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Privacy Policy

Last Updated: November 24, 2024

The Actually Readable Version

We're not lawyers, but we have to include this. Here's what you need to know in plain language:

  • •We collect chatlog submissions and basic technical info (like what browser you're using)
  • •Your personal identity is removed before analysis
  • •We might share anonymized data with other researchers or make it public
  • •We use standard security practices to protect your data
  • •You have rights over your data (see below)
  • •We don't sell your information. Period.

1. Who We Are

The Guardian Conversations Project is a research initiative focused on studying problematic AI interactions to improve AI safety, particularly for young users.

2. What Information We Collect

Submitted Content:

  • Chat logs or text conversations between you and AI systems
  • Any additional context you choose to provide
  • The date and time of submission

Technical Information:

  • IP address (anonymized after 30 days)
  • Browser type and version
  • Device type
  • Pages visited on our site
  • Time and date of access

Cookies:

  • Essential cookies necessary for site functionality
  • Analytics cookies (only with your consent) to understand site usage

3. How We Use Your Information

We use collected data to:

  • Conduct research on AI safety and problematic AI behaviors
  • Identify patterns in concerning AI interactions
  • Develop recommendations for safer AI systems
  • Publish findings in academic research (with all personal information removed)
  • Improve our website functionality

4. Legal Basis for Processing (GDPR/CCPA Compliance)

We process your data based on:

  • Your explicit consent when submitting conversations
  • Legitimate interests in conducting research for public benefit
  • Legal obligations to protect minors from harmful content

5. Data Sharing and Public Release

Research Sharing:

We may share anonymized datasets with:

  • Academic researchers studying AI safety
  • Organizations working to develop AI safety standards
  • The public, through open-access research repositories

What Gets Removed:

Before any sharing, we remove:

  • Your name, username, email, or identifying information
  • Specific personal details mentioned in conversations
  • IP addresses and technical identifiers
  • Any other information that could identify you

What Stays In:

  • The AI's responses and conversation patterns
  • General demographic information (if provided voluntarily, e.g., "teen," "young adult")
  • The type and context of concerning behavior

6. Your Rights

Under GDPR, CCPA, and similar laws, you have the right to:

  • Access: Request a copy of data we hold about you
  • Deletion: Request deletion of your submissions (within 30 days of submission; after this, data may be anonymized and incorporated into datasets)
  • Correction: Request corrections to any information
  • Opt-out: Withdraw consent for analytics cookies at any time
  • Portability: Request your data in a machine-readable format
  • Object: Object to processing of your data

To exercise these rights, contact: guardianconversationsproject@gmail.com

7. Data Retention

  • Submitted conversations: Retained indefinitely for research purposes (anonymized after processing)
  • Technical logs: IP addresses anonymized after 30 days; other technical data retained for 12 months
  • Analytics data: Aggregated and anonymized, retained for 24 months

8. Security Measures

We protect your data using:

  • Encrypted connections (HTTPS/TLS)
  • Secure servers with restricted access
  • Regular security audits
  • Prompt anonymization of identifying information
  • Limited access to raw submissions (research team only)

No system is 100% secure, but we follow industry best practices.

9. International Data Transfers

If you're in the EU/EEA, your data may be transferred to countries outside the region. We ensure adequate protection through:

  • Standard contractual clauses
  • Privacy Shield frameworks (where applicable)
  • Equivalent protections under local law

10. Children's Privacy

Our site is designed for users 13 and older. We do not knowingly collect information from children under 13 without parental consent. If we learn we've collected data from a child under 13, we will delete it promptly.

For users 13-17: We encourage you to involve a parent or guardian when submitting conversations.

11. Third-Party Services

We may use third-party services for:

  • Analytics (e.g., privacy-focused analytics tools)
  • Hosting (cloud service providers)
  • Email communications

These providers have their own privacy policies and are selected based on their security standards.

12. Cookies Policy

Essential Cookies:

Required for site functionality (e.g., security, load balancing). Cannot be disabled.

Analytics Cookies:

Help us understand site usage. You can opt out at any time through cookie settings.

Cookie Duration:

  • Essential: Session or up to 12 months
  • Analytics: Up to 24 months

13. Changes to This Policy

We may update this policy periodically. Changes will be posted on this page with an updated "Last Updated" date. Continued use of the site after changes constitutes acceptance.

14. Contact Us

Questions about this privacy policy or your data?

Email: guardianconversationsproject@gmail.com

For EU users, you also have the right to lodge a complaint with your local data protection authority.

State-Specific Rights (US)

California Residents (CCPA/CPRA):

You have the right to know what personal information is collected, request deletion, opt out of sales (we don't sell data), and non-discrimination for exercising your rights.

Other States:

Similar rights may apply under Virginia CDPA, Colorado CPA, Connecticut CTDPA, and Utah UCPA. Contact us to exercise these rights.

By submitting a conversation, you acknowledge that you have read and understood this Privacy Policy.