Privacy Policy

Welcome to Shrutilipi, and thank you for being an integral part of our journey in building one of the leading digital publishing platforms.

We value the trust you place in us and are committed to protecting your privacy with transparency and integrity. This Privacy Policy is crafted to provide you with a clear understanding of how Shrutilipi collects, uses, shares, and safeguards data related to users of our platform.

We strongly encourage you to review this policy carefully to understand our data practices and the choices available to you. Our goal is to uphold the highest standards of user privacy and data protection.

Should you disagree with any aspect of this Privacy Policy, we respectfully advise that you refrain from using the Shrutilipi website and/or mobile application.




PRIVACY POLICY 

This Privacy Policy sets forth the manner in which the Bhalakatha Foundation Trust (“Trust”) collects, uses, stores, and manages information in relation to the use of its digital platforms, namely the ‘Shrutilipi’ website available at https://shrutilipi.in (“Website”) and the corresponding Shrutilipi mobile application available on Android (“Application”), collectively referred to as the “Website/Application”, by any person (“User” / “You” / “Your”).

The Trust, through the Website/Application, provides Users with the ability to access and/or upload literary content, including but not limited to books, stories, poems, articles, essays, travelogues, personal anecdotes, science fiction, health and wellness pieces, fashion, cultural and religious writings, biographies, memoirs, interviews, literary reviews, children’s literature, historical narratives, folklore, academic papers, philosophical essays, environmental discussions, spiritual reflections, satirical compositions, and translations etc. including associated cover images or other visual content accompanying such literary works (“Published Work(s)”). These Published Works may be made available in four languages, namely English, Hindi, Odia and Bengali. A User who uploads such literary content shall hereinafter be referred to as an “Author.”

The Website/Application also features literary works created or published directly by the Trust (“Shrutilipi Content”) in the aforementioned languages. Additionally, Users may post comments, reviews, and other content in relation to such literary works, or engage in communication with the Trust and/or other Users through messaging features available on the Website/Application (“Inputs”). The functionalities and offerings of the Website/Application shall hereinafter collectively be referred to as the “Services.”

For the purposes of this Privacy Policy, “Content” shall collectively include both Published Works and Trust 's Content.

This Privacy Policy forms an integral part of, and shall be read in conjunction with, the Terms of Use governing access to and use of the Website/Application. By accessing, browsing, or otherwise using the Website/Application, You expressly acknowledge that You have read, understood, and agree to be bound by this Privacy Policy. If You do not agree with any term or provision herein, You are advised to immediately discontinue use of the Website/Application.

 

What information does Trust collect for Shrutilipi ?

For Trust to offer its Services to Users through Shrutilipi Website/Application and to continuously improve the Users’ experience, Trust collects certain information which constitute personally identifiable information (information which can be used to identify an individual) and non-personally identifiable information (information which cannot directly identify an individual) (together ‘User Information’) as mentioned below: 

Registration/Log in Data : Name, Email Address/ Facebook or Google log-in details along with profile details which are public or can be shared as per User’s privacy settings on these platforms. Other details optionally given by the User such as gender, age, city etc. This also applies to Users during submission of Published Work through contests declared by the Trust.

Usage Data : Data regarding pages or profiles visited, time spent on a page, navigation through the portal, location, language preference, search actions, participation in contests, interaction with other Users, including time and date of all such actions

Device Data : A device identifier token generated for each Android User, the make of the phone, browser version and type, IP Address, other installed applications in the device

Contact List/ Friends List : Where Users agree to share the phone numbers of User’s contacts to refer the Website/Application, Trust collects and uses them solely for referral and does not take any other action with respect to such information. The referred contacts will have an option to have their details removed from the database by writing to shrutilipitech@gmail.com .

If agreed by a User, Shrutilipi may collect Facebook identities of a User’s friends on Facebook when logging in through Facebook to the Website/Application. Trust may use such information for increasing engagement between its Users on the Website/Application.

Purpose of Collection and Use of User Information

The Trust collects and processes User Information in a lawful, fair, and transparent manner for the following legitimate purposes, which are necessary for the functioning, improvement, and administration of the Shrutilipi Website/Application and the Services offered therein:

1. Facilitation of Access and Use of Services:
To enable and facilitate the User’s access to, and appropriate utilization of, the Website/Application and its associated Services, including enforcement of the Trust’s Terms of Use, Privacy Policy, and other applicable rules and policies.

2. Notifications and Communication:
To send Users both mandatory service-related notifications (such as technical updates, system messages, etc.) and optional communications, including promotional, feature-related, or informational content, subject to the User’s preferences and applicable laws.

3. Direct User Communication:
To engage with the User via any medium (e.g., email, in-app messages, or other communication channels) for the purpose of responding to queries, feedback, support requests, or any other interactions initiated by the User or deemed necessary by the Trust.

4. Performance Enhancement and Security:
To improve the operation and technical performance of the Website/Application, including the development and introduction of new features, user interface upgrades, and enhanced security measures aimed at safeguarding User data and Published Works against unauthorized access or misuse.

5. User Experience Optimization:
To personalize and tailor the User experience on the Website/Application by analyzing usage patterns and preferences in order to provide customised content recommendations, interface arrangements, and other optimised features to enhance overall engagement.

6. Website/Application Administration and Analysis:
For ongoing management and administrative support of the Website/Application, including but not limited to diagnostics, troubleshooting, performance monitoring, bug fixes, technical audits, user behavior analysis, and feedback-driven improvements. This may also involve conducting internal surveys and research to better understand User demographics and preferences.

7. Community Building and Engagement:
To foster meaningful interaction and a sense of community among Users, including the promotion of collaborative literary activities, featured content, and engagement-based initiatives that encourage user participation.

8. Enhancement of Sharing Features:
To improve the functionality of the content-sharing feature by prioritizing the display of applications already installed on the User’s device, thereby streamlining and enhancing the sharing experience.

Each of the above purposes is carried out in accordance with applicable data protection laws and is necessary for the legitimate interests of the Trust in providing and maintaining the quality and integrity of the Services offered through the Shrutilipi Website/Application.

Third-Party Access to User Information

At Shrutilipi, safeguarding your privacy is a priority.

The Trust assures Users that your personal information will never be sold or rented to any third party under any circumstances.

However, limited access to certain User Information may be granted to third parties strictly under the terms outlined below and solely for the purpose of improving your experience on the platform:

1. Authorized Business Partners

Select third-party business partners may be engaged by the Trust to perform specific services. These partners handle User Information in compliance with their own privacy policies, and only to the extent necessary to fulfill the services outlined below:

i. Analytics and Performance Enhancement

To better understand User behavior, optimize platform performance, and enhance features, the following analytics and notification service providers may access User Information:

· Facebook Analytics
For user behavior analysis and engagement metrics.
Privacy Policy

· Google Analytics (Location: USA)
To analyze traffic patterns and improve platform usability.
Privacy Overview
Security Policy

· Google Play Store Services
For application distribution and functionality.
Google Privacy Policy

ii. Research & Development Services

Other reputable third parties may be engaged, from time to time, to assist the Trust with activities such as user surveys, research, and platform testing. These services are intended to help enhance the quality, functionality, and relevance of the Shrutilipi platform.

All such engagements are governed by strict confidentiality obligations, and the Trust exercises due diligence to ensure compliance with applicable privacy laws and ethical data practices.

2. Special Circumstances: Disclosure of User Information

The Trust is committed to maintaining the confidentiality of personally identifiable information shared by Users. However, under specific and exceptional circumstances, the Trust may be compelled to disclose such information, including but not limited to the following situations:

i. Legal Compliance:
When disclosure is required by applicable law, regulation, or in connection with any legal proceedings or litigation.

ii. Matters of Public Interest:
If the Trust determines, in good faith, that such disclosure is necessary to address matters of national security, law enforcement, or other issues of overriding public importance.

iii. Enforcement of Terms:
To ensure strict compliance with and enforcement of the Terms of Use governing the User’s access to and usage of the Website/Application.

iv. Fraud Prevention and Technical Safeguards:
In instances involving fraud, security breaches, or technical anomalies, where disclosure is necessary to investigate, prevent, or take remedial action.

Such disclosures shall be made only to the extent deemed necessary, and always in accordance with applicable legal and regulatory requirements.

3. Corporate Restructuring:

In the event of a merger, acquisition, reorganization, or sale of all or part of the Trust’s assets, the Trust reserves the right to transfer User Information to the relevant third party involved in such transaction. Such transfer shall be undertaken in accordance with applicable laws, and the receiving party shall be bound to respect the confidentiality and use of User Information in a manner consistent with this Privacy Policy.

 User Published Material :  Trust enables Users to interact with each other in its community building endeavours between authors and readers. Therefore, Users’ names, comments, likes etc are public and can be viewed by other Users. Users must ensure they do not put up any Inputs on the Website/Application which they do not intend to make public.

Storage and Security of User Information

The Trust hosts the Website/Application on secure, dedicated server infrastructure Storage environments are selected with a focus on reliability, compliance, and data protection.

The Trust implements a strict internal access control policy, ensuring that only authorized personnel, on a need-to-know basis, can access User Information. All user passwords are encrypted before storage and are not accessible in plain text at any stage.

Users are solely responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of their passwords and must take adequate precautions to prevent unauthorized access to their accounts. Any unauthorized use of login credentials may compromise the confidentiality and security of User Information.

While the Trust maintains robust administrative, technical, and physical safeguards, Users acknowledge that, given the inherent vulnerabilities of the internet, absolute security cannot be guaranteed. Users are advised to remain vigilant and adopt safe internet practices.

Collection of User Information and Opt-Out Options

Shrutilipi collects User Information through the following primary methods:

1. User-Provided Information:
Information voluntarily submitted by the User during registration, account setup, or while submitting any Inputs (such as comments, reviews, or Published Works) on the Website/Application.

2. Automated Data Collection (API Calls):
Data automatically generated through user interactions with the Website/Application, such as page navigation, button clicks, content viewed, and other usage metrics. This data helps the Trust improve the Services and may be shared with authorized third-party service providers as outlined in this Privacy Policy.

Opt-Out Options

Wherever feasible, the Trust provides Users with options to manage or restrict data collection, including the ability to:

· Disable non-essential cookies through browser settings.

· Opt out of certain communication notifications through in-app or account settings.

· Revoke permissions granted to the Application via the device’s operating system controls.

Users who do not wish to have their data collected are advised to limit usage of the Website/Application or discontinue use if they do not agree with the data practices outlined.

User Rights Regarding Their Information

Shrutilipi respects and upholds the rights of Users over their personal data. Users may exercise the following rights with respect to their User Information:

1. Right to Register or Decline Registration
Users may choose not to register on the Website/Application if they prefer not to share personally identifiable information required for registration. However, refusal to register may limit access to certain features and functionalities, as reasonably determined by the Trust.

2. Right to Modify or Update Information
Users may access and update or edit their profile information directly through their account settings on the Website/Application. Users are encouraged to keep their details accurate and current.

3. Right to Deletion of Account and Data
Users may request the deletion of their account and associated personally identifiable information. Upon receipt of such a request:

o The Trust will cease use of the data by the following day.

o Permanent deletion will be completed by the end of the calendar month in which the request was received.

o All content published by the User will be deleted from the platform; however, some fragments may remain accessible on the internet beyond the Trust’s control.

o Internal records, such as historical logs, may be retained securely by Shrutilipi in accordance with applicable law and for audit purposes.

4. Right to Control Notifications
Users have the ability to manage the frequency or completely opt-out of optional communications (e.g., reading suggestions, platform updates) through the notification settings in their profile.

5. Right to Opt-Out of Data Usage
If a User wishes for the Trust to cease using their personal information for any of the purposes outlined in this Privacy Policy, they may contact Shrutilipi directly.
The Trust will make reasonable efforts to accommodate such requests; however, Users acknowledge that opting out may impact the quality or functionality of their experience on the Website/Application.

Amendments to this Privacy Policy

The Trust reserves the right to revise, update, or modify this Privacy Policy at its sole discretion from time to time

Users are strongly encouraged to review this page periodically to remain informed about the latest terms governing the collection and use of their personal information.

In the event that a User does not agree with any of the modifications, the User is advised to immediately discontinue access to or use of the Website/Application/Services.

Continued use of the Website/Application after the publication of such changes shall constitute the User’s acknowledgment and deemed acceptance of the revised Privacy Policy, and the User shall be legally bound by the updated terms.

Grievance Redressal

For any grievances concerning this Privacy Policy or any issues related to the collection, use, or processing of your personal information, please contact the Grievance Officer of Shrutilipi :

Mr. Harihar Tripathy
Email : shrutilipieditor@gmail.com

For any cyber-related grievances, you may reach out to:

Mrutyunjay Parija
Email : shrutilipitech@gmail.com