If you choose to join our WhatsApp channel, the following privacy practices apply to the personal data we collect and process for this service:

• Opt-In Requirement: To join the WhatsApp channel, you must opt-in through the Members Portal on our website. This ensures that you actively consent to receiving messages via WhatsApp.
• Data Collected: We will collect your phone number to add you to the WhatsApp group. Your phone number will be visible to other members of the group.
• Purpose of Data Collection: The data collected will be used to facilitate your participation in the WhatsApp channel, including sending relevant updates, information, and messages related to the group.
• Legal Basis: Your Consent
• Data Retention: We will retain your phone number for as long as you remain an active member of the WhatsApp channel. If you leave the group, your data will be removed from our records related to the community.
• Data Visibility: By joining the WhatsApp group, you acknowledge that your phone number will be visible to other members of the group. Please be aware of this when deciding to join.
• Communication Channel: The WhatsApp channel is a one-way communication channel. Please note that we expect all members to act within the terms and conditions of this service and we may remove any content which is inappropriate. However, the IPU will otherwise not be monitoring or analysing any of the content of the conversations. 
• Former IPU Members: no longer IPU Members will be removed from the WhatsApp channel. Your phone number and any related data will be promptly removed from our records associated with the group.
• Withdrawal of Consent: You can withdraw your consent at any time by leaving the WhatsApp group. Once you leave, we will stop processing your phone number for WhatsApp channel-related purposes.
• Security: While we take reasonable steps to ensure the security of your personal data, please note that WhatsApp itself is an external platform, and we cannot guarantee the security of the data shared within the app.
• Third-Party Sharing: Your phone number will not be shared with third parties outside of the WhatsApp channel, unless required by law or necessary to protect our services.

By joining the WhatsApp channel, you consent to the collection and use of your personal data as described above.

Access the WhatsApp terms and conditions: https://www.whatsapp.com/legal/terms-of-service