CARE Data Protection Policy

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1. Purpose and Scope
   This Data Policy outlines the principles and procedures for the collection, use, protection, and dissemination of data by the CARE Centers. The policy applies to all data collected during research activities, community engagements, and through our website. The purpose of this policy is to ensure that all data handling practices align with legal requirements, ethical standards, and community trust.

2. Data Collection

• • Types of Data Collected: CARE Centers collect a variety of data, including personal information (e.g., emails and zip codes), responses to surveys, participation in workshops, and feedback from community engagements.
  • Methods of Collection: Data is collected through direct interactions, such as surveys and workshops, digital platforms, and during consented recordings of listening sessions.
  • Consent: All data collection activities are preceded by obtaining informed consent from participants, clearly explaining the purpose of data collection and how it will be used.

3. Data Use

• • Purpose: Data collected by the CARE Centers is used to evaluate and improve our programs, conduct research on radicalization and community resilience, and inform community stakeholders about the needs and progress of initiatives.
  • Limitations on Use: Data will be used strictly for the purposes outlined at the time of collection and consented to by participants. Any secondary use of data requires additional consent or must be adequately anonymized.

4. Data Protection

• • Data Security: All personal data is encrypted during transmission and storage. CARE Centers employ state-of-the-art security measures, including firewalls, secure server configurations, and access control mechanisms to protect against unauthorized access, alteration, and misuse.
  • Access Controls: Access to data is restricted to authorized personnel only, based on their role and the necessity to access the data for legitimate purposes. All personnel with access to data are trained in data protection principles and practices.
  • Data Retention and Disposal: Data is retained only for as long as it is necessary for the purposes for which it was collected or as required by law. Disposal of data is conducted securely and in a manner that prevents data reconstruction.

5. Data Sharing and Transparency

• • Internal Sharing: Within CARE Centers, data may be shared only among authorized team members involved in project management, data analysis, and program evaluation.
  • External Sharing: Data may be shared with external stakeholders, including community partners and funders, only in aggregated or anonymized form, unless explicit consent has been obtained for the sharing of identifiable data.
  • Transparency: CARE Centers maintain transparency about data practices through regular updates on our website and communications with participants and community members.

6. Participant Rights

• • Access and Correction: Participants have the right to access their personal data held by the CARE Centers and to request corrections to any inaccuracies.
  • Withdrawal of Consent: Participants can withdraw consent for the use of their data at any time. Upon withdrawal, their data will no longer be used and will be securely deleted unless required otherwise by law. Completely anonymized data will still be retained as it will not be possible to identify which responses are those of the person requesting deletion.
  • Complaints and Queries: Participants can raise complaints or queries about data handling practices directly with the CARE Center’s data protection officer.

7. Oversight and Compliance

• • Regular Audits: CARE Centers conduct annual audits to ensure compliance with this data policy and to address any potential data protection issues.
  • Data Protection Officer: A designated data protection officer is responsible for overseeing all data protection strategies and ensuring compliance with national and international data protection laws.

This Data Policy is regularly reviewed and updated to reflect changes in legal requirements, technological advancements, and community feedback, ensuring that the CARE Centers remain a trusted and responsible steward of the data provided by our participants and partners.