Data Protection MeSort

  1. General Information

MeSort is a scientific software tool designed for conducting various sorting tasks—a qualitative data collection method particularly used in communication and media research. Researchers can create custom studies using MeSort (https://www.kommunikative-figurationen.de/mesort) and define what kind of data they wish to collect using a sorting methodology of their choice. For more detailed information, please refer to the manual: CoFi_EWP_No-33_Hohmann_et_al.pdf.

The only data stored outside of specific research projects—and therefore outside our sphere of influence as MeSort developers—are the email addresses of users required for system login. These email addresses may also be used to inform users about future MeSort developments, but only if the user has explicitly consented to this. Users can opt out at any time.

We take the protection of your personal data seriously and treat all personal data, insofar as it is collected, in accordance with applicable data protection regulations and this privacy policy.

Please note: Data transmission and storage on the Internet can have security vulnerabilities. Complete protection of data against access by third parties is not guaranteed.

 

  1. Responsible Office

ZeMKI – Centre for Media, Communication and Information Research

Prof. Dr. Andreas Hepp, Alessandro Belli, and Florian Hohmann

Linzer Str. 4

28359 Bremen, Germany

Email: mesort@uni-bremen.de

 

  1. What Personal Information Is Collected?

When registering on the MeSort website, your email address is stored. In addition, all data created during the course of a study—such as sorting task results and responses to supplementary questions—are stored.

The exact type of data collected depends on the design of the specific research project and is not determined or influenced by the MeSort development team. Responsibility for this lies entirely with the respective researchers conducting the study.

 

  1. How Is the Collected Data Used?

All collected data is used by the responsible researchers for their respective academic projects and related publications. As a rule, data is anonymized and cannot be linked to individual participants. Researchers are responsible for providing further information about the specific use of data in their studies.

Email addresses may be used to inform registered users about updates, request feedback, or notify them of other MeSort-related topics. This only occurs if users have explicitly agreed and may be opted out of at any time.

In line with the German Research Foundation’s (DFG) guidelines on good scientific practice, research data will be archived for at least 10 years.

 

  1. How Is the Collected Data Protected?

All data is stored securely on a separate server at the “Zentrum für Netze” (Center for Networks) of the University of Bremen. Access is restricted to the researchers responsible for the specific study and a system administrator. Apart from the administrator, no one else can access or use the data unless explicitly authorized for the given research project.

 

  1. User Rights

Users may decide whether their email address can be used to receive MeSort-related updates. In addition, users are responsible for managing their collected research data. They may consult, export, or delete their data as needed.

 

  1. Use of Brand Logos in Sorting Tasks

MeSort allows users to create and sort visual tokens, which may include brand logos representing various media platforms (e.g., Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, etc.). These logos may either be uploaded by users or selected from a small preset collection included in the software.

Please note the following:

  • All logos—both uploaded and provided presets—may only be used for scientific research purposes. Their use is strictly limited to academic, non-commercial contexts. Any publication, presentation, or other dissemination of content involving these logos must also occur within a scientific setting.
  • The preset logos are used in line with the respective usage guidelines and solely for illustrative purposes and do not imply any endorsement, partnership, or affiliation with the respective brands.
  • Users uploading their own logos are responsible for ensuring that use complies with the relevant brand usage policies and copyright laws. This includes avoiding any misleading, defamatory, promotional, or otherwise inappropriate contexts.
  • The MeSort development team disclaims all liability related to the unauthorized or improper use of brand logos by users.

For guidance, please consult the official brand usage guidelines of the respective companies.

 

  1. Supplementary Notes

All data collected via MeSort is intended exclusively for scientific purposes. The specific use of the software as a research tool is determined by the individual research projects and is the responsibility of the respective researchers. For this reason, it is recommended that each study obtains a separate informed consent declaration from participants.

Any changes to this privacy policy will be published on the official MeSort website.

For further questions, please contact: mesort@uni-bremen.de

Imprint | Data Protection