1. Introduction
Vaginal Cycle is an artistic research project exploring the diversity of vaginal microbiomes through a participatory archive of self-grown microbial cultures.
Protecting your personal data and respecting your privacy is very important to us.
This Privacy Policy explains what data we collect, how it is used, and what rights you have under the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).
2. Controller
Responsible for the processing of personal data within the meaning of the GDPR:
Project Name: Vaginal Cycle
Contact Person: Mehrta Shirzadian
Email: vaginalcycle@gmail.com
Website: www.vaginalcycle.com
3. Purpose of the Project
This is an artistic-research initiative that collects images of vaginal microbiome cultures created by participants themselves.
The project aims to visualize microbial diversity across menstrual cycles and bodies, contribute to public awareness, and encourage scientific dialogue about an understudied ecosystem.
The archive may be used for:
- artistic works
- exhibitions
- academic publications
- presentations
- research communication
- educational purposes
Participation is voluntary.
4. What Data We Collect
When you participate in the project via the website or submission form, we may collect the following data:
4.1 Submitted Content
- Images of microbiome cultures grown by participants
- Optional descriptive text or observations
4.2 Questionnaire Data
Participants may voluntarily provide contextual information, including:
- day of menstrual cycle at time of sample
- whether cycle is regular or irregular
- approximate cycle length (min / max / average)
- presence of vaginal pain in daily life (outside menstruation)
- pain during sexual activity
- other voluntarily shared observations
This information helps understand microbial diversity and temporal variation.
4.3 Technical Data
When visiting the website, standard technical information may be collected automatically:
- IP address (anonymized where possible)
- browser type and version
- operating system
- date and time of access
- referring website
5. Special Category Data (Health-Related Information)
Some questionnaire responses may relate to health information. Under the GDPR, this is considered special category personal data.
We only process this data:
- with your explicit consent
- for artistic and research purposes
- in anonymized form wherever possible
Participation is voluntary, and you may skip any question.
We do not collect medical diagnoses or clinical test results.
6. Legal Basis for Processing (GDPR)
We process data based on:
- Art. 6(1)(a) GDPR – Consent
- Art. 9(2)(a) GDPR – Explicit consent for health-related data
- Art. 6(1)(f) GDPR – Legitimate interest in conducting artistic research and maintaining the archive
Participants provide consent via checkbox before submitting data.
7. Anonymity and Identification
Participation in the archive does not require your real name.
We encourage participants not to upload identifiable personal images.
Submitted microbiome culture images generally do not allow identification of individuals.
If personal information is included voluntarily, it will be treated confidentially.
8. How Data is Used
Submitted materials may be used:
- in the online archive
- in visualizations of microbial diversity
- in artistic works and video installations
- in exhibitions or presentations
- in academic or research contexts
- in publications (digital or print)
Where possible, data will be presented in anonymized or aggregated form.
We do not sell personal data.
9. Data Storage and Security
Data is stored on secure servers or cloud services located within the European Economic Area (EEA) where possible.
We take reasonable technical and organizational measures to protect data against:
- unauthorized access
- loss
- misuse
- alteration
Access to raw data is limited to project collaborators.
10. Third-Party Services
The project may use external tools to collect or store data, such as:
- Google Forms
- WordPress hosting providers
- cloud storage providers
These providers may process technical data necessary to deliver their services.
Where possible, EU-based services are preferred.
Please consult the respective providers’ privacy policies:
11. Data Retention
Data will be stored for the duration of the research and artistic project.
Because the archive forms part of an artistic research output, submitted materials may remain part of long-term documentation.
Participants may request deletion of their submission (see Section 13).
12. Voluntary Participation
Participation in the project is completely voluntary.
You may withdraw at any time by contacting us via email.
Withdrawal does not affect the lawfulness of processing before withdrawal.
13. Your Rights Under GDPR
You have the right to:
- access your stored data (Art. 15 GDPR)
- request correction (Art. 16 GDPR)
- request deletion (Art. 17 GDPR)
- restrict processing (Art. 18 GDPR)
- data portability (Art. 20 GDPR)
- withdraw consent at any time (Art. 7(3) GDPR)
To exercise these rights, contact:
vaginalcycle@gmail.com
You also have the right to lodge a complaint with a data protection authority.
In Austria:
https://www.dsb.gv.at
14. Ethical Considerations
Mehrta is an artistic-research project exploring microbial diversity through participatory methods.
The project does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
Participants are responsible for deciding whether they wish to contribute material.
15. Changes to this Privacy Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy to reflect changes in the project or legal requirements.
The most current version will always be available on the website.