Unblock Syria ("we", "our", or "the Project") operates the website https://unblocksyria.com (the "Platform").
This Privacy Policy explains how personal data is collected, used, and protected when individuals visit the Platform or interact with it.
The Platform is operated with the assistance of staff, volunteers, and contributors.
This policy distinguishes between Website Visitors or Users, and Volunteers and Contributors who assist in operating the Platform.
UnblockSyria is the data controller responsible for personal data collected through the Platform.
Website Visitors and Users
Website Visitors are individuals who access the Platform, browse its content, or submit information through it.
Visitors may interact with the Platform in several ways including browsing content, submitting forms, contacting the Project, voting on services, or uploading documentation.
Information We Collect
Information provided by Users may include:
- Name
- Email address
- Organization or company name
- Service name, URL, or description
- Description of a situation or issue
- Documents, screenshots, or correspondence
- Notes or other information included in a submission
Submissions may include documents or correspondence that contain personal data.
Some submissions may include screenshots or other evidence files uploaded by users.
Users should ensure that such materials do not contain unnecessary personal information.
Public Information Display
Certain information submitted through the Platform may be published publicly as part of the Platform's service tracking activities.
This may include:
- Service names and URLs
- Descriptions of services
- Blocking status or categories
- Timeline updates describing investigation or communication with companies
- Evidence screenshots where appropriate
- Aggregate vote totals for services
Personal identifying information such as names, email addresses, phone numbers, or IP addresses submitted through forms is not displayed publicly.
Users are responsible for ensuring that uploaded screenshots or evidence do not contain personal data belonging to themselves or others unless they have the right to share it.
If personal data appears in publicly displayed content, individuals may request its removal by contacting hello@unblocksyria.com.
Third-Party Personal Data
Some submissions may contain personal data relating to third parties (for example employees of companies or individuals referenced in correspondence).
Users should ensure that they have the right to share such information before submitting it.
Users are encouraged to avoid including unnecessary personal data and to redact sensitive information where possible.
The Project relies on users to ensure that information they submit can be lawfully shared.
Sensitive Information
Users should avoid submitting sensitive personal data unless strictly necessary.
Sensitive information may include:
- Government identification numbers
- Passport or identity document copies
- Financial account details
- Home addresses
- Health information
Where possible, such information should be removed or redacted before submission.
Voting
Users may vote for services listed on the Platform.
To prevent duplicate voting, the Platform generates a one-way cryptographic hash derived from the visitor's IP address and the service identifier.
This hash cannot be reversed to recover the original IP address.
The Platform does not store the raw IP address in connection with voting records.
The visitor's browser may also store information locally (using browser storage) to remember which services have already been voted on. This information remains on the visitor's device and is not transmitted to the Platform's servers.
Automatically Collected Information
When visitors access the Platform or submit forms, certain technical information may be collected automatically including:
- IP address
- Country derived from IP address
- Browser type and version
- Device type and operating system
- Referrer page
- Language preferences from browser settings
- Pages visited and timestamps
This technical information is used primarily for:
- Spam and abuse prevention
- Security monitoring
- Maintaining platform functionality
- Diagnosing technical issues
Cookies and Local Storage
The Platform may use limited cookies or browser storage for operational purposes.
These may include:
- A cookie used to remember language preferences
- Analytics cookies set by analytics providers
- Local browser storage used to remember voting history
Users may control cookies through their browser settings.
Analytics and Platform Monitoring
The Platform may use analytics and monitoring tools to understand how visitors interact with the site and to diagnose technical issues.
These services may collect information such as pages visited, device type, general geographic region, and session activity.
Analytics data is typically associated with randomly generated identifiers rather than directly identifying individuals.
Users may disable analytics through browser settings or relevant opt-out tools where available.
Bot Protection
To prevent spam and automated submissions, forms on the Platform may use automated verification tools.
These services may process technical information such as IP address, browser characteristics, and device information to distinguish human users from automated systems.
How We Use Information
Information submitted through the Platform may be used for purposes including:
- Reviewing and verifying submissions
- Investigating service blocking issues
- Contacting relevant companies or organizations
- Facilitating communication relating to submissions
- Publishing service tracking information
- Maintaining and improving the Platform
- Preventing misuse, spam, or fraudulent activity
- Complying with legal obligations
We do not use personal data for advertising, profiling, or automated decision-making.
Third-Party Services
The Platform may rely on third-party service providers to support hosting, security, analytics, content delivery, and error monitoring.
These service providers may process technical data such as IP address, device information, or usage data in order to provide their services.
Such providers process data according to their own privacy policies and contractual data protection obligations.
Volunteers and Contributors
The Project operates with the assistance of volunteers, moderators, and contributors.
Volunteers may assist with reviewing submissions, verifying information, communicating with companies, moderating content, and supporting the operation of the Platform.
Access to Personal Data by Volunteers
Some volunteers and contributors may be granted access to internal systems used to operate the Platform.
Through these systems authorized individuals may access personal data submitted through the Platform.
Access is granted only where necessary for Project activities and is limited on a need-to-know basis.
Volunteers with such access are expected to:
- Use personal data only for purposes related to the Project
- Maintain confidentiality regarding personal data
- Not disclose personal data to unauthorized persons
- Not copy, download, or store personal data outside authorized systems unless necessary for Project activities
- Access privileges may be limited or revoked at any time
Confidentiality Obligations
Volunteers, moderators, and contributors may encounter personal data during their activities.
Such individuals are required to treat this information as confidential and must not disclose or use it for unrelated purposes.
Volunteers may be asked to agree to confidentiality or data-protection obligations before receiving access to internal systems.
Role of Volunteers in Data Processing
Volunteers and contributors assist with Project activities under the direction of the organization operating the Platform. They do not independently determine the purposes or means of processing personal data.
Responsibility for determining how and why personal data is processed remains with the organization operating the Platform.
Sharing of Information
Information may be shared in limited circumstances including:
- With relevant companies referenced in submissions
- With service providers supporting the Platform
- Where required by law or legal process
- Where necessary to protect the rights, safety, or security of the Project or others
Personal data is not sold to third parties.
International Processing
The Project will involve volunteers located in different countries.
Personal data submitted through the Platform may therefore be accessed or processed by authorized contributors located outside the country of the person submitting the information.
Reasonable safeguards are used to protect personal data regardless of where it is processed.
Data Retention
Personal data is retained only as long as necessary to:
- Review and verify submissions
- Maintain records of service tracking activity
- Respond to inquiries
- Support Project operations
- Comply with legal obligations
Certain service records that become part of the Platform's public tracking archive may be retained for long-term reference.
Information that is no longer required may be deleted or anonymized.
Legal Basis for Processing
Where the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) or similar laws apply, personal data is processed under one or more of the following legal bases:
- Legitimate interests in operating the Platform, processing submissions, maintaining security, and preventing misuse
- Consent, where users voluntarily submit information or enable analytics tools
- Performance of a request or communication, where users contact the Project through the Platform
Children's Privacy
The Platform is not directed at children under the age of 16.
The Project does not knowingly collect personal information from children. If personal information from a child is discovered, it will be removed where possible.
Data Security
Reasonable technical and organizational measures are used to protect personal data against unauthorized access, disclosure, alteration, or destruction.
However, no system of electronic transmission or storage can guarantee absolute security.
Reporting Data Incidents
If a staff member, volunteer, or contributor becomes aware of unauthorized access, loss, or disclosure of personal data, the Project should be notified so appropriate action can be taken.
Your Rights
Depending on applicable data protection law, including the GDPR, individuals may have rights in relation to their personal data, including:
- The right to request access
- The right to request correction
- The right to request deletion
- The right to restrict or object to processing
- The right to request data portability where applicable
- The right to withdraw consent where processing is based on consent
- The right to lodge a complaint with a relevant data protection authority
Requests relating to personal data may be directed to:
Changes to This Policy
This Privacy Policy may be updated from time to time. Updates will be posted on this page with an updated revision date.
Contact
For questions about this Privacy Policy or the handling of personal data please contact: