Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

HackUK ("we," "us," "our") is committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you attend our hackathon events and use our website.

2. Information We Collect

We may collect information about you in the following ways:

3. How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect to:

• Register you for HackUK events and send event information
• Communicate important updates, emergency information, and event details
• Ensure participant safety and accommodation of accessibility/medical needs
• Contact parents/guardians of participants under 18 in case of emergency
• Improve our events and website based on feedback and analytics
• Showcase your projects and promote HackUK (with attribution)
• Feature photos/videos on our website and social media (with consent)
• Comply with legal obligations

4. Data Sharing

We do not sell, trade, or rent your personal information. We may share information with:

• Event Partners and Venues: To manage logistics, safety, and accessibility
• Volunteers: Only essential information needed to support event safety and coordination
• Emergency Services: If necessary for participant safety
• Legal Authorities: When required by law

5. Data Security

We implement appropriate technical, administrative, and physical safeguards to protect your personal information from unauthorised access, disclosure, alteration, and destruction. However, no method of transmission over the internet is 100% secure. We encourage you to use strong passwords and contact us immediately if you suspect a security breach.

6. Retention of Data

We retain your personal information for as long as necessary to provide our services and comply with legal obligations. For event participants, we retain data for a minimum of 3 years. You may request deletion of your data at any time by contacting us.

7. Your Rights

You have the right to:

• Access your personal information
• Request correction of inaccurate data
• Request deletion of your data (right to be forgotten)
• Withdraw consent for data processing
• Opt-out of promotional communications
• Request a copy of your data in a portable format

To exercise these rights, contact us at info@hackuk.network

8. Children's Privacy

HackUK events are designed for young people aged 16-18. For participants under 18, we require parental or guardian consent and collect parent/guardian contact information. We will use parental contact information only for event communication and emergencies, and we do not market to children without parental consent.

9. Photography and Video Consent

By attending HackUK events, you consent to photography and video recording for promotional and documentation purposes unless you opt-out by informing an organiser before the event begins. We will not identify you by name without your permission.

10. Third-Party Links

Our website may contain links to third-party websites and services. We are not responsible for their privacy practices. We encourage you to review their privacy policies before providing personal information.

11. Cookies and Analytics

We use cookies and analytics tools (such as Google Analytics) to understand how you use our website. These tools may collect information about your browsing behaviour. You can disable cookies in your browser settings. Analytics data is used only in aggregate form and does not identify you personally.

12. UK GDPR Compliance

HackUK complies with the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018. If you have questions about your data rights under UK law, please contact us.

13. Policy Changes

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of significant changes by email or by posting a notice on our website. Your continued participation in our events constitutes acceptance of the updated Privacy Policy.