Ecoscopos iOS App and Ecoscopos Android App Privacy Policy

Last modified on January 15, 2025

This Privacy Policy ("Privacy Policy") applies to the Ecoscopos iOS App and Ecoscopos Android App (collectively referred to as the “Apps”). The Apps are owned and operated by The Democritus University of Thrace, Greece, in its capacity as the coordinator of the connection with the implementation of the EcoScope project. For purposes of this Privacy Policy, The Democritus University of Thrace, in its capacity as the coordinator of the EcoScope project, is referred to as "Ecoscopos," "We," "Us," or "Our"). This Privacy Policy outlines how We handle Personal Information (as defined below) that users ("You," "Your," or "User") provide to Us or that We collect from You through Your use of the Apps.

The Apps are operated in connection with the implementation of the EcoScope project, which is an international collaborative EU- project that has received funding from theEuropean Commission’s Horizon 2020 Research and Innovation program, under grant agreement No 101000302. The European Commission is not responsible for any use that may be made of the Apps or of this Privacy Policy or of the information they contain.

Identification via Mobile Device

The primary method of user identification within the system is through the mobile device's phone number. Unauthorized access to a user's mobile device may result in unauthorized use of the account and/or the application installed on the device. Users are strongly advised to implement appropriate security measures, such as setting up a passcode or enabling biometric authentication (e.g., fingerprint recognition), to protect their mobile device. These measures are essential to safeguarding the user's privacy and preventing unauthorized access to the application.

Types of Information We collect

This Privacy Policy addresses two distinct types of information. "Personal Information" includes any data that, on its own or when combined with other data, may be used to identify an individual. Examples include first and last name, residential/mailing address, profile picture, email address, and any other personal details provided to Us during the registration to or use of the Apps. The Personal Information you provide to Us will be stored in our secure database, with restricted access. Additionally, information about specific actions you perform through the Apps will also be collected and considered part of the "Personal Information" as defined above. "Statistical Information" unlike Personal Information, comprises data that does not identify you and cannot reveal your identity or the source of the data. Statistical Information collected by Us or third parties may include details about your usage habits of the Apps, the activities you have performed thereat, the geographic location of the mobile device you used to access the Apps, and more. This Statistical Information is stored separately from your Personal Information and is used differently from how We use Personal Information, as detailed below. For clarity, any Statistical Information that is linked or associated with Personal Information will be treated as Personal Information if such a connection exists.

Use of Information

We will use the Personal Information you provide and/or the Statistical Information collected to manage your access to and use of the Apps, as Well as to modify and improve the content and services on the Apps to better suit the nature of the users of the Apps, including your specific preferences, as reflected by the analysis of the Statistical Information collected by Us regarding user habits on the Apps. We will use the Personal Information you provide to contact you, when necessary, via email using the details you provided during registration, in relation to your use of the Apps, and/or to send you relevant information. We will use the Statistical Information collected and stored for its internal, marketing, or commercial purposes, including for the operation, development, and improvement of the Apps, Website, and the services provided, as Well as to enhance the structure and content of the Apps, Website, and services, and to adapt the Apps and its content to users' preferences. For this purpose, We may engage third parties to collect and analyse the statistical and anonymous information to learn about your usage habits and those of other users of the Apps and/or Website, in a manner that does not identify you or other users personally. We will use the information you provide, or the information collected for any other purpose related to the provision of services, including any purpose outlined in this Privacy Policy and/or other sections of the Terms of Use of the Apps (the "Terms of Use"). By registering as an Ecoscopos User, you agree to provide Us with current, complete, and accurate information and to keep that information updated. We are not and shall not be held responsible for any issues or liabilities that may arise if the information You provide is not current, accurate, truthful, or complete, or if You fail to update the information You have provided.

Disclosure of Information to Third Parties

The information that We hold in our databases may be shared with third parties in accordance with the terms of this Privacy Policy. The transfer of information to third parties will include only relevant data that does not exceed the purposes for which the information is being shared. For clarity and to avoid any misunderstanding, by registering for the Apps and accepting the Terms of Use, you consent to the transfer of the information you provide, such as your name, contact details, report location, and image, to third-party entities, service providers, consultants, and related organisations that require access to this information to process it on behalf of Ecoscopos or to provide services available through the Apps, and who have agreed not to disclose it to others. We will share your information with other members of the EcoScope project, who help us manage and administer the Apps. Service providers, such as Google, process personal data involved in the internal operations of the Apps. These companies are authorised to use your personal information only as necessary to provide these services to us and not for their own promotional purposes. We do not sell your personal information to third parties. Without limiting the foregoing, We are permitted to share with third parties Statistical Information that does not identify you personally, for purposes including, but not limited to: a) Analysis, statistics, and research; b) Compliance with legal requirements; c) For legal proceedings, orders, including discovery orders, or requests from an authorised authority; d) To enforce this Privacy Policy or the Terms of Use; e) To detect, prevent, or address fraud, misuse of information, or technical issues; f) With your explicit consent prior to disclosure. We will not collect your personal information without obtaining your consent, which is provided, among other ways, through your acceptance of the Terms of Use. You are not obligated by law to provide personal information. By providing the personal information, you agree and declare that it is given freely for the purpose of receiving our services, and you consent to us storing the information you have provided in a database, which may be registered in accordance with legal requirements.

Legal Basis for Processing Personal Information Under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)

According to GDPR rules Ecoscopos's legal grounds for collecting and using the Personal Information described in this Privacy Policy depend on the type of Personal Information We collect and the specific circumstances of its collection. Furthermore, We limit the collection of personal information to the minimum required to fulfil the purpose for which it is processed. Below are examples of the reasons for which Personal Information may be processed: Ecoscopos may process your Personal Information because:

• The processing is required to fulfil a contract with you.
• You have granted us consent to process your information.
• The processing is essential for our legitimate business interests, such as fraud prevention, information security, or compliance with legal obligations.
• The processing is necessary to provide the services and features you have requested.

Data Security

We implement systems and procedures for data security on the Apps and Website. Please note that while these systems and procedures reduce the risk of unauthorised access to Our computing systems and servers, they do not guarantee complete protection against breaches or unauthorised access. Therefore, We do not guarantee that the App and its use are entirely immune to unauthorised access or breaches of data stored on its systems. Additionally, you are responsible for keeping your username and password for the Apps confidential, and it is advisable to change your password every few months to maintain security.

Retention of Personal Information

We keep your Personal Information linked to your account for as long as you remain a registered user of the Apps. Even after you close your account, We may retain certain data to meet legal obligations, prevent fraud, recover any outstanding payments, resolve issues, assist with investigations, enforce our terms of use, or fulfil other legal requirements. Data associated with your Observations (such as timestamps, locations, and other details) may continue to be stored with the Observations even after you close your account, unless you request its deletion.

Links to Third-Party Websites

Certain links on the Website direct users to external Websites or services that are not affiliated with Us. These links are provided for your convenience. These Websites and services are not under our control, and We are not responsible for their availability. Additionally, We do not endorse or take responsibility for any content (including advertisements, products, or other information) displayed on these sites or accessible through them, including links they contain. We are not responsible for the privacy policies or other practices of these third-party sites. Your access to, use of, and reliance on such Websites, services, or their content, as well as any interactions with third parties, are solely at your own risk and you bear full responsibility for any related expenses. We reserve the right to remove or delete any link at any time. By using such links, you agree and acknowledge that We will not be liable, directly or indirectly, for any damages or losses that occur in connection with or as a result of using any service, content, product, or other information available through such Websites or services.

Your Rights Regarding Your Personal Information

1. Right to Access your personal data that We process and receive a copy of it.

2. Right to Rectify inaccurate personal data We have concerning you and to have incomplete personal data completed.

3. Right to Data Portability, that is, to receive the personal data that you provided to Us, in a structured, commonly used and machine-readable format. You have the right to transmit this data to another service provider. Where technically feasible, you have the right that your personal data be transmitted directly from Us to the service provider you designate.

4. Right to Object, based on your particular situation, to using your personal data on the basis of our legitimate interest. However, We may override the objection if We demonstrate compelling legitimate grounds, or for the establishment, exercise or defence of legal claims. You may also object at any time to the use of your personal data for direct marketing purposes.

5. Right to Restrict processing your personal data (except for storing it) if you contest the accuracy of your personal data, for a period enabling Us to verify its accuracy; if you believe that the processing is unlawful and you oppose the erasure of the personal data and request instead to restrict its use; if We no longer need the personal data for the purposes outlined in this Policy, but you require them to establish, exercise or defence relating to legal claims, or if you object to processing, pending the verification whether our legitimate grounds for processing override yours.

6. Right to be Forgotten. Under certain circumstances, such as when you withdraw your consent, you have the right to ask Us to erase your personal data. However, We may still process your personal data if it is necessary to comply with a legal obligation, We are subject to under laws in EU Member States or for the establishment, exercise or defence of legal claims.

If you wish to exercise any of these rights, contact Us at ecolabduth@gmail.com.
For your security, We may need to verify your identity before fulfilling such requests. If you have any questions or wish to exercise your rights, please contact the Ecoscopos Data Protection Officer at ecolabduth@gmail.com.

For security and privacy purposes, We may require you to authenticate your identity before processing any requests regarding your personal data. Should you wish to make such a request, please contact the Ecoscopos Data Protection Officer at ecolabduth@gmail.com.

Submission of Complaints

You can lodge a complaint to the supervisory authority, in particular in the Member State of your residence, place of work or of an alleged infringement of the GDPR. For a list of supervisory authorities in the EU, click here.

Submission of Observations

Should you choose not to disclose certain details (such as time, date, or location) related to your observations on Ecoscopos, you are advised not to post such observations. Upon your request, We will deactivate your account and remove any observations associated with it.

Withdrawal of Consent

You may withdraw your consent for the processing or disclosure of your personal data as specified in this Privacy Policy. Please be advised that withdrawal of consent may result in limited access to certain services and features provided by Ecoscopos, and We may be unable to deliver the full range of services or support that are available to users who have provided consent.

Data Controller

The entity responsible for the collection and processing of your personal data is Democritus University of Thrace. For further inquiries, please contact Us at ecolabduth@gmail.com.

Loss and/or Theft of Mobile Device

In the event of loss and/or theft of your mobile device, you must immediately notify Us by email at ecolabduth@gmail.com. Following successful verification, We will take action to prevent unauthorised use of the Apps via your mobile device and/or account, and to secure your usage data within the Apps. We will also assist in transferring your data to your new mobile device, should you wish to do so.

Minors

The Apps are not intended for minors under the age of 18. If you are under the age of 18, then you must obtain permission from your parent or legal guardian to accept this Privacy Policy. By accessing the Apps, you declare to us that you have obtained it. If you are under the age of 13 you may not access the Apps in any way.

Changes to the Privacy Policy

From time to time, We may change this Policy, in which case We will inform you of the updated Policy through the Platform. The latest version of the Policy will always be accessible on the Platform.

Contact Us

If you have any questions, complaints, suggestions or concerns about the protection of your personal details, please contact us at ecolabduth@gmail.com.