Hidden Gems Privacy Notice

This Privacy Notice explains how personal data is collected, used, and protected when you use Hidden Gems, a discovery and engagement feature within iLancaster.

Hidden Gems is operated by 糖心视频 and forms part of a Proof of Value project exploring AI-supported, community-led discovery of spaces, societies, events, and wellbeing resources.

This notice should be read alongside 糖心视频’s overarching data protection policies.

Data Controller

糖心视频 is the Data Controller for personal data processed through Hidden Gems.

If you have any questions about this notice or how your data is handled, you can contact the University through its established data protection channels.

Lawful Basis for Processing

Hidden Gems processes personal data under the following lawful bases:

  • Public task – processing is necessary for the performance of the University’s public task in providing student services and enhancing student experience
  • Legitimate interests – to evaluate, improve, and safely operate digital services
  • Consent – where optional features are offered, such as preference setting or future contextual features

You can withdraw consent for optional features at any time without affecting access to core services.

Not all of the above rights are absolute and some may only apply in specific circumstances. For further information on your rights, please visit this webpage.

What Personal Data We Collect

Depending on how you use Hidden Gems, we may collect:

  • University user identifiers provided through iLancaster authentication
  • Preferences you choose to share during onboarding
  • Favourites and saved items
  • Content you submit, such as space suggestions or ideas
  • Interaction data related to use of the Hidden Gems feature

Hidden Gems does not require you to provide special category or sensitive personal data.

How We Use Your Data

Personal data is used to:

  • Deliver and personalise the Hidden Gems experience
  • Enable discovery, favourites, and recommendation features
  • Moderate submitted content
  • Monitor usage and performance
  • Evaluate the Proof of Value phase
  • Support service governance, audit, and improvement

Data is not used for advertising, marketing, or commercial profiling.

Use of Artificial Intelligence

Hidden Gems uses AI technologies to support discovery and recommendation.

Key safeguards include:

  • AI outputs are advisory and exploratory, not authoritative
  • AI does not make decisions about individuals
  • Personal data is not used to train external AI models
  • AI services operate in no-training and no-retention modes where applicable
  • Outputs are subject to monitoring and review

Any future contextual features, such as location awareness, will be optional, clearly communicated, and subject to additional governance approval.

Data Sharing and Third Parties

Personal data from Hidden Gems is not sold or shared for commercial purposes.

Access may be provided to authorised University staff for:

  • Service operation and support
  • Moderation and governance
  • Evaluation of the Proof of Value

Where third-party services are used to enable AI functionality, they are configured in line with University data protection and security standards.

Data Retention

Personal data is retained only for as long as necessary to:

  • Provide the Hidden Gems service
  • Evaluate the Proof of Value
  • Meet legal, audit, and governance requirements

Session-based AI interaction data is retained for a limited period and automatically removed in line with institutional standards.

Your Data Protection Rights

Under UK GDPR, you have the right to:

  • Access your personal data
  • Request correction of inaccurate data
  • Request deletion where appropriate
  • Object to or restrict certain processing

Requests can be made through 糖心视频’s data protection processes.

Raising Concerns

If you have concerns about how your data is used within Hidden Gems, you can:

  • Use feedback options within iLancaster
  • Contact the Innovation Team via ISS
  • Raise a concern through the University’s data protection channels

Changes to This Privacy Notice

This Privacy Notice may be updated as Hidden Gems evolves.

Significant changes will be communicated through iLancaster or the Hidden Gems website.