Our Privacy Policy

TanzaQuest Data Privacy, Intellectual Property and Cultural Sensitivity Policy

1. Introduction

TanzaQuest is dedicated to creating a responsible and ethical platform for sharing information about Tanzanian expeditions, research and cultural heritage. We understand the importance of protecting data privacy, respecting intellectual property rights and being sensitive to cultural nuances in all our activities. This policy outlines our commitment to these principles and provides guidelines for users and contributors.

2. Data Privacy

• 2.1 Collection and Use of Personal Information
  • TanzaQuest will collect only the personal information necessary for specified purposes, such as user account creation, profile management, communication, and research collaboration.
  • We will inform users clearly about:
    • The types of personal data collected (e.g., name, email, affiliation, research interests).
    • The purposes of data collection (e.g., account management, communication, research collaboration, website analytics).
    • The legal basis for processing data (e.g., consent, contract, legitimate interests).
    • Third parties with whom data may be shared (e.g., service providers, research partners) and the reasons for sharing.
  • We will obtain explicit consent for collecting and processing sensitive personal data (e.g., health information, ethnicity, religious beliefs), unless otherwise required by law.
  • Personal information will be used solely for the stated purposes and will not be disclosed to unauthorized third parties, except when required by law, with the user’s explicit consent, or to protect the vital interests of the user or another person.
  • We will implement robust security measures to protect personal information from unauthorized access, use, or disclosure, including:
    • Encryption of data in transit and at rest.
    • Access controls and authentication mechanisms.
    • Regular security audits and vulnerability assessments.
    • Data breach notification procedures.
• 2.2 User Rights
  • Users have the following rights regarding their personal data:
    • Right to Access: Users can request a copy of their personal data and information about how it is being processed.
    • Right to Rectification: Users can request that inaccurate or incomplete personal data be corrected.
    • Right to Erasure (“Right to be Forgotten”): Users can request the deletion of their personal data when it is no longer necessary for the purposes for which it was collected, or when there are no compelling legitimate grounds for processing.
    • Right to Restriction of Processing: Users can request that the processing of their personal data be restricted under certain circumstances (e.g., when the accuracy of the data is contested).
    • Right to Data Portability: Users can receive their personal data in a structured, commonly used, and machine-readable format and have the right to transmit that data to another controller.
    • Right to Object: Users can object to the processing of their personal data based on legitimate interests or for direct marketing purposes.
    • Right to Withdraw Consent: If processing is based on consent, users can withdraw their consent at any time.
    • Right to Lodge a Complaint: Users have the right to lodge a complaint with a supervisory authority if they believe that the processing of their personal data infringes applicable data protection laws.
  • We will provide clear and easy-to-use mechanisms for users to exercise their rights, and we will respond to requests in a timely manner, in accordance with applicable laws.
• 2.3 Data Minimization and Retention
  • We will collect and process only the minimum amount of personal data necessary to achieve the specified purposes.
  • We will retain personal data only for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes for which it was collected, or as required by applicable laws or regulations.
  • We will establish and implement data retention schedules and procedures to ensure that personal data is securely deleted or anonymized when it is no longer needed.
• 2.4 Cookies and Tracking Technologies
  • We will use cookies and similar tracking technologies only for essential website functionality (e.g., session management, security) and to enhance user experience (e.g., remembering preferences).
  • We will provide users with clear and comprehensive information about the use of cookies and tracking technologies, including:
    • The types of cookies used (e.g., session cookies, persistent cookies, third-party cookies).
    • The purposes of using cookies (e.g., functionality, analytics, personalization).
    • How users can manage their cookie preferences (e.g., through browser settings, opt-out mechanisms).
  • We will obtain user consent for the use of non-essential cookies, where required by applicable laws.
• 2.5 Data Transfers
  • If personal data is transferred to countries outside of Tanzania, we will ensure that appropriate safeguards are in place to protect the data, in accordance with applicable data protection laws.
  • These safeguards may include:
    • Transferring data to countries that have been deemed to provide an adequate level of protection.
    • Using standard contractual clauses approved by the relevant authorities.
    • Obtaining the user’s explicit consent for the transfer.
• 2.6 Children’s Privacy
  • TanzaQuest is not directed to children under the age of 13, and we do not knowingly collect personal information from children under this age.
  • If we become aware that we have collected personal information from a child under 13, we will take steps to delete that information as soon as possible.
  • If the processing of a child’s data is necessary, we will seek consent from the child’s parent or guardian.

3. Intellectual Property

• 3.1 Ownership and Attribution
  • Contributors retain ownership of their intellectual property, including research data, publications, photographs, videos, and other materials they submit to TanzaQuest.
  • TanzaQuest will provide clear guidelines for citing and attributing sources, ensuring that contributors receive appropriate credit for their work.
  • We will use persistent identifiers (e.g., DOIs, ORCIDs) whenever possible to facilitate accurate and unambiguous attribution.
• 3.2 Copyright and Licensing
  • We encourage the use of open access principles and Creative Commons licenses to promote the sharing and reuse of research outputs and educational materials.
  • Users will be able to choose a license for their work.
  • TanzaQuest will respect copyright laws and will not use or reproduce copyrighted material without permission, unless permitted by fair use or other applicable exceptions.
  • We will provide clear information about the licensing terms for all content on the platform, making it easy for users to understand how they can use and share the materials.
• 3.3 Data Sharing and Reuse
  • We promote the sharing and reuse of research data in accordance with open data principles, recognizing the value of data for advancing knowledge and facilitating further research.
  • We will encourage contributors to share their data in formats that are interoperable and reusable.
  • We will provide guidelines and tools to help contributors properly document and describe their data (metadata), making it easier for others to find, understand, and use.
• 3.4 Protection of Indigenous Knowledge
  • TanzaQuest recognizes the importance of protecting indigenous knowledge, cultural heritage, and traditional cultural expressions.
  • We will adhere to the principles of free, prior, and informed consent (FPIC) when engaging with indigenous communities and using their knowledge or cultural heritage.
  • We will work collaboratively with indigenous communities to develop protocols and agreements that ensure their rights are respected and that they benefit from the use of their knowledge.
  • We will take measures to prevent the misappropriation and misuse of indigenous knowledge, including:
    • Restricting access to sensitive information.
    • Using appropriate licensing and attribution mechanisms.
    • Promoting ethical research practices that respect cultural protocols.
• 3.5 User-Generated Content
  • Users are responsible for ensuring that they have the right to share the content they upload to TanzaQuest and that their content does not infringe the intellectual property rights of others.
  • TanzaQuest reserves the right to remove any content that violates this policy or infringes the intellectual property rights of others.
  • By submitting content to TanzaQuest, users grant TanzaQuest a non-exclusive, worldwide, royalty-free license to use, reproduce, distribute, and display the content for the purposes of the platform.

4. Cultural Sensitivity

• 4.1 Respect for Tanzanian Cultures
  • TanzaQuest is committed to promoting respect for the diverse cultures, traditions, and histories of Tanzania.
  • We will provide users with information about the cultural and historical context of expedition sites, research areas, and local communities.
  • We will encourage users to engage with local communities in a respectful, responsible, and ethical manner, fostering meaningful and mutually beneficial relationships.
• 4.2 Ethical Research Practices
  • TanzaQuest promotes ethical research practices that respect the rights, dignity, and well-being of research participants and local communities.
  • We will provide guidelines for ethical conduct in research, including:
    • Obtaining informed consent from research participants.
    • Protecting the privacy and confidentiality of research participants.
    • Ensuring that research is conducted in a culturally sensitive manner.
    • Minimizing any potential harm or negative impacts on local communities.
    • Fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from research.
• 4.3 Representation and Interpretation
  • TanzaQuest strives for accurate, balanced, and nuanced representation of Tanzanian cultures, histories, and contemporary realities.
  • We will actively seek out and incorporate diverse perspectives, including those of local communities, indigenous knowledge holders, and marginalized groups.
  • We will avoid stereotypes, generalizations, and misrepresentations.
  • We will critically examine and challenge dominant narratives and biases.
• 4.4 Community Engagement and Collaboration
  • TanzaQuest is committed to engaging with local communities in the development, implementation and ongoing management of the platform.
  • We will seek input and feedback from local communities on the content, design and functionality of TanzaQuest.
  • We will create opportunities for local communities to share their knowledge, perspectives and stories.
  • We will support community-led initiatives and projects that promote cultural preservation and sustainable development.
• 4.5 Language and Terminology
  • TanzaQuest will use respectful and inclusive language in all its communications and content.
  • We will consult with cultural experts and community members to ensure the appropriate and accurate use of terminology, including local languages and cultural concepts.
  • We will provide translations and explanations of cultural terms when necessary to enhance understanding and avoid misinterpretations.
• 4.6 Cultural Heritage and Artifacts
  • TanzaQuest recognizes the importance of preserving and protecting Tanzania’s rich cultural heritage, including archaeological sites, historical artifacts, and traditional cultural expressions.
  • We will promote responsible and ethical practices related to the study, documentation and management of cultural heritage.
  • We will adhere to international conventions and national laws regarding the protection and repatriation of cultural artifacts.
  • We will work with local communities and cultural heritage institutions to ensure that cultural heritage is preserved for future generations and that its significance is understood and respected.

5. Policy Review and Updates

• This policy will be reviewed and updated regularly to ensure its ongoing relevance and effectiveness.
• Users will be notified of any significant changes to the policy.
• We will seek feedback from users and stakeholders on the policy and its implementation.

6. Enforcement

• TanzaQuest will enforce this policy through a combination of education, monitoring and disciplinary measures.
• Users who violate this policy may be subject to warnings, content removal, account suspension, or other appropriate sanctions.
• TanzaQuest reserves the right to take legal action in cases of serious or repeated violations.

7. Contact Information

• For questions, concerns, or feedback about this policy, please contact us at: privacy@tanzaquest.com