We would like to ask if you would be willing to donate your Google Play and/or YouTube data to Understanding Society. By donating your data, we will be able to get a more well-rounded understanding of people’s lives.
What information are you asking me to share from my Google account?
For Google Play, the types of data shared are:
- Information about apps you have installed from the Google Play Store.
- Information on your game playing, such as achievements, leaderboard standings, and other game related statistics.
- Purchases from the Google Play Store, including in-game purchases.
For YouTube, the types of data shared are the:
- The names of the videos watched and links to them.
- When, where and how (mobile or desktop) the videos were watched.
- Any public comments made on the videos.
- The videos you are searching for.
What will the information be used for?
The information will be used for social research purposes only. Adding people’s Google information to their other study information allows researchers from universities, charities and government to better understand their experiences and opinions. For example, by using extra information from Google accounts, researchers can start to:
- Understand who uses YouTube and how they use it.
- Explore how watching different YouTube videos are related to health and lifestyles.
- How often people play certain types of games and the money they spend on these games.
- Collect information about things we don’t ask in our survey.
What if I have multiple Google accounts?
People can have lots of different accounts. We ask you to donate data from the main accounts associated with these activities.
Who will be able to access the information?
Datasets which include both your study data and Google information will only be made available for social research purposes. Researchers who want to use your detailed Google information must apply to access it and present a strong scientific case to ensure that the information is used responsibly and safely. This process will be managed by the Smart Data Donation Service at the University of York working in collaboration with the Understanding Society team.
What will you do to keep my information safe?
All information we collect will be held in accordance with current data protection legislation (UK GDPR). To keep your information safe, researchers will only be able to access the matched survey answers and detailed YouTube and Google Play information in a secure environment set up to protect this type of data. Only approved researchers may access this information, and they will have to apply to do so.
How long will you collect and store my information for?
The information will be collected and stored for as long as they are useful for research purposes. However, you can withdraw your permission for us to collect or link your Google data at any time by emailing us at contact@understandingsociety.ac.uk or calling us on freephone 0800 252853, and do not have to give a reason.
What if I change my mind?
You can withdraw your permission for us to use your donated data at any time by emailing us at contact@understandingsociety.ac.uk or calling us on freephone 0800 252853, and do not have to give a reason.