Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

Welcome to Multani Gharana (multanisamaj.com). We are committed to protecting your privacy and ensuring you have a positive experience on our platform. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you use our website and genealogy management system.

Please read this Privacy Policy carefully. If you do not agree with our policies and practices, please do not use our services. By accessing and using Multani Gharana, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by all the provisions of this Privacy Policy.

2. Information We Collect

2.1 Personal Information You Provide

We collect information you voluntarily provide when you:

• Register for an account (name, email, password)
• Create or update family member profiles (names, dates, genealogical relationships)
• Upload photos and documents
• Submit membership claims
• Contact us via email or forms
• Subscribe to memberships or services

2.2 Automatically Collected Information

When you use our platform, we automatically collect:

• IP address and browser type
• Device information (operating system, device type)
• Pages visited and time spent on the site
• Referral source (how you found us)
• Cookies and similar tracking technologies

2.3 Genealogical Data

Your genealogical tree data, including family relationships, dates, locations, and historical information, is stored securely. This sensitive information is treated with the highest level of protection and is only accessible according to the privacy settings you establish.

2.4 Payment Information

If you make a payment, we collect payment information through secure third-party processors (such as Paytm). We do not store credit card numbers directly on our servers. All payment processing is handled by PCI-compliant service providers.

3. How We Use Your Information

We use collected information to:

• Provide Services: Create and maintain your account, manage your genealogical records, and deliver requested features
• Improve Platform: Analyze usage patterns to improve our website and services
• Communication: Send transactional emails (account confirmations, password resets, subscription updates)
• Marketing: With your consent, send newsletters and updates about new features
• Security: Protect against fraud, detect security breaches, and enforce our Terms of Service
• Legal Compliance: Meet legal and regulatory requirements
• Member Verification: Process and verify membership claims from users

4. Data Security

We implement comprehensive security measures to protect your information, including:

• HTTPS Encryption: All data transmitted between your device and our servers is encrypted using SSL/TLS protocols
• Database Security: Genealogical data is stored in encrypted, password-protected databases
• Access Controls: Only authorized personnel can access sensitive information
• Regular Backups: Your data is regularly backed up to prevent loss
• Intrusion Detection: We monitor for unauthorized access attempts
• Staff Training: Our team is trained in data protection and privacy practices

Note: While we implement strong security measures, no system is 100% secure. We cannot guarantee absolute security of your information. You use our services at your own risk.

5. Your Privacy Rights & Controls

5.1 Access & Update

You can access, review, and update your personal information at any time through your account settings.

5.2 Tree Visibility Settings

You control who can see your genealogical tree:

• Private: Only you can view your tree
• Family Members Only: Shared with invited family members
• Community: Visible to all registered members (user's choice)

5.3 Data Deletion

You may request deletion of your account and associated data. You can also delete individual family records. Deletion requests are processed within 30 days. Some data may be retained for legal compliance or backup purposes.

5.4 Opt-Out of Communications

You can opt out of marketing emails at any time by clicking the "Unsubscribe" link in any email or managing preferences in your account settings. You will continue to receive transactional emails (like password resets) as necessary to operate your account.

5.5 Cookie Control

You can control cookies through your browser settings. Disabling cookies may limit some functionality of our platform.

6. Information Sharing & Disclosure

6.1 We Do NOT Sell Your Data

We do not sell, trade, rent, or disclose your personal information to third parties for their marketing purposes.

6.2 Third-Party Service Providers

We share limited information with trusted service providers who help us operate the platform:

• Payment Processors: Paytm (for payment processing)
• Email Providers: For sending transactional and marketing emails
• Hosting Providers: For server infrastructure

These providers are contractually bound to use your information only as necessary to provide services and must maintain confidentiality.

6.3 Legal Requirements

We may disclose information when required by law, court order, or to protect our legal rights, your safety, or the safety of others.

6.4 Family Members

When you share your genealogical tree with family members, they will have access to the information you have chosen to share. Once shared, family members can see and contribute to shared records according to the permissions you set.

7. Children's Privacy

Our services are not intended for individuals under 18 years old. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If we learn that a child has provided personal information, we will delete such information and terminate the child's account.

Parents/guardians who believe their child has been engaged with our platform should contact us immediately at support@multanisamaj.com.

8. International Data Transfer

Your information may be transferred to, stored in, and processed in countries other than your country of residence. These countries may have data protection laws that differ from your home country. By using Multani Gharana, you consent to the transfer of your information to countries outside your country of residence.

9. Cookies & Tracking Technologies

We use cookies and similar technologies to:

• Keep you logged in to your account
• Remember your preferences
• Analyze website usage and improve our services
• Provide personalized content

You can control cookies through your browser settings. Note that disabling cookies may affect the functionality of our platform.

10. Third-Party Links

Our website may contain links to third-party websites (such as Paytm for payments). We are not responsible for the privacy practices of third-party sites. We encourage you to review their privacy policies before providing any information.

11. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices, technology, legal requirements, or other factors. We will notify you of material changes by:

• Posting the updated policy on our website with a new "Last Updated" date
• Sending you an email notification for significant changes

Your continued use of our platform after changes constitutes your acceptance of the updated Privacy Policy.

12. Contact Us

If you have questions about this Privacy Policy, our privacy practices, or wish to exercise your privacy rights, please contact us:

13. Your Data Subject Rights

Depending on your location, you may have certain rights regarding your personal data:

• Right to Access: Request a copy of the personal data we hold about you
• Right to Rectification: Correct inaccurate or incomplete information
• Right to Erasure: Request deletion of your personal data
• Right to Data Portability: Request your data in a portable format
• Right to Object: Object to processing of your personal data

To exercise any of these rights, please contact us at support@multanisamaj.com with "Data Subject Request" in the subject line.

14. Compliance & Accountability

Multani Gharana is committed to complying with applicable data protection laws and regulations. We maintain records of our privacy practices and conduct regular reviews to ensure compliance.