DigiFest 2026 Website Privacy Notice
Last updated: 29.09.2025
Who we are
DigiFest 2026 is organised by collaborative effort of Kent County Council (KCC) and Kent District Councils. KCC is the Data Controller for personal data collected via this website. Our Data Protection Officer is Benjamin Watts (dpo@kent.gov.uk).
What personal information we collect
When you use the DigiFest website or register for the event (taking place from 19th January 2026 to 30th January 2026), we may collect:
- Name and contact details (such as email address and phone number)
- Organisation and job title
- Dietary or accessibility requirements (if provided)
- Any other information you submit via forms or correspondence
- Technical data (such as IP address, browser type, and device information)
- Website usage data (pages visited, time spent, navigation paths)
How we use your personal information
We use your information to:
- Register you for DigiFest 2026 and manage your participation
- Communicate important event information and updates
- Respond to your enquiries
- Improve our website and event experience
- Meet our legal and safeguarding obligations
We do not use your data for automated decision-making or profiling.
Cookies and website analytics
The DigiFest website uses cookies and similar technologies to:
Ensure the website functions correctly
Remember your preferences (such as language or accessibility settings)
Collect anonymous statistics on website usage to help us improve our services
Cookies are small text files placed on your device. You can control or delete cookies through your browser settings. For more information, see our Cookie Policy page.
We use analytics tools (such as Google Analytics or Microsoft Clarity) to collect aggregated, anonymous data about how visitors use our website. This helps us understand which pages are popular and how users navigate the site. No personally identifiable information is collected for analytics purposes.
Lawful basis for processing
We process your personal data under the following lawful bases:
- Public task: To deliver DigiFest as part of our public service remit
- Consent: Where you have given explicit consent (e.g. for marketing communications or optional cookies)
- Legal obligation: To comply with legal requirements
If we process special category data (e.g. accessibility needs), we do so under Article 9(2)(g) of UK GDPR (substantial public interest).
Who we share your information with
We may share your data with:
- Event partners and service providers (e.g. venue, catering, IT support) strictly for event delivery
- Kent County Council and Ashford Borough Council staff involved in DigiFest
- Law enforcement or regulatory authorities if required by law
We do not transfer your data outside the UK unless adequate safeguards are in place.
How long we keep your information
We retain your personal data only as long as necessary for the purposes stated above, in line with KCC’s retention schedule. After this period, your data will be securely deleted.
Your rights
You have the right to:
- Be informed about how your data is used
- Access the personal data we hold about you
- Request correction or deletion of your data
- Object to or restrict processing in certain circumstances
- Withdraw consent at any time (where applicable)
- Lodge a complaint with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO)
To exercise your rights, contact the Information Resilience and Transparency Team at data.protection@kent.gov.uk.
Keeping your information secure
We have appropriate security measures in place to prevent unauthorised access, loss, or misuse of your data. Only authorised staff and partners will access your information for the purposes outlined above.
Contact
For any questions about this privacy notice or how we handle your data, please contact:
Data Protection Officer: Benjamin Watts (dpo@kent.gov.uk)
Information Resilience and Transparency Team: data.protection@kent.gov.uk
For more information, see the https://www.kent.gov.uk/about-the-council/about-the-website/privacy-statement.
