Merit (“we,” “us,” or “our”) operates the website (the “Platform”) for Hong Kong Comic Con. We are committed to protecting your privacy and personal data. This privacy policy outlines how we collect, use, and share your information when you interact with our services.
This policy applies only to our website https://www.hkcomiccon.com/ (“Site”) not to any third-party websites or applications (“Third-Party Sites”) linked from our platform. Always check their privacy policies for details.
By using our Site, you agree to this policy, including any international transfer of your data outside Hong Kong. We comply with the Personal Data (Privacy) Ordinance (PDPO) of Hong Kong SAR to ensure your data is handled responsibly.
What Personal Information Do We Collect?
When you use our Site, we may collect your contact details, such as:
- Account/Registration Data: Name, email address, phone number, username, password, age/date of birth (for eligibility verification), and mailing address (if needed for badges).
- Cosplay Submission Data: Cosplay character name/description, photos, videos, social media handles, captions, and any other details you submit via our cosplay form. Cosplay photos/videos may include biometric or visual likeness data. We treat these as personal data and require your explicit consent for any promotional use.
- QR Code Request Data: Any additional verification info (e.g., ticket ID, payment confirmation) required to generate and deliver your QR code (for event entry, badge access, or cosplay contest check-in).
- Communications: Emails, messages, or support tickets you send us.
- Marketing Preferences: Opt-in/opt-out choices for newsletters or promotional messages.
We do not knowingly collect data from children under 13 (or 16/18 where stricter laws apply). See Children’s Privacy below.
Additionally, payment details like credit card information along with your usage data and activity patterns, are collected to ensure a seamless experience. We also gather preferences to personalize your experience, order information for processing transactions, and feedback provided through surveys or promotions.
How We Use Your Information
We use your data to verify your identity, manage your account, and process your orders. Your information helps us provide customer support, improve our platform, and personalize your experience. Process and review cosplay submissions, and publish entries on the Platform or event channels (with your consent). Generate, deliver, and validate QR codes for event access, badges, or cosplay participation. Communicate with you about your submission, QR code, event updates, or support. Additionally, with your consent, we may send updates, offers, and promotions. We also use your data to comply with legal and regulatory requirements.
Cookies: How We Use Them
We use various types of cookies, including preference cookies to save user settings, analytics cookies to analyze site usage (e.g., Google Analytics), and security cookies to safeguard session details. You can disable cookies in your browser settings, but doing so may limit some features of our Site.
Cosplay photos/videos may include biometric or visual likeness data. We treat these as personal data and require your explicit consent for any promotional use.
How We Share Your Information
We share data only as described:
- Service Providers: Third-party vendors who help operate the Platform (e.g., cloud storage for photos, QR code generation tools, email services, payment processors, ticketing platforms). These providers are contractually required to protect your data.
- Event Partners/Sponsors: Anonymized or aggregated data; personal cosplay submissions or QR-linked data only with your explicit consent.
- Legal Requirements: When required by law, subpoena, or to protect safety and rights (similar to Comic-Con badge scanning disclosures).
- Business Transfers: In the event of a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets.
- Public Sharing: Cosplay photos/videos may be displayed publicly on our site, social media, or event materials only if you grant us a license during submission.
Where Do We Store Your Data?
Your data may be transferred outside Hong Kong for processing and storage. By using our services, you agree to this transfer.
How Long Do We Keep Your Data?
We retain your personal information only as long as necessary to fulfill its purpose or meet legal and regulatory requirements.
Your Privacy Rights: Under the PDPO, you have the right to access your personal information, correct any inaccuracies, and understand how your data is being used. You may also opt out of marketing communications at any time. To make a request, email us at info@hkcomiccon.com.
Children’s Privacy (COPPA)
Our Platform is for users 18+ (or 13+ with parental consent where allowed). We do not knowingly collect data from children under 13. If we learn we have, we delete it immediately. Parents may contact us to review/delete any data.
How We Keep Your Data Safe
We take security seriously by implementing physical, electronic, and managerial safeguards to prevent unauthorized access, misuse, or loss of your personal information.
Third-Party Links
Our Site may contain links to other websites. We are not responsible for their privacy practices, so please review their policies.
Managing Your Personal Information
You’re in control of your data and can opt out of marketing emails or restrict how we use your personal data by contacting us. Rest assured, we will never sell, rent, or share your personal information without your consent, except where required by law.
Need Help? Contact Us! If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy or your data, please reach out: info@hkcomiccon.com
Changes to This Policy
We may update this policy and will post the new effective date. Continued use after changes means you accept them.