Privacy Policy

Zyne Awards (“Zyne Awards,” “we,” “us,” or “our”) is committed to protecting the privacy and personal data of users, participants, contributors, and visitors (“you,” “your”). This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, process, store, disclose, and safeguard personal data in accordance with India’s Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023 (“DPDP”) and the EU General Data Protection Regulation (“GDPR”). This Policy applies to all use of www.zyneawards.com (“Website”), including participation in photography awards, submissions, editorial features, publications, communications, and related services. By accessing or using the Website, you acknowledge that you have read and understood this Privacy Policy and consent to the processing of your personal data as described herein.

Personal Data: Any data about an individual who is identifiable by or in relation to such data.

Data Principal: The individual to whom the personal data relates.

Data Fiduciary (DPDP): Zyne magazine.

Data Controller (GDPR): Zyne magazine.

Data Processor: Any third party processing data on behalf of Zyne Awards.

Processing: Any operation performed on personal data, including collection, storage, use, disclosure, or deletion.

We may collect the following personal data when you interact with the Website:

• Full name
• Email address
• Country of residence
• Artist biography and professional profile
• Website and social media links (optional)
• Contact details submitted via forms or correspondence
• Payment or transaction information (where applicable)

For award participation and editorial purposes:

• Photographic works and associated metadata
• Descriptions, statements, and category selections
• Submission history and award status.

Through cookies and similar technologies:

• IP address
• Browser and device information
• Usage patterns and interaction data
• Date, time, and referring URLs

We process personal data based on:

• Consent freely given by the Data Principal
• Legitimate use, including voluntary submission of data for participation in awards and related editorial activities

Processing is carried out on one or more of the following bases:

• Consent
• Performance of a contract (award participation)
• Legitimate interests, including editorial publication, promotion of award results, and platform integrity
• Legal obligations, where applicable

Personal data is processed strictly for:

• Administering photography awards, competitions, and jury evaluations
• Reviewing, curating, publishing, and promoting selected works
• Communicating with participants regarding submissions, results, certificates, and announcements
• Publishing winners, finalists, jury-selected works, and editor’s choice features
• Maintaining records, archives, and historical award documentation
• Website operation, analytics, and improvement
• Compliance with legal and regulatory requirements
• Preventing misuse, fraud, or unauthorized access

• Copyright ownership remains with the artist at all times.
• By submitting work, you grant Zyne Awards a non-exclusive, worldwide, royalty-free license to use submitted content for:
• Jury review and evaluation
• Website publication
• Editorial features and announcements
• Promotional and archival purposes related exclusively to Zyne Awards
• No commercial sale or third-party licensing of submitted works will occur without explicit additional consent.

Consent is obtained through clear affirmative action (submission forms, opt-ins).You may withdraw consent at any time, subject to legal, archival, or editorial obligations. Withdrawal will not affect processing already lawfully carried out.

We do not sell or rent personal data.

Data may be shared only with:

• Jury members, editors, and curators for evaluation and publication
• Service providers (hosting, analytics, email) acting as Data Processors
• Authorities, where required by law or legal process
• Parties necessary to protect the rights, safety, and integrity of Zyne Awards

All processors are contractually obligated to comply with applicable data protection laws.

Given the international nature of Zyne Awards:

• Personal data may be processed outside India or the EU
• Appropriate safeguards are implemented in accordance with DPDP Act and GDPR requirements
• By using the Website, you consent to such transfers where legally permitted.

Personal data is retained only for as long as necessary to:

• Fulfill award administration and editorial purposes
• Maintain historical and archival award records
• Comply with legal, regulatory, and tax obligations

Data may be anonymized or securely deleted upon expiry of retention requirements.

We implement reasonable technical and organizational measures to protect personal data against unauthorized access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction. However, no digital platform can guarantee absolute security.

You have the right to:

• Access your personal data
• Request correction or updating of inaccurate data
• Request erasure of personal data (subject to lawful exceptions)
• Withdraw consent
• Restrict or object to certain processing activities
• Grievance redressal under DPDP Act

Requests may be submitted via the contact details provided below.

The Website is not intended for individuals under the age of 13. We do not knowingly process children’s personal data without verifiable parental consent.

Cookies are used to:

• Ensure website functionality
• Improve user experience
• Analyze traffic and performance

Users may control cookie preferences through browser settings.

We reserve the right to update this Privacy Policy at any time. Changes will be posted on this page with an updated effective date. Continued use of the Website constitutes acceptance of the revised Policy.

In accordance with the DPDP Act, grievances and data requests may be addressed to:

Grievance Officer
Vivek Kumar
zynemagindia@gmail.com

We will respond within the timelines prescribed under applicable law.