Privacy Policy

Introduction and Scope

The International Webcasting Association ("IWA," "we," "us," or "our") is committed to protecting the privacy and security of your personal information. This Privacy Policy describes our practices regarding the collection, use, disclosure, and protection of information that we collect through our website at webcasters.org and related digital services.

This policy applies to all visitors to our website, IWA members, event participants, certification candidates, and anyone who interacts with our digital services. By accessing our website or using our services, you acknowledge that you have read and understood this Privacy Policy.

We regularly review and update this policy to reflect changes in our practices, technologies, legal requirements, and industry standards. We encourage you to review this page periodically for the latest information about our privacy practices.

Information We Collect

We collect information that you provide directly to us when you interact with our services. This includes information you submit when creating a membership account, registering for events, enrolling in certification programs, subscribing to newsletters, or contacting us through our website.

Personal Information

Personal information we may collect includes your name, email address, phone number, postal address, professional title, organization name, and industry sector. For members and certification candidates, we also collect professional credentials, work history, and educational background relevant to webcasting and streaming.

Payment Information

When you make purchases or pay membership dues, we collect payment information including credit card numbers, billing addresses, and transaction details. Payment processing is handled by secure third-party payment processors, and we do not store complete credit card numbers on our servers.

Technical Information

We automatically collect certain technical information when you visit our website, including your IP address, browser type, operating system, referring URLs, pages viewed, and the date and time of your visit. This information helps us improve our website performance and user experience.

Cookies and Similar Technologies

We use cookies and similar tracking technologies to enhance your experience on our website. Cookies are small data files stored on your device that help us remember your preferences, analyze website traffic, and provide personalized content. You can manage cookie settings through your browser, though disabling cookies may limit some website functionality.

How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect for various purposes essential to providing our services and fulfilling our mission as a professional association. Our primary uses include processing membership applications, delivering educational content, issuing certifications, and organizing events.

Service Delivery

Your personal information enables us to provide membership services, grant access to standards and resources, process certification applications, register you for events, and respond to your inquiries. We use your contact information to communicate about your membership status, upcoming renewals, and services you have requested.

Communication

We may send you newsletters, industry updates, event announcements, and educational content related to webcasting and streaming. You can opt out of promotional communications at any time while still receiving essential transactional messages about your membership or certifications.

Improvement and Analytics

We analyze usage patterns and feedback to improve our website, services, and educational programs. This includes understanding how members use our resources, identifying popular content, and developing new offerings that meet industry needs.

Legal Compliance

We may use your information to comply with applicable laws, regulations, and legal processes. This includes responding to lawful requests from public authorities and protecting our legal rights and interests.

Information Sharing and Disclosure

We do not sell your personal information to third parties. We share information only in limited circumstances necessary to provide our services or comply with legal obligations.

Service Providers

We work with trusted service providers who help us operate our website, process payments, deliver emails, and provide other essential services. These providers are contractually obligated to protect your information and use it only for the specific services they provide to us.

Member Directory

If you choose to participate in our member directory, your professional profile information may be visible to other IWA members. You control what information appears in your directory listing and can opt out of directory participation through your account settings.

Event Participants and Sponsors

When you register for IWA events, your registration information may be shared with event sponsors and exhibitors as described in the event registration terms. You can opt out of sponsor communications during the registration process.

Legal Requirements

We may disclose your information when required by law, in response to valid legal processes, to protect our rights or property, or in emergency situations involving potential threats to personal safety.

Data Security

We implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect your personal information against unauthorized access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction. Our security measures include encryption of sensitive data, secure server infrastructure, access controls, and regular security assessments.

While we strive to protect your information, no method of transmission over the internet or electronic storage is completely secure. We cannot guarantee absolute security but are committed to maintaining industry-standard protections.

Data Retention

We retain your personal information for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes described in this policy, unless a longer retention period is required by law. For active members, we maintain records throughout your membership and for a reasonable period afterward. Certification records are retained indefinitely to verify credentials.

Your Rights and Choices

You have rights regarding your personal information, subject to applicable law. These may include the right to access your data, correct inaccuracies, request deletion, object to certain processing, and receive your data in a portable format.

Account Access

Members can access and update their personal information through their account dashboard. If you need assistance or want to exercise your data rights, please contact us at privacy@webcasters.org.

Communication Preferences

You can manage your email preferences and opt out of marketing communications using the unsubscribe link in our emails or through your account settings. Please note that opting out of marketing emails does not affect transactional messages related to your membership or certifications.

International Data Transfers

As a global organization, we may transfer your information to countries other than your country of residence. When we transfer data internationally, we implement appropriate safeguards to protect your information in compliance with applicable data protection laws.

Children's Privacy

Our services are not directed to individuals under 16 years of age. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If we learn that we have collected information from a child, we will take steps to delete that information.

Third-Party Links

Our website may contain links to third-party websites and services. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of these external sites. We encourage you to review the privacy policies of any third-party sites you visit.

Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of material changes by posting the updated policy on our website with a new effective date. Your continued use of our services after changes become effective constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.

Contact Us

If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or our data practices, please contact us at:

International Webcasting Association
Email: privacy@webcasters.org
General Inquiries: hello@webcasters.org

For data protection inquiries from European Union residents, you may also contact our designated data protection representative through the email address above.