Privacy Policy

1. Information We Collect

We collect the following types of information:

1.1 Personal Identification Data

• Name
• Email address
• Phone number
• Country/region
• Verification details (for voting authenticity)

1.2 Nominee & Submission Data

• Biographical information
• Photos, videos, and documents submitted for participation
• Statements, descriptions, or cultural works provided by nominees

1.3 Technical Data

• IP addresses
• Device information
• Browser type
• Usage analytics and cookies

2. How We Use Your Information

We collect and use data for the following purposes:

1. Vote Verification: To ensure each vote is genuine, unique, and compliant with the voting rules.
2. Communication: To notify voters, nominees, or applicants about updates, confirmations, and official announcements.
3. Award Management: Processing entries, juror evaluations, and final results.
4. Platform Improvement: Monitoring usage to enhance website performance and security.
5. Legal & Security Purposes: Detecting fraud, preventing abuse of the platform, and complying with legal obligations.

3. How We Protect Your Data

1. All personal data is stored on secure servers with encryption and restricted access.
2. Voting data is anonymized during counting to protect voter identity.
3. Only authorized award administrators and technical partners can access necessary information.
4. We do not sell, lease, or share personal data with third parties for marketing purposes.

4. Sharing Information

We may share limited, necessary data only with:

• Technical service providers (for verification and secure data processing)
• Regulatory bodies if legally required
• The award jury, but only nominee-related data—not voter identities

5. Cookies and Tracking

We use cookies to improve user experience, maintain login sessions, and analyze website traffic. Users may accept or decline cookies through their browser settings.

6. Data Retention

1. Voting-related data is retained only for the duration necessary to verify and confirm award integrity.
2. Nominee submissions may be retained for documentation, archives, and future promotional purposes, unless the nominee requests removal.
3. Users may request deletion of their information at any time, subject to legal or operational limitations.

7. Your Rights

Users have the right to:

• Request access to their personal data
• Request correction or deletion
• Withdraw consent for communications
• Request anonymization of voting or submission data

All such requests can be directed to the Award Secretariat at: +251 945 44 34 50

8. Policy Updates

We may revise this policy to reflect improvements or legal updates. Any changes will be posted on the official website with an updated date.

9. Acceptance

By using the Award Website, submitting entries, or participating in voting, users agree to this Privacy Policy.