Privacy Policy

Introduction

We value your privacy and are committed to protecting your personal information. This Privacy Policy describes how we collect, use, share, and protect your data when you use Happie (the "Service"). It is designed in accordance with applicable Indian laws, including the Information Technology Act, 2000 and relevant rules, while keeping legal jargon to a minimum for clarity.

By using our Service, you agree to the collection and use of information in accordance with this Policy. If you do not agree, please refrain from using the Service.

Scope of this Policy

This Privacy Policy applies to all users of our Service in India, including the mobile application and any related websites or services. It explains our practices for any information that you provide to us or that we collect from you.

This Policy does not cover third-party websites or services that are not controlled by us, even if our Service links to them. We encourage you to review the privacy policies of any third-party services you interact with through our app.

Information We Collect

We collect various types of information to provide and improve our Service, as outlined below:

• Information You Provide: When you register an account, we collect information you share with us such as your name, email address, phone number, gender, date of birth, photographs, bio, interests, and any other details you add to your profile. We also collect information when you contact customer support or communicate with us in any way. Any content you post or upload (including messages, photos, and feedback) is collected and stored as part of your account data. Please only provide information that you are comfortable sharing.
• Information We Collect Automatically: When you use the Service, we automatically gather certain data. This includes usage and log information like your IP address, device type, operating system, mobile network, and device identifiers. We also collect information about your activity on the app, such as the features you use, search queries, dates and times of logins, ads or content you interact with, and matches or connections you make. If you enable location services, we collect your precise geolocation to show you relevant matches in your area. We may also use cookies or similar tracking technologies to recognize you and customize your experience.
• Information from Third Parties: We may receive information about you from third parties. For example, if you choose to register or log in via a social media account (like Facebook or Google), we will receive certain information from that account (such as your public profile, friends or contacts, or email) as permitted by your privacy settings on that platform. We might also receive demographic or interest information about you from analytics providers or advertising partners to help us better tailor our Service. Additionally, if another user provides us your contact (for instance, as a referral) or if you appear in another user's content, we may process that information as well.

Use of Information

We use the collected information for the following purposes in order to operate, improve, and protect our Service and users:

• To Provide and Maintain the Service: We use your information to create and manage your account, enable core features like creating your profile, browsing other profiles, matching and messaging, and to facilitate connections with other users. This includes using your data to display your profile to others and vice versa, and to process transactions or subscriptions you may purchase.
• To Personalize Your Experience: Information (such as your location, preferences, and usage history) is used to customize the content we show you, including match recommendations and relevant advertising or promotional offers. This helps ensure you see profiles and features that are likely to interest you.
• For Communication: We may use your contact information to send you service-related communications, such as confirmations, account verification, technical notices, updates, security alerts, and support messages. We also send you promotional messages or newsletters about new features, offers, and other relationship and companionship tips or content, but you can opt out of marketing communications at any time.
• To Ensure Safety and Integrity: Your information is crucial in helping us maintain a safe environment. We monitor activity and communications on the app to detect and prevent fraud, spam, abuse, security incidents, and other harmful or illegal activities.
• To Improve and Develop Our Services: We continually strive to make our app better. We analyze how users interact with the Service to troubleshoot issues, develop new features, and enhance functionality and user experience.
• For Legal Compliance: We may process and retain your information to comply with legal obligations and government requests, or as required under applicable laws.
• With Your Consent: In certain situations, we may ask for your consent to collect or use your information for specific purposes not covered above.

We will only use your personal information for the purposes outlined above and will seek your consent if we intend to use it for any other purpose.

Cookies and Tracking Technologies

We use cookies, device identifiers, and similar technologies to recognize you and customize your experience on our Service. Cookies are small data files stored on your browser or device that help us remember your account, track your site usage, and improve our content and advertising.

You have control over cookies and can adjust your browser or device settings to refuse some or all cookies, or to alert you when cookies are being used. However, disabling cookies may affect the functionality of the Service.

Sharing of Information

We understand your personal information is important, and we share it only in limited circumstances as described below, and with appropriate safeguards. We do not sell or rent your personal data to third parties for their own marketing purposes.

• With Other Users: The primary reason we collect information is to share it with other members of the Service in order to facilitate matches and social connections. When you create a profile, the information you include will be visible to other users of the app.
• With Service Providers and Partners: We employ trusted third-party companies and individuals to help us operate, provide, and improve our Service.
• With Affiliates or Group Companies: If our company has affiliates, parent, or subsidiary companies, we may share your information with them for purposes consistent with this Privacy Policy.
• For Legal Requirements and to Prevent Harm: We may disclose your information when required by law, or when we believe in good faith that such disclosure is reasonably necessary to comply with a legal obligation or protect rights and safety.
• In Case of Business Transfers: If we are involved in a merger, acquisition, or sale of company assets, your personal information may be transferred as part of that transaction.
• With Your Consent: In situations where you have explicitly consented to additional sharing, we will share your information according to that consent.

Data Transfer and Storage

Your information is collected and stored on secure servers located in India. However, our Service may involve processing and transfers of your information to servers or facilities in other countries, including countries outside of India. In such cases, we ensure that adequate protections are in place for your privacy.

Data Security

We take the security of your personal information seriously. We implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect your data against unauthorized access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction. These measures include encryption of sensitive information, regular security audits, access controls, and robust data storage security.

Despite our best efforts, no security measure or system is impenetrable. We cannot guarantee absolute security of your data, as no method of transmission over the Internet, or method of electronic storage, is 100% secure.

Data Retention

We retain your personal information only for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes for which it was collected, as outlined in this Policy, and as long as we have a lawful basis to do so. In practice, this means we keep your information: (a) for as long as you maintain an active account; (b) as needed to provide you with the Service or fulfill our contractual obligations; and (c) as may be required by law or to resolve any disputes.

Your Rights and Choices

We want you to be in control of your personal information. Subject to applicable law, you have the following rights and choices regarding the data we hold about you:

• Access and Update: You have the right to access and update the personal information you have provided to us.
• Account Deletion: You have the option to delete your account at any time if you no longer wish to use our Service.
• Withdrawal of Consent: In cases where we rely on your consent to process certain data, you have the right to withdraw that consent at any time.
• Communication Preferences: You can control your marketing and notification preferences.
• Information and Copy: You may request information about what personal data we have about you and how it's used.
• Grievance and Redressal: If you have any grievances regarding your personal data, you have the right to raise a complaint.

Children's Privacy

Our Service is not intended for individuals under the age of 18. We do not knowingly solicit or collect personal information from anyone under 18 years old. Persons under the age of 18 are strictly prohibited from using the app or providing any personal data.

By using our Service, you represent that you are at least 18 years of age.

Changes to this Privacy Policy

We may update or revise this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices, technologies, legal requirements, or other factors. When we make changes, we will update the "Effective Date" at the top of the Policy.

Your continued use of the Service after any changes to this Privacy Policy have been posted will signify your acceptance of those changes, provided that we have obtained any required consents from you in accordance with applicable law.

Contact Us

If you have any questions, concerns, or complaints about this Privacy Policy or our data practices, or if you wish to exercise your rights regarding your personal data, please contact us using the information below.

Contact Email: anurag@happie.social (Please include "Privacy Inquiry" in the subject line.)

Grievance Officer: Anurag Datta, Grievance Officer – Happie.

Postal Address: Happie Social LLP- G-46 First Floor, G Block Mahavir Enclave, New Delhi- 110045, India.

Phone: +91-8802188095

The Grievance Officer is appointed in accordance with the Information Technology Act, 2000 and rules thereunder, and is responsible for addressing user grievances relating to this Privacy Policy or the handling of personal information. We will acknowledge your complaint within 24-48 hours and aim to resolve issues within 15 days or as required by law.

We appreciate your trust in us. Your privacy is important, and we are committed to safeguarding the personal information you share through our Service.