Privacy Policy
Greenstorm Foundation (“Greenstorm”, “we”, “us”, “our”) is committed to protecting the privacy and personal data of all participants, visitors, and partners associated with the 17th Greenstorm Photography Festival (“Festival”). This Privacy Policy explains how personal data is collected, used, stored, shared, and protected in connection with the Festival and its website.
By accessing the Festival website or participating in the Festival, you agree to the practices described in this Privacy Policy.
1. Personal Data We Collect
We collect only data necessary to administer the Festival and related activities. This may include:
A.Participant Information
B. Submission Data
C. Prize & Payment Information (for shortlisted / winning participants)
D. Communication Data
E. Technical Data
2. Special Category Data in Images
A. Photographs submitted may incidentally contain sensitive personal information (such as ethnicity, religion, health, or political expression) about identifiable individuals.
B. By submitting images, participants confirm that:
They have obtained all necessary permissions and consents from identifiable individuals appearing in the photographs, especially where sensitive attributes are visible.
They have the legal right to submit and allow the publication of such images.
Greenstorm Foundation does not independently verify individual consents and reserves the right to remove or withhold images where legal or ethical concerns arise.
3. How We Use Personal Data
Personal data is processed for the following purposes:
To administer submissions, judging, and Festival operations
To communicate with participants regarding the Festival
To verify eligibility and distribute prize money
To publish and promote selected images in exhibitions, publications, digital platforms, and communications
To meet legal, tax, banking, and regulatory requirements
To operate, secure, and improve the Festival website
For marketing purposes
Processing is based on:
Performance of a contract (Festival participation)
Legitimate interests (Festival administration, promotion, archival purposes)
Legal obligations (taxation, banking compliance, dispute resolution)
Consent, where required
4. Image Usage & Attribution
In accordance with the Festival Terms & Conditions:
Participants retain copyright of their images.
By submitting, participants grant Greenstorm Foundation and the G20 Global Land Initiative a non-exclusive, royalty-free, non-commercial right to use submitted images for exhibitions, publications, educational material, digital platforms, websites, social media, and promotional communications.
Proper credit will always be given to the photographer.
Images will not be sold or used for commercial advertising purposes.
5. Sharing of Personal Data
Personal data may be shared only when necessary with:
Jury members and Festival administrators (for evaluation and coordination)
Service providers supporting website hosting, analytics, communications, and payment processing
Banking institutions for prize transfers
Festival partners and collaborators strictly for non-commercial promotional or exhibition purposes
Legal or regulatory authorities when required by law
We do not sell or trade personal data.
6. International Data Transfers
As the Festival is global, personal data may be transferred to and processed in countries outside your country of residence. Where such transfers occur, we take reasonable measures to ensure appropriate data protection safeguards in accordance with applicable laws.
7. Data Retention
Personal data is retained only as long as necessary:
Submission data and selected images may be retained for archival, exhibition, and documentation purposes.
Prize and financial records are retained as required under Indian tax and regulatory laws.
Non-selected submissions may be retained for Festival records unless deletion is requested and legally permissible.
8. Your Rights
Subject to applicable law, participants may have the right to:
Access their personal data
Request correction of inaccurate data
Request deletion of personal data
Restrict or object to certain processing
Withdraw consent where processing is based on consent
Requests can be made by contacting us at the email address provided below. Identity verification may be required.
9. Cookies & Website Analytics
The Festival website uses cookies and similar technologies to ensure functionality and analyse site usage. You may manage cookie preferences through your browser settings.
10. Data Security
We implement reasonable technical and organisational safeguards to protect personal data from unauthorised access, misuse, or disclosure. While we strive to protect all data, no system can be guaranteed to be completely secure.
11. Legal Jurisdiction
All matters relating to data protection, privacy, and disputes arising from the Festival are governed by the laws of India and subject to the jurisdiction of courts in India where Greenstorm Foundation is registered.
12. Updates to This Policy
This Privacy Policy may be updated periodically. The latest version will always be available on the Festival website. Continued participation constitutes acceptance of any updates.
13. Contact
For privacy-related questions or requests:
Greenstorm Foundation
Email: green@greenstorm.green