Privacy Policy

Introduction

Hackathon NGO ("we," "us," or "our") is committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you visit our website, use our services, or participate in our events.

Information We Collect

Personal Information

We may collect personal information that you voluntarily provide to us when you:

• Register for events or create an account
• Subscribe to our newsletter
• Contact us through our website
• Participate in surveys or feedback forms
• Make donations

This information may include:

• Name and contact information (email, phone number)
• Professional information (company, job title, skills)
• Demographic information (age, location)
• Payment information (for donations, processed securely)
• Project and portfolio information

Automatically Collected Information

When you visit our website, we may automatically collect:

• Device and browser information
• IP address and location data
• Website usage patterns and analytics
• Cookies and similar tracking technologies

How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect to:

• Organize and manage hackathon events
• Communicate with participants and stakeholders
• Send newsletters and updates about our activities
• Process donations and maintain donor records
• Improve our services and user experience
• Comply with legal obligations
• Showcase participant achievements (with consent)
• Facilitate networking and collaboration opportunities

Information Sharing and Disclosure

We do not sell, trade, or rent your personal information to third parties. We may share your information in the following circumstances:

With Your Consent

We may share your information when you give us explicit consent to do so.

Service Providers

We may share information with trusted service providers who assist us in:

• Website hosting and maintenance
• Email marketing services
• Payment processing
• Event management platforms
• Analytics and data analysis

Legal Requirements

We may disclose information when required by law or to protect our rights and safety.

Event Participants

During hackathons, we may share participant information for networking and collaboration purposes, always with appropriate consent.

Data Security

We implement appropriate security measures to protect your personal information against unauthorized access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction. However, no method of transmission over the internet or electronic storage is 100% secure. We continuously review our practices and contracts with service providers to maintain an appropriate level of security.

Security measures include:

• Encryption of sensitive data
• Secure server infrastructure
• Regular security audits and updates
• Limited access to personal information
• Staff training on data protection

Your Rights and Choices

You have the right to:

• Access and review your personal information
• Correct or update inaccurate information
• Request deletion of your personal information
• Opt-out of marketing communications
• Object to certain processing of your information
• Request a copy of your data in a portable format
• Withdraw consent at any time without affecting the lawfulness of processing based on consent before its withdrawal
• Lodge a complaint with the Personal Data Protection Agency (PDPA) if you believe your rights have been infringed

To exercise these rights, please contact us using the information provided below.

Supervisory Authority

You can also contact Armenia's Personal Data Protection Agency (PDPA) at 54b Komitas Ave., Yerevan 0051, or via info@pdpa.am.

Cookies and Tracking Technologies

We use cookies and similar tracking technologies to enhance your browsing experience, analyze website traffic, and understand user preferences. You can control cookie settings through your browser preferences.

Types of cookies we use:

• Essential cookies for website functionality
• Analytics cookies to understand website usage
• Marketing cookies for targeted communications
• Preference cookies to remember your settings

For more information, please see our Cookie Policy.

Third-Party Links

Our website may contain links to third-party websites. We are not responsible for the privacy practices or content of these external sites. We encourage you to review the privacy policies of any third-party sites you visit.

Children's Privacy

Our services are not directed to children under 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If we learn that we have collected personal information from a child under 13, we will take steps to delete such information.

International Data Transfers

Your information may be transferred to and processed in countries other than your country of residence. We ensure appropriate safeguards are in place to protect your information in accordance with this Privacy Policy. Where we transfer data to countries without an adequate level of protection, we implement appropriate safeguards (such as contractual clauses) or obtain your consent.

Data Retention

We retain your personal information for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined in this Privacy Policy, unless a longer retention period is required or permitted by law. We will securely delete or anonymize your information when it is no longer needed.

Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of any material changes by posting the new Privacy Policy on this page and updating the "Last updated" date. We encourage you to review this Privacy Policy periodically.

Contact Us

If you have questions or concerns about this Privacy Policy or our data practices, please contact us through the contact information provided on our website.

We are committed to resolving any privacy concerns promptly and transparently.

Data Controller

The data controller responsible for your information is Hackathon NGO (the "Controller"). If you have questions, please contact us at hackathon.ngo@gmail.com or by post at Yerevan, Armenia.

Legal Bases for Processing

We process personal information only when we have a lawful basis to do so under applicable law, including the Law of the Republic of Armenia on Protection of Personal Data. Our primary basis is consent, and depending on the context we may also rely on:

• Consent: when you voluntarily provide information or clearly agree to our processing for specific purposes (e.g., newsletters, event participation, donations).
• Contractual necessity: to register you for events or provide services you request.
• Legal obligations: to comply with accounting, taxation, or other legal requirements.
• Legitimate interests: to operate, secure, and improve our website and events, provided these interests are not overridden by your rights and freedoms.

Sensitive Data

We do not intentionally collect sensitive (special category) personal data. If such data is necessary for a specific, clearly stated purpose (for example, health-related accommodations at an event), we will request your explicit consent and apply additional safeguards, or process it only where permitted by law.

Service Providers (Processors)

We use trusted service providers to help us operate our website and services. They act as data processors under our instructions and contractual safeguards. Typical categories include:

• Hosting and infrastructure providers
• Email delivery and newsletter platforms
• Analytics providers
• Payment processors and anti-fraud services (for donations)
• Event management and ticketing platforms

A current list of material processors is available on request at hackathon.ngo@gmail.com.

Event Photography and Media

Our events may be photographed or recorded. We may use images and recordings to promote our mission. Where legally required, we will seek consent; you may opt out by informing an organizer on site or by contacting us before or after the event at hackathon.ngo@gmail.com.

Donor Information

If you donate, we collect information necessary to process the donation and issue confirmations (e.g., name, contact details, payment reference). Payment card data is processed by our payment processor and not stored by Hackathon NGO. We retain donation records as required by law.

Automated Decision-Making

We do not use automated decision-making, including profiling, that produces legal or similarly significant effects on individuals.

Data Protection Contact

We have appointed a contact person for data protection matters. You can reach them at hackathon.ngo@gmail.com.