What principles does the MyView Panel comply with in the way they protect individuals' privacy?
MyView is bound by the National Privacy Principles (or Market and Social Research Privacy Principles), approved by the Federal Privacy Commissioner. These principles govern the handling of information about the participants of research, and are administered by the AMSRO (Association of Market and Social Research Organisations). We also abide by the principles of the Australian Market and Social Research Society's code of Professional Behaviour. For more information go to www.amsrs.com.au
What kind of information does MyView collect and retain?
MyView only holds information such as basic demographics (for example, age, gender and income). All of this information is provided when you become a member.
The demographic details we retain are not connected with the personal information (names, contact details, etc.) that identify who the information is about. This is because researchers are not concerned with the identity of the person who provided the data. MyView remove identifying details and deliver just your survey answers to the researcher. The information about any given individual is combined with the information collected from a number of other participants in a particular research project.
What information is sensitive information under the Privacy Act?
Some of the information we collect is sensitive information, as defined by the Privacy Act. This might include information such as details about a person's cultural background, or ethnic origin, political opinion, membership of a political association or religious beliefs, affiliations or philosophical beliefs, membership of a professional or trade association, membership of a trade union, or health information.
Because researchers are not concerned with the identity of the person who provides their data, identifying details are removed as soon as they are no longer needed. So we are unlikely to store sensitive information, along with any identifying or contact details of the person to whom the sensitive information applies, for very long.
Why do you need my contact details?
We conduct different types of research projects. We use contact details we collect to keep in touch with you, as we may like to invite you to participate in a focus group discussion, telephone or face to face survey, as well as online. We also may need to get in touch with you for our own quality control checks or validation of research. Sometimes researchers are very interested in finding out more information from participants, and may wish to conduct further, follow-up research with them.
How do you use my personal information?
The information we gather during registration helps us to select people for our surveys. For example: if we do a survey for a large computer game developer, we might use state and age information to find MyView members who live in New South Wales and who are 18-23 years of age. Your information is used to help us target the right people for the survey. The information is also used to help our clients understand the demographic characteristics of those who complete their survey.
How does MyView store and secure my information?
MyView have in place various methods of ensuring security of data and identified information. Our computer network systems are password protected with staff access limitations. Each of our State offices are located within alarm-protected premises with 24 hour security patrols.
What are my rights in relation to the information that MyView holds about me?
Most of the information MyView holds is not connected with details that identify who the information is about. This is because researchers are not concerned with the identity of the person who provide their data, and remove such details as soon as they are no longer needed. However, if we did collect identifying details, while your information remains identifiable, you have the right to request access to, or deletion of, any information about you held by our company. During this time you can also contact us to let us know if any of the information you provided needs correction.
If you wish to leave the MyView Panel and have your personal information we hold on you destroyed, you can do so anytime by contacting surveys@myview.net.au