Privacy Policy: Mercury Analytics LLC
This Privacy Policy describes how Mercury Analytics LLC and its affiliates (“Mercury Analytics,” “we,” “us,” or “our”) collect, use, disclose, and protect Personal Information in connection with our websites, applications, communications, and research services (collectively, the “Services”). This includes both online and offline activities such as surveys, interviews, focus groups, and other research engagements.
We are committed to protecting your privacy, maintaining transparency, and applying rigorous safeguards in how data is handled. Our practices are designed to meet or exceed applicable legal requirements, including the California Consumer Privacy Act as amended by the California Privacy Rights Act (“CCPA/CPRA”), and to reflect modern expectations around artificial intelligence, data protection, and responsible research.
Artificial Intelligence and Automated Processing (MercuryIQ & MercuryAI)
MercuryIQ and MercuryAI are designed specifically for research applications—not general-purpose data collection—and operate within clearly defined, client-approved parameters.
These systems are guided by human-authored questions and structured “key concepts,” ensuring that automated probing and analysis remain within the intended scope of each research study. MercuryIQ does not independently introduce unrelated or sensitive topics and operates within controlled frameworks.
Mercury Analytics does not use respondent data, client data, or survey content to train, retrain, or fine-tune any underlying artificial intelligence or machine learning models. All data processed through these systems is used solely within the context of the specific research engagement and is not reused across clients or studies for model improvement.
We employ safeguards designed to detect, limit, and appropriately handle sensitive information, including potential personally identifiable information (PII) in open-ended responses. Outputs are governed by structured controls to ensure consistency, auditability, and compliance.
Personal Information We Collect
We, and our service providers, may collect Personal Information from you in a variety of ways, including when you visit our Platform, participate in surveys or focus groups, complete forms, or otherwise interact with our Services.
You may be asked to provide information such as your name, email address, mailing address, phone number, or other information relevant to a research study. You may visit portions of our Platform anonymously; however, participation in certain activities may require Personal Information.
We may also automatically collect information such as IP address, browser type, device information, operating system, geolocation data, and information about how you access and use our Platform.
Categories of Personal Information may include identifiers, demographic information, professional or employment information, education information, internet activity, geolocation data, audio/visual information, and inferences derived from responses. These categories reflect potential data elements and are not collected in all cases.
How We Use Personal Information
We may collect and use your Personal Information for a number of purposes, including:
- To provide and operate our Services
- To improve customer service and respond to your inquiries
- To personalize user experience where appropriate
- To understand how users interact with our Services
- To improve our Platform and methodologies
- To analyze feedback and research data
- To conduct research studies and generate insights
- To administer surveys, focus groups, and research activities
- To send reminders, incentives, and follow-up communications related to participation
- To communicate with you where you have opted in
- To comply with legal obligations and enforce our agreements
In most cases, research data is analyzed and shared in aggregate, anonymized form. Mercury Analytics does not use respondent data for advertising targeting or cross-context behavioral advertising.
Sharing Personal Information
In almost all cases, participation in research studies is anonymous. Where Personal Information is collected, we may share it:
- Within our corporate affiliates
- With service providers supporting our operations
- With clients where explicitly disclosed and consented to
- In connection with mergers, acquisitions, or business transfers
- For fraud prevention and legal compliance
- In response to lawful requests by authorities
All sharing is limited to what is necessary and subject to appropriate safeguards.
How We Protect Personal Information
We implement administrative, technical, and organizational safeguards designed to protect Personal Information, including role-based access controls, encryption where appropriate, monitoring systems, and data segregation.
Despite these measures, no system is completely secure, and transmission of data is at your own risk.
Children’s Privacy
We do not knowingly collect Personal Information from children under the age of 13 and do not direct our Services to children.
California Privacy Rights (CCPA/CPRA)
California residents have the right to:
- Know what Personal Information is collected, used, shared, or sold
- Request deletion of Personal Information
- Request correction of inaccurate Personal Information
- Request access to specific pieces of Personal Information
- Receive data in a portable format
- Limit the use of sensitive Personal Information
- Not be discriminated against for exercising these rights
We do not sell or share Personal Information for cross-context behavioral advertising.
To exercise your rights, you may contact us at privacy@mercuryanalytics.com. We will verify your identity and respond within required timeframes (generally within 45 days, with extensions where permitted).
Cookies and Tracking Technologies
We use cookies and similar technologies to enhance functionality, analyze usage, and improve performance. We may use third-party analytics providers.
We do not use research response data for advertising targeting. You can control cookies through browser settings.
Changes to this Privacy Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy periodically. Material changes will be communicated appropriately, and we encourage periodic review.