commonUX

Privacy Policy

Last updated: April 2025

Welcome to commonUX.org – a platform dedicated to the ethical, intelligent, and empowering exploration of User Experience (UX). We respect your privacy and are committed to protecting your personal data. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, and protect your information when you use our website.

1. Who We Are

commonUX.org is operated by an independent collective focused on responsible UX innovation. We offer educational content, community interaction, gamification features, and AI-assisted tools.

If you have questions about how we handle your data, you can contact us at:

join@commonux.org

2. What Data We Collect

We only collect data necessary for platform functionality and continuous improvement. This includes:

a) Data You Provide

  • Registration Data: Username, email address, profile details
  • User Profile Activity: XP points, quiz results, badges, comments
  • Contact Information: When you email us or use a contact form

b) Data We Collect Automatically

  • Technical Data: IP address, browser type, device info
  • Usage Data: Page visits, time on site, clicks, scroll behavior
  • Cookie Data: Preferences, session ID, login state

c) Optional Integrations

If you connect third-party services (e.g., Notion, GitHub), we may store limited metadata to personalize your experience.

3. How We Use Your Data

We process data for the following lawful purposes:

  • To operate and maintain your user account
  • To deliver gamification and AI services (e.g., XP tracking, chatbots)
  • To improve platform usability and content relevance
  • To communicate important updates or policy changes
  • To prevent abuse and ensure platform security

We do not use your data for advertising or sell your data to third parties.

Under the GDPR, our legal basis includes:

  • Consent: For analytics, cookies, and optional features
  • Contractual necessity: To provide you with an account and services
  • Legitimate interest: To improve functionality and security

You may withdraw your consent at any time.

5. Cookies & Tracking

We use cookies for:

  • Session management and login
  • Saving user preferences
  • UX performance analytics (via tools like Matomo or Google Analytics)
  • Gamification progress tracking (via GamiPress)

You can manage cookies in your browser settings or via our cookie banner.

6. Data Sharing

We may share your data with trusted partners only when necessary:

  • Hosting & Infrastructure Providers (e.g., Hetzner, AWS)
  • Analytics Providers (anonymized data)
  • Plugin Services (e.g., Ultimate Member, GamiPress)

All providers are GDPR-compliant and bound by confidentiality.

7. Your Rights

As a user, you have the right to:

✅ Access your personal data
✅ Correct or delete your data
✅ Restrict or object to processing
✅ Data portability
✅ Withdraw consent at any time
✅ Lodge a complaint with a supervisory authority (e.g., DSB Austria)

To exercise these rights, email us at join@commonux.org

8. Data Retention

We retain your data only as long as needed:

  • User accounts: Stored until deletion or inactivity >12 months
  • Analytics data: Retained in aggregate/anonymized form
  • AI interaction logs: Stored for model improvement (pseudonymized)

9. Data Security

We implement best-practice security:

  • Encrypted connections (SSL/TLS)
  • Role-based access controls
  • Regular vulnerability checks
  • Daily encrypted backups

10. AI & Profiling

Some features (e.g. chatbots, UX scoring) use AI to enhance your experience. These systems:

  • Do not make legally binding decisions
  • Are continuously monitored for fairness and bias
  • May use anonymized interaction data to improve system quality

You can opt out of AI-based personalization in your profile settings.

11. International Transfers

All data is processed in the EU or in countries with adequate protection standards. If data is transferred outside the EU, we ensure it is covered by appropriate safeguards (e.g., Standard Contractual Clauses).

12. Changes to This Policy

We may update this policy to reflect legal or technical changes. Major changes will be communicated via email or site notifications.

13. Contact

For privacy-related inquiries:

commonUX.org
Email: join@commonux.org
Location: Vienna, Austria (non-commercial private platform)