1. Introduction

Bihari Swabhiman ("we," "our," or "us") is committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you visit our website bihariswabhiman.com and use our services. This policy is drafted in compliance with the Information Technology Act, 2000, the Information Technology (Reasonable Security Practices and Procedures and Sensitive Personal Data or Information) Rules, 2011 ("SPDI Rules"), and other applicable Indian laws.

By accessing or using our website, you consent to the collection, use, and disclosure of your information as described in this Privacy Policy.

2. Information We Collect

2.1 Personal Information

We may collect the following personal information when you interact with our website:

Contact Information: Name, email address, phone number, and district/location
Account Information: Username and preferences (if you create an account)
Communication Data: Messages, stories, and content you submit through our forms
Ambassador Application Data: Professional background, qualifications, and social media profiles

2.2 Non-Personal Information

We automatically collect certain non-personal information, including:

Browser type and version
Operating system
IP address (anonymized)
Pages visited and time spent on our website
Referring website addresses

2.3 Sensitive Personal Data or Information (SPDI)

As per the SPDI Rules, we do not intentionally collect sensitive personal data such as passwords, financial information, health data, sexual orientation, biometric data, or any other information classified as SPDI unless explicitly required and with your express consent.

3. Purpose of Data Collection

We collect and use your information for the following purposes:

To respond to your inquiries and provide customer support
To process and publish story submissions (with your consent)
To evaluate and process District Ambassador applications
To send newsletters and updates about Bihar's heritage (only if you opt-in)
To improve our website's functionality and user experience
To comply with legal obligations under Indian law
To protect against fraudulent or unauthorized activity

4. Legal Basis for Processing (Under Indian Law)

Under the Information Technology Act, 2000 and the SPDI Rules, we process your personal data based on:

Consent: When you voluntarily provide information through our forms
Contractual Necessity: To fulfill services you have requested
Legal Compliance: To comply with applicable Indian laws and regulations
Legitimate Interest: To improve our services and protect our platform

5. Data Sharing and Disclosure

We do not sell, trade, or rent your personal information to third parties. We may share your information in the following circumstances:

Service Providers: With trusted third-party service providers (such as Google Sheets for form submissions) who assist in operating our website, subject to confidentiality agreements
Legal Requirements: When required by law, court order, or government authority under the provisions of the Information Technology Act, 2000 or the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973
Protection of Rights: To protect our rights, property, or safety, and that of our users
With Your Consent: When you have explicitly agreed to the disclosure

6. Data Security

In accordance with the SPDI Rules, we implement reasonable security practices and procedures to protect your personal information from unauthorized access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction. These measures include:

SSL/TLS encryption for data transmission
Secure storage with access controls
Regular security assessments and updates
Employee training on data protection

However, no method of transmission over the internet is 100% secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.

7. Data Retention

We retain your personal information only for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined in this policy, unless a longer retention period is required by law. Specifically:

Contact form submissions: 2 years from the date of submission
Story submissions: Indefinitely (as part of our cultural archive), unless you request deletion
Ambassador applications: 3 years from the date of submission
Newsletter subscriptions: Until you unsubscribe

8. Your Rights Under Indian Law

Under the SPDI Rules and applicable Indian laws, you have the following rights:

Right to Access: You may request access to the personal information we hold about you
Right to Correction: You may request correction of inaccurate or incomplete personal information
Right to Withdrawal of Consent: You may withdraw your consent for data processing at any time
Right to Grievance Redressal: You may file a complaint with our Grievance Officer

To exercise these rights, please contact us at the email address provided below.

9. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

We use cookies and similar tracking technologies to enhance your browsing experience. Cookies are small data files stored on your device. You can control cookie preferences through your browser settings. We use:

Essential Cookies: Required for basic website functionality
Analytics Cookies: To understand how visitors interact with our website
Preference Cookies: To remember your language and display preferences

10. Third-Party Links

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

11. Children's Privacy

Our website is not intended for children under the age of 18. We do not knowingly collect personal information from minors. If we become aware that we have collected personal information from a child without parental consent, we will take steps to delete such information.

12. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices or legal requirements. We will notify you of any material changes by posting the updated policy on this page with a revised "Last updated" date.

13. Grievance Officer

In accordance with the Information Technology Act, 2000 and the SPDI Rules, we have appointed a Grievance Officer to address any concerns or complaints regarding your personal data:

Grievance Officer

Bihari Swabhiman

Email: swabhimanbihari@gmail.com

Response Time: We will acknowledge your grievance within 48 hours and endeavor to resolve it within 30 days.

14. Contact Us

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

swabhimanbihari@gmail.com

15. Governing Law

This Privacy Policy shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of India. Any disputes arising under this policy shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts in Bihar, India.