Privacy Policy

This Privacy Policy explains how the Mollusk MapScan System collects, uses, stores, and protects personal and environmental data. By creating an account or using the system, you acknowledge and agree to the practices described below.

1. Introduction

Mollusk MapScan: A Mollusk Identification with Mapping Using Convolutional Neural Network is a system developed to support environmental monitoring, mollusk species identification, and mapping activities in selected coastal areas. The system collects user information and field data to aid research, conservation, and sustainable coastal resource management.

2. Information We Collect

A. Personal Information

We may collect the following during account registration:

• Name
• Email Address
• Password (encrypted)
• User Role (Admin, Researcher, Enumerator)

B. Field and Environmental Data

The following data may be collected during system use:

• Uploaded mollusk images
• Species classification results from the CNN model
• Habitat descriptors (if provided)

C. System and Device Information

• Browser and device details
• IP address
• Access logs for security monitoring

3. How We Use Your Information

System Operation

• User authentication and account management
• Displaying and storing mollusk entries
• Visualizing species distribution on maps

Research and Environmental Monitoring

• Ecological assessment and habitat monitoring
• Species trend and distribution analysis
• Support for LGUs, MAO, BFAR, and conservation programs

System Improvement

• Improving CNN classification performance
• Correcting misclassified entries
• Enhancing platform features

4. Data Sharing

Personal information such as your name and email will not be shared publicly. However, environmental data (images, species, coordinates) may be shared with authorized agencies for research and environmental management, including:

• Municipal Agriculture Office (MAO)
• Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR)
• Local Government Units (LGUs)
• Accredited research institutions

5. Data Protection and Security

The system uses password encryption, secured database configuration, role-based access, and validation mechanisms to protect user data. While we implement security best practices, no system is fully immune to risks.

6. Data Retention

Personal information remains stored unless the user requests deletion. Environmental data such as mollusk images, coordinates, and species records may be retained for long-term research and ecological monitoring purposes.

7. User Rights

You may contact the system administrator to:

• Request correction of personal information
• Request account deletion
• Access your submitted entries
• Report incorrect species classifications

8. Consent

By creating an account or using the system, you consent to the collection, processing, and use of your personal and environmental data as described in this Privacy Policy.

9. Policy Updates

This Privacy Policy may be updated as needed. Users will be notified of significant changes through system notices or platform alerts.

10. Contact Information

For questions, corrections, feedback, or data removal requests, you may contact the system administrator at:

Email: [email protected]