Opinions Stories About Engagement Reports Jobs Privacy Policy
Join Now
Join U-Report, Your voice matters.
Privacy Policy

What Does This Policy Cover?

  • This Privacy Policy explains how U-Report Sierra Leone collects, uses, and protects your data when you engage with our platform.
  • This policy applies only to U-Report's Sierra Leone platform.
  • Taking care of your information is important for U-Report. This Privacy Policy sets out how we collect, use, and store your personal information and the steps we take to protect it. 
  • Please read this Privacy Policy carefully before connecting through any of our U-Report channels and refer to it regularly for updates. By accessing and using U-Report, you agree to all provisions of this Privacy Policy.
  • If you are under 16 years old, we encourage you to discuss your use and engagement with this platform with your parents or guardian and ensure they give verbal consent to your sharing of information with us through the U-Report platform and website.
  • We remind you not to share information that could help others identify you on any of our channels or social media, such as your full name, physical address, school name, phone number, email address.
  • Please note that any personal information you post publicly on U-Report social media can be viewed by others. We are not responsible for how others use such information, so please exercise caution.

 

What Is Not Covered by This Policy?

  • Personal and non-personal information captured by messaging platforms and social media accounts you use to interact with U-Report. Their collection, use, and processing of your information are governed by those platforms' privacy policies. For instance, Facebook or WhatsApp may have their own rules about how they use your data.
  • Third-party sites linked to the U-Report platform are also not covered by this Privacy Policy. We strongly encourage you to review and ensure you are comfortable with the Terms of Use and Privacy Policies of third-party sites and platforms before engaging with them.

How Do We Protect Your Personal Information?

  • We will not use your personal information for purposes other than those described in this Privacy Policy.
  • We do not sell your personal information.
  • We only retain your personal information for as long as necessary for the stated purposes, except as required by regulations.
  • Third-party providers that host U-Report data are under contractual obligations to protect and maintain the confidentiality of your data.

 

What Kind of Information Does U-Report Collect?

Information You Provide During Registration

  • During registration, we may collect non-sensitive demographic information, such as:
    • District of residence
    • Age
    • Gender

This information helps UNICEF and partners understand user demographics and tailor content to your needs.

Information Collected Automatically

  • When you register or interact with U-Report, we automatically collect:
    • Phone numbers (if you use SMS)
    • Social media IDs (if you use platforms like WhatsApp or Facebook Messenger).

This information enables ongoing communication, participation in polls, and delivery of relevant content. It is stored securely and inaccessible to U-Report managers in its raw form.

Website and Cookies

  • We use cookies to optimize your experience. Cookies help our website remember your preferences, such as language settings.
  • You can manage cookie preferences through your browser.


How Is My Information Stored?

  • Your data is securely hosted on RapidPro servers, which meet stringent data protection standards.
  • For added security, consider deleting sensitive conversations stored on messaging platforms like Facebook or WhatsApp after engaging with U-Report.

 

How Long Does U-Report Keep My Information?

  • We retain personal data for not longer than necessary, unless legally required. Anonymized data may be retained for statistical analysis.

 

How and Why U-Report May Share Your Information

  • We share only aggregate or non-personal data with UNICEF partners to inform decision-making and campaigns.
  • Personal data will only be shared in exceptional circumstances, such as emergencies.

 

What Are My Rights as a U-Report User?

  • You have the right to delete your data at any time.
  • To stop using U-Report and delete your data, text EXIT to 2080.

 

How Secure Is My Information?

  • We use physical and electronic measures to safeguard your information. We recommend:
    • Using strong, unique passwords.
    • Avoiding public Wi-Fi when engaging with U-Report.


Updates to the Privacy Policy

  • The "Last Updated" date reflects the most recent revisions.

  • Last Updated: December 2024
See by the numbers how we are engaging youth voices for positive social change.
EXPLORE ENGAGEMENT
UNICEF logo