UofTHacks Privacy Policy

Last Updated: November 12, 2025

UofTHacks ("we," "our," or "us") is committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, and safeguard your information across our website, application portal, and mobile app (collectively, the "Services").

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact us at contact@uofthacks.com.

1. Information We Collect

We collect information you provide directly to us, data automatically collected through analytics tools, and information gathered during our events.

1.1 Information You Provide

When you create an account, fill out an application, or participate in UofTHacks, we may collect:

Name and contact information (such as email address)
School, program, and demographic details
Application responses and uploaded documents (e.g., résumé)
Location information (if provided)
Any other information you voluntarily share with us

1.2 Google OAuth (Third-Party Login)

We allow users to sign in using their Google account through Google OAuth 2.0.

When you choose this option, we receive only your name and email address from Google.

This information is used solely to:

Create or log in to your UofTHacks account
Display your name within your profile or application portal
Communicate with you regarding your application or participation in the hackathon

We do not access any other Google account data (such as your contacts, files, or calendar).

We do not share your Google account information with any third parties except as required to operate our Services or comply with applicable law.

Your use of Google sign-in is also subject to Google’s Privacy Policy.

1.3 Automatically Collected Information

When you use our website, application portal, or mobile app, certain information is collected automatically through Google Analytics and Amplitude.

This includes:

IP address, browser type, operating system, and device type
Pages or screens viewed, buttons clicked, and navigation patterns
Time spent on pages and general usage statistics
The referring website or link (where you came from before visiting our site or app)
Approximate geographic location (based on your IP address)

We use this information to:

Understand how users find and interact with our Services
Improve usability, performance, and event experience
Analyze overall trends in participation and engagement

All analytics data is collected and processed in aggregated or anonymized form. We do not use it to personally identify individual users.

You can opt out of Google Analytics tracking via the Google Analytics Opt-Out Browser Add-on.

1.4 Information Collected During Events

During the hackathon and related events, we may collect:

Attendance and participation data (check-ins, workshops attended)
Submissions or project demos
Photos, videos, and recordings taken during the event
Survey responses and feedback
Interactions with sponsors, mentors, or judges

We use this information to organize and improve future events, fulfill sponsor and reporting requirements, and celebrate participant achievements.

We may use aggregated or anonymized event data for statistics or promotional purposes.

If you prefer not to appear in photos or videos, please contact us before or during the event.

1.5 Mobile App Data

a. Camera Access

The app may request permission to use your camera to take photobooth pictures during the event.
Photos are stored securely on our servers and may appear in event galleries as part of the hackathon experience.
Camera access is optional — you can use the app without granting permission.
We do not access your device’s camera roll or photos outside the photobooth feature.

b. Push Notifications

The app may send push notifications about event schedules, updates, and announcements.
Notifications are optional — you can decline permission or disable them in your device settings.

c. Event Schedule Data

The app stores your schedule preferences (e.g., favorited events or filters) locally on your device.
This data is not shared with our servers and is deleted automatically if you uninstall the app.

d. Account Information

Basic account details (e.g., name, email, authentication token) may be used to access hackathon features.
Tokens and credentials are securely stored on your device.

2. How We Use Your Information

We use your information to:

Operate and improve our website, application portal, and mobile app
Process and evaluate hackathon applications
Authenticate users via Google OAuth
Communicate with you regarding applications, updates, and event logistics
Provide features such as the event schedule, photobooth, and notifications
Analyze usage patterns and improve the overall hackathon experience
Ensure the safety, security, and reliability of our systems
Comply with legal or regulatory obligations

We may also use photos or anonymized event data for promotional or archival purposes.

3. How We Share Your Information

We do not sell or rent personal data.

We may share limited data only with:

Service providers who help operate our systems (e.g., hosting, cloud storage, push notifications)
Sponsors or partners for recruitment, mentorship, or event reporting purposes
Legal authorities when required by law or to protect rights and safety

All third parties are required to handle data responsibly and in accordance with applicable laws.

4. Data Storage and Security

Photobooth images: Stored securely on our servers and deleted after the event.
Authentication tokens: Stored securely on your device and deleted upon logout or expiration.
Application data: Stored on secure servers and retained only as needed for event operations.
Schedule preferences: Stored locally on your device and deleted upon uninstallation.

We use encryption and access controls for all data transmission and storage.

5. Data Retention

We retain personal data only for as long as necessary to:

Evaluate event applications
Operate and document the hackathon
Comply with legal or reporting obligations

In general:

Application and account data: Retained for the duration of the event and a short period afterward.
Photobooth photos: Deleted after the event ends.
Schedule preferences: Removed when you uninstall the app.

We may anonymize certain data for statistical or archival use.

6. Your Rights

You have the right to:

Access, update, or delete your information
Decline camera or notification permissions in the mobile app
Request deletion of your photobooth photos
Request account deletion by contacting contact@uofthacks.com
Withdraw consent for data processing at any time

Depending on your jurisdiction (e.g., Canada, EU, California), additional privacy rights may apply.

7. Children’s Privacy

Our Services are intended for hackathon participants aged 13 and older.
We do not knowingly collect personal data from children under 13.
If we learn that we have collected data from a child under 13 without parental consent, we will delete it immediately.

9. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time.

All updates will be posted on this page with an updated "Last Updated" date.

Significant changes may also be communicated via email or app notification.

Continued use of our Services after changes are posted constitutes your acceptance of the revised policy.

10. What We Do NOT Do

We do not:

Track your location
Sell or rent your personal information
Use your data for advertising or marketing purposes
Access your contacts, microphone, or files (beyond camera for photobooth use)
Track you across other apps or websites
Collect financial or payment information

11. Contact Us

For questions, concerns, or privacy requests, please contact us at:

📧 contact@uofthacks.com

12. Consent

By using the UofTHacks website, application portal, or mobile app, you consent to this Privacy Policy and the collection and use of information as described.

If you do not agree, please discontinue use of our Services.