Privacy Policy

Effective Date: September 09, 2026
Last Updated: September 09, 2026

Marketing Systems Group ("MSG," "we," "us," or "our") is committed to protecting the privacy and security of personal information. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, retain, and protect personal information in connection with:

MSG websites, including www.m-s-g.com;
MSG products and technology platforms, including ARCS;
The ARCS Panel mobile application ("ARCS Panel App" or "App");
Market research and research participant activities conducted by or through MSG;
Research participant databases and panel-related services operated by MSG; and
Our interactions with clients, prospective clients, research participants, panel members, vendors, and other individuals.

The information we collect and our role with respect to that information may differ depending on the service you are using and the organization on whose behalf we are providing the service.

1. Our Role When Providing ARCS and the ARCS Panel App

MSG provides ARCS as a technology platform that organizations may use to create, operate, and manage research panels and research activities. An organization using ARCS may be a research company, corporation, university, government organization, nonprofit organization, or other entity. In this Privacy Policy, we refer to the organization responsible for your panel as the "Panel Sponsor." When a Panel Sponsor uses ARCS or the ARCS Panel App to collect and manage information about its panel members, the Panel Sponsor generally determines:

What information is collected;
Why the information is collected;
Which research opportunities are offered;
What screening questions are asked;
Eligibility criteria for research activities;
How panel profiles are maintained;
What incentives or rewards are offered;
How long research and panel information should be retained; and
With whom research information may be shared.

In these situations, MSG generally processes personal information on behalf of and according to the instructions of the Panel Sponsor. The Panel Sponsor's own privacy policy or privacy notice may therefore also apply to information collected through ARCS or the ARCS Panel App. MSG may separately determine how certain information is processed when necessary to operate, secure, maintain, and support the ARCS platform and App. For those limited purposes, MSG may act independently with respect to that information. If you have questions about how information collected for a particular panel or study is used, you should review the privacy notice provided by the Panel Sponsor or contact the Panel Sponsor directly.

2. Information We May Collect

The information we collect depends on how you interact with MSG and the services you use.

Information You Provide Directly

We may collect information that you voluntarily provide, including:

Name;
Email address;
Telephone number;
Mailing address;
Account or panel member identifier;
Username or other account credentials;
Contact preferences;
Demographic information;
Profile information;
Survey and screener responses;
Research participation information;
Appointment and scheduling information;
Incentive or reward fulfillment information;
Communications with support personnel;
Biometric information used for identification;
Feedback; and
Other information you choose to provide.

Certain research activities may request additional information. The information requested will depend upon the purpose and requirements of the particular research activity.

3. Information Collected Through the ARCS Panel App

When you use the ARCS Panel App, we or the applicable Panel Sponsor may collect information necessary to provide panel and research-related functionality.

Account and Panel Information

This may include:

Your panel member or account identifier;
Name and contact information;
Panel membership status;
Profile and demographic information;
Communication preferences; and
Information associated with your participation history.

Screener and Research Information

When you complete a screener, survey, or other research activity through the App, information may include:

Your responses;
Whether you qualify for a research opportunity;
Study participation status;
Date and time of participation;
Completion status; and
Other information requested as part of the particular research activity.

Screening and research information is generally collected on behalf of the Panel Sponsor or the organization conducting the research.

Scheduling Information

If you use the App to schedule or manage research activities, we may process information such as:

Appointment date and time;
Appointment type;
Availability;
Confirmation status;
Rescheduling activity;
Cancellation information; and
Appointment reminders.

Notifications

If you enable notifications, the App may collect or generate a device notification token or similar identifier that allows us to send push notifications to your device.

Notifications may include:

Invitations to new research opportunities;
Screener availability;
Appointment confirmations;
Appointment reminders;
Schedule changes;
Panel announcements; and
Other communications relating to your panel membership.

You may disable push notifications through your mobile device settings. Disabling push notifications does not by itself terminate your panel membership, although you may not receive immediate notifications about available research opportunities or appointments.

Device and Technical Information

The App may automatically collect certain technical information needed to operate, secure, troubleshoot, and improve the service, including:

Device type;
Mobile operating system and version;
App version;
Device or application identifiers;
Date and time of access;
Authentication and session information;
Network information;
App performance information;
Error and crash information;
Security logs; and
General information about how App features are used.

We may use this information for system administration, security, fraud prevention, troubleshooting, analytics, service improvement, and technical support.

4. Mobile Device Permissions

The ARCS Panel App may request access to certain features of your mobile device when necessary to provide a feature you choose to use. Depending on the configuration of the App and the requirements of a particular research activity, permissions could include features such as:

Notifications;
Camera;
Microphone;
Photos or files;
Calendar; or
Location.

The standard functions of receiving research invitations, completing screeners, and managing schedules do not require access to all of these device features. Where a research activity requires access to a device feature, the App will request the appropriate permission through your mobile operating system. You may decline or later revoke a device permission through your device settings. Certain App or research features may not function if a permission necessary for that feature is disabled.

Location Information

The ARCS Panel App does not require precise location information for its basic panel management, screener, notification, and scheduling functions. If a particular research activity requires approximate or precise location information, you will be provided with appropriate notice and, where required, asked for permission before that information is collected.

5. Information Received From Panel Sponsors and Other Parties

We may receive information about you from organizations with which we work. For example, a Panel Sponsor may provide MSG with information necessary to establish or maintain your ARCS Panel App account, such as:

Name;
Email address;
Telephone number;
Panel member identifier;
Panel status;
Demographic information;
Previous research participation; or
Other information maintained by the Panel Sponsor.

In connection with research services, MSG may also receive information from research clients, sample providers, data providers, or other research partners. Depending on the research activity, this may include contact information, demographic information, interest information, behavioral information, or other information relevant to identifying appropriate research participants.

6. Sensitive Personal Information

Certain research studies may involve information that is considered sensitive or specially protected under applicable law. Depending upon the study, this could include information concerning:

Racial or ethnic origin;
Health or medical information;
Political opinions;
Religious or philosophical beliefs;
Trade union membership;
Sexual orientation or sex life;
Precise geolocation; or
Other information classified as sensitive under applicable law.

MSG does not require this information for the ordinary operation of the ARCS Panel App. A particular research study, however, may request sensitive information when relevant to the research. Where required by applicable law, appropriate notice and consent will be obtained before sensitive personal information is collected or processed.

7. Information Collected Through Our Websites

When you visit an MSG website, we may collect information directly from you and automatically through our systems. Information may include:

Name;
Business contact information;
Information submitted through forms;
IP address;
Browser type;
Operating system;
Device type;
Referring website;
Pages visited;
Date and time of visits;
Clickstream information; and
Other website usage information.

MSG may use cookies and similar technologies to recognize visitors, maintain sessions, remember preferences, understand website usage, and improve our websites and services. You may manage cookies through your browser settings. Disabling certain cookies may affect website functionality. Third-party analytics and similar technology providers may also process information relating to use of our websites.

8. Market Research Activities

Because MSG operates in the market research industry, we may process information in connection with research activities we conduct for research clients. Research participation is voluntary. Information may be collected:

Directly from research participants;
From a research client;
From a Panel Sponsor;
From a sample provider or research panel;
From third-party data providers; or
Through research conducted using MSG technology.

Information collected for research purposes may include contact information, demographic information, survey responses, research responses, participation information, and other information appropriate for the research activity. In some studies, existing demographic, interest, or behavioral information may be combined with research responses to enable research analysis. Where appropriate, information may be pseudonymized, de-identified, aggregated, or otherwise separated from direct identifiers. Research participant information and research responses are used for research purposes and not by MSG for directly marketing unrelated products or services to research participants.

9. How We Use Personal Information

Depending on our relationship with you and the services involved, we may use personal information to:

Provide and operate MSG products and services;
Operate the ARCS platform and ARCS Panel App;
Create and administer accounts;
Maintain panel membership information;
Authenticate users;
Provide screeners and research opportunities;
Determine or communicate research eligibility;
Schedule and manage research activities;
Send research invitations and reminders;
Administer research studies;
Fulfill incentives when applicable;
Respond to questions and support requests;
Maintain, troubleshoot, and improve our technology;
Measure system and App performance;
Detect and prevent fraud, duplicate participation, abuse, and security threats;
Maintain audit and security records;
Protect MSG, Panel Sponsors, research clients, research participants, and our systems;
Comply with contractual requirements;
Comply with legal obligations;
Enforce applicable terms and policies; and
Exercise or defend legal rights.

Where MSG processes information on behalf of a Panel Sponsor or research client, we process that information according to the customer's instructions and our contractual obligations.

10. Research Eligibility and Automated Processing

ARCS may use information contained in your panel profile or your answers to screening questions to determine whether you meet criteria established for a particular research opportunity. For example, a research opportunity may seek people within a particular age range, geographic area, profession, product usage category, or other research classification. A determination that you do or do not qualify for a particular research study does not generally produce a legal or similarly significant effect concerning you. Eligibility criteria are generally established by the Panel Sponsor or organization commissioning the research, not MSG.

11. How We Share Information

MSG does not rent or sell personal information to third parties for their own direct marketing purposes. We may disclose personal information as described below.

Panel Sponsors and Research Clients

Information collected through ARCS or the ARCS Panel App may be made available to the Panel Sponsor responsible for your panel. Information collected in connection with a research activity may also be provided to the organization commissioning or conducting the research where appropriate for that research.

Service Providers

We may use third-party service providers to help us operate our technology and provide services. These may include providers of:

Cloud hosting;
Data storage;
Application infrastructure;
Push notifications;
Email or messaging;
Authentication;
Technical support;
Analytics;
Application performance monitoring;
Crash reporting;
Security;
Incentive fulfillment; and
Other technology and operational services.

These providers are permitted to process information only for the services they provide to us and are subject to appropriate contractual and confidentiality requirements. Where required, we require service providers handling personal information to provide protections consistent with this Privacy Policy and applicable law.

Affiliated Companies

Information may be shared within MSG's affiliated group of companies when necessary for legitimate administrative, security, technical, legal, or operational purposes.

Legal and Security Requirements

We may disclose information when we reasonably believe disclosure is necessary to:

Comply with applicable law;
Respond to a subpoena, court order, or other valid legal process;
Respond to lawful requests from public authorities;
Protect the rights, property, or safety of MSG or others;
Investigate fraud or security incidents; or
Enforce applicable agreements and policies.

Business Transactions

If MSG or a relevant portion of our business is involved in a merger, acquisition, restructuring, financing, or sale of assets, information may be transferred as part of that transaction, subject to applicable legal requirements.

12. Sale, Sharing, and Advertising

MSG does not sell personal information in the traditional sense of exchanging personal information for money for the purpose of marketing products or services to individuals. MSG does not use information collected through the ARCS Panel App for cross-context behavioral advertising on behalf of MSG. Certain privacy laws define terms such as "sell," "sale," or "share" more broadly than their ordinary meaning. As described elsewhere in this Policy, certain research-related disclosures or transfers could potentially fall within these definitions depending on the circumstances and applicable law. Where applicable law provides a right to opt out of such processing, MSG will honor verified requests as required.

MSG does not use research participants' survey or screener responses to market unrelated products or services directly to those individuals.

13. De-Identified and Aggregated Information

We may create de-identified, pseudonymized, or aggregated information from information we process. We may use such information for purposes including:

Research;
Statistical analysis;
Service improvement;
Product development;
System performance measurement;
Quality control; and
Reporting.

Where we maintain information in de-identified form, we take reasonable measures intended to prevent the information from being used to identify an individual except where permitted by applicable law.

14. Push Notifications and Communications

You may receive communications relating to your panel membership or research participation through the ARCS Panel App, email, SMS, or other communication methods made available by your Panel Sponsor. Push notifications are controlled through your mobile device settings. You can disable App notifications at any time through your device settings. Other research communications may be governed by the preferences established with your Panel Sponsor. Marketing communications from MSG will include appropriate methods to unsubscribe or opt out.

15. Data Retention

MSG retains personal information only for as long as reasonably necessary for the purposes for which it was collected or processed, including to:

Provide the applicable service;
Fulfill our contractual obligations;
Maintain appropriate research and business records;
Resolve disputes;
Prevent fraud;
Maintain security and audit records;
Comply with legal obligations; and
Establish, exercise, or defend legal claims.

When MSG processes information on behalf of a Panel Sponsor or research client, retention may be determined by that organization and the applicable agreement with MSG. Retention periods therefore vary depending on the type of information and the purpose for which it is processed. Information may be deleted, de-identified, or aggregated when it is no longer required.

16. Account and Data Deletion

If the ARCS Panel App allows you to create or maintain an account, you may request deletion of your account and associated personal information through the method provided within the App or through the applicable account deletion request process. You may also contact the Panel Sponsor responsible for your panel. Because MSG frequently processes ARCS information on behalf of a Panel Sponsor, requests concerning panel membership information may be referred to or handled in coordination with that Panel Sponsor. A deletion request does not necessarily require deletion of every record associated with an account. Information may be retained when necessary or permitted for:

Legal compliance;
Fraud prevention;
Security;
Financial or incentive records;
Research integrity;
Audit requirements;
Establishment or defense of legal claims; or
Other purposes permitted by applicable law.

Where required by applicable law, information that must be deleted will be deleted or de-identified.

17. Your Privacy Rights

Depending on where you live and the circumstances in which we process your information, applicable privacy laws may provide rights concerning your personal information. These rights may include the right to:

Know whether we process personal information about you;
Obtain access to personal information we maintain about you;
Request correction of inaccurate information;
Request deletion of information;
Request restriction of certain processing;
Withdraw consent where processing is based on consent;
Object to certain processing;
Obtain a portable copy of certain information;
Opt out of certain sales, sharing, or targeted advertising as those terms are defined by applicable law;
Learn the source of certain information obtained about you;
Appeal certain decisions concerning a privacy request; and
Not be discriminated against for exercising applicable privacy rights.

These rights are subject to applicable exceptions and limitations. When MSG processes personal information solely on behalf of a Panel Sponsor or research client, we may direct your request to that organization or assist that organization in responding to the request.

18. Exercising Your Privacy Rights

To exercise a privacy right relating directly to MSG, you may contact:

Marketing Systems Group
Attn: Privacy Officer
755 Business Center Drive, Suite 200
Horsham, PA 19044
United States

Email: privacy@m-s-g.com
Phone: 866-564-0021

You may also use any privacy request form or "Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information" mechanism provided on the MSG website where applicable. For information controlled by a Panel Sponsor, you should contact the Panel Sponsor identified within the ARCS Panel App or panel communications. We may need to verify your identity before processing certain requests. Verification requirements will depend on the nature of the request and applicable law. Where permitted by law, an authorized agent may submit a request on your behalf, subject to appropriate verification and authorization requirements.

19. Data Security

MSG uses administrative, technical, and organizational safeguards designed to protect personal information against unauthorized access, loss, misuse, alteration, and disclosure. Measures may include, as appropriate:

Access controls;
Authentication;
Encryption;
Network and application security controls;
Logging and monitoring;
Vulnerability management;
Security testing;
Employee training;
Vendor management; and
Incident response procedures.

No method of electronic transmission or storage can be guaranteed to be completely secure. We therefore cannot guarantee absolute security. You are responsible for protecting your account credentials and should contact the appropriate support team if you believe your account has been compromised.

20. International Data Transfers

MSG is based in the United States and may process information in the United States and other countries in which MSG, its affiliated companies, clients, or service providers operate. Where personal information is transferred internationally, MSG uses appropriate safeguards as required by applicable law.

21. EU-U.S. and Swiss-U.S. Data Privacy Framework

Marketing Systems Group participates in applicable Data Privacy Framework programs as described in MSG's Data Privacy Framework certification and related notices. Where MSG relies upon the EU-U.S. Data Privacy Framework or Swiss-U.S. Data Privacy Framework, MSG adheres to the applicable Data Privacy Framework Principles concerning:

Notice;
Choice;
Accountability for onward transfer;
Security;
Data integrity and purpose limitation;
Access; and
Recourse, enforcement, and liability.

If there is a conflict between this Privacy Policy and applicable Data Privacy Framework Principles with respect to information covered by the Framework, the applicable Framework Principles will govern. Individuals with an unresolved Data Privacy Framework complaint should first contact MSG at privacy@m-s-g.com. Where applicable, unresolved complaints may be referred to the independent dispute resolution mechanism identified in MSG's Data Privacy Framework certification at no cost to the individual. Under certain conditions, binding arbitration may also be available after other dispute resolution mechanisms have been exhausted. MSG is subject to the investigatory and enforcement powers of the United States Federal Trade Commission with respect to applicable Data Privacy Framework obligations.

22. European Economic Area, United Kingdom, and Switzerland

Where applicable European data protection law applies, MSG's legal basis for processing personal information may include:

Your consent;
Performance of a contract;
Compliance with a legal obligation;
Protection of vital interests; or
Our or another party's legitimate interests, where those interests are not overridden by your rights and interests.

When MSG acts solely as a processor for a Panel Sponsor or research client, the applicable organization determines the legal basis for the processing. Where processing is based on consent, you may withdraw your consent at any time. Withdrawal does not affect the lawfulness of processing that occurred before withdrawal. Where applicable, you may also have the right to lodge a complaint with an appropriate data protection authority.

23. Children and Minors

MSG's general websites and the ARCS Panel App are not intended for use by individuals under 18 unless a specific Panel Sponsor or research activity has been expressly designed and legally authorized to include younger participants. MSG does not knowingly collect personal information directly from children through its general services without appropriate authorization or consent where required by law. If research involving minors is conducted through ARCS, appropriate notices, parental or guardian consent, participant assent, and other protections will be implemented where required by applicable law and the applicable research protocol. If you believe personal information concerning a minor has been collected improperly, please contact privacy@m-s-g.com.

24. Third-Party Websites and Services

MSG websites, ARCS, or the ARCS Panel App may contain links to services operated by third parties. For example, a research invitation may direct you to:

A survey platform;
A video-conferencing service;
A research community;
An appointment platform;
An incentive fulfillment service; or
Another third-party service.

When you leave an MSG-operated environment and interact directly with a third-party service, that organization's privacy policy may apply. We encourage you to review the privacy practices of third-party services before providing information to them.

25. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy periodically to reflect changes in:

Our services;
Our technology;
Our privacy practices;
Applicable law; or
Regulatory requirements.

When we make changes, we will update the Last Updated date at the beginning of this Policy. If changes are material, we may provide additional notice through our website, the ARCS Panel App, email, or another appropriate method. Where required by law, we will obtain consent before applying a materially different use of personal information.

26. Contact Us

Questions, concerns, complaints, or requests relating to this Privacy Policy or MSG's privacy practices may be directed to: