Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

At Gaushala App, we recognize that privacy is a fundamental human right and we are deeply committed to protecting the personal information of all our users — including Gaushala owners, customers, and visitors. This Privacy Policy outlines in detail how we collect, process, store, use, and safeguard your personal and business data when you use our mobile application, website, and associated digital services (collectively referred to as the “Platform”).

The Gaushala App is a digital marketplace designed to enable licensed Gaushala owners to create online stores and sell dairy products directly to customers. By using our Platform, you agree to the terms of this Privacy Policy. We encourage you to read this document carefully to understand our data protection practices and your rights as a user.

We adhere to the applicable provisions of the Information Technology Act, 2000 and the Information Technology (Reasonable Security Practices and Procedures and Sensitive Personal Data or Information) Rules, 2011, along with globally recognized data protection principles such as lawfulness, transparency, fairness, and accountability.


2. Scope of This Policy

This Privacy Policy applies to all users of the Gaushala App, including:

  • Registered Gaushala owners operating stores through the platform;

  • Consumers or customers purchasing products through the app; and

  • Visitors browsing our website or app without registering.

This Policy applies to all information collected through our app, website, social media integrations, and customer support channels, but does not apply to third-party websites, apps, or services that may be linked or integrated with our Platform.


3. Information We Collect

We collect information only to the extent necessary for legitimate business purposes — including service delivery, compliance, fraud prevention, and platform improvement. The categories of data we collect include:

a. Information You Provide Directly

  • Personal Identification Details: Name, email address, contact number, and password.

  • Business Identification Details: Gaushala license number, proof of registration, and verification documents.

  • Store and Product Information: Store name, physical location, product listings, images, and descriptions.

  • Payment and Financial Data: Bank account details, UPI IDs, and related payment information for order processing and settlements (handled securely via PCI-DSS-compliant payment partners).

  • Customer Order Details: Delivery address, contact preferences, purchase history, and transaction records.

  • Customer Support Communications: Queries, complaints, and feedback provided through chat, email, or helpline services.

b. Information Collected Automatically

  • Device and Technical Data: Device identifiers, IP address, operating system, browser type, network information, and app version.

  • Usage Data: App navigation patterns, time spent on pages, clicks, and other interactions used for analytics and product improvement.

  • Location Information: Approximate or precise location (only if explicitly permitted by the user) for delivery or service optimization.

  • Cookies and Similar Technologies: We use cookies and tracking pixels to remember user preferences, measure engagement, and improve performance.

c. Information from Third Parties

We may receive information about you from third-party services such as payment processors, delivery partners, verification agencies, and analytics providers. Such data is used strictly for validation, security, and operational efficiency.


4. Purpose and Use of Collected Information

We use your data responsibly and only for lawful, transparent, and limited purposes. Your personal and business information may be used for:

  1. Account Management: Creating, verifying, and maintaining your user profile or store.

  2. Transaction Processing: Managing orders, payments, and deliveries between Gaushala owners and customers.

  3. Service Enhancement: Improving app features, user interface, product recommendations, and overall experience.

  4. Communication: Sending transactional alerts, updates, promotional content (with consent), and service notifications.

  5. Verification and Compliance: Authenticating licenses, preventing fraud, and ensuring lawful business operations.

  6. Analytics and Research: Studying user behavior, usage trends, and performance metrics to improve services.

  7. Legal and Regulatory Requirements: Complying with applicable tax, audit, and reporting obligations.

  8. Dispute Resolution: Assisting in order-related or payment-related grievances between users.

Your information will never be sold, leased, or rented to any third party for marketing or unrelated commercial purposes.


5. Data Sharing and Disclosure

We maintain strict controls on data sharing and only disclose personal information when absolutely necessary. Your data may be shared under the following conditions:

  • With Transactional Parties: Limited data exchange between buyers and sellers to complete legitimate transactions (e.g., delivery address, contact details).

  • With Service Providers: We work with trusted logistics partners, payment processors, hosting providers, and analytics firms, who are bound by strict confidentiality and data protection contracts.

  • With Regulatory Authorities: We may disclose information if required under applicable law, government order, or court directive.

  • With Business Successors: In the event of a merger, acquisition, or restructuring, your data may be transferred to the successor entity, subject to equal or stronger privacy safeguards.

We ensure that all third parties processing your data on our behalf follow equivalent standards of security and confidentiality.


6. Data Security and Protection Measures

We employ industry-grade administrative, physical, and technical safeguards to protect your data from unauthorized access, loss, misuse, or alteration. Our key measures include:

  • End-to-end SSL encryption for all data transfers.

  • Secure cloud-based infrastructure with multi-layered authentication and restricted access.

  • Periodic security audits, vulnerability assessments, and penetration testing.

  • Role-based access controls to limit data visibility only to authorized personnel.

  • Mandatory data handling training and confidentiality agreements for all internal staff and partners.

While we take every reasonable step to protect your data, no system can be completely immune to breaches or unauthorized access. By using our services, you acknowledge this inherent limitation and agree that we cannot be held liable for security incidents beyond our control.


7. Data Retention Policy

Your information will be retained only as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes for which it was collected or as required under applicable law.

Retention periods vary depending on data type and purpose:

  • Transactional and billing records: Retained as required for accounting and tax obligations.

  • Account data: Stored as long as your account remains active or until you request deletion.

  • Analytics data: May be anonymized and retained for trend analysis and service improvement.

Upon expiry of the retention period, data is permanently deleted or anonymized so it cannot be linked back to an individual.


8. User Rights and Choices

We respect your rights and provide tools to help you manage your personal data. You have the right to:

  • Access your information: View or download the data we hold about you.

  • Correct inaccuracies: Update or rectify incorrect or outdated details.

  • Delete your data: Request erasure of personal information, subject to legal retention obligations.

  • Withdraw consent: Opt out of marketing communications or specific data uses at any time.

  • Restrict processing: Request that certain data not be used for specific purposes.

  • Data portability: Request a copy of your data in a commonly used digital format.

These rights can be exercised within your account settings or by following the procedures outlined within the app.


9. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

Our Platform uses cookies and similar technologies to enhance usability, personalize experience, and collect statistical data. Cookies may store session identifiers, preferences, and analytics data. You may choose to disable cookies via your browser settings; however, doing so may affect certain functionalities or performance aspects of the Platform.


10. Children’s Privacy

Gaushala App is not intended for individuals under the age of 18 years. We do not knowingly collect or process data from minors. If such information is discovered, it will be deleted promptly and permanently.


11. International Data Transfers

Although Gaushala App primarily operates in India, certain third-party service providers may be located outside India. When data is transferred internationally, we ensure it is protected with adequate safeguards and in compliance with applicable data protection laws.


12. Policy Updates and Modifications

We may periodically revise this Privacy Policy to reflect technological advancements, regulatory changes, or updates in our operational practices. The revised version will carry a new “Last Updated” date and will be effective immediately upon publication. Continued use of the Platform after such changes implies your acceptance of the updated terms.


13. Acknowledgement

By using the Gaushala App, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agreed to this Privacy Policy in its entirety. You also acknowledge that data transmission over the internet, while safeguarded by strong security measures, cannot be guaranteed to be fully secure, and you share information with us at your own discretion.


Gaushala App remains committed to the principles of transparency, integrity, and respect for privacy. We believe that your trust is our greatest asset, and we will continually strive to uphold it through responsible data practices, ethical technology use, and unwavering commitment to user protection.