Introduction

Navin Awaz News Media Pvt Ltd (“Navin Awaz,” “we,” “us,” or “our”) is a news and media company committed to delivering credible, ethical, and impactful journalism. We value the privacy of our users, including readers, subscribers, contributors, and partners interacting with our platforms, such as our website, mobile applications, social media channels, and other services (collectively, “Services”). This Privacy Policy outlines how we collect, use, store, protect, and share personal data in compliance with applicable laws, including the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023 (DPDP Act) of India, and other relevant regulations.

This policy applies to all individuals engaging with our Services, including website visitors, app users, newsletter subscribers, event participants, and those submitting content (e.g., comments, story tips). By using our Services, you (“user,” “you”) consent to the practices described in this Privacy Policy. We are committed to transparency, accountability, and safeguarding your personal information while maintaining the integrity of our journalistic mission.

1. Scope and Applicability

This Privacy Policy governs:

  • Personal data collected through our website ([insert website URL]), mobile apps (Navin Awaz iOS and Android apps), social media accounts, and other digital or offline interactions (e.g., event registrations).
  • Data provided by users, such as comments, subscriptions, or user-generated content.
  • Data shared by partners or third parties in connection with our Services (e.g., event partners, content collaborators).
  • Data processed in India or internationally, in compliance with applicable laws.

This policy does not cover third-party platforms linked from our Services (e.g., external websites, social media sites). Users should review the privacy policies of those platforms separately.

2. Data We Collect

We collect the following types of data to provide and improve our Services:

2.1 Personal Data

Personal data is information that can identify you, either directly or indirectly. We collect:

  • Contact Information: Name, email address, phone number, or mailing address provided during newsletter subscriptions, event registrations, or user submissions.
  • Account Information: Username, password (encrypted), and preferences for users creating accounts on our website or apps.
  • User-Generated Content: Comments, story tips, letters to the editor, or multimedia submissions (e.g., photos, videos) provided voluntarily.
  • Event Data: Information submitted for event participation, such as job title, organization, or dietary preferences.
  • Correspondence: Communications sent to us (e.g., via email, feedback forms) or through customer support channels.
2.2 Non-Personal Data

Non-personal data does not directly identify you but may be aggregated for analytics. We collect:

  • Usage Data: IP address, browser type, device information (e.g., operating system, device ID), pages visited, time spent on our Services, and clickstream data.
  • Analytics Data: Metrics on content engagement (e.g., article views, video plays, social media interactions) collected via tools like Google Analytics.
  • Cookies and Tracking Technologies: Data from cookies, web beacons, or similar technologies to enhance user experience and track usage patterns (see Section 6 for details).
2.3 Data from Third Parties

We may receive data from:

  • Social Media Platforms: Information from accounts linked to our Services (e.g., when you log in via Google or comment via Facebook).
  • Partners: Data shared by event, content, or reporting partners (e.g., attendee lists, co-created content) under agreed terms.
  • Public Sources: Information from publicly available sources (e.g., public social media profiles, government databases) used for journalistic purposes.
2.4 Special Categories of Data

We may collect sensitive personal data (e.g., demographic information, opinions) only with explicit consent or when necessary for journalistic purposes, in compliance with the DPDP Act, 2023.

3. How We Collect Data

Data is collected through:

  • Direct Interactions: When you subscribe to newsletters, register for events, submit content, or contact us.
  • Automated Technologies: Cookies, analytics tools, and server logs that capture usage data when you access our Services.
  • Third Parties: Partners, social media platforms, or service providers sharing data under lawful agreements.
  • Journalistic Activities: Interviews, surveys, or public reporting where data is provided voluntarily or sourced ethically.
4. How We Use Data

We use data to:

  • Provide Services: Deliver news content, manage subscriptions, process event registrations, and publish user submissions.
  • Improve User Experience: Personalize content recommendations, optimize website performance, and enhance accessibility.
  • Journalistic Purposes: Conduct research, verify sources, and produce news stories in line with ethical standards.
  • Analytics and Insights: Analyze audience behavior to improve content quality, measure engagement, and inform editorial decisions.
  • Communication: Send newsletters, respond to inquiries, or provide updates about our Services.
  • Legal Compliance: Fulfill obligations under laws like the DPDP Act, 2023, or respond to legal requests.

We process data based on:

  • Consent: For subscriptions, personalized features, or sensitive data.
  • Legitimate Interest: For analytics, service improvement, or journalistic purposes, balanced against your privacy rights.
  • Legal Obligation: To comply with regulations or protect public interest.
5. Data Sharing and Disclosure

We may share data with:

  • Service Providers: Third-party vendors (e.g., cloud hosting, analytics providers) under strict data protection agreements.
  • Partners: Event, content, or reporting partners for collaborative projects, with data shared only as agreed in Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs).
  • Legal Authorities: When required by law, court orders, or to protect public safety, in compliance with Indian regulations.
  • Public Content: User-generated content (e.g., comments, published submissions) may be visible to others, with attribution unless anonymity is approved.

We do not sell personal data to third parties or use it for unauthorized commercial purposes.

6. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

We use cookies and similar technologies to enhance functionality and track usage. Types include:

  • Essential Cookies: Necessary for website functionality (e.g., session management).
  • Analytics Cookies: Track usage patterns to improve content and user experience.
  • Preference Cookies: Store user settings (e.g., language preferences).
  • Third-Party Cookies: From tools like Google Analytics or social media plugins.

Users can manage cookie preferences via browser settings or our cookie consent tool (available at [insert website URL]). Disabling cookies may affect functionality.

7. Data Security

We implement robust security measures to protect data, including:

  • Encryption: Secure transmission (e.g., HTTPS) and storage of sensitive data.
  • Access Controls: Limiting data access to authorized personnel only.
  • Regular Audits: Monitoring systems for vulnerabilities and compliance.
  • Incident Response: Protocols to address data breaches, with prompt user notification as required by the DPDP Act, 2023.

Despite these measures, no system is completely secure. Users are responsible for safeguarding their account credentials and devices.

8. Data Retention

We retain data only as long as necessary for the purposes outlined in this policy:

  • Personal Data: Kept until the purpose is fulfilled (e.g., subscription duration) or as required by law.
  • Usage Data: Retained for up to 24 months for analytics, then anonymized.
  • User-Generated Content: Kept indefinitely if published, unless removal is requested and approved.
  • Legal Obligations: Data retained as per Indian regulations (e.g., tax or media laws).

Users may request data deletion (see Section 10).

9. International Data Transfers

As a news organization, we may process data internationally (e.g., through cloud providers or global partnerships). We ensure compliance with the DPDP Act, 2023, and other applicable laws by:

  • Using vendors with adequate data protection standards.
  • Implementing contractual safeguards for cross-border transfers.
  • Obtaining user consent for international processing where required.
10. Your Rights

Under the DPDP Act, 2023, and other applicable laws, you have the right to:

  • Access: Request a copy of your personal data.
  • Correction: Request corrections to inaccurate or incomplete data.
  • Deletion: Request deletion of your data, subject to legal or journalistic exemptions.
  • Restriction: Request limited processing of your data in certain cases.
  • Objection: Object to data processing based on legitimate interests.
  • Data Portability: Request your data in a machine-readable format.
  • Withdraw Consent: Revoke consent for data processing at any time, without affecting prior lawful processing.

To exercise these rights, contact our Data Protection Officer at hello@navinawaznews.com. We will respond within 30 days, subject to verification of your identity. Exemptions may apply for journalistic purposes or legal obligations.

11. Children’s Privacy

Our Services are not directed to individuals under 18. We do not knowingly collect personal data from children without parental consent. If you believe we have collected such data, contact us immediately at hello@navinawaznews.com for deletion.

12. Third-Party Links

Our Services may link to external websites or platforms (e.g., social media, partner sites). We are not responsible for their privacy practices. Review their policies before providing personal data.

13. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy to reflect legal, operational, or technological changes. Updates will be posted on our website ([insert website URL]) with the effective date. Significant changes will be communicated via email or platform notifications. Continued use of our Services constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.

14. Contact Information

For questions, concerns, or to exercise your rights, contact:

Navin Awaz News Media Pvt Ltd
Data Protection Officer
Email: hello@navinawaznews.com

For complaints unresolved by us, you may contact the Data Protection Authority under the DPDP Act, 2023, once established.

15. Governing Law

This Privacy Policy is governed by the laws of India. Disputes will be resolved through negotiation, with escalation to courts in India, if necessary.

We are committed to protecting your privacy while delivering trusted journalism. Thank you for engaging with Navin Awaz News Media Pvt Ltd.

Last Updated: October 5, 2025