Participant Privacy Notice
Last updated: June 2026
1. Who we are
Freeminds MENA (“Freeminds”, “we”, “our”) is a MENA-focused market and social research services provider founded in 2010. We operate a proprietary online panel and a vetted partner-panel network across more than 20 countries in the MENA region. This notice explains how we collect, process, and protect personal data in line with applicable data protection laws and the ICC/ESOMAR International Code on Market and Social Research.
2. Data we collect
We collect data directly from you and through automated means, including: contact and registration details; profile and demographic information; survey responses and opinions; audio or video recordings captured with your explicit consent; incentive and payment records; and technical data such as IP address, device, and browser type used for security, fraud prevention, and analytics.
3. Purpose and legal basis
We process personal data to deliver market and social research projects, manage panel membership, issue invitations, pay incentives, run analytics and quality controls, secure our services, and meet legal obligations. Consent is our primary legal basis for processing, with alternative bases applied only where appropriate and permitted by law. We do not sell personal data and we do not use it for direct marketing — 100% of our work is for market and opinion research.
4. Consent and participant rights
Participation in any Freeminds study is voluntary. Responses are reported to clients in aggregate or anonymised form unless you have given explicit consent for attributed quotes or media. You may review or revise your consent, including opting out, through your panellist account settings or by contacting our support team. You also have the right to request access, correction, or deletion of your personal data, and to withdraw consent at any time. Requests are handled within the timeframes required by applicable regulation.
5. Sharing and partner panels
We share data only with vetted sub-processors (fieldwork partners, hosting providers) under confidentiality agreements, and with our clients in the form described in each project consent. Where a project draws on our partner-panel network, partners are required to maintain equivalent standards of informed consent and participant rights management, and are reviewed as part of onboarding for alignment with our policies and ESOMAR guidelines.
6. Retention
We follow a documented data retention policy. Study-level personal data is held only for as long as needed to deliver the project and meet legal obligations, after which it is deleted or fully anonymised.
7. Data protection by design
Privacy is built into our systems and processes: data minimisation, role-based access controls, encryption of data at rest and in transit, secure development and vendor review, and periodic review of privacy and security controls to address emerging risks and regulatory change.
8. Children and vulnerable individuals
Research involving minors follows the ESOMAR/GRBN Guideline on Research and Data Analytics with Children, Young People, and Other Vulnerable Individuals, alongside local legal requirements: age screening, verifiable parental or guardian consent, data minimisation, age-appropriate consent materials, and enhanced access controls and encryption for any data relating to minors.
9. Cross-border transfers and compliance
We comply with applicable data protection laws in the markets where we operate, including EU GDPR for any EU-linked processing and relevant national laws across the MENA region. Appropriate contractual safeguards are used for cross-border transfers, and a Data Protection Officer oversees compliance and monitors evolving requirements.
10. Security and incident response
Our information security practices include role-based access controls, encryption of data at rest and in transit, employee data-handling training, vendor due diligence for partner panels, and a documented incident response plan. Freeminds MENA does not currently hold ISO/IEC 27001, SOC 2, or ISO 20252 certification; our formal industry credential is compliance with the ICC/ESOMAR International Code.
11. Contact
For privacy enquiries, access requests, or to withdraw consent, email info@freeminds-mena.com.