Information we collect
When you visit, a signed first-party browser identifier supports aggregate visitor and presence counts. We store its hashed identifier, a hashed network identifier, and first- and last-seen timestamps. “Online now” means a browser was seen during the previous five minutes; it is approximate and is not a verified-person count.
When you vote, we process a separate random signed browser identifier, hashed device and network identifiers, the university selected, season, and timestamps. We do not persist raw IP addresses in our application database. Hosting and security providers may process network metadata to deliver and protect the service.
Advertising data
VoteYourUni may use Google AdSense to display and measure third-party advertisements. When an ad is available, Google and its advertising partners may process cookies or other local-storage identifiers, IP address, browser and device information, the page or content viewed, coarse location, and ad impressions or interactions. Depending on your location and choices, those partners may use the information for contextual or personalized advertising, measurement, frequency control, security, and fraud prevention.
Learn more about how Google uses information from sites that use its services. VoteYourUni does not give Google a verified student identity or enrollment record because the service does not collect one.
How we use information
We operate monthly leaderboards, enforce one active vote per browser and the switching window, detect abuse, fund the free service through advertising, and meet legal and security obligations. VoteYourUni does not sell its voting records or build behavioral advertising profiles from a visitor's vote.
Cookies and consent
Necessary first-party cookies remember a browser visit and vote. The visitor cookie can remain for up to 400 days unless you clear it. These cookies are necessary to the relevant features.
Advertising providers may use separate cookies or local storage. Where required, VoteYourUni presents a consent or privacy-choice message before personalized advertising and respects the choices communicated through that message, including applicable opt-outs from sale, sharing, or targeted advertising. Non-personalized advertising can still use limited storage or device information for delivery, measurement, and fraud prevention.
Sharing and retention
Information may be shared with providers needed for hosting, security, authentication, support, advertising, measurement, and professional or legal obligations. Google and participating ad-technology providers process advertising data under their own notices and the consent or privacy settings available to you.
We retain visitor and presence records to maintain the since-launch aggregate and resist manufactured traffic. Voting and security records are retained as reasonably necessary for integrity, disputes, fraud prevention, and legal obligations. De-identified aggregates may be retained longer.
Security and choices
Protections include signed cookies, hashed identifiers, HTTPS, and restricted administration. No online service can promise absolute security. Depending on where you live, you may request access, correction, deletion, restriction, portability, or objection, and may opt out of qualifying targeted advertising or data sharing through the privacy choices shown on the site. Contact support@voteyouruni.com; verification and legally required retention may apply.
Children, changes, and contact
VoteYourUni is not directed to children under 13 and does not knowingly use interest-based advertising for children under 13. We may update this notice as the service changes. Privacy questions should be sent to support@voteyouruni.com.