Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

Welcome to Dharma Saathi. We are committed to protecting your privacy and ensuring the security of your personal information. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you use our platform.

By using Dharma Saathi, you agree to the collection and use of information in accordance with this policy. If you do not agree with our policies and practices, please do not use our services.

2. Information We Collect

2.1 Information You Provide

We collect information that you voluntarily provide when creating an account and using our services:

• Account Information: Name, email address, password, date of birth, gender
• Profile Information: Bio, interests, spiritual tradition, spiritual compass values
• Location Data: City, country, and approximate coordinates (rounded for privacy)
• Photos: Profile photos and verification photos
• Lifestyle Information: Diet preferences, practices, habits, spiritual affiliations
• Communication Data: Messages sent through our platform
• Payment Information: Processed securely through Razorpay (we do not store credit card details)

2.2 Automatically Collected Information

• Device Information: IP address, browser type, operating system
• Usage Data: Pages visited, time spent, features used
• Analytics Data: Interaction patterns, profile browsing behavior, engagement metrics
• Location Data: IP-based location for fallback when geolocation is denied

2.3 Third-Party OAuth Information

When you sign in via Google or Facebook, we receive basic profile information including your name, email address, and profile photo as permitted by your privacy settings on those platforms.

3. How We Use Your Information

We use the collected information for the following purposes:

• Account Management: Create and manage your account, authenticate your identity
• Matching: Connect you with spiritually aligned individuals based on your preferences
• Safety & Verification: Verify profiles, moderate content, ensure platform safety
• Communication: Enable messaging between matched users
• Service Improvement: Analyze usage patterns to improve features and user experience
• Customer Support: Respond to your inquiries and provide assistance
• Legal Compliance: Comply with legal obligations and enforce our terms
• Notifications: Send you updates about matches, messages, and platform features
• Payment Processing: Process subscription payments securely

4. How We Share Your Information

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

4.1 With Other Users

Your profile information, photos, and bio are visible to other users in accordance with your privacy settings. Location is shown as approximate distance, not precise coordinates.

4.2 Service Providers

• Firebase (Google): Authentication, database, storage, and hosting services
• Google Cloud Platform: Content moderation (Vision API, Natural Language API), face verification
• Razorpay: Payment processing (PCI DSS compliant)
• Wati: WhatsApp notifications (if opted in)
• Analytics Providers: Google Analytics and Firebase Analytics for usage insights

4.3 Legal Requirements

We may disclose your information if required by law, court order, or to protect the rights, property, or safety of Dharma Saathi, our users, or others.

4.4 Business Transfers

In the event of a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets, your information may be transferred. We will notify you via email and/or prominent notice on our platform.

5. Data Security

We implement industry-standard security measures to protect your information:

• Encryption in transit (HTTPS/TLS) and at rest
• Secure authentication with Firebase Auth
• Firestore Security Rules to restrict unauthorized access
• Regular security audits and monitoring
• Limited employee access to personal data (least privilege principle)
• Secure secret management for API keys and credentials

However, no method of transmission over the internet is 100% secure. While we strive to protect your information, we cannot guarantee absolute security.

6. Data Retention

We retain your information for as long as your account is active or as needed to provide services. Retention periods vary by data type:

• Profile Data: Retained while your account is active
• Messages: Retained indefinitely unless deleted by you
• Photos: Retained while in active use; verification photos deleted after decision
• Analytics Data: Aggregated data retained for up to 24 months
• Payment Records: Retained for 7 years for legal and tax purposes

After account deletion, some information may be retained in anonymized form for analytics or retained in backups for up to 90 days.

7. Your Rights and Choices

7.1 Access and Update

You can access and update your profile information at any time through your account settings.

7.2 Data Portability

You have the right to request a copy of your personal data in a structured, machine-readable format. Contact us at privacy@dharmasaathi.com to request data export.

7.3 Deletion

You can delete your account at any time through account settings. This will permanently remove your profile, photos, and personal information (messages may be retained in anonymized form for other users).

7.4 Marketing Communications

You can opt out of promotional emails by clicking the unsubscribe link or adjusting notification preferences in settings.

7.5 Cookie Management

Most browsers allow you to control cookies through settings. Note that disabling cookies may affect platform functionality.

8. Children's Privacy

Dharma Saathi is not intended for users under 18 years of age. We do not knowingly collect information from children under 18. If we discover that a child under 18 has provided us with personal information, we will promptly delete such information.

9. International Data Transfers

Your information may be transferred to and processed in countries other than your country of residence. These countries may have different data protection laws. By using our services, you consent to such transfers. We ensure appropriate safeguards are in place to protect your information.

10. GDPR & DPDP Compliance

For users in the European Union and India, we comply with GDPR and DPDP Act requirements:

• Lawful basis for processing (consent, contract, legitimate interest)
• Right to access, rectification, erasure, and data portability
• Right to object to processing and withdraw consent
• Data breach notification within 72 hours
• Data Protection Officer contact: dpo@dharmasaathi.com

11. California Privacy Rights (CCPA)

California residents have additional rights:

• Right to know what personal information is collected
• Right to know if personal information is sold or disclosed
• Right to say no to the sale of personal information (we do not sell data)
• Right to access and delete personal information
• Right to non-discrimination for exercising privacy rights

12. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of material changes by email or prominent notice on our platform at least 30 days before the changes take effect. Your continued use of the platform after changes indicates acceptance of the updated policy.

13. Contact Us

If you have questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or your personal information, please contact us: