other data protection principles and incorporate specific safeguards.

Our Commitment

While recognizing the research exemptions within GDPR, we want to assure you that our approach to data processing is fully aligned with the principles of legality, fairness, and transparency. We are dedicated to ensuring that the processing of data remains lawful, fair, and transparent at all times.

Privacy and Transparency

We are transparent about the data we collect, how it's used, and the measures we take to safeguard it. The information we may collect includes, but is not limited to, location data, agricultural preferences, device information, and usage analytics. This data helps us enhance the functionality of the GeoFarmer app and deliver a tailored research experience.

Legal Basis

We collect and process your data based on your explicit consent, which you provide when you first use the GeoFarmer app (see Terms of Use – GeoFarmer). You have the right to withdraw this consent at any time. If you choose to do so, please be aware that it may impact the functionality and effectiveness of the app.

Data Storage and Security

Your data is stored securely on our servers and is accessible only to authorized personnel. We take appropriate technical and organizational measures to prevent unauthorized access, loss, or alteration of your data.

Data Sharing

We do not share your personal data with third parties for marketing purposes. However, we may share anonymized and aggregated data with research partners, industry collaborators, or regulatory bodies for the purpose of advancing agricultural research and innovation.

Your Rights

Under GDPR, you have the following rights concerning your personal data:

• Right to access: You can request access to the data we hold about you.
• Right to rectification: You can request corrections to inaccurate or incomplete data.
• Right to erasure: You can request the deletion of your data under certain circumstances.
• Right to restrict processing: You can request limitations on how we process your data.
• Right to data portability: You can request a transfer of your data to another service provider.
• Right to object: You can object to the processing of your data for specific purposes.

Account Deletion

As part of our commitment to your privacy rights under data protection laws including GDPR, we provide you with the option to delete your account and associated data.

Option 1: Via the homepage

You can delete your account directly through our API. To do this:

• Go to https://geofarmer.org/
• Log in to your account.
• Navigate to the settings page.
• Click on the "Delete this account" button.
• Follow the prompts to confirm the deletion.

Option 2: Via Email

If you prefer not to use the API settings or need assistance, you can request account deletion by contacting us via email at geocitizenmap@gmail.com. Please provide the following information in your deletion request:

• Your full name
• The email address/phone number registered with the account
• A brief statement of your request to delete the account

Upon receiving your request, our team will verify your identity and proceed with the deletion of your account. We may contact you if additional information is needed to process your request. On deletion you will receive a confirmation once it is done.

Please note that once you choose to delete your account, the process is irreversible. All your data, including but not limited to, personal information, settings, and records of transactions, will be permanently removed.

Data Retention

Please be aware that we may retain some of your data as necessary for compliance with legal obligations, resolution of disputes, and enforcement of our agreements. This information will be protected and maintained according to our data protection standards.

Contact Information

If you have any questions or concerns about how your data is being collected and used, or if you wish to exercise your rights under GDPR, please contact us at A.Eitzinger@cgiar.org.