Smartphone with a screenshot of the new privacy prompt

As well as the usual performance improvements, this double upgrade to The Hive sees improved privacy features and upgrades to the project follow feature.

The upgrades are being communicated as a package, but will be technically rolled-out separately.


Privacy upgrades

This release contains a raft of upgrades to our privacy features

We’re improving our participation tools so users can be required to give clear consent before handing over their information. A checkbox can be activated requiring users to give explicit consent before submitting their feedback, as well as links to relevant privacy statements. The look and feel of the privacy consent features is uniform and easy to identify, making it easy for your visitors to navigate the feature, and reaffirming your commitment to best practice privacy practices.

You’ll also be able to display project-specific privacy information as well as your standard privacy policy, and de-identify personal data before it is exported to third party tools.


Project follow upgrades

The project follow feature allows registered visitors to follow projects with a single click so they receive email notifications when updates are added. While this was previously a sitewide feature, you can now choose to switch the feature on or off for individual projects, giving you increased flexibility in the way you plan, design and run your projects. You’ll also be able to prompt visitors to follow projects they contribute to via the participation tools.

You can view and download follower reports for projects, giving further insights into your audience and their behavior.