Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

Clarion MR ("we," "our," or "us") is committed to protecting your privacy and personal data. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you visit our website, participate in our market research studies, or use our services.

We are a market research company based in the United Kingdom and Netherlands, and we comply with applicable data protection laws, including the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the UK Data Protection Act 2018.

2. Information We Collect

2.1 Personal Information

We may collect the following types of personal information:

• Contact information (name, email address, phone number, postal address)
• Demographic information (age, gender, occupation, income level)
• Survey responses and research data
• Website usage data and cookies
• Communication preferences

2.2 How We Collect Information

• Directly from you when you participate in surveys or studies
• Through our website contact forms
• From third-party panel providers (with your consent)
• Through cookies and similar technologies
• From publicly available sources

3. How We Use Your Information

We use your personal information for the following purposes:

• Market Research: To conduct surveys, studies, and research projects
• Communication: To contact you about research opportunities and study results
• Service Improvement: To improve our services and website functionality
• Legal Compliance: To comply with legal obligations and regulations
• Data Analysis: To analyze trends and patterns in aggregated, anonymized data

4. Legal Basis for Processing

Under GDPR, we process your personal data based on the following legal grounds:

• Consent: When you voluntarily participate in our research
• Legitimate Interest: For business operations and service improvement
• Contract Performance: To fulfill our obligations to clients
• Legal Obligation: To comply with applicable laws and regulations

5. Data Sharing and Disclosure

We may share your information in the following circumstances:

• Clients: Aggregated and anonymized research results to our clients
• Service Providers: Third-party vendors who assist in our operations
• Legal Requirements: When required by law or to protect our rights
• Business Transfers: In connection with mergers or acquisitions

We never sell your personal information to third parties for marketing purposes.

6. Data Security

We implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect your personal data against unauthorized access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction. These measures include:

• Encryption of data in transit and at rest
• Regular security assessments and updates
• Access controls and authentication systems
• Staff training on data protection
• Secure data storage and backup procedures

7. Data Retention

We retain your personal data only for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined in this Privacy Policy, unless a longer retention period is required by law. Typically:

• Survey responses: 2-3 years for quality assurance
• Contact information: Until you withdraw consent or request deletion
• Website data: As specified in our cookie policy

8. Your Rights

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

• Access: Request copies of your personal data
• Rectification: Correct inaccurate or incomplete data
• Erasure: Request deletion of your personal data
• Restriction: Limit how we process your data
• Portability: Receive your data in a structured format
• Objection: Object to certain types of processing
• Withdraw Consent: Withdraw consent at any time

To exercise these rights, please contact us using the information provided in the "Contact Us" section.

9. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

Our website uses cookies and similar technologies to enhance your browsing experience. We use:

• Essential Cookies: Required for website functionality
• Analytics Cookies: To understand website usage patterns
• Preference Cookies: To remember your settings

You can control cookie settings through your browser preferences.

10. International Data Transfers

We may transfer your personal data to countries outside the European Economic Area (EEA). When we do so, we ensure appropriate safeguards are in place, such as:

• Adequacy decisions by the European Commission
• Standard Contractual Clauses (SCCs)
• Binding Corporate Rules
• Certification schemes

11. Children's Privacy

Our services are not directed to children under 16 years of age. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 16. If we become aware that we have collected personal data from a child under 16, we will take steps to delete such information.

12. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices or legal requirements. We will notify you of any material changes by:

• Posting the updated policy on our website
• Sending email notifications to registered users
• Updating the "Last updated" date

13. Contact Us

If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy or our data practices, please contact us:

14. Supervisory Authority

You have the right to lodge a complaint with a supervisory authority if you believe we have not handled your personal data in accordance with applicable data protection laws. In the UK, this is the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO).