Introduction
At World Underwater Macro Awards (WUMA), we are committed to protecting your personal data and respecting your privacy. This policy explains how we collect, use, store, and protect your information when you use our platform.
By using our services, you agree to the collection and use of information in accordance with this policy.
Data We Collect
Personal Information
When you create an account, we collect:
- Name and surname
- Email address
- Country of residence
- Photographer category (Spotter, Amateur, Professional)
- Professional information (resort, dive center, if applicable)
- Social media profiles (optional)
Submitted Photos
When you submit photos, we collect:
- Images and associated files
- Metadata (title, description, location, date)
- Technical information (camera, settings, if provided)
- Competition categories
Technical Data
We automatically collect:
- IP address
- Browser type and version
- Operating system
- Pages visited and browsing time
- Cookies (see our cookie policy)
Payment Information
For competition registration:
- Payment data is processed securely by our partner Airwallex
- We do not store your complete credit card information
- Only transaction confirmations and payment status are stored
How We Use Your Data
Your data is used for:
- Managing your account and competition registrations
- Processing and evaluating your photo submissions
- Communicating competition results and important updates
- Displaying photos in galleries and exhibitions
- Processing payments and issuing invoices
- Improving our services and user experience
- Preventing fraud and ensuring platform security
- Sending newsletters (with your consent)
Data Sharing
We do not sell your personal data. We may share information with:
- Competition judges: Only your name and photos (no personal contact details)
- Payment service providers: Airwallex for transaction processing
- Technical service providers: Hosting (Emergent), email services
- Sponsors: Only with your explicit consent for prizes
- Legal authorities: If required by law or to protect our rights
🔒 All our partners are bound by strict confidentiality and data protection obligations.
Data Security
We implement appropriate security measures to protect your data:
- HTTPS encryption for all data transmission
- Secure password storage (hashing)
- Regular security audits
- Restricted access to personal data (need-to-know basis)
- Regular backups
- Protection against cyberattacks
However, no method of transmission over the Internet is 100% secure. While we strive to protect your data, we cannot guarantee absolute security.
Data Retention
We retain your data as follows:
- Active accounts: Data retained as long as account is active
- Inactive accounts: After 3 years of inactivity, accounts may be archived or deleted
- Submitted photos: Retained for archiving and exhibition purposes
- Payment data: Retained for 7 years for legal and tax requirements
- Marketing consents: Until withdrawal of consent
Your Rights
Under data protection regulations (GDPR), you have the right to:
- Access: Request a copy of your personal data
- Rectification: Correct inaccurate or incomplete data
- Erasure: Request deletion of your data
- Portability: Receive your data in a structured format
- Objection: Object to certain data processing
- Restriction: Limit the processing of your data
- Withdraw consent: For marketing communications
To exercise these rights, contact us at: legal.privacy@wuma.photo
We will respond to your request within 30 days.
Cookies
We use cookies to:
- Maintain your session and preferences
- Analyze site traffic and usage (Google Analytics, PostHog)
- Improve user experience
You can manage cookie preferences through our consent banner or your browser settings. However, disabling cookies may affect site functionality.
Children's Privacy
Our platform is not intended for children under 18. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If we discover such data has been collected, we will delete it immediately.
Minors wishing to participate must have parental consent.
Policy Changes
We may update this privacy policy periodically. Significant changes will be communicated by email or notification on the platform. Your continued use after modifications constitutes acceptance of the new policy.
We recommend reviewing this policy regularly to stay informed.
International Transfers
Your data may be transferred and stored in various countries. We ensure adequate protection measures are in place for all international data transfers in accordance with applicable regulations.
Contact
For any questions regarding this privacy policy or your data:
Email: legal.privacy@wuma.photo
Website: wuma.photo
Data Protection Officer: If you wish to file a complaint, you can also contact your local data protection authority.