Policies

1. IntroductionAMEY FOUNDATION respects the privacy of individuals who interact with us through our website, forms, telephone, email, WhatsApp Business, RCS, social or digital channels and other communication methods.This Privacy Policy explains how AMEY FOUNDATION may collect, use, disclose, retain and protect personal information in connection with its website and activities.We aim to collect information responsibly and use it only for legitimate and reasonably expected purposes.This Policy applies to information collected directly from individuals and, where applicable, information received through authorised service providers or communication platforms.The Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023 defines concepts including “Data Fiduciary”, “Data Principal” and “Data Processor” and establishes a framework concerning processing of digital personal data in India. The detailed regulatory requirements applicable to particular processing activities may also depend on rules and other applicable legal developments.By using the website or voluntarily providing information to AMEY FOUNDATION, you acknowledge this Privacy Policy.2. Information We CollectDepending on the nature of your interaction, AMEY FOUNDATION may collect the following categories of information.A. User InformationThis may include: name; mobile number; email address; postal address; organisation details; information submitted through forms; programme or activity preferences; enquiry details; and other information voluntarily supplied by you.We do not seek to collect more information than reasonably necessary for the purpose for which it is collected.B. Device InformationWhen you access our website, certain technical information may be automatically collected, including: IP address; browser type; operating system; device type; language preferences; approximate location derived from technical information; access time; referring webpage; pages viewed; and technical logs.This information may be used to maintain website security, diagnose technical issues and understand general website usage.C. Cookie InformationOur website may use cookies and similar technologies.These may help us remember preferences, understand website usage, maintain sessions, improve functionality and support security.Users may control cookies through browser settings, although disabling certain cookies may affect website functionality.D. Message DataIf you communicate with AMEY FOUNDATION through WhatsApp, RCS, email, SMS, website forms or other communication channels, we may process information contained in those interactions.This may include: telephone number; message content; date and time; attachments voluntarily provided; enquiry details; communication preferences; delivery or interaction information where made available by the relevant platform.AMEY FOUNDATION will use such information only for legitimate purposes connected with the relevant interaction and subject to applicable law and platform policies.

3. Purpose of Data CollectionAMEY FOUNDATION may collect personal information for purposes including: responding to enquiries; providing requested information; managing registrations; communicating programme information; providing customer or participant support; maintaining communication records; sending requested notifications; improving website functionality; preventing fraud and abuse; maintaining security; managing operational activities; complying with legal requirements; responding to complaints; maintaining necessary business records; and other purposes communicated at or before collection.We will endeavour to ensure that the purpose of processing is reasonably connected with the context in which the information was provided.

4. Consent for WhatsApp & RCS Data ProcessingWhen AMEY FOUNDATION uses WhatsApp Business or RCS for Business, we may request consent to communicate with you through those channels.For WhatsApp communications, AMEY FOUNDATION intends to follow Meta/WhatsApp requirements concerning user opt-in. WhatsApp’s Business Messaging Policy states that a business should contact a person only where the person has provided their mobile number and opted in to receive further WhatsApp messages, with the opt-in clearly identifying the business.Accordingly, where required, AMEY FOUNDATION may obtain consent through a website form, checkbox, direct request, WhatsApp interaction or another appropriate mechanism.For RCS communications, applicable platform requirements similarly require appropriate authorisation to message the relevant telephone number and compliance with applicable opt-in and messaging laws.Consent may be withdrawn at any time, subject to legal or operational requirements concerning information that must be retained.Users may also request that AMEY FOUNDATION stop sending WhatsApp or RCS communications.

5. Legal Basis for ProcessingDepending on the circumstances and applicable law, AMEY FOUNDATION may process personal data based on: consent; performance of a requested service or activity; compliance with a legal obligation; legitimate operational purposes permitted under applicable law; prevention of fraud or misuse; protection of rights and security; or another lawful basis available under applicable Indian law.Where consent is the appropriate basis, AMEY FOUNDATION will seek consent in a manner appropriate to the relevant processing activity.The nature of consent and notice requirements may depend on applicable law and regulatory rules in force at the time.

6. How We Use Collected DataAMEY FOUNDATION may use personal information to: respond to enquiries; communicate with users; provide requested services or information; administer registrations; send relevant notifications; process communication preferences; maintain records; improve services; analyse general website usage; prevent fraud; protect systems; comply with legal requirements; investigate complaints; enforce our Terms & Conditions; and support legitimate organisational operations.Where we use WhatsApp or RCS, the information may also be processed through the relevant platform infrastructure according to the platform’s terms and privacy practices.AMEY FOUNDATION will not knowingly use personal data for an unrelated purpose that materially conflicts with the purpose communicated at collection, except where permitted or required by law.

7. Data Retention & DeletionAMEY FOUNDATION will retain personal information only for as long as reasonably necessary for the relevant purpose, subject to applicable legal, accounting, tax, security, dispute-resolution and regulatory requirements.Different categories of information may have different retention periods.For example: enquiry information may be retained for customer-service and record-keeping purposes; communication records may be retained where necessary to establish or manage interactions; consent and opt-out records may be retained to demonstrate compliance; transactional records may be retained as required by law; and technical logs may be retained for security and operational purposes.Where personal data is no longer required and there is no legal reason to retain it, AMEY FOUNDATION may delete, anonymise or securely dispose of it.Deletion requests may be subject to lawful exceptions.

8. Data Sharing with Third PartiesAMEY FOUNDATION may use trusted third-party providers where necessary to operate its website, communication systems and services.These may include:Meta / WhatsAppIf WhatsApp Business services are used, relevant communication and account information may be processed through Meta’s systems in accordance with Meta’s applicable terms and privacy policies.Google / RCS ProvidersIf RCS for Business is used, relevant information may be processed through Google, RCS infrastructure providers, messaging partners and participating telecom operators as required to deliver the service.Google’s RCS terms expressly contemplate use of service providers and require compliance with applicable policies and legal requirements.Telecom OperatorsRCS messages may pass through mobile network operators and associated communications infrastructure. Delivery may therefore involve telecommunications entities necessary to provide messaging services.Website and Technology ProvidersWe may use: website hosting providers; cloud infrastructure; analytics providers; email providers; customer-support tools; security providers; database providers; and other technology vendors.Third parties are expected to process information according to their applicable contractual obligations, service terms and legal requirements.AMEY FOUNDATION does not sell personal information merely because it uses service providers to operate its services.

9. Security Measures & EncryptionAMEY FOUNDATION takes reasonable organisational and technical measures to protect personal information against unauthorised access, misuse, alteration, disclosure or destruction.Depending on the service, security measures may include: access controls; password protection; encrypted transmission where supported; secure hosting; restricted administrative access; monitoring and logging; software updates; security procedures; and incident-response processes.However, no internet-based system can be guaranteed to be completely secure.Users should also take reasonable steps to protect their devices, passwords, email accounts and communication accounts.WhatsApp and RCS may employ security mechanisms determined by their respective platforms. AMEY FOUNDATION does not control the independent security architecture of third-party platforms.

10. Cookies & Tracking TechnologiesAMEY FOUNDATION may use cookies and similar technologies to support website functionality.Cookies may be used for: essential website operation; session management; remembering preferences; analytics; performance monitoring; security; and improving user experience.Some cookies may be placed by third-party services used on the website.You can generally manage or disable cookies through your browser.Where legally required, AMEY FOUNDATION will provide appropriate notice or consent mechanisms for cookies and similar technologies.

11. Data Transfer & Storage — India-BasedAMEY FOUNDATION operates from Maharashtra, India.Where reasonably practicable and appropriate, information may be stored or processed using infrastructure located in India.However, use of third-party technology and communication services such as Meta, WhatsApp, Google, RCS infrastructure, cloud providers or telecom operators may involve processing or storage outside India depending on the architecture and terms of those services.Where such processing occurs, AMEY FOUNDATION will seek to comply with applicable Indian legal requirements relating to personal data processing and transfers.Google’s RCS framework incorporates terms concerning applicable data processing and security requirements, while the exact processing arrangements can depend on the service configuration and jurisdiction.

12. User Rights — Access, Correction & DeletionSubject to applicable law, users may have rights concerning their personal data, including rights to: request information about personal data processed by AMEY FOUNDATION; request correction of inaccurate information; request deletion where legally permissible; withdraw consent where processing is based on consent; request cessation of certain communications; raise a privacy-related complaint; and exercise other rights available under applicable law.To make a privacy request, contact:
Email: ameyfoundation19@gmail.com
Phone: +91 70457 66766To protect users and prevent unauthorised disclosure, we may need to verify the identity or authority of the person making a request.Deletion may not be possible where information is required to comply with law, resolve disputes, prevent fraud, maintain legally required records or protect legitimate rights.

13. WhatsApp & RCS Opt-Out PolicyAMEY FOUNDATION respects communication preferences.If you no longer wish to receive WhatsApp communications, you may contact us and request that communications stop.Where applicable, you may also use the available platform-level opt-out mechanism.For RCS communications, users may use the applicable opt-out functionality or contact AMEY FOUNDATION directly.AMEY FOUNDATION will take reasonable steps to process opt-out requests promptly.WhatsApp’s policy requires businesses to honour requests to block, stop or opt out of communications. Google similarly requires RCS business agents to process user opt-out requests promptly.Please note that transactional, security or legally required communications may sometimes continue where legally necessary, even after a marketing preference has been withdrawn.

14. Policy for ChildrenAMEY FOUNDATION does not knowingly seek unnecessary personal information from children.Where a particular programme involves children or minors, information will be collected and processed only in accordance with applicable law and appropriate parental or guardian requirements.Where applicable, a parent or lawful guardian may contact AMEY FOUNDATION regarding personal information relating to a child.If we become aware that personal information has been collected in circumstances where collection was not appropriate, we may take reasonable steps to delete or restrict the information, subject to applicable law.

15. Third-Party Websites and ServicesOur website may contain links to third-party websites, platforms or services.Examples may include: WhatsApp; Google; social media platforms; payment providers; partner websites; and other external services.AMEY FOUNDATION is not responsible for the privacy practices, content or security of third-party websites.Users should review the privacy policies and terms of the relevant third party before submitting information to it.

16. Communication and MarketingWhere permitted and where appropriate consent has been obtained, AMEY FOUNDATION may use contact information to send relevant updates or communications.Such communications may include: programme information; service updates; requested information; event notifications; organisational announcements; and other relevant communications.Users may opt out of non-essential promotional communications.We will not knowingly use WhatsApp or RCS to send unsolicited spam.WhatsApp recommends that businesses clearly establish user expectations concerning the categories of messages they intend to send and provide clear mechanisms for opting out.

17. Accuracy of InformationAMEY FOUNDATION relies on users to provide accurate information.If you provide incorrect contact information, we may be unable to: respond to your enquiry; deliver requested communications; process your request; honour an opt-out request; or provide relevant services.Users should notify us if their personal information changes.

18. Data Breach and Security IncidentsIf AMEY FOUNDATION becomes aware of a security incident involving personal information, we will assess the incident and take reasonable steps appropriate to the circumstances and applicable law.Depending on legal requirements and the nature of the incident, this may include: containing the incident; investigating its cause; strengthening security controls; maintaining relevant records; notifying appropriate authorities; and communicating with affected individuals where required.Because third-party communication platforms may also process information, certain security incidents may fall under the responsibility of the relevant platform provider.

19. Updates to Privacy PolicyAMEY FOUNDATION may update this Privacy Policy from time to time.Changes may be necessary because of: changes in applicable law; regulatory developments; changes to our services; introduction of new communication technologies; changes to WhatsApp or Meta requirements; changes to RCS or Google policies; security improvements; or operational requirements.The latest version will be published on the website with an updated effective date.We encourage users to periodically review this Privacy Policy.

20. Governing Law — IndiaThis Privacy Policy shall be governed by the applicable laws of India.Any dispute relating to this Privacy Policy shall, subject to applicable law, be subject to the jurisdiction of competent courts in Maharashtra, India.Nothing in this Policy limits any mandatory rights available to individuals under applicable data-protection or consumer-protection law.

21. Contact InformationFor privacy questions, requests, complaints, correction requests, deletion requests, consent withdrawal or communication opt-out requests, please contact:AMEY FOUNDATIONBehind Canara Bank,
Thakavai Pawar Chawl, Maratha Kolsewadi, Kalyan East, Katemanivali, Thane, Maharashtra – 421306,India
Email: ameyfoundation19@gmail.com
Phone: +91 70457 66766
When submitting a privacy request, please clearly describe the request and provide enough information for us to identify the relevant interaction.AMEY FOUNDATION will endeavour to respond to legitimate requests within a reasonable period and in accordance with applicable law.