Privacy Policy

Last Updated: March 3rd 2025

1. Introduction

Welcome to the KUL Health Monitor (the "Website"). This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and protect your personal information when you use our Website. By using the Website, you agree to the terms of this Privacy Policy.

2. Definitions

  • Account: A unique account created for you to access our Service.
  • Cookies: Small files placed on your device to track activity on our Website.
  • Service: Refers to the Website and its features.
  • Personal Data: Information that identifies or can be used to identify you.
  • Service Provider: Third-party companies or individuals who process data on our behalf.

3. Information We Collect

3.1. Personal Information

When you participate in our fitness study, we may collect:

  • Demographic Information: Age, gender, and other demographic details provided in the initial survey.
  • Email and username.
  • Fitness History: Information about your exercise habits, fitness level, and use of fitness trackers.
  • Health Goals: Your personal health goals and challenges as provided in the initial survey.

3.2. Fitbit Data

If you connect your Fitbit account, we may collect:

  • Step count.
  • Activity levels (active zone minutes).
  • Exercise days.
  • Hourly activity.
  • Calories burned.
  • Heart rate.
  • Cardio load.
  • Distance covered.

This data is collected only with your explicit consent and used solely for the study. We do NOT collect exact location data.

3.3. Survey Data

We collect responses from the initial survey, weekly check-ins, and final survey to monitor your progress and gather feedback.

4. How We Use Your Information

We use your information to:

  • To provide and improve the Website and its features.
  • To monitor your fitness progress and provide feedback.
  • To analyze trends and improve the study experience.
  • To communicate with you about the study, including updates and reminders.

5. Data Sharing and Disclosure

We do not sell, rent, or lease your personal information to third parties. However, we may share your information in the following circumstances:

  • With Your Consent: We may share your information with third parties if you give us explicit consent to do so.
  • For Legal Reasons: We may disclose your information if required by law or in response to valid legal requests, such as subpoenas or court orders.
  • Service Providers: We may share your information with third-party service providers who assist us in operating the Website and conducting the study. These providers are contractually obligated to protect your information and use it only for the purposes we specify.

6. Data Security

We take the security of your information seriously and implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect it from unauthorized access, disclosure, or misuse. These measures include encryption, access controls, and regular security audits.

7. Data Retention

We retain your personal information only for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined in this Privacy Policy or as required by law. Once the retention period expires, we will delete your data.

8. Your Rights

You have the following rights regarding your personal information:

  • Access: You can request a copy of the personal information we hold about you.
  • Correction: You can request that we correct any inaccurate or incomplete information.
  • Deletion: You can request that we delete your personal information, subject to certain legal obligations.
  • Withdraw Consent: If you have provided consent for us to process your data, you can withdraw that consent at any time.

To exercise these rights, contact us at Frederik.Goedkoop@student.uantwerpen.be.

9. Children’s Privacy

Our Service is not intended for users under 13. We do not knowingly collect data from children.

10. Third-Party Links

Our Website may contain links to third-party sites. We are not responsible for their privacy practices.

11. Changes to This Policy

We may update this policy. Changes will be posted on this page, and we will notify you of significant updates.

12. Contact Us

If you have any questions or concerns about this Privacy Policy or our data practices, please contact us at:

University of Leuven
Biosystemen - Afdeling Dier en Mens, Kasteelpark Arenberg 30, 3001 Leuven
Frederik.Goedkoop@student.uantwerpen.be
+32 4 74 54 76 25