Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

Welcome to Vedic Tithi ("we," "our," or "us"). This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you use our mobile application Vedic Tithi (the "App"). We are committed to maintaining the highest standards of privacy protection, especially for spiritual and astrological data.

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

2. Information We Collect

2.1 Information You Voluntarily Provide

• Optional Account Information: Email address, name (only if you choose to create an account)
• Birth Details for Kundali: Date, time, and place of birth (stored locally on your device)
• Location Preferences: Saved locations for panchang calculations
• App Preferences: Language settings, notification preferences, favorite festivals
• Feedback & Support: Messages sent through our support system

2.2 Automatically Collected Information

2.3 Location Information Details

3. Astrological & Birth Data Protection

3.1 Sacred Data Handling

We recognize that birth details and astrological information hold deep spiritual significance. Our approach to this sensitive data includes:

3.2 Kundali Data Security

• Local Storage Only: All birth charts and Kundali data remain on your device
• No Cloud Backup: We don't automatically backup your astrological data
• User-Controlled Sharing: Only you can export or share your Kundali information
• Encrypted Storage: Birth data is encrypted using device-level security
• No Profiling: We never create personality or behavioral profiles based on astrological data

3.3 Cultural Sensitivity Commitment

We understand that for many users, Vedic astrology is not just entertainment but a sacred practice. Our data handling reflects this respect:

• No commercialization of personal astrological data
• No sharing with advertising networks or data brokers
• Respectful treatment of traditional practices and beliefs
• Transparent communication about how calculations are performed

4. How We Use Your Information

4.1 Core App Functionality

• Panchang Calculations: Providing accurate daily tithi, nakshatra, and yoga timings
• Muhurat Recommendations: Calculating auspicious timings for your location
• Festival Notifications: Alerting you to important Hindu festivals and observances
• Personalization: Customizing content based on your location and preferences

4.2 App Improvement

• Analyzing anonymized usage patterns to enhance user experience
• Identifying and fixing technical issues and bugs
• Developing new features based on user needs and feedback
• Optimizing app performance and calculation accuracy

4.3 User Support

• Responding to your questions and providing technical assistance
• Helping with app functionality and feature explanations
• Addressing concerns about calculation accuracy or cultural content

4.4 Legal and Safety

We may use your information to comply with legal obligations, protect user safety, resolve disputes, and enforce our Terms of Service.

5. Information Sharing

5.1 Limited Sharing Circumstances

We may share limited, non-personal information only in these specific situations:

• Service Providers: Trusted third-party services that help us operate the app (cloud infrastructure, analytics, crash reporting)
• Legal Requirements: When required by law, court order, or government request
• Safety Protection: To protect the rights, property, or safety of users or others
• Business Transfer: In connection with a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets (with user notification)

5.2 Third-Party Services We Use

5.3 Data Processing Locations

Your data may be processed in countries other than your own. We ensure that all data processing meets international privacy standards and provides adequate protection regardless of location.

6. Data Security

6.1 Security Measures

We implement comprehensive security measures to protect your information:

• Encryption: All data transmission uses industry-standard SSL/TLS encryption
• Device Security: Sensitive data leverages device-level encryption and biometric protection
• Access Controls: Strict access limitations for any team members who handle data
• Regular Audits: Periodic security assessments and vulnerability testing
• Secure Infrastructure: Enterprise-grade cloud security with multiple layers of protection

6.2 Data Retention Policies

• Account Data: Retained until you delete your account
• Analytics Data: Anonymized after 30 days, deleted after 2 years
• Crash Reports: Automatically deleted after 90 days
• Support Messages: Deleted after issue resolution (up to 1 year)
• Birth/Kundali Data: Stored only on your device, never on our servers

7. Your Privacy Rights

7.1 Data Control Rights

You have comprehensive rights regarding your personal information:

• Access: Request a copy of all personal data we have about you
• Correction: Update or correct any inaccurate information
• Deletion: Request complete deletion of your personal data ("Right to be Forgotten")
• Portability: Receive your data in a portable, machine-readable format
• Restriction: Limit how we process your information
• Objection: Object to certain types of data processing
• Withdraw Consent: Revoke any previously given consent at any time

7.2 How to Exercise Your Rights

To exercise any of these rights, contact us at [email protected]. We will respond within 30 days and provide the requested action or explanation if we cannot fulfill the request.

7.3 Device-Level Controls

You can control app permissions through your device settings:

• iOS: Settings → Privacy & Security → Location Services → Vedic Tithi
• Android: Settings → Apps → Vedic Tithi → Permissions
• Notifications: Can be disabled in app settings or device notification settings
• Data Reset: Uninstalling and reinstalling the app removes all local data

8. Children's Privacy (Ages 4+)

Vedic Tithi is designed to be safe and educational for users of all ages, including children aged 4 and above. We are committed to providing the strongest privacy protections for young users.

8.1 Age-Appropriate Design

• Educational Content: All content is culturally appropriate and educational
• No Social Features: No chat, messaging, or social networking capabilities
• No Advertising: Completely ad-free experience for all users
• No In-App Purchases: No commercial transactions that could affect children
• Safe Links: No external links that could lead children away from the app

8.2 Children's Data Protection

For children under 13, we:

• Minimal Data Collection: Only collect data absolutely necessary for app functionality
• No Registration Required: App works fully without creating accounts
• Parental Consent: Location access requires parental approval through device settings
• No Tracking: No behavioral tracking or profiling of any kind
• Immediate Deletion: Parents can delete all data instantly by uninstalling

8.3 Parental Rights and Controls

Parents and guardians have full control over their children's app experience:

• Device Controls: Manage all permissions through device settings
• Data Deletion: Contact us to delete any collected data
• Usage Monitoring: No hidden data collection that parents cannot see
• Educational Support: Resources to help explain Vedic traditions to children

8.4 Legal Compliance for Children

We comply with all applicable children's privacy laws including:

• COPPA (USA): Children's Online Privacy Protection Act
• GDPR (EU): Special protections for children under 16
• PIPEDA (Canada): Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act
• Local Laws: Applicable children's privacy laws in your jurisdiction

9. Legal Compliance

9.1 International Privacy Laws

Vedic Tithi complies with major international privacy regulations:

9.2 Data Processing Legal Basis

We process your data based on the following legal grounds:

• Consent: When you explicitly agree to data collection (location, notifications)
• Legitimate Interest: For app functionality, security, and improvement
• Contract Performance: To provide the services you've requested
• Legal Obligation: When required by applicable laws

9.3 Cross-Border Data Transfers

If your data is transferred internationally, we ensure adequate protection through:

• Standard Contractual Clauses (SCCs) approved by relevant authorities
• Adequacy decisions by data protection authorities
• Certification schemes and codes of conduct
• Binding corporate rules for intra-group transfers

10. App Store Privacy

10.1 Apple App Store Compliance

For iOS users, our app complies with Apple's App Store privacy requirements:

• Privacy Labels: Accurate disclosure of all data collection in App Store
• App Tracking Transparency: No third-party tracking without explicit consent
• Data Minimization: Collect only data necessary for app functionality
• User Control: Respect iOS privacy settings and permissions

10.2 Google Play Store Compliance

For Android users, we comply with Google Play's data safety requirements:

• Data Safety Section: Clear disclosure of data practices in Play Store
• Permissions Declaration: Accurate declaration of all requested permissions
• Target Audience: Appropriate age rating and content guidelines
• Security Practices: Implementation of Play's security best practices

10.3 Platform-Specific Features

• iOS: Integration with Screen Time, Shortcuts, and Siri (with privacy protection)
• Android: Adaptive icons, background limits, and permission controls
• Both Platforms: Respect for system-level privacy controls and dark mode

11. Changes to This Policy

11.1 Notification of Changes

We may update this Privacy Policy periodically. We will notify you of changes through:

• In-App Notification: Prominent notice when you open the app
• Email Notification: If you have provided your email address
• Website Update: Updated policy posted on our website
• App Store Description: Updates reflected in store listings

11.2 Material Changes

For significant changes that affect your privacy rights, we will:

• Provide at least 30 days advance notice
• Clearly explain what has changed and why
• Offer you the choice to opt-out if you disagree
• Maintain previous practices for existing data unless you consent to changes

11.3 Continued Use

Your continued use of the App after any privacy policy changes indicates your acceptance of the updated terms. If you disagree with changes, please discontinue use and contact us to delete your data.

12. Contact Us

We welcome your questions, concerns, and feedback about our privacy practices. Our privacy team is committed to responding promptly and thoroughly to all inquiries.