Any research that at all involves a human being-- performed by an institution governed by laws that mandate the existence of an IRB-- must be reviewed by their IRB. Keep in mind that IRB's govern research, not just experimentation.
We don't even need to get into the weeds on this just being "answers to questions". All you need to do is look at the human impact: This research study has caused anxiety, time, and potentially money to many people being asked to unknowingly participate in the study. IRB's exist to evaluate-- among other things-- potential adverse impacts on people involved in a study. This has had an adverse impact and should not have been allowed through IRB review in this form.
We don't even need to get into the weeds on this just being "answers to questions". All you need to do is look at the human impact: This research study has caused anxiety, time, and potentially money to many people being asked to unknowingly participate in the study. IRB's exist to evaluate-- among other things-- potential adverse impacts on people involved in a study. This has had an adverse impact and should not have been allowed through IRB review in this form.