Privacy policy

Effective 5 November 2026

This policy explains how UrbanStudy collects, uses and protects information when you browse the site, create an account, follow research topics or opt in to email briefings.

Information we collect

• Account information. If you sign in with Google, we receive your Google account identifier, email address, name and profile image. We also record account creation and last-login times.
• Preferences and activity. We store topics you follow, email briefing preferences and the operational records needed to deliver those features.
• Technical information. Our hosting provider may process IP address, browser and device information, requested URLs, timestamps and security logs. We use a secure session cookie to keep signed-in users authenticated.
• Communications. If you contact us or subscribe to a briefing, we process your email address and the information needed to respond or deliver the requested messages.

How we use information

We use information to authenticate users, operate accounts, personalise topic feeds, send briefings only when requested, prevent abuse, maintain security, troubleshoot the service and comply with legal obligations. We do not sell personal information.

Google user data

Google Sign-In is used only to authenticate your account and obtain the basic profile information listed above. We do not request access to Gmail, Google Drive, contacts or other Google content. Our use of information received from Google APIs complies with the Google API Services User Data Policy, including its Limited Use requirements.

Service providers

Information may be processed by service providers acting on our behalf, including Google Identity for sign-in, Creem for billing, Resend or our mail provider for email delivery, and our hosting and security providers. They receive only the information needed to perform their services and may process it in other countries under their own legal safeguards.

Retention and deletion

We retain account and preference data while your account is active and for a reasonable period afterwards where needed for security, accounting, dispute resolution or legal compliance. You may request access, correction or deletion of your account information by emailing radar@urbanstudy.org. Some records may be retained where the law requires it.

Your choices

You can change topic and email settings from your account page, unsubscribe from briefings, stop using Google Sign-In, or request account deletion. You may also control cookies through your browser, although disabling the session cookie prevents account sign-in.

Security and children

We use reasonable technical and organisational safeguards, but no online service can guarantee absolute security. The service is not directed to children under 16, and we do not knowingly collect their personal information.

Changes and contact

We may update this policy as the service changes. Material revisions will be identified by a new effective date on this page. Questions or privacy requests can be sent to radar@urbanstudy.org.