Data Privacy at C4i
Research Privacy Notice
About This Research
The Center for Innovation (C4i) at UC Law San Francisco is conducting academic research concerning online information ecosystems, information operations, social polarization, audience behavior, and the effects of emerging technologies such as generative artificial intelligence (AI) on online discourse.
This research analyzes publicly available social media content to better understand how narratives spread online, how users engage with information, and whether online behavior changed following the widespread adoption of generative AI technologies.
This research is conducted by researchers affiliated with C4i, including faculty, research staff, and approved academic collaborators— currently, researchers affiliated with the University of California, Berkeley.
Data We Use
Our research will involve analysis of publicly available information from social media platforms, including:
- Public posts and content;
- Public account identifiers and usernames;
- Public engagement activity (such as replies, reposts, likes, or similar interactions); and
- Publicly available metadata associated with those activities.
We do not collect this information directly from individuals. Data are obtained from publicly available sources through authorized research and analytics tools.
How We Use the Data
The purpose of this processing is to conduct non-commercial academic research.
Research activities may include:
- Analysis of online narratives and information campaigns;
- Audience segmentation and engagement analysis;
- Statistical analysis of public online discourse;
- Longitudinal analysis of publicly available account activity over time; and
- Production of scholarly articles, reports, presentations, and other research outputs.
Research findings are generally published in aggregate form and are intended to contribute to scholarly understanding of digital communication environments.
Legal Basis
Where applicable data protection laws apply, C4i serves the public interest by conducting academic research and advancing public understanding of online information ecosystems, digital communication, and emerging technologies.
Who Has Access to the Data
Access to research data is limited to authorized members of the research team and approved academic collaborators with defined project responsibilities.
We may use third-party research service providers to facilitate data analysis and storage. These providers process data on our behalf subject to contractual obligations and applicable privacy and security requirements.
International Data Transfers
Because social media platforms, research collaborators, and service providers may operate in different countries, research data may be processed in multiple jurisdictions, including the United States, the United Kingdom, and the European Economic Area.
All transfers are conducted using appropriate contractual and legal safeguards.
Privacy and Security Safeguards
C4i implements technical and organizational safeguards designed to protect research data, including:
- Restricted access controls;
- Institutionally managed systems and security measures;
- Confidentiality obligations for research personnel;
- Data minimization practices;
- Periodic review of retained datasets; and
- Emphasis on aggregate reporting and minimization of disclosure of identifiable information.
Research is not used to make automated decisions about individuals, to determine eligibility for services, to target advertising, to make employment decisions, or otherwise to produce legal or similarly significant effects concerning specific persons.
Data Retention
Research data are retained only for as long as reasonably necessary to:
- Conduct and validate the research;
- Prepare and publish scholarly outputs;
- Respond to academic review, replication, or verification inquiries; and
- Satisfy institutional, legal, or compliance obligations.
Retained datasets are periodically reviewed to determine whether continued retention remains necessary.
Your Rights
Depending on applicable law, individuals may have rights relating to personal data, including rights to request information about processing activities, seek access to certain personal data, request correction of inaccurate information, object to certain processing activities, or request restrictions on processing.
Because this research involves large-scale analysis of publicly available information obtained indirectly from third-party sources, some rights may be subject to legal limitations, proportionality considerations, research exemptions, or practical constraints associated with scientific research.
Requests will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis consistent with applicable law and institutional obligations.
Contact Information
Questions about this research or requests concerning personal data may be directed to:
Rocky Radovanovich
rockyrado@uclawsf.edu
Center for Innovation (C4i)
UC Law San Francisco
If you have concerns regarding the handling of personal data, you may also contact UC Law San Francisco through its applicable privacy or compliance channels.
Updates
This notice may be updated periodically to reflect changes in research activities, legal requirements, institutional practices, or data governance procedures.