Privacy Policy

1. Information We Collect

1.1 Personal Information

When you register for the competition, we collect:

• Basic Details: Name, age, gender, email address
• Contact Information: Mobile number, address
• Location Data: Town, district
• Guardian Information: For participants under 18 years

1.2 Media Content

• Photographs submitted for the competition
• Video content (introduction videos)
• Metadata associated with uploaded files

1.3 Technical Information

• IP address and device information
• Browser type and version
• Usage patterns and preferences
• Voting history and interactions

1.4 Payment Information

• Payment transaction details
• Billing information (processed securely through payment gateways)

2. How We Use Your Information

2.1 Competition Management

• Processing your registration and entry
• Verifying eligibility and authenticity
• Managing voting and competition phases
• Determining winners and distributing prizes

2.2 Communication

• Sending important updates about the competition
• Notifying you of voting results and progress
• Responding to your inquiries and support requests
• Marketing communications (with your consent)

2.3 Platform Security

• Preventing fraud and maintaining fair competition
• Monitoring for inappropriate content
• Ensuring voting integrity through OTP verification

2.4 Analytics and Improvement

• Understanding user behavior and preferences
• Improving platform functionality and user experience
• Generating anonymized reports and statistics

3. Information Sharing and Disclosure

3.1 Public Information

The following information is made publicly available on our platform:

• Your name and age (for participants)
• Town and district information
• Competition photos and videos
• Vote counts and rankings

3.2 We Do NOT Share

• Your personal contact details (email, mobile number)
• Payment information
• Personal addresses
• Guardian information (for minors)

3.3 Limited Sharing

We may share information only in these circumstances:

• Service Providers: With trusted partners who help operate our platform
• Legal Requirements: When required by law or legal processes
• Safety Concerns: To protect the safety of participants or the public
• Business Transfer: In case of merger, acquisition, or asset sale

4. Data Security

4.1 Security Measures

• Encryption: All data transmissions are encrypted using SSL/TLS
• Access Control: Limited access to personal data on need-to-know basis
• Regular Audits: Security assessments and vulnerability testing
• Secure Storage: Data stored on secure servers with backup systems

4.2 Payment Security

• We use PCI-compliant payment processors
• Payment details are not stored on our servers
• All transactions are processed through secure gateways

5. Your Rights and Choices

5.1 Access and Control

You have the right to:

• Access: Request a copy of your personal data
• Update: Correct or update your information
• Delete: Request deletion of your account and data
• Withdraw Consent: Opt-out of marketing communications

5.2 Limitations

Some limitations apply:

• Public competition data cannot be removed during active competitions
• Legal requirements may prevent immediate data deletion
• Anonymized data used for analytics may be retained

6. Cookies and Tracking

6.1 Cookies We Use

• Essential Cookies: Required for platform functionality
• Performance Cookies: Help us understand how users interact with our site
• Functional Cookies: Remember your preferences and settings

6.2 Managing Cookies

You can control cookies through your browser settings, but this may affect platform functionality.

7. Data Retention

• Active Competition: Data retained throughout competition period
• Post-Competition: Personal data retained for 2 years for prize distribution and legal purposes
• Public Content: Competition photos/videos may be retained longer for historical records
• Marketing Data: Retained until you opt-out or request deletion

8. Children's Privacy

Special protections for participants under 18:

• Guardian consent is required for registration
• Additional privacy protections apply
• Limited data collection compared to adult participants
• Parents/guardians can request data deletion at any time

9. Updates to This Policy

• We may update this policy to reflect changes in our practices
• Significant changes will be notified via email or platform notification
• Continued use of the platform constitutes acceptance of updated terms
• Previous versions are available upon request

10. Contact Us

For privacy-related questions or to exercise your rights:

Last Updated: June 14, 2025

This Privacy Policy is effective as of the date listed above and applies to all information collected by Telangana Model platform.