Privacy Policy

Ear to the Ground (“we,” “our,” or “the project”) is committed to respecting your privacy and the integrity of any personal or non-personal data collected through our website (https://www.eartotheground.art) and related platforms.

This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, share, and protect information related to your engagement with our project. By accessing our website, contributing materials, or participating in our community-based activities (online or offline), you consent to the terms outlined below.
Information

We Collect
We collect both personally identifiable information (PII) and non-personally identifiable information in the following ways:
a. Information You Provide Voluntarily:

Names, email addresses or contact details submitted through forms or newsletter sign-ups.
Media contributions (e.g., text, images, audio) to our digital counter-archives or witness testimonies.
Reflections and responses shared during online workshops, interviews, or via platforms such as Substack or are.na.

b. Information Collected Automatically:

Website usage data via cookies and analytics tools (e.g., IP address, browser type, pages visited, time on site).
Geolocation data when using mapping or geotagged storytelling tools (only if permission is granted by the user).

How We Use the Information
We collect this information to:

Facilitate participation in walkshops, workshops and public co-creation sessions.
Maintain communication (e.g., updates, event announcements, newsletters).
Feature community narratives and submissions in our digital archives.
Improve our web platform’s functionality, design, and accessibility.
Document and understand urban and cultural dynamics for scholarly and educational purposes.

All data is handled in alignment with our commitment to relational ethics, consent-based storytelling and co-authorship.

Data Sharing and Third Parties
We do not sell your personal data. However, we may share information in these specific contexts:

Service Providers: To maintain our website, email newsletters, or archiving platforms (e.g., Substack, are.na, web hosting providers).
Collaborative Research or Arts Partners: Only with your explicit consent for specific co-authored outputs (e.g., zines, archives, publications).
Legal Requirements: If required to comply with applicable laws or governmental requests.

We encourage contributors to share only what they are comfortable making public and respect requests for anonymity or pseudonymity.

Your Rights
Depending on your location, you may have rights under data protection laws such as the GDPR or CCPA, including the right to:

Access, correct or delete your personal information.
Withdraw consent for processing your data at any time.
Request a copy of the data you’ve submitted to us.

To exercise these rights, please contact: ear2theground.pm.me.

Data Retention
We retain data for as long as necessary to fulfil the purposes outlined in this policy or to meet legal and research obligations. Some archival materials (e.g., oral histories, artistic contributions) may be preserved in perpetuity as part of our public humanities mission, but always with consent and attribution, where applicable.

Minors’ Privacy
Ear to the Ground does not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13 without parental or guardian consent. Youth participation in workshops or interviews is always facilitated with explicit adult permission and guidance.

Security
We implement reasonable physical, digital, and organisational safeguards to protect your data. However, no method of transmission over the internet is 100% secure. We encourage all participants to consider the public-facing nature of digital counter-archives before submitting sensitive information.

Cookies and Analytics
Our site uses cookies and analytics tools to understand engagement and improve accessibility. You may disable cookies via your browser settings. We do not use tracking cookies for advertising purposes.

External Links
Our site includes links to third-party platforms and references (e.g., Substack, are.na, In Place of War). We are not responsible for the content or privacy practices of these external websites. We recommend reviewing their policies before engaging.

Updates to this Policy
This policy may be updated to reflect changes in our practices or legal requirements. Revisions will be posted here with a revised effective date. Material changes will be communicated via email or platform notices where appropriate.

Contact Us
For questions, concerns, or to make a request regarding your data, please contact: ear2theground.pm.me.
Community Note: As a public humanities project rooted in co-creation, Ear to the Ground values transparency, care and consent. If you feel this policy could be more inclusive or clearer in any way, we welcome your feedback. This policy is a living document, just like the project itself.