ExpressVPN Future of Privacy Scholarship

Introduction The ExpressVPN Future of Privacy Scholarship was created to raise awareness of internet privacy and security. The internet is transforming our education system. The technologies used by schools across the world are not fully secure or private, and schools themselves have implemented their own surveillance systems to track what their students do online. As internet-ready devices proliferate in classrooms worldwide, so do threats to the privacy of the individuals who use them. Awareness of online security and an understanding of fundamental privacy rights are more important than ever. How to enter Revelations over the past year have stoked concern over the power that technology companies wield globally. With net neutrality repealed in the United States, the General Data Protection Regulation taking force in Europe, and governments demanding backdoors into personal devices, one thing is certain: The battle over who controls the technology we use is far from over. This yearÔÇÖs essay topic: Technology companies can self-regulate to provide optimal privacy to internet users. The free market will choose the winners to be those companies that best protect their users, without the need for government interference. Do you agree or disagree? Your essay should be no longer than 800 words and submitted to scholarship@expressvpn.com by August 31, 2019. Why you should enter You could win cash or a yearÔÇÖs worth of free VPN service. The winner will be featured on multiple communications platforms. This is a great r?®sum?®-builder for a career in journalism, law, computer science, or any relevant field of study. This is an opportunity to become a leading voice in the growing debate over encryption, digital rights, internet privacy, and the fight against censorship. Awards and selection process Scholarship award amount The winner of the 2019 Scholarship will receive a $5,000 cash prize. ExpressVPN will also select five runners-up to be rewarded with a 12-month VPN subscription. Selection process The winning essay shall be determined using the following criteria: Level of creativity, originality, and detail of the submission StudentÔÇÖs ability to formulate an opinion Clear and articulate writing Contest rules Essays must be written in English. Applicants must be currently enrolled in either a high school, undergraduate school, or graduate school located in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, the European Union, Australia, New Zealand, or South Africa. There is no age or citizenship requirement. Essays must be sent via email only, to this address: scholarship@expressvpn.com. To be valid, the application email must include the following information: Your name The name, address, and contact details of your school Your current grade level One entry per student. Multiple entries per student will be disregarded. Essays must be submitted online by August 31, 2019, no later than 11:59 p.m., Pacific Standard Time. The winner will be announced by the end of October 2019. The prize will be awarded by international wire transfer. The winner will be required to provide his/her bank information in order to complete the bank transfer. The winner must submit a valid ID and proof of enrollment in a high school, undergraduate school, or graduate school located in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, the European Union, Australia, New Zealand, or South Africa. Employees of ExpressVPN and their immediate family members are not eligible for this contest. All entries become the property of ExpressVPN. The contest winner agrees to allow ExpressVPN to publish or print his/her name and essay. Winners will be solely responsible for any federal, state, or local taxes. The prize is listed and paid in United States Dollars (USD). The decision of ExpressVPN in respect of any dispute arising out of this program shall be final.