Privacy Policy

This Privacy Policy describes how FTCSIM.ORG ("FTCSIM.ORG," "our," "we," "us") collects and processes personal data that users (“user,” “your,” or “you”) provide to us at any of our websites where this Policy is posted (the “Sites”).

  1. Treatment of Data for Minor Youth
    We protect the privacy of children under the age of 13 residing outside the European Union, within the spirit of COPPA, and those residing in the European Union as provided by the GDPR. Youth under the age of 13 are not permitted to create accounts or provide personal data on our Sites. If we learn that we have obtained personal data directly from a child under 13, we will delete that data as soon as possible.

  2. Agreement to the Policy
    By accessing or using any of our Sites, you agree to be bound by all of the Sites’ terms and conditions, including this Privacy Policy. If you do not agree to these terms, please do not access or use our Sites. If you believe data was collected without your consent, see Article 15 for instructions on how to contact us.

  3. Personal Data Collected
    In the instances and for the reasons outlined in Section 4, FTCSIM.ORG may collect:
    1. name
    2. email address
    3. IP address

  4. How Data Is Collected
    We collect data when you provide it directly, indirectly through a third party, or via cookies (see Section 8). Data may be collected when you:
    1. register for any FTCSIM.ORG program or event
    2. apply for or are nominated for awards
    3. subscribe to our newsletter
    4. send email messages
    5. submit forms
    6. transmit information by telephone or letter
    7. order products
    8. submit payment information
    9. access certain forms or request information on our Sites
    10. visit areas on the Sites that indicate information is being collected
    11. attend a FTCSIM.ORG event or Program Delivery Partner activity
    12. apply for a grant through a third-party vendor
    13. register for badging and housing for a FTCSIM.ORG event through a third-party vendor
    14. complete a Consent and Release form
    15. complete a survey or evaluation
    Some activities require mandatory data. If you do not provide it, you may not be able to participate.

  5. How Data Is Used
    By providing personal data, you agree FTCSIM.ORG may use it to manage events; administer awards; communicate about programs; process transactions; provide requested services; evaluate and improve products, services, and programs; and improve the functionality and security of the Sites.

  6. Data Retention
    We retain your data as long as needed for the purposes described in this Policy, or as required by law. When data is no longer needed, it will be deleted or de-identified.

  7. Data Sharing
    We do not rent or sell personal data. We may share data with third-party service providers to manage communications, services, or transactions. We may disclose data to:
    1. comply with legal requirements
    2. provide requested services
    3. protect rights or property
    4. enforce our rights
    5. protect users or others
    6. operate or repair systems
    7. detect or prevent fraud or security issues
    8. comply with applicable laws

  8. Data Protection Measures
    We use technical and organizational safeguards including third-party audits, firewalls, patch management, log auditing, HTTPS connections, and encrypted passwords. Only authorized FTCSIM.ORG personnel have secure access.

  9. Event of Data Breach
    In the event of a security or data breach involving personal information, affected users, schools, and boards would be notified directly via email. Notification would include a summary of the incident, what data was involved, what actions have been taken, and any recommended steps for the affected parties.

  10. Cookies
    Cookies are used to facilitate and customize your experience. They:
    1. make Sites easier to use
    2. improve Site performance
    3. track authenticated visits
    4. maintain secure Sites
    You may disable cookies in your browser, though some Site features may not function.

  11. Third-Party Privacy Policies
    Our Sites may link to other websites. This Privacy Policy applies only to FTCSIM.ORG. Please review third-party privacy policies directly.

  12. Rectifying Incorrect Information
    You may access or correct your data by logging into your account or emailing hello@pixelpad.io. Identity verification may be required.

  13. Objecting to Data Use
    You may opt out of emails by using the unsubscribe link or contacting hello@pixelpad.io. Cookie preferences can be managed via your browser (see Section 8).

  14. Right to Be Forgotten
    To request deletion of your data, email hello@pixelpad.io. You may be asked to verify your identity. FTCSIM.ORG will comply unless legal obligations require retention.

  15. Changes to This Policy
    We may update this Policy at any time. Material changes will be communicated to users by email and an on-site notification, which may include a pop-up, alert, or other reasonable means of communication to our users. Continued use of FTCSIM.ORG constitutes acceptance of changes.

  16. Contact and Complaints
    FTCSIM.ORG’s Data Governance Team handles complaints, investigations, and breach notifications. Contact: hello@pixelpad.io