Data Use Policy

Conservation Research & AI Training

Effective Date: January 30, 2025

1. PURPOSE OF DATA COLLECTION

The Blind Book™ Flyway Photo Drive collects waterfowl harvest photos and associated data to advance conservation science and improve AI-powered species identification technology.

Conservation Goals:

  • Monitor waterfowl population trends
  • Track migration patterns and timing
  • Support habitat conservation efforts
  • Improve hunting regulations and management

2. TYPES OF DATA COLLECTED

Photo Data:

  • Digital images of harvested waterfowl
  • GPS coordinates (location data)
  • Date and time of harvest
  • Species identification (user-provided and AI-verified)
  • Image metadata (camera settings, file properties)

Contextual Information:

  • Hunting conditions and weather
  • Habitat type and description
  • Hunting method and equipment used
  • Number of birds in harvest

3. DATA PROCESSING & ANALYSIS

AI Training:

  • Photos used to train species identification algorithms
  • Machine learning models for pattern recognition
  • Automated quality control and verification systems
  • Continuous improvement of identification accuracy

Research Applications:

  • Population analysis and trend monitoring
  • Migration route mapping and timing
  • Harvest distribution and success rates
  • Habitat usage and preference studies

4. DATA SHARING FOR CONSERVATION

Anonymized and aggregated data may be shared with qualified conservation organizations:

  • State and federal wildlife agencies
  • Universities conducting waterfowl research
  • Conservation organizations (Ducks Unlimited, Delta Waterfowl, etc.)
  • International migratory bird programs

Privacy Protection: Personal identifying information is never included in shared datasets. All data is aggregated and anonymized before sharing.

5. DATA RETENTION

  • Photos: Retained indefinitely for ongoing research value
  • Personal Information: Retained for duration of sweepstakes plus 7 years
  • Anonymized Data: May be retained permanently for research
  • User Accounts: Deleted upon request or account closure

6. YOUR DATA RIGHTS

You have the right to:

  • Request removal of your photos from the dataset
  • Opt out of future research participation
  • Access information about how your data is being used
  • Withdraw consent for specific research purposes

Note: Once data has been anonymized and aggregated, it cannot be removed from existing research datasets, but future use can be restricted.

7. SCIENTIFIC INTEGRITY

All research conducted with your data follows established scientific principles:

  • Peer review and validation of methodologies
  • Transparent reporting of results and limitations
  • Ethical guidelines for wildlife research
  • Open access publication when possible

8. CONTACT INFORMATION

Questions about data use or research participation:
Email: contact@waterfowlai.com
Subject: Flyway Photo Drive Data Inquiry
Address: 1511 Cornhill Ln, St. Louis, MO 63122