Privacy policy

The TL;DR version

We only collect the data we need to run and improve the Humanise campaign – like your email, how you use the site, and any content you choose to share. We use it thoughtfully, keep it secure, never sell it, and only share it with trusted partners when legally necessary. You keep ownership of your content and give us permission to reuse it to help the campaign grow and travel further. You’re always in control: you can opt out, update, or delete your data at any time. Read the full terms if you want the full picture.

The full (but still human) version

 Your personal data matters, and this policy explains:

• what we collect
• why we collect it
• how we use it
• how we protect it
• and the control you always keep.

We’ve written it as clearly as we can.

Who’s responsible here?

The Humanise website, humanise.org, is operated by the Humanise campaign. Our partner Heatherwick Studio Limited acts as the legal “data controller” for this site.

If you want to talk to us about privacy (or anything else) you should drop us a line at

mail@humanise.org, but you can also contact our data controller at 55 Argyle Street, London, WC1H 8EE, or on +44 (0)20 7833 8800.

You also have the right to raise concerns with the UK Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO), though we’d always appreciate the chance to talk first!

What this policy covers

This policy applies whenever you:

• visit the Humanise website
• sign up for updates from us
• upload or share content
• take part in campaigns, surveys or competitions.

The site isn’t intended for children, and we don’t knowingly collect data about them.

The kind of data we collect (and why)

We only collect what we need to help the campaign’s aims.

That might include:

Things you choose to give us

• Your name
• Your email address
• Where you live in the world
• Content you upload
• Your preferences for hearing from us.

Things collected automatically

• Your IP address
• Your device and browser info
• Information about how you move around the site
• Metadata linked to uploaded content.

This technical and usage data helps us understand where the site’s working well (and where it isn’t), and how we can improve the experience for everyone.

We also use aggregated data – that’s anonymous, statistical info that helps us to understand trends. It can’t identify you.

What we don’t collect

We don’t collect:

• sensitive personal data
• health information
• political or religious beliefs
• criminal records.

And we don’t want it uploaded either.

How we collect your data

Your data comes to us when you:

• subscribe to emails
• sign up as a partner
• upload content
• contact us
• give feedback.

Some data is collected automatically via cookies and analytics tools, and some may come from public or third‑party sources where appropriate.

How (and why) we use your data

We only use your data where the law allows it – and always for a reason connected to the Humanise campaign.

That includes:

• keeping you updated
• sharing updates and campaign information
• displaying content you’ve submitted
• improving the website
• running surveys, competitions or analytics
• keeping the site secure and functional
• meeting legal obligations.

Most of this is based on legitimate interest – meaning it helps the campaign run, without overriding your rights.

We don’t rely on consent unless the law requires it (for example, for third‑party marketing).

You can always opt out of hearing from us at any time.

A note on using your content

From time to time we might invite you to upload or post something on the site. If you do, you:

• promise it’s lawful and respectful
• keep ownership of your work
• give us permission to use it to support and promote the Humanise campaign.

That permission is:

worldwide

• non‑exclusive
• royalty‑free
• lasting
• designed to help the message travel.

This really helps other users, partners or supporters to engage with that content in meaningful ways – so thank you.

Receiving communications from us

If you sign up for email updates, we’ll send you information from time to time which we think aligns with the campaign and your interests.

You can:

• opt out anytime
• change your preferences
• contact us directly if something doesn’t feel right.

We’ll never sell your data, or share it with third parties for marketing without your clear opt‑in. Nobody likes that.

Cookies

Cookies help the site work smoothly and help us understand how it’s used.

They include:

• essential cookies (so the site works)
• analytics cookies (so we can improve it)
• functionality cookies (so it remembers your preferences)
• targeting cookies (used carefully and transparently)

You can control cookies through your browser settings, but some parts of the site may not work properly if you turn them off.

Sharing your data (carefully)

Sometimes we need help from others. We may share data with:

• trusted service providers (IT, hosting, analytics)
• professional advisors (legal, financial)
• regulators or authorities where legally required.

If the organisation behind Humanise ever changes, your data would still be protected in the same way.

We require everyone we work with to respect your privacy and follow the law.

Data beyond the UK

Some services we use are based outside the UK.

When data travels, we make sure:

• the destination country provides adequate protection or
• approved contractual safeguards are in place.

Your data never goes unprotected.

Keeping your data safe

We use appropriate technical and organisational measures to protect your data from loss, misuse or unauthorised access.

Only people who genuinely need access have it.

If there’s ever a data breach we’re legally required to report, we’ll do so – and we’ll let you know when required.

How long we keep your data

We only keep your data as long as necessary, in order to:

• run the campaign
• meet legal obligations
• respond to issues or complaints.

Sometimes we may anonymise data for research or insight – once anonymised, it’s no longer personal.

You can ask us to delete your data in some cases (see below).

Your rights

You have the right to:

• access your data
• correct it
• delete it
• object to how it’s used
• restrict processing
• move it elsewhere
• withdraw consent (where applicable).

There’s usually no fee, and we aim to respond within one month.

To use any of these rights, just contact us.

Final word

Privacy isn’t just compliance. It’s trust. We take that seriously – while staying open, collaborative, and focused on the campaign’s bigger aims.

If you’re ever unsure, curious, or want to understand more – talk to us. We’re real people.

Yay – you got all the way through! Now go have a great day :)

We made this version in April 2025