PRIVACY POLICY

// Collection of Data

You can browse most of our site anonymously. However, our Open Source Picks feature requires an account, and we collect the following data when you register:

• Email address — used for account verification (OTP) and account recovery
• Username — auto-derived from your email prefix, displayed publicly on posts and comments
• Posts, votes, and comments — content you create is stored and displayed publicly
• Flair preferences — your voting patterns are used to personalize your "For You" feed (not shared with third parties)

We also store public event data and information regarding our team members, which is displayed publicly on the site.

Event & Community Registrations

When you apply or register for our events, workshops, or community teams via our registration forms, we collect the specific information requested on that form (such as your name, email, phone number, and academic details). This data is:

• Used strictly for organizing the event, selection processes, or contacting you regarding your application.
• Never sold or shared with third-party advertisers.
• Stored securely and accessed only by authorized FOSS CEV core members.

// Authentication & Security

Account authentication is handled securely. Your password is encrypted and is never stored in plain text.

• Email verification uses a one-time passcode sent during account creation
• Sessions are protected using standard secure web authentication practices
• We employ mechanisms to prevent spam and abuse of our systems
• We accept registrations only from permitted email domains to prevent spam

// Data Storage

All user data is stored securely with access controls to ensure users can only access and modify their own data.

We retain your data for as long as your account is active. You may request account deletion by contacting us, and all associated data (posts, comments, votes) will be permanently removed.

// Cookies & Tracking

FOSS CEV respects your privacy. We do not use cookies for advertising, tracking, or marketing purposes.

We use essential cookies only: authentication session tokens for Open Source Picks login, and local storage for functional purposes like theme preferences. These are never shared with third parties.

// Third-Party Services

We use the following third-party services:

• Authentication & Database Provider — secure infrastructure and email delivery
• Google Fonts — typography

Our website may also contain links to external sites (GitHub, LinkedIn, etc.). We are not responsible for the privacy practices of these external sites.

// Your Rights

You have the right to:

• Access the personal data we hold about you
• Request correction of inaccurate data
• Request deletion of your account and all associated data
• Withdraw from the Open Source Picks platform at any time

// Contact Us

If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy or want to exercise your data rights, please contact us at fossclubcev@cev.ac.in.