Privacy Policy

1. Information We Collect

1.1 Information We DO NOT Collect

For Regular Visitors:

• ❌ We do NOT track your browsing behavior
• ❌ We do NOT use cookies for tracking
• ❌ We do NOT collect your IP address
• ❌ We do NOT collect device information
• ❌ We do NOT use analytics tracking
• ❌ We do NOT collect location data

You can browse Bharat Authentic completely anonymously.

1.2 Information We Collect (Only With Your Consent)

When You Submit Through Our Form:

If you choose to submit information about your products, business, or cultural stories, we collect only what you provide:

• ✓ Your name or business name
• ✓ Phone number
• ✓ Email address
• ✓ City and State
• ✓ Type of submission (product, seller, story, etc.)
• ✓ Description of your offering
• ✓ Optional photos you choose to upload

Important: This information is only collected when you voluntarily submit the form and provide explicit consent.

2. How We Use Your Information

Information you provide through our submission form is used solely for:

• Verification: Reviewing your submission for authenticity
• Listing: Displaying your information on our website (if approved)
• Communication: Contacting you about your submission or listing
• Connection: Allowing potential customers to contact you

We will NEVER:

• ❌ Sell your information to third parties
• ❌ Share your information without your consent
• ❌ Use your information for marketing (unless you opt-in)
• ❌ Spam you with unwanted emails

3. Data Sharing & Disclosure

3.1 Public Display

When your seller listing is approved, the following information will be publicly displayed on our website:

• Your name or business name
• City and State
• Product/service description
• Photos you provided
• Category/craft type

Your email and phone number are NOT publicly displayed. Customers can contact you through our contact mechanism.

3.2 Third-Party Services

We use FormSubmit.co to process form submissions. When you submit a form, your information is sent via email to info@bharatauthentic.com. FormSubmit.co does not store your data. Please review their privacy policy at formsubmit.co.

3.3 Legal Requirements

We may disclose your information if required by law, court order, or government regulation.

4. Your Rights & Control

4.1 Access & Update

You have the right to:

• Access the information we have about you
• Request corrections to your listing
• Update your contact information
• Request removal of your listing

Contact us at info@bharatauthentic.com for any of these requests.

4.2 Consent Withdrawal

You may withdraw your consent at any time by requesting removal of your listing. Once removed, your information will no longer be publicly displayed.

4.3 Data Retention

We retain your information only as long as your listing is active. If you request removal, we will delete your information within 30 days, except where legally required to retain it.

5. Cookies & Tracking

Good news: We don't use tracking cookies!

Currently, Bharat Authentic does NOT use cookies for tracking, analytics, or advertising. We may use essential cookies in the future for website functionality (e.g., remembering your preferences), and we'll update this policy if we do.

6. Children's Privacy

Our Website is not directed to children under 13 years of age. We do not knowingly collect information from children. If you are a parent or guardian and believe your child has provided us with information, please contact us immediately.

7. Data Security

We take reasonable measures to protect your information:

• Secure form submission via HTTPS
• Limited access to submitted information
• Email communications via secure channels

However, no internet transmission is 100% secure. We cannot guarantee absolute security but will notify you of any data breaches as required by law.

8. International Users

Bharat Authentic is based in India and operates under Indian data protection laws. If you are accessing our Website from outside India, please be aware that your information may be transferred to and stored in India.

9. Third-Party Links

Our Website may contain links to seller websites, social media, or other external sites. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of these third-party sites. Please review their privacy policies before providing any information.

10. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Changes will be posted on this page with an updated "Last updated" date. We encourage you to review this policy periodically.

Significant changes will be communicated to active sellers via email.

11. Future Updates (Phase 2)

As we develop Phase 2 features, our data collection practices may change. Potential future features may include:

• User accounts and logins
• Purchase history
• Wishlist and favorites
• Analytics for improving user experience

We will update this Privacy Policy and notify users before implementing any new data collection practices.

12. Your Consent

By submitting information through our form, you consent to:

• Collection of the information you provide
• Use of your information as described in this policy
• Public display of approved listing information
• Being contacted by potential customers

This consent is voluntary and can be withdrawn at any time.

13. Contact Us

If you have questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or your personal information, please contact us:

Email: info@bharatauthentic.com

We will respond to your inquiry within 7 business days.

14. Commitment to Privacy

At Bharat Authentic, we are committed to:

• ✓ Transparency in our data practices
• ✓ Collecting only necessary information
• ✓ Respecting your privacy rights
• ✓ Protecting the information you trust us with
• ✓ Never selling or misusing your data