Compliance & Research Standards

Last updated: January 1, 2025

TOFI-VDMA is committed to the highest standards of research integrity, data protection, and ethical conduct. Our compliance framework applies to all platform operations, member interactions, and client engagements.

Our Compliance Framework

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Data Privacy

CCPA-compliant data practices. No sale of personal data. Member identities never disclosed to clients.

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Identity Verification

6-step verification process including corporate email confirmation and LinkedIn review.

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Research Quality

Quality controls applied to all study responses. Fraudulent or inconsistent responses are excluded.

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ESOMAR Principles

Operations conducted in alignment with ESOMAR ICC/ESOMAR International Code guidelines.

1. Data Protection Compliance

California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA)

TOFI-VDMA complies with the California Consumer Privacy Act. We do not sell personal information. California residents may request access, correction, or deletion of their personal data by emailing contact@tofi-vdma.online.

CAN-SPAM Act

All email communications from TOFI-VDMA comply with the CAN-SPAM Act. Every email includes a clear unsubscribe mechanism. We honor opt-out requests within 10 business days.

2. Panel Quality Standards

The integrity of our panel is central to the value we deliver to research buyers. Our quality framework includes:

Corporate email verification: All members verify via a corporate (non-consumer) email address
Professional profile review: LinkedIn profiles are reviewed for role and employer consistency
Response quality monitoring: Survey responses are checked for speeding, straight-lining, and open-end quality
Annual re-confirmation: Active members confirm their current role and employer annually
Exclusion of fraudulent responses: Any response identified as fraudulent is removed prior to delivery

3. Member Code of Conduct

All panel members agree to:

Provide accurate and truthful information in all surveys and applications
Complete studies thoughtfully and in good faith
Maintain confidentiality of all study content
Not share login credentials or allow others to complete studies on their behalf
Not attempt to game or manipulate any survey instrument
Report any concerns about study content to contact@tofi-vdma.online

Violations of the code of conduct will result in removal from the panel and forfeiture of any pending honoraria.

4. Client Research Standards

Research buyers engaging TOFI-VDMA services agree to:

Use research data only for lawful, ethical business purposes
Not attempt to re-identify individual respondents
Not reproduce, resell, or republish research deliverables without written consent
Comply with applicable market research and data protection laws in their jurisdiction

5. Incidence and Feasibility Transparency

We provide honest feasibility assessments prior to accepting engagements. If a study cannot be completed to specification within the agreed timeline, we will notify the client promptly and propose alternatives.

6. Reporting Concerns

If you have a concern about our compliance practices, data handling, or research conduct, please contact us at contact@tofi-vdma.online. We will investigate and respond within 5 business days.