Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

Welcome to workmingle ("we," "our," or "us"). We are committed to protecting your privacy and ensuring you have a safe, secure experience on our platform. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, protect, and share information about you when you use our mobile application and related services.

2. Information We Collect

2.1 Information You Provide

• Account Information: Name, age, gender, location, email address
• Professional Details: Current role, industry, education, work experience, company information
• Profile Content: Photos, bio, interests, preferences
• Verification Documents: Government ID details for identity verification (processed securely and not stored)
• Communication: Messages, photos, and other content you share through our chat system

2.2 Information We Collect Automatically

• Usage Data: How you interact with our app, features used, time spent
• Device Information: Device type, operating system, app version, unique device identifiers
• Location Data: Approximate location for matching purposes (with your permission)
• Log Data: IP address, access times, pages viewed, app crashes, system activity

2.3 Information from Third Parties

• Verification Services: Identity and employment verification through authorised third-party services
• Employment Verification: Professional details verified through legitimate business databases

3. How We Use Your Information

3.1 Core Platform Services

• Create and manage your account
• Verify your identity and professional status
• Show you potential matches based on your preferences
• Enable communication between matched users
• Provide customer support and respond to inquiries

3.2 Safety and Security

• Prevent fraud, spam, and abuse
• Protect users from harmful or inappropriate behaviour
• Maintain platform integrity and security
• Comply with legal obligations

3.3 Personalisation and Improvement

• Customise your experience and improve matching algorithms
• Analyse usage patterns to enhance our services
• Develop new features and functionality
• Conduct research and analytics (in aggregated, anonymised form)

4. Information Sharing and Disclosure

4.1 With Other Users

• Profile Information: Based on your privacy settings and preferences
• Professional Details: Only as per your selected visibility options (industry-only, role-only, or custom display)
• Communication: Messages and content shared directly between matched users

4.2 With Service Providers

We work with trusted third-party service providers who help us operate our platform:

• Verification Services: For identity and employment verification
• Cloud Storage: For secure data storage and backup
• Analytics: For app performance and user experience improvement
• Communication: For push notifications and customer support

4.3 Legal Requirements

We may disclose information when required by Indian law, legal process, or to:

• Comply with valid legal requests from Indian authorities
• Respond to requests from law enforcement agencies
• Cooperate with regulatory bodies like MeitY, CERT-In, or other Indian government agencies
• Protect our rights, property, or safety under Indian law
• Protect the rights, property, or safety of our users or others
• Investigate potential violations of our terms of service
• Comply with court orders or legal proceedings in India

4.4 Business Transfers

In the event of a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets, user information may be transferred as part of that transaction.

5. Your Privacy Controls

5.1 Professional Privacy

• Company Visibility: Choose how your employer information appears (full details, industry only, role only, or custom)
• Workplace Separation: Automatically hide your profile from coworkers and company networks
• Professional Display: Control what professional information is visible to different user groups

5.2 Profile Visibility

• Photo Sharing: Control who can see your photos and when
• Information Sharing: Set different visibility levels for different types of information
• Discovery Settings: Control who can find and view your profile
• Activity Status: Choose whether to show when you're online or active

5.3 Communication Controls

• Message Privacy: All messages are encrypted end-to-end
• Screenshot Protection: Automatic detection and notifications for screenshot attempts
• Messaging Preferences: Control who can message you and when
• Notification Settings: Customize what notifications you receive and when

6. Data Security

6.1 Security Measures

• Encryption: All sensitive data is encrypted in transit and at rest as per Indian cybersecurity guidelines
• Secure Storage: Data stored in secure, access-controlled environments within India
• Regular Audits: Ongoing security assessments and vulnerability testing in compliance with Indian standards
• Access Controls: Strict employee access controls and monitoring as per Indian data protection requirements
• CERT-In Compliance: Following cybersecurity guidelines issued by Computer Emergency Response Team - India

6.2 Verification Security

• No Storage: We don't store your government ID numbers or verification documents
• Secure Processing: Verification data is processed securely through authorised channels
• Temporary Access: Verification information is only accessed during the verification process

7. Data Retention

7.1 Account Data

• Active accounts: Data retained while your account is active
• Inactive accounts: Data may be retained for up to 12 months after last activity
• Deleted accounts: Most data deleted within 30 days of account deletion

7.2 Communication Data

• Messages: Retained for 1 year from the date sent
• Chat history: Available to users during active conversations
• Media files: Retained according to user settings and legal requirements

7.3 Legal and Safety Data

• Safety reports: Retained as necessary for safety investigations and as required by Indian law
• Legal compliance: Retained as required by Indian laws and regulations
• Verification records: Retained for regulatory compliance as per Indian requirements
• Data breach records: Maintained as per CERT-In guidelines and Indian cybersecurity requirements

8. Data Storage and Processing

Your information is stored and processed in India in compliance with Indian data protection laws. We use secure servers located within India to ensure your data remains within the country's jurisdiction and is subject to Indian privacy regulations.

9. Children's Privacy

Our services are not intended for users under 18 years of age. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 18. If we become aware that we have collected such information, we will take steps to delete it promptly in compliance with Indian laws regarding minors' data protection.

10. Your Rights

10.1 Access and Control

• Access: Request a copy of the personal information we have about you
• Correction: Update or correct your personal information
• Deletion: Request deletion of your personal information (subject to legal requirements)
• Portability: Request a copy of your data in a portable format

10.2 Communication Preferences

• Marketing: Opt out of marketing communications at any time
• Notifications: Control app notifications through your device settings
• Email: Unsubscribe from promotional emails using the links provided

11. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. When we make changes:

• We will notify you through the app or via email
• The "Last Updated" date will be revised
• Continued use of our services constitutes acceptance of the updated policy
• For material changes, we may seek your explicit consent

12. Contact Us

If you have questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or our privacy practices:

Grievance Officer

As required under Indian law, you can contact our Grievance Officer for any privacy-related concerns:

13. Your Rights Under Indian Law

13.1 Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023 (DPDP Act)

As per the DPDP Act 2023, you have the following rights:

• Right to Access: Request confirmation about processing of your personal data and access to such data
• Right to Correction: Request correction or completion of your personal data
• Right to Erasure: Request deletion of your personal data (subject to legal requirements)
• Right to Data Portability: Request your personal data in a structured, machine-readable format
• Right to Grievance Redressal: File complaints regarding processing of your personal data
• Right to Nominate: Nominate another person to exercise your rights in case of death or incapacity

13.2 Information Technology (Reasonable Security Practices) Rules, 2011

We comply with the IT Rules 2011 regarding:

• Reasonable security practices for sensitive personal data
• Consent mechanisms for data collection and processing
• Data breach notification procedures
• Grievance redressal mechanisms

13.3 Exercising Your Rights

To exercise any of your rights under Indian law:

• Contact us at support@workmingleapp.com
• Use the in-app privacy settings and controls
• Submit requests through our grievance redressal mechanism
• Contact our Grievance Officer (details above)

14. Legal Compliance and Jurisdiction

14.1 Governing Law

This Privacy Policy and all matters relating to your use of workmingle are governed by the laws of India, including:

• Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023
• Information Technology Act, 2000
• Information Technology (Reasonable Security Practices) Rules, 2011
• Indian Contract Act, 1872

14.2 Jurisdiction

Any disputes arising from this Privacy Policy or your use of workmingle will be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts in India.

14.3 Regulatory Compliance

We comply with all applicable Indian regulations and work with Indian regulatory authorities as required, including:

• Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY)
• Computer Emergency Response Team - India (CERT-In)
• Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) where applicable