PRIVACY POLICY

1. BACKGROUND

The Book of Records mini-site (“Platform”) is owned and operated by the Visit Maldives Corporation (“VMC”, “we”, “us”, “our”). This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, store, and protect personal data submitted by users who access and interact with the Platform. By using this Platform, you agree to the practices described in this Privacy Policy.

2. INFORMATION WE COLLECT

We may collect and process the following types of information:

a. Information you provide directly:

• Personal details (e.g., name, address, email, phone number)
• Submission details for record applications (including descriptions, evidence, and supporting documents)
• Images, videos, and other media provided as part of your record submission
• Payment details (where applicable)

b. Information collected automatically:

• IP address, browser type, operating system, device information
• Website usage data, including pages visited, date/time of access, and referring URLs
• Cookies and similar technologies (see Section 7 below)

c. Information from third parties:

• Publicly available information
• Verification data from external experts or partner organizations

3. HOW WE USE YOUR INFORMATION

We use collected information for:

• Processing and verifying record submissions
• Contacting you regarding your application or enquiries
• Publishing approved records (including personal details and media) on the Platform and in related VMC publications or campaigns
• Managing and improving the Platform’s user experience
• Fulfilling legal or regulatory requirements
• Protecting against fraudulent, abusive, or unlawful activities

4. DISCLOSURE OF INFORMATION

We may share your information with:

• Verification partners (experts or agencies assisting in reviewing your record)
• Service providers (IT, hosting, payment processing, communications)
• Media partners for promotional purposes (with your consent where required)
• Regulatory bodies when required by law

We do not sell your personal information to third parties.

5. PUBLICATION OF RECORDS

By submitting a record application, you grant VMC the right to publish your name, record details, and associated media on the Platform and in VMC’s promotional channels (digital or print) without additional compensation.

6. DATA RETENTION

We retain personal information for as long as necessary to:

• Fulfil the purposes outlined in this Privacy Policy
• Comply with legal and regulatory obligations
• Maintain historical archives of records

7. COOKIES & TRACKING TECHNOLOGIES

We use cookies and similar tools to enhance the Platform’s performance, remember preferences, and collect analytics data. You may disable cookies in your browser settings, but certain Platform functions may be affected.

8. SECURITY

We implement reasonable technical and organizational measures to protect personal data. However, no internet-based platform can guarantee complete security, and you acknowledge and accept this risk.

9. YOUR RIGHTS

Depending on applicable law, you may have the right to:

• Access, correct, or delete your personal information
• Withdraw consent for processing (where applicable)
• Object to the publication of certain details (unless required for record authenticity)

Requests can be made by contacting: bookofrecords@visitmaldives.com

10. CHANGES TO THIS POLICY

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Changes will be posted on this page with the “Last Updated” date. Continued use of the Platform after updates means you accept the revised Policy.