Privacy Policy

Effective Date: [Insert Date]

Last Updated: [Insert Date]

At Sikhami, your privacy is a priority. This Privacy Policy outlines how we collect, use, share, and protect your information when you use our website, mobile application, and services (collectively, the “Services”). By accessing or using Sikhami, you agree to the terms of this Privacy Policy.

1. Information We Collect

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

1.1. Information You Provide Directly

Account Information: When you sign up, we collect information such as your name, email address, phone number, and profile details (e.g., profile picture, bio).
Content: Any posts, comments, notes, quizzes, or other materials you share on Sikhami.
Educational Details: If provided, details like your area of study, courses, or certifications.
Payment Information: For paid features, we collect billing information, but payment details (e.g., credit card numbers) are securely processed by third-party payment providers.

1.2. Information We Collect Automatically

Device Information: Details about your device, such as model, operating system, browser type, and IP address.
Usage Data: Insights into how you interact with the platform, including features used, pages visited, and time spent on Sikhami.
Location Data: Approximate location based on IP address or GPS if you enable location services.

1.3. Information from Third Parties

We may receive information from third-party services, such as:

Social media platforms you use to log in.
Partners providing educational resources or advertising services.

2. How We Use Your Information

We use your information to:

Provide and Improve Services: Personalize your experience, recommend content, and troubleshoot technical issues.
Enable Social Interactions: Facilitate connections, comments, and content sharing among users.
Deliver Educational Features: Provide quizzes, courses, and study materials tailored to your preferences.
Marketing and Advertising: Send promotional materials (only with your consent) and display targeted ads.
Legal Compliance: Fulfill our obligations under applicable laws, respond to legal requests, and enforce our Terms and Conditions.

3. How We Share Your Information

We do not sell your personal information. However, we may share your information in the following ways:

3.1. With Other Users

Information such as your name, profile picture, and posts will be visible to other users.
Any public content you share (e.g., posts, comments) will be accessible to others.

3.2. With Service Providers

We share information with trusted third-party providers for services such as:

Payment processing.
Hosting and analytics.
Customer support.

3.3. For Legal Purposes

We may disclose information if required to comply with laws, enforce our policies, or protect our rights, users, or the public.

3.4. During Business Transfers

If Sikhami undergoes a merger, acquisition, or asset sale, user information may be transferred to the new entity.

4. Your Privacy Rights

4.1. Access and Control

You have the right to:

Access and review the information we hold about you.
Update or correct inaccuracies in your profile.
Delete your account and associated data.

4.2. Opt-Out Options

Email Communications: You can unsubscribe from promotional emails by clicking the “Unsubscribe” link in any email.
Ad Preferences: Manage ad targeting settings in your account.

4.3. Regional Rights

For EU Users: Under GDPR, you can request data deletion, access, or restriction.
For California Residents: Under CCPA, you can request details about how your data is used and opt out of its sale.

5. Data Retention

We retain your information for as long as necessary to:

Provide the Services.
Comply with legal obligations.
Resolve disputes and enforce agreements.

When no longer needed, we securely delete or anonymize your data.

6. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

We use cookies and similar technologies to enhance your experience.

6.1. Types of Cookies We Use

Essential Cookies: Required for platform functionality.
Analytics Cookies: Track usage patterns to improve the platform.
Advertising Cookies: Deliver personalized ads based on your activity.

6.2. Managing Cookies

You can manage cookie preferences through your browser settings or opt out of certain cookies through third-party tools.

7. Security

We take reasonable measures to protect your information from unauthorized access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction. However, no method of transmission or storage is completely secure.

8. Children’s Privacy

Sikhami is not intended for children under the age of 13 (or the minimum age required in your country). We do not knowingly collect personal information from children without parental consent.

9. Third-Party Links

Our Services may contain links to external websites. We are not responsible for their privacy practices or content.

10. International Data Transfers

If you access Sikhami from outside [Your Country], your information may be transferred and processed in countries with different data protection laws.

11. Updates to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy periodically to reflect changes in our practices or for legal compliance. Significant changes will be communicated via email or platform notifications.

12. Cross-Platform Usage

If you use Sikhami across multiple devices or platforms:

Data synchronization will occur to provide a seamless experience.
Offline actions (e.g., drafting posts) will be uploaded when connected to the internet.

13. Advanced Data Use and Processing

13.1. Automated Decision-Making and Profiling

We may use algorithms and automated systems to:

Recommend personalized content such as quizzes, courses, and posts.
Moderate and filter inappropriate content based on predefined rules.
Analyze user engagement to enhance the platform’s functionality.

Users can contact us to understand the logic behind these automated processes and request a review of any significant decisions.

13.2. Research and Development

We anonymize user data to conduct internal research aimed at improving educational content, enhancing user experience, and developing new features.

13.3. AI-Powered Insights

We use AI technologies to:

Summarize and enhance user-generated educational content.
Generate insights into learning trends and content preferences.
Ensure safety and compliance by detecting harmful or misleading information.

14. Data Sharing with Educational Partners

We may share aggregated, anonymized data with educational institutions, organizations, or partners to:

Enhance educational programs.
Conduct academic research.
Improve community learning initiatives.

15. Cross-Border Data Transfers

If you use Sikhami from a region with strict data protection laws, such as the EU or UK, we comply with applicable cross-border data transfer mechanisms, including:

Standard Contractual Clauses (SCCs): For transfers outside the EU.
Data Protection Addendum (DPA): For enterprise users and partners requiring specific compliance.

16. User-Generated Content and Public Profiles

16.1. Public Visibility

When you share content on Sikhami, it may be visible to:

All users within the platform (default for public posts).
Specific groups or connections based on privacy settings.
Search engines if your profile or content is set to “Public.”

16.2. Removal Requests

You may request removal of specific content you’ve shared by contacting [Support Email]. However, Sikhami reserves the right to retain anonymized versions of removed content for compliance and research purposes.

17. Enhanced User Rights

17.1. Data Portability

Users can request a copy of their personal data in a portable format for transfer to other platforms.

17.2. Right to Restrict Processing

Users may request restrictions on the processing of their data in certain circumstances, such as when disputing its accuracy or legality.

17.3. Right to Object

Users can object to the use of their data for direct marketing, research, or profiling purposes.

18. Advertisements and Sponsored Content

18.1. Personalized Ads

We use your activity, preferences, and demographic information to display personalized ads. You may opt out of personalized advertising through your account settings or applicable device options.

18.2. Sponsored Educational Content

Educational partners may promote content like quizzes or courses. Sponsored content will be clearly labeled to distinguish it from user-generated or platform-curated material.

19. Retention of Deleted Accounts

When you delete your account:

Some information, such as logs or anonymized content, may be retained for legitimate business or legal reasons.
Retention duration depends on the applicable laws and our internal policies but is generally no longer than [X years].

20. Reporting and Transparency

20.1. Transparency Reports

Sikhami publishes regular transparency reports detailing:

Government requests for user data.
Legal actions related to content or privacy breaches.

20.2. Incident Notifications

In case of data breaches, affected users will be notified within [X] hours as per applicable regulations.

21. Community-Based Content Moderation

21.1. Reporting Mechanism

Users can report inappropriate content or violations through the in-app reporting tool.

Reports will be reviewed within [X hours/days].
False reporting may result in account warnings or suspensions.

21.2. Peer Moderation

Select community members may participate in content moderation programs. Peer moderators will adhere to strict confidentiality guidelines.

22. Biometric and Sensitive Data

If Sikhami implements features requiring sensitive data, such as biometric authentication (e.g., facial recognition):

Explicit consent will be obtained before collecting or using such data.
Biometric data will not be stored beyond the session unless legally required.

23. Data for Educational Analytics

Sikhami aggregates anonymized data to:

Provide insights into learning patterns.
Identify popular educational resources.
Improve the design and delivery of courses, quizzes, and meetups.

24. Changes to Privacy Settings

24.1. Default Settings

New users’ profiles and posts default to “Public.” You can adjust visibility settings in your account at any time.

24.2. Updates to Settings

Privacy settings may be updated periodically to reflect new features. Sikhami will notify users of significant changes.

25. Parental and Guardian Controls

If users under 18 join the platform (where allowed):

Parents or guardians may request account supervision.
Educators may request restricted profiles for their students for educational use only.

26. Data Protection for Vulnerable Users

We implement additional safeguards for users identified as vulnerable (e.g., minors, users in high-risk regions). This includes limiting certain data sharing and applying stricter content filtering.

27. AI and Machine Learning Disclosures

27.1. Use of AI

Sikhami employs machine learning for purposes such as:

Automatic categorization of educational content.
Detecting plagiarism in shared notes or quizzes.
Identifying trending topics in educational fields.

27.2. Limitations of AI

While AI enhances the platform, users should understand it may not always provide accurate results. We welcome feedback for improvement.