Privacy Policy

Your privacy is important to us. Learn how we collect, use, and protect your personal information.

Last Updated: December 20, 2025
GDPR Compliant
Global Privacy Standards

1. Introduction

DevShield Tech ("we", "us", or "our") operates the DevShield Coding Contest ("the Contest"). This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you participate in our Contest.

Important Notice

By participating in the Contest, you consent to the data practices described in this Privacy Policy. If you do not agree with our policies and practices, please do not use our services.

2. Our Privacy Principles

We are committed to protecting your privacy and have established the following principles:

Transparency

We clearly explain what data we collect and how we use it.

Security

We implement robust security measures to protect your data.

Consent

We obtain your consent before collecting personal information.

Control

You have control over your personal information and privacy settings.

3. Information We Collect

3.1 Personal Information

We collect the following personal information when you register for the Contest:

Data Category Examples Purpose
Identity Information Full name, email address, country Registration Communication Certification
Contest Data Programming language preferences, experience level Contest Administration Skill Matching
Technical Data IP address, browser type, device information Security Analytics Platform Improvement
Performance Data Submission history, scores, rankings Performance Reports Contest Results
Payment Information Billing address, transaction history Payment Processing Refunds

3.2 Automated Collection

We automatically collect certain information when you visit our website:

  • Usage Data: Pages visited, time spent, features used
  • Technical Data: Browser type, operating system, device type
  • Location Data: Country and region (derived from IP address)
  • Cookies and Similar Technologies: See our Cookie Policy below

3.3 Code Submissions

Your code submissions are stored for contest judging and may be analyzed for:

  • Plagiarism detection
  • Performance benchmarking
  • Educational research (anonymized)
  • Platform improvement

4. How We Use Your Information

4.1 Primary Uses

We use your information for the following purposes:

  • Contest Administration: To register you for the Contest, verify your identity, and manage your participation
  • Communication: To send contest updates, results, and important notices
  • Performance Analysis: To generate personalized performance reports
  • Prize Distribution: To verify winners and distribute prizes
  • Platform Improvement: To enhance our contest platform and user experience
  • Security: To prevent fraud, cheating, and unauthorized access

4.2 Marketing Communications

With your consent, we may send you:

  • Information about future contests
  • Programming resources and tutorials
  • Partner offers and discounts
  • Survey requests for feedback

Opt-Out Option

You can unsubscribe from marketing emails at any time by clicking the "unsubscribe" link in any email or by contacting us at privacy@devshield.tech.

4.3 Legal Basis for Processing

We process your personal information based on:

  • Contractual Necessity: To provide the Contest services you requested
  • Legitimate Interests: To improve our services and prevent fraud
  • Consent: For marketing communications and certain data processing
  • Legal Obligations: To comply with applicable laws and regulations

5. Information Sharing and Disclosure

5.1 Service Providers

We share your information with trusted service providers who assist us in:

  • Payment Processing: Stripe, PayPal
  • Email Services: SendGrid, Mailchimp
  • Cloud Infrastructure: AWS, Google Cloud
  • Analytics: Google Analytics (anonymized data)
  • Certification: Credly (for badge issuance)

5.2 Legal Requirements

We may disclose your information if required by law or if we believe such action is necessary to:

  • Comply with legal obligations or court orders
  • Protect our rights, property, or safety
  • Prevent fraud or security issues
  • Cooperate with law enforcement investigations

5.3 Business Transfers

In the event of a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets, your information may be transferred as part of the transaction. We will notify you of any such change.

5.4 Anonymized Data

We may share aggregated, anonymized data with:

  • Educational institutions for research purposes
  • Industry partners for trend analysis
  • Public reports on contest statistics

Data Protection Agreements

All third-party service providers sign data protection agreements and may only process your information for specified purposes in compliance with this Privacy Policy.

6. Data Security

6.1 Security Measures

We implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect your information:

  • Encryption: Data transmission using TLS/SSL encryption
  • Access Controls: Role-based access to personal data
  • Secure Storage: Data stored in encrypted databases
  • Regular Audits: Security assessments and penetration testing
  • Employee Training: Privacy and security awareness training

6.2 Data Retention

We retain your information for as long as necessary:

  • Contest Data: 3 years for performance comparison and certifications
  • Account Information: Until account deletion request
  • Payment Records: 7 years for legal and tax purposes
  • Communication Data: 2 years from last interaction

6.3 International Transfers

Your information may be transferred to and processed in countries outside your country of residence. We ensure appropriate safeguards are in place for such transfers, including:

  • Standard Contractual Clauses (EU)
  • Adequacy Decisions
  • Privacy Shield Framework (where applicable)

7. Your Privacy Rights

Depending on your location, you may have the following rights regarding your personal information:

Right to Access

You can request a copy of the personal information we hold about you.

Right to Correction

You can request correction of inaccurate or incomplete information.

Right to Deletion

You can request deletion of your personal information in certain circumstances.

Right to Restrict

You can request restriction of processing in certain situations.

Right to Portability

You can request transfer of your data to another organization.

Right to Object

You can object to processing based on legitimate interests.

Exercising Your Rights

To exercise any of these rights, please contact us at privacy@devshield.tech. We will respond to your request within 30 days. We may need to verify your identity before processing your request.

8. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

8.1 What Are Cookies?

Cookies are small text files stored on your device when you visit our website. They help us provide a better user experience.

8.2 Types of Cookies We Use

8.3 Cookie Consent

When you first visit our website, you can choose which types of cookies to accept. You can change your cookie preferences at any time through our cookie settings panel.

8.4 Managing Cookies

You can control cookies through your browser settings:

  • Browser Settings: Most browsers allow you to block or delete cookies
  • Opt-Out Tools: Use tools like the Digital Advertising Alliance's opt-out page
  • Do Not Track: We respect "Do Not Track" signals in browsers that support it

9. Children's Privacy

9.1 Age Restrictions

Our Contest is not intended for children under 16 years of age. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 16.

9.2 Parental Consent

Participants aged 16-18 must have parental or guardian consent to participate. We may require verification of parental consent for participants in this age range.

9.3 Removal Requests

If you believe we have collected information from a child under 16, please contact us immediately at privacy@devshield.tech, and we will take steps to remove such information.

10. Changes to This Privacy Policy

10.1 Policy Updates

We may update this Privacy Policy periodically to reflect changes in our practices or legal requirements. We will notify you of significant changes by:

  • Posting the updated policy on our website
  • Sending email notifications to registered users
  • Displaying prominent notices on our platform

10.2 Review Period

We encourage you to review this Privacy Policy regularly to stay informed about how we protect your information.

11. Contact Us

Contact Our Privacy Team

If you have questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or our data practices, please contact us:

privacy@devshield.tech
+1 (920) 217-5690

Data Protection Officer: For EU residents, you can contact our Data Protection Officer at dpo@devshield.tech

Privacy Policy Version: 3.1

This Privacy Policy was last updated on December 20, 2025. Previous versions are available upon request.