Privacy Policy

Introduction

Welcome to ETHON. We respect your privacy and are committed to protecting your personal data. This privacy policy explains how we collect, use, and safeguard your information when you use our hackathon companion app.

Information We Collect

Personal Information

• Account Information: Name, email address, and profile details you provide when creating an account
• Event Data: Hackathon schedules, team information, and check-in data you enter
• Communication: Messages and feedback you send through the app

Automatically Collected Information

• Device Information: Device type, operating system, and app version
• Usage Data: How you interact with the app features and frequency of use
• Location Data: Approximate location for event check-ins (only when you enable location services)

How We Use Your Information

• Provide and improve our hackathon management services
• Enable team collaboration and event participation
• Send important notifications about events and updates
• Analyze app usage to enhance user experience
• Ensure security and prevent fraud

Data Sharing and Disclosure

We do not sell, trade, or rent your personal information to third parties. We may share your data only in these limited circumstances:

• Event Organizers: Basic profile information when you participate in hackathons
• Team Members: Information necessary for team collaboration
• Service Providers: We use Google Firebase and Firestore to store and manage your data. Google acts as our data processor and is bound by strict data protection agreements
• Legal Requirements: When required by law or to protect our rights and users' safety

Want to delete your data? Click here for deletion instructions

Data Storage and Security

Where Your Data is Stored

ETHON uses Google's Firebase and Firestore services to securely store and manage your data:

• Authentication Data: User accounts, login credentials, and profile information are stored in Firebase Authentication
• Event Data: Hackathon schedules, team information, check-ins, and app content are stored in Firestore (Google's NoSQL database)
• Data Location: Your data is stored on Google's secure cloud infrastructure with global data centers

Security Measures

We implement industry-standard security measures to protect your data:

• Encryption of data in transit and at rest through Firebase/Firestore security protocols
• Google's enterprise-grade security infrastructure with regular security audits
• Limited access to personal data on a need-to-know basis
• Firebase security rules to control data access and permissions
• Regular backups and disaster recovery procedures through Google Cloud

Your data is stored on Google's secure cloud servers and retained only as long as necessary to provide our services or as required by law. Google's Firebase and Firestore services comply with major privacy regulations including GDPR and CCPA.

Your Rights and Choices

You have the following rights regarding your personal data:

• Access: Request a copy of your personal data
• Correction: Update or correct inaccurate information
• Deletion: Request deletion of your account and associated data
• Portability: Export your data in a common format
• Opt-out: Disable notifications and marketing communications

To exercise these rights, contact us at the email address provided below.

Cookies and Tracking

Our app and website may use cookies and similar technologies to:

• Remember your preferences and settings
• Analyze app performance and usage patterns
• Provide personalized content and features

You can manage cookie preferences through your device settings.

Children's Privacy

ETHON is designed for users aged 13 and older. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If we discover we have collected such information, we will delete it promptly.

Changes to This Policy

We may update this privacy policy from time to time. We will notify you of significant changes through the app or by email. Your continued use of ETHON after changes become effective constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.

Data Deletion Request

If you want to permanently delete all your data from our database, including your account, profile information, and event data stored in Firebase and Firestore, please follow these simple steps:

• Send an email to: jsubhra502@gmail.com
• Subject line: "Delete My Data"
• In the email body, simply write: "Delete"
• Include the email address associated with your ETHON account

We will process your request within 7 business days and confirm once your data has been permanently removed from our systems. Please note that this action cannot be undone, and you will need to create a new account if you wish to use ETHON again in the future.

Contact Us

If you have questions about this privacy policy or our data practices, please contact us: