The Foundation recognises the importance of protecting the privacy and dignity of individuals and is committed to handling personal data responsibly and transparently.
This Privacy Policy ("Policy") is published in compliance with applicable laws including the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023 ("DPDP Act"), Section 43A of the Information Technology Act, 2000, and the Information Technology (Reasonable Security Practices and Procedures and Sensitive Personal Data or Information) Rules, 2011 ("SPDI Rules").
This Policy describes how PrashantAdvait Foundation (the "Foundation", "we", "our", or "us") collects, processes, stores, protects, and uses personal information of users who access or use the application "Acharya Prashant" ("Application"), the website https://www.acharyaprashant.org ("Website"), and services offered through them ("Services").
For the purposes of the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023, the Foundation acts as the Data Fiduciary in relation to the personal data collected and processed through the Website, Application, and Services.
Please read this Policy carefully along with the Terms of Use ("ToU") available on the Website and Application.
By accessing or using the Website, Application, or Services, you signify your acceptance of this Policy and consent to the collection, processing, storage, and use of your information as described herein. If you do not agree with this Policy, you must discontinue use of the Website, Application, and Services.
Scope
This Policy applies only to your use of the Website, Application, and Services operated by the Foundation.
This Policy does not extend to third-party websites or services that may be linked through the Website or Application. The Foundation has no control over how third parties collect or use personal information and encourages users to review the privacy policies of such external platforms before sharing information with them.
The Website and Application are intended for individuals capable of entering into legally binding contracts under Indian law. Individuals under the age of 18 may use the services only with the consent and supervision of a parent or legal guardian.
Principles of Data Processing
The Foundation processes personal data in accordance with the principles set out under applicable data protection laws.
Personal data is collected and processed only for specific, lawful, and legitimate purposes related to the provision of services, community engagement, educational activities, and operational requirements of the Foundation. Personal data will not be processed beyond what is reasonably necessary for such purposes.
User Provided Information
The Website, Application, and Services collect information that you voluntarily provide when you register, interact with, or use the services. This may include:
For the purposes of this Policy, such information may constitute "personal data", "digital personal data", or "processing" within the meaning of the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023 and shall collectively be referred to as "Information."
We may use this Information to:
Where permitted under applicable law and subject to consent requirements, we may also contact users via email, phone, SMS, or messaging services regarding services, updates, or offerings.
Automatically Collected Information
The Website/Application may automatically collect technical information including:
This information helps improve functionality, security, and user experience.
Payments may be processed through third-party payment processors. The Foundation does not store sensitive payment information such as credit card numbers.
Sharing of Information with Service Providers
The Foundation may engage third-party service providers to support the operation of the Website, Application, and Services, including services such as:
Such service providers may have access to personal information only to the extent necessary to perform services on behalf of the Foundation and are expected to maintain appropriate confidentiality and security safeguards.
The Foundation does not sell personal data to third parties.
Recording of Online Sessions and Participant Contributions
The Foundation conducts various online sessions, discussions, community interactions, and educational events through the Website, Application, or associated platforms.
Participants are informed that such sessions may be recorded before or at the commencement of the session.
These sessions may be recorded in audio and/or video form in order to preserve the integrity of discussions and to enable dissemination of teachings and discussions for the benefit of the wider community.
During these sessions, participants may voluntarily ask questions, share reflections, or engage in discussions. By participating in such sessions and choosing to ask questions or contribute to the discussion, you acknowledge and agree that your question, reflection, or contribution may form part of the recorded session.
The Foundation may use, reproduce, edit, publish, display, or circulate such recorded session content through its platforms including but not limited to:
The Foundation retains sole discretion regarding the use, publication, editing, or dissemination of such session recordings.
Participants who do not wish their visual identity to appear in published recordings may request that their face be blurred or masked. The Foundation will make reasonable efforts to accommodate such requests where feasible.
However, verbal contributions, questions, or reflections made during the session may still form part of the recorded material.
Participation in such sessions and the act of raising questions or contributing to discussions is voluntary. Participants who do not wish their contributions to appear in recorded or circulated material should refrain from participating in discussions or asking questions during such sessions.
Community Posts, Photographs and Video Content
The Foundation may organise community events, activities, discussions, or gatherings through the Website, Application, or associated platforms.
In connection with such activities, photographs, videos, testimonials, written reflections, comments, or other user-generated content ("Community Content") may be created or captured.
By voluntarily participating in such activities and providing consent where required, you agree that the Foundation may use, reproduce, publish, display, and share such Community Content, including your name, photograph, voice, or likeness.
Such content may be used for informational, educational, community engagement, or outreach purposes and may be shared on:
Participation in such media sharing is voluntary. Individuals who do not wish their identifiable content to be publicly shared may choose not to participate or may notify the Foundation accordingly.
Cookies
The Website and Application may use cookies or similar technologies to improve functionality and user experience.
Cookies help identify browsers, remember preferences, and analyze aggregated usage patterns.
Users may disable cookies through browser settings, though some features of the Website or Application may not function properly if cookies are disabled.
Alerts and Notifications
The Foundation may send alerts and notifications through email, SMS, calls, or messaging platforms to provide information about services, updates, or community activities. Users may opt out of such communications where applicable.
Public Forums
The Website or Application may include forums, discussion boards, or interactive features where users may post comments, reflections, or other content.
Information voluntarily shared in such forums may become publicly accessible to other users. Users should exercise discretion when sharing personal information in such spaces.
The Foundation is not responsible for how other users may use or interpret information voluntarily shared in public forums.
Retention of Information
Personal information is retained only for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes for which it was collected or as required by law.
Information may also be retained for purposes including:
Log Information
When users access the Website or Application, servers may automatically record certain information including:
User Communications
When users communicate with the Foundation through email or other channels, such communications may be retained to respond to inquiries, provide support, and improve services.
Information Security
The Foundation maintains reasonable physical, electronic, and procedural safeguards to protect personal information.
Secure servers and internal protocols are used to prevent unauthorized access, disclosure, or misuse of data.
However, transmission of information over the internet involves inherent security risks, and absolute security cannot be guaranteed. Users are responsible for protecting their login credentials.
Links to Other Sites
The Website or Application may provide links to external websites or applications.
The Foundation is not responsible for the privacy practices or content of such third-party platforms.
Changes to this Privacy Policy
The Foundation may update this Policy from time to time to reflect changes in services, technology, or legal requirements.
Users are encouraged to review this Policy periodically. Continued use of the Website, Application, or Services after updates constitutes acceptance of the revised Policy.
Your Consent
By registering with or using the Website, Application, or Services, you consent to the collection, processing, storage, and use of personal information as described in this Policy.
Processing activities may include collecting, storing, using, combining, transferring, or disclosing information for the purposes described in this Policy.
If you reside outside India, your information will be processed and stored in accordance with applicable laws of India.
Users may withdraw consent by contacting the Foundation through the contact details provided below. Withdrawal of consent may limit access to services where such information is necessary.
User Rights
Subject to applicable law, users may have the right to:
Requests relating to these rights may be submitted through the contact details provided below.
Children Information
The Website, Application, and Services are intended for individuals capable of entering into legally binding contracts.
The Foundation does not knowingly collect personal information from children under 18 without parental or guardian consent.
Where information relating to a minor is provided, the person providing such information represents that they have the legal authority to do so.
Grievance Redressal
In accordance with the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023, users may raise grievances regarding processing of personal data.
Grievance Officer / Data Protection Officer:
Mr. Devesh Mittal
PrashantAdvait Foundation
Email: [email protected]
If a grievance remains unresolved, users may have the right to approach the Data Protection Board of India in accordance with applicable law.
Archived Content and Historical Materials
From time to time, the Foundation may maintain archives of recorded sessions, community discussions, educational materials, publications, and other historical content generated through the Website, Application, or associated platforms.
Such archived materials may include recordings, transcripts, or other content created or captured during earlier sessions, events, or community interactions. These materials may continue to be retained and used for educational, informational, archival, or historical purposes.
Where such content has already been incorporated into archived materials, publications, or distributed content, the Foundation may not always be able to modify or remove specific portions of such content without materially affecting the integrity of the archival record.
However, where reasonably feasible and appropriate under applicable law, the Foundation may consider requests relating to removal or modification of personal identifiers from archived materials.