Privacy Policy
Privacy Policy for Contest Gallery
This Privacy Policy explains how personal data is processed when you visit contest-gallery.com, contact us, use an interactive gallery, create an account, sign in with Google or purchase Contest Gallery PRO.
Last updated: September 6, 2026
Controller: Wasiliy Strecker, Ludwigstraße 23, 86152 Augsburg, Germany
Privacy contact: contact@contest-gallery.com
Information processed when you use this website
Server and security data
The web server and security systems may process the requested URL, date and time, IP address, browser and device information, referrer, response status and related technical data. This is used to deliver the website, diagnose errors, prevent abuse and protect accounts and systems.
Contact and support
When you contact us, we process the contact details, message content and technical information you choose to provide. We use this information to answer the request, provide support and document relevant communication.
Accounts and authentication
Registration, email PIN access and login can process an email address, username, profile details, account role, authentication status and security information. Necessary login cookies are used to keep authenticated sessions active.
Interactive galleries
Uploads, titles, descriptions, comments, votes and related account information may be processed and displayed publicly when this is stated in the relevant form or gallery. IP or browser recognition can be used to enforce voting, upload and abuse-prevention limits.
How Google user data is used
Google Sign-In is used only to authenticate a visitor and create or connect the corresponding WordPress account. Contest Gallery does not request access to Gmail, Google Drive, contacts or other unrelated Google services.
Data received from Google
The verified ID token can provide a unique Google account identifier, verified email address, display name, given name, family name, profile image URL and, for eligible Workspace accounts, the hosted domain. The hosted domain may be checked when securely linking an existing account.
Storage and purpose
The Google identifier and profile information are linked to a local WordPress user so that future sign-ins can identify the same account. Contest Gallery never receives or stores your Google password. Google user data is not sold or used for unrelated advertising.
Contest Gallery uses Google user data only for the disclosed authentication purpose and follows the Google API Services User Data Policy, including its Limited Use requirements.
Google’s own processing is described in the Google Privacy Policy and Google Terms of Service.
Cookies, session storage and external content
Necessary storage
WordPress and Contest Gallery may use cookies, local storage or session storage for login sessions, security, consent choices, display preferences, voter recognition and unsent comment drafts. Session-based drafts normally remain in the current browser session.
Social media embeds
Some galleries contain media from services such as YouTube, Instagram, TikTok or X. Where a consent overlay is shown, the external content is not loaded until you actively agree. The provider’s privacy terms apply after the content is loaded.
Website analytics
Internal server statistics
The hosting server uses Webalizer to create access-protected, aggregated website reports from existing server access logs. This does not add browser scripts or cookies. The reports are retained for three months. The underlying access logs are processed for the delivery, security and diagnostic purposes described above on the basis of our legitimate interests under Article 6(1)(f) GDPR.
Google Analytics 4
Google Analytics 4 is loaded only after you select “Accept analytics”. With consent, Google may process page views, clicks on FREE and PRO downloads, completed PRO purchases, browser and device information, approximate location and a shortened referrer. Query strings, URL fragments, page titles, license keys, contact details, payment details and full download URLs are excluded from our Analytics events.
The legal basis is your consent under Article 6(1)(a) GDPR and Section 25(1) TDDDG. The recipient is Google Ireland Limited, Gordon House, Barrow Street, Dublin 4, Ireland. Google may also process data through affiliated companies and infrastructure outside the European Economic Area. Depending on the transfer, Google describes the EU-U.S. Data Privacy Framework and Standard Contractual Clauses as safeguards.
According to Google, IP addresses are used during collection to select a data centre and derive approximate location information, then discarded before Analytics data is logged. Google Signals and advertising-personalisation features are disabled. Google Analytics first-party cookies are limited by this website to six months without extending that period on each visit. User-level and event-level Analytics data is retained for no more than 14 months, while standard aggregated reports may remain available for longer.
You can refuse Analytics without losing access to the website. Use the “Privacy” button shown on every page to change or withdraw your choice at any time. Withdrawal applies to future processing and removes accessible Google Analytics cookies from this website. The consent choice itself is stored for six months.
Further information is available in Google’s EU data and privacy information, its GA4 cookie information, its international data-transfer information and the Google Privacy Policy.
Purchases, payments and plugin updates
Orders and payments
For purchases we process the selected product, order status, contact details and the billing or delivery information required for the order and invoice. PayPal or Stripe processes the payment credentials under its own privacy terms. Contest Gallery does not receive full card credentials.
PRO license and updates
The PRO key, plugin version, domain and server IP can be processed to provide updates, verify entitlement and reduce license-key abuse. Invoice and transaction records are retained when required by tax or commercial law.
More information about purchases, refunds and licensing is available in the general Terms and Conditions.
Why data is processed and who may receive it
Depending on the context, processing is based on performing a contract or requested service, consent, compliance with legal obligations, or legitimate interests in operating, securing and improving the website. Legitimate interests are balanced against the rights and freedoms of the affected person.
Data may be processed by hosting, email delivery, security, authentication and payment service providers where needed for the relevant purpose. This can include Google for Google Sign-In, PayPal or Stripe for payments and Wordfence for website security. Their own privacy terms apply. Where a provider processes data outside the European Economic Area, the provider’s applicable transfer safeguards apply.
Personal data is not sold. It is disclosed only when needed for the described service, when a contracted provider processes it, when you request or consent to the disclosure, or when disclosure is legally required.
Retention, deletion and your rights
Retention
Account and Google Sign-In linkage data is retained while the account is active or until it is no longer required for authentication. Public submissions, comments and votes remain until they are removed, deactivated or no longer needed for the gallery. Support and security records are retained only as long as needed for their purpose. Legally required business records are kept for the applicable statutory period.
Your choices
Depending on applicable law, you may request access, rectification, erasure, restriction, data portability or object to processing. You may withdraw consent for future processing. You may also lodge a complaint with a competent data protection supervisory authority.
To request account information or deletion of a Contest Gallery account and its Google Sign-In link, email contact@contest-gallery.com. We may need to verify the request before acting on it.
Changes to this Privacy Policy
This policy may be updated when the website, services or legal requirements change. The current version and update date are always published at this URL.
Google Sign-In is also governed by the Contest Gallery Google Sign-In Terms of Service.