Privacy Policy

Last Updated: 2026-02-18

1. Data Controller

Shimonoseki City University
Research Project Representative: Kohei KAJIWARA
Data Collection Lead: Tatsuki FUKUDA
Email: tflab.master[@]gmail.com

2. Ethics Approval

This study has been reviewed and approved by the Ethics Committee of Shimonoseki City University.
Approval No.: (to be added after approval)

3. Research Purpose

This study investigates longitudinal relationships between daily physical activity, heart rate, sleep, and health outcomes to develop health risk prediction models and evidence-based health promotion strategies.

4. Personal Data Scope

The study processes the following categories of data:

Fitbit-derived physiological and behavioral data (e.g., steps, heart rate, sleep)
Research-assigned participant identifier (Participant ID)
Study participation and withdrawal status

Fitbit/Google account credentials are never collected or stored.

5. Pseudonymization and Anonymization

Collected data are managed using pseudonymized participant IDs. Direct personal identifiers are not collected. For analysis and publication, data are aggregated and anonymized so individuals cannot be identified.

6. Data Storage and Security

Research data are stored within secure information systems operated by Shimonoseki City University (Japan). Access is restricted to authorized research personnel approved by the research lead. External transfer or removal of raw data is prohibited.

7. Retention Period

Data will be retained for the duration of the study (planned 2026–2030) and the institutional research record retention period. Afterward, identifiable or pseudonymized data will be securely deleted.

8. Third-Party Disclosure

Personal data will not be shared with third parties. Only anonymized statistical results may be published in academic outputs.

9. Participant Rights

Participants have the right to:

Voluntary participation and withdrawal without penalty
Request deletion of their data
Request information about the study

10. Withdrawal Handling

Upon withdrawal, no further data will be collected. Previously collected pseudonymized data will be deleted upon request, except where data have already been anonymized and incorporated into aggregated analyses.

11. No Affiliation with Google or Fitbit

This research application is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by Google or Fitbit.

12. Contact

Shimonoseki City University
Research Project Representative: Kohei KAJIWARA
Data Collection Lead: Tatsuki FUKUDA
Email: tflab.master[@]gmail.com