Privacy Policy

Privacy Policy and Personal Data

This notice is intended to inform you about how TPA (referred to as “we”, “our”, or “us”) collects, manages, and uses your personal data. Transparency is a priority for us, and we invite you to reach out if you have questions regarding this policy or how your information is utilized.
This policy applies to our subscribers, awards participants, and business contacts. We are committed to safeguarding your privacy and handling your information responsibly.

PRIVACY POLICY

TPA values your personal identity and promotes fair data practices. This privacy notice covers the website https://www.topphotoawards.com/. TPA retains sole ownership of all information gathered through this website.

WHO MANAGES YOUR DATA?

Top Photo Awards, under iPolus LLC, (hereinafter TPA), acts as the data controller for all personal data collected via its website, https://www.topphotoawards.com/.
Registering on our website grants access to services tailored to registered users. TPA ensures the security of your personal data by providing clear guidelines on privacy and security to its employees and ensuring these are rigorously enforced.

OUR APPROACH

Everyone has the right to the protection of their personal data. TPA respects this right and ensures users are informed about how their data is collected and processed. When processing data that can directly or indirectly identify you, we adhere to the principle of necessity, ensuring minimal use of your personal information. Where possible, activities are conducted using anonymized data (e.g., in market research or service improvements). Identification through personal data occurs only when necessary, such as compliance with legal requirements.
The decisions on data handling methods, tools, and security measures are made by TPA as the data controller. This privacy statement outlines how we collect and use your information.

Data Collection

TPA collects data at multiple touchpoints on its website. We only gather information required to serve you, present your work to judges, notify you of outcomes, remind you of deadlines, or promote your achievements and business. Personal information collected through forms is strictly for TPA’s internal use. Contact details, including phone numbers, addresses, and emails, will never be sold or shared with third parties.
Information You Provide: We collect information directly from you when you create an account, make a submission, request support, or provide testimonials. This includes:

  • Your name, email, address, company details, and position.
  • Information about your submission, such as:
    • Photograph name
    • Photographer and team names
    • Company name
    • Contact details

COOKIES, ANALYTICS, AND TRACKING TECHNOLOGIES:

We use cookies and other tracking technologies to improve user experience. Cookies are small files stored on your device that enhance site functionality. We may also use analytics tools, like Google Analytics, to understand and improve visitor interactions with our site.

Where Your Data Is Stored:

Electronic data is stored on our supplier’s platform in the United States. Server locations may vary depending on your geographic location to optimize service performance. For example, users based in Europe may have their data stored on servers within Europe. Third-party providers assisting us may store data according to their practices, but we require them to treat your data in accordance with the law.
Use of Your Data:
Your data is used to:

  • Highlight TPA award winners
  • Send deadline reminders
  • Notify winners of their achievements
  • Provide updates and news about TPA and related competitions
  • Respond to customer service inquiries
  • Analyze trends and marketing strategies
  • Prevent unauthorized activities or misuse of our website
  • Display relevant advertisements

Your Rights

You have the following rights concerning your personal data:

  • Access your information to verify lawful processing.
  • Request corrections to inaccuracies in your data.
  • Request deletion of your data when processing is no longer necessary.
  • Object to data processing when it impacts your specific situation.

CONTENT POLICY

Users must not upload or share illegal, unethical, or harmful content. This includes, but is not limited to, content related to child exploitation, self-harm, malicious practices, or unauthorized use of personal information. Restricted content includes items requiring special permissions or licenses to create, sell, or distribute. Posting such content without appropriate authorization is prohibited.

Right to Be Forgotten:

We will delete all your personal data upon request. To review, correct, or delete your personal information, or to transfer your data to another entity, contact us at contact@topphotoawards.com.
Verification Requirements:
To protect your data, we may request verification of your identity before granting access or making changes to your information.

Withdrawing Consent:

If you have consented to data processing for specific purposes, you may withdraw your consent at any time by contacting us at contact@topphotoawards.com. Additionally, marketing preferences can be adjusted through the unsubscribe option in our emails.
Once consent is withdrawn, we will cease processing your data unless we have a legitimate reason to continue.

SHARING INFORMATION

To promote winners, we may share project details with media, partners, or in press releases. Personal data not intended for publicity will not be shared. We require our partners to respect your data in accordance with the law.

TESTIMONIALS

We may publish testimonials with your consent to showcase user experiences and provide exposure.

LINKS TO OTHER SITES

Our website may link to third-party sites. TPA is not responsible for their privacy practices and encourages users to read their privacy policies. This policy applies solely to TPA’s website.

PAYMENT SECURITY

We use secure payment methods, including Square and PayPal, with 256-bit SSL encryption. TPA does not store or access your payment details.

EMAIL COMMUNICATIONS

You can opt out of newsletters or promotional emails by following the instructions in the emails or contacting our support team. Important notifications related to your participation in TPA may still be sent.

COOKIES

You can manage or disable cookies through your browser settings. Note that disabling cookies may impact website functionality.
For questions or concerns, please contact us at contact@topphotoawards.com.