- What is the PanelConnect app?
- What will the PanelConnect app do?
- Why do we want this information?
- Why is a survey not enough?
- What data is collected?
- Is personal data also recorded?
- Can the app read my emails/SMS or listen to my calls?
- Can the data be linked to me?
- Is my data safe with you?
- Why am I having issues connecting to some Wi-Fi networks when using the iOS VPN?
- On which devices can I install the PanelConnect app?
- Do I have to use the devices I have installed the app on?
- What will the app look like on my device?
- Why do I need to accept RealityMine as a Trusted Developer?
- How can I remove the lock screen (Android)?
- Can the app interfere with my device or usage?
- How much data does the PanelConnect app consume?
- Will the app impact on the battery life of my device?
- What do I do if I go abroad?
- I have deleted the app, how can I re-install the PanelConnect app?
- What do I do if I change my device?
- Whom can I contact if I have a problem?
- What is a VPN?
- What does the VPN do?
- How do I know the VPN is active?
- Will the VPN slow down my Internet?
- How do I deactivate the VPN?
- How many Points will I get?
- How often do I need to transmit data?
- How can I contact you?
What is the PanelConnect app?
- Android: It is a small application which you will need to install on your mobile device that will anonymously collect information regarding your online activities during the time you have it installed
- iPhone: It is a VPN profile that will anonymously run in the background of your phone and collect information regarding your online activities during the time it is activated.
What will the PanelConnect app do?
This application will record how you use your device and is designed to avoid collecting personally identifiable or sensitive information - no system is foolproof, but we are committed to protecting your privacy (learn more about how we protect your privacy by reading our detailed Privacy Policy).
Whilst the app is installed, you should do whatever you normally do with your mobile device. Please don't change anything. Just keep the PanelConnect app/VPN active on your device to earn your reward points.
Why do we want this information?
The data that we collect is used to understand how consumers interact with the Internet and mobile devices and how our clients can develop and improve their products, services or marketing initiatives. The collected data will be used for research purposes only, and we will never try to sell you any products or ask you for money!
Why is a survey not enough?
The innovative approach to collect behavioural data gives us the opportunity to get a much fuller picture and comprehend consumers by understanding their online and mobile usage and behaviour (the 'what') alongside regular survey results (the 'why').
What data is collected?
We are recording data related to your browsing behaviour, device usage and system information. The Internet data gathered is known as clickstream data. Clickstream data includes information such as your IP address, the URLs of websites you have viewed, the date and time you viewed the web pages, the duration of each visit and the search terms you entered on any web page that enables online search. For more information, please read our detailed Privacy Policy.
Is personal data also recorded?
The PanelConnect app and our internal systems are outfitted with technical privacy rules designed to avoid the collection of certain types of personally identifiable or sensitive information, such as credit card numbers, social security numbers, email addresses and information from most web-based email accounts. These rules rely on known field types, values, and algorithms, but they are not foolproof, and sometimes the software may inadvertently collect unwanted information. However, be assured that we will not knowingly use any such inadvertently collected information in our services. For more details, please read our Privacy Policy.
Can the app read my emails/SMS or listen to my calls?
No, PanelConnect is not capable of reading or recording data within emails or messages or listening or recording any voice and video conversations.
Can the data be linked to me?
Please be assured that all data will be shared in anonymous form without being linked to you as a person.
Is my data safe with you?
We understand that there is often concern about personal data being misused. The data transfer and storing process is very secure, including several data encryption steps.
Why am I having issues connecting to some Wi-Fi networks when using the iOS VPN?
The VPN is not able to be active when you are connected to some secure Wi-Fi networks. If you wait approximately 20 seconds after connecting, the VPN will switch itself off and you will be able to use the network.
Please note, you may need to manually switch the VPN back on after disconnecting from the Wi-Fi network.
On which devices can I install the PanelConnect app?
The PanelConnect application/VPN is compatible with following operating systems and browsers:
- Android
- iOS - No app download is needed for iOS, users only need to download and install a VPN profile, which runs in the background. No app icon will appear on your starting page.
If you want to install PanelConnect on your work device, you must obtain permission from your employer before you do this.
Do I have to use the devices I have installed the app on?
Yes, each device you have the PanelConnect installed must be used regularly to be an active participant and to secure your Points.
Please refer to the How often do I need to transmit data? section of our FAQ for more information on transitting data.
What will the app look like on my device?
iPhone: once the app is installed it will look like any other app, and it can be easily tucked away in a folder. The only other visible reminder of the app is the 'VPN' logo that appears in the toolbar.
Android: the app logo will appear on the toolbar along the top of your phone alongside your other apps. From time to time, you will also see the key logo denoting that you are connected to the secure VPN.
Why do I need to accept RealityMine as a Trusted Developer?
RealityMine is the company that develops our app, and to be able to run the app you need to trust them as a developer. Once you have trusted them, then the app will continue installing itself.
How can I remove the lock screen (Android)?
If you have set a lock screen on your phone after installing the certificate, you may wish to remove it after the project has ended. To delete the certificate from your phone:
- Go to the Settings menu.
- Tap 'Security' and scroll to the bottom of the page.
- Select 'Clear Credentials' and press 'OK' when prompted. Please note that doing this will not remove any of your saved passwords, email settings, pictures, or documents!
After the certificate is deleted, you may remove the lock:
- Go to the Settings menu.
- Tap 'Security' and then tap 'Screen lock'.
- When prompted, enter your pattern or PIN.
- Select 'None' from the type of lock screen required.
Can PanelConnect interfere with my device or usage?
PanelConnect will sit in the background of your mobile device and will be on all the time. The app uses minimal memory capacity and other resources on your device. The application will have very little effect on the battery on your phone.
We are constantly working on improving the app, and the app has been rigorously tested, however, there is a small chance that it will interfere with your usage and influence or affect your browser or mobile performance. If this is the case, please contact us and we will try and identify and fix the issue.
How much data does the PanelConnect app consume?
The app is designed to consume as little data as possible when sending data back to the servers. Approximate data consumption amounts per month are:
- Android: Less than 2MB per month
- iPhone: Less than 0.5MB per month
Please note, all data is routed through the app and some data measuring tools will indicate that the app is using a large volume of data. However, that this is just your regular Internet and app data.
We are not able to reimburse you for any data charges incurred during the project.
Will the app impact on the battery life of my device?
The app is designed to have as little impact on battery as possible, however, as with any app, it does have a small impact on battery life. The impact on battery life can vary slightly depending on your device and operating system. If you think it does affect your device's battery life, please contact us so we can identify and fix the issue.
What do I do if I go abroad?
If you go abroad and you take your mobile phone with you on which the PanelConnect app is installed, it will continue to work and transmit data if roaming is enabled on your device. To avoid unintended charges when abroad, we recommend that you turn off roaming on your device.
Please remember that we are not able to reimburse you for any data charges incurred during the project.
I have deleted the app, how can I re-install PanelConnect?
If you still have the registration email in your inbox, you can just click on the installation link and start the download. In case you do not have the installation link anymore you can contact us and we will re-send your installation link.
What do I do if I change my device?
If you change your device and you still have the registration email in your inbox, you can just click on the installation link and start the download. If you do not have the installation link you can contact us and we will re-send you a new installation link.
Whom can I contact if I have a problem?
In the first instance, please contact your panel helpdesk. Click here to see our contact details.
What is a VPN?
VPN stands for "Virtual Private Network" - it is a research tool that allows us to understand how participants use their Internet.
What does the VPN do?
The VPN captures activity through a device's web browser and apps that use the web. To do this, all Internet activity is routed through the VPN to obtain the specific URLs visited.
How do I know the VPN is active?
iOS: If the VPN is active, you will see the 
symbol at the top of the screen.
Android: If the VPN is active, you will see a 'key' in the top right of the status bar. If you do not see this, try locking and unlocking your phone, also check your notifications, as you might be required to reconnect it.
Will the VPN slow down my Internet?
The VPN has been rigorously tested and has not been found to slow down a device's Internet performance in any noticeable way. However, if you think it does impact your device's performance, please contact us so we can identify and fix the issue.
How do I deactivate the VPN?
Please click here or visit the Install page to view our uninstallation guides.
How many Points will I get?
You'll receive 500 reward points for each week we receive data from you.
In addition, you'll receive a 2,000 point bonus for your first successful transmission.
You'll also receive a further 3,000 point bonus once you've been on the panel for 4 weeks.
How often do I need to transmit data?
Once the app is installed and running there is no further action you need to take in order for data to be transmitted to us - all that is required is an internet connection. The app will then passively transmit the data to us whilst running in the background.
To earn your weekly rewards we must receive data transmissions on at least 4 days out of the 7 for that respective week.
In order for you to receive your 3,000 point bonus we must receive data transmissions on at least 14 days of a 28 day period.
How can I contact you?
You can email us on: panelconnect@shopandscan.com
Freephone: 08085 560 152 (Monday to Friday 9am - 9pm, Saturday 10am - 4pm)