Privacy Policy & Terms of Service

Company: Nigama Connect Private Limited Effective Date: 2026 | Version: 1.0 Governing Law: Laws of India & International Data Protection Standards

By downloading, installing, registering for, or using the Nigama Connect application, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to the data practices and terms described in this document.

Section 1: Introduction & About Nigama Connect

Nigama Connect is developed and operated by Nigama Connect Private Limited (hereinafter referred to as "we", "us", "our", or "Nigama Connect Private Limited"). The Nigama Connect mobile application ("App") is a family-oriented social networking platform designed to help users:

• Build and manage family trees across multiple generations
• Connect with relatives and friends within a secure community
• Organize and manage community events with invitations
• Post classified listings (buy/sell, services, jobs)
• Find matrimony matches within their community
• Communicate via an integrated, proprietary real-time chat system

We take your privacy seriously. This Privacy Policy explains in detail what personal data we collect, why we collect it, how we store and protect it, how long we retain it, and what rights you have over your data. This policy applies to all users of the Nigama Connect application, whether accessed on Android or iOS devices.

Important: By registering for, downloading, or using the Nigama Connect application, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to the data practices described in this Privacy Policy. If you do not agree to this policy, please discontinue use of the application immediately.

This Privacy Policy is governed by the Digital Personal Data Protection Act 2023 (DPDP Act) of India, the Information Technology Act 2000, and relevant international data protection frameworks including GDPR principles where applicable.

Section 2: Information We Collect

Nigama Connect collects personal data that you voluntarily provide to us during registration, profile creation, and use of the application's features. We follow a strict data minimization principle — we collect only what is necessary to provide you with a functional and safe experience.

The categories of data we collect include:

• Identity Data: First name, last name, display name, date of birth, gender, and profile photograph.
• Contact Data: Mobile phone number (used as primary identifier), email address.
• Family & Relationship Data: Information about family members you add to your family tree, including their names, dates of birth, relationship types, photographs, and supporting documents. This data is provided entirely at your discretion.
• Matrimony Profile Data: Personal preferences, educational qualifications, profession, income range, physical attributes, horoscope details, family background, and partner expectations — provided voluntarily when creating a matrimony profile.
• Community & Social Data: Posts, messages, event details, classified listings, and any other content you submit within the App.
• Device & Technical Data: Device type, operating system version, unique device identifiers, IP address, app version, crash logs, and usage analytics collected automatically to improve app performance.
• Communication Data: Messages exchanged via the Nigama Connect built-in chat system (one-on-one and group). We do not use any third-party messaging platforms.
• Transaction & Activity Data: Records of your interactions within the App such as event RSVPs, classified views, and matrimony interest expressions.

Note on Sensitive Data: Sensitive personal data such as community identity, marital status, and matrimony information is collected only with your explicit informed consent and is subject to higher levels of protection.

Section 3: How We Use Your Information

The personal data we collect is used exclusively to provide, maintain, and improve the Nigama Connect platform. We do not use your data for advertising, profiling for commercial sale, or any purpose unrelated to the App's core functionality. Specific purposes include:

• Account Creation & Authentication: To create and verify your user account, enable login, and maintain account security.
• Family Tree Management: To enable you to build, edit, and manage your family tree, add temporary members, and send invite codes.
• Community Networking: To help you connect with verified relatives, friends, and community members within the App.
• Matrimony Matching: To display your profile to potential matches based on your stated preferences and filters.
• Events Management: To create, manage, and share events with your connections within the App.
• Classifieds & Job Listings: To allow you to post and browse buy/sell listings, service offerings, and job opportunities within your network.
• Real-Time Communication: To enable one-on-one and group chat using our own proprietary, secure messaging system with no third-party involvement.
• Platform Safety & Moderation: To detect, investigate, and prevent fraudulent activity, abuse, and violations of our Terms of Service.
• Service Improvement: To analyze usage patterns, diagnose technical issues, and continuously improve the App's performance and features.
• Legal Compliance: To comply with applicable laws, regulations, court orders, and legitimate legal requests from authorities.

Section 4: Legal Basis for Data Processing

Under the Digital Personal Data Protection Act 2023 (DPDP Act) of India and applicable international frameworks, Nigama Connect processes your personal data on the following legal bases:

• Consent: You provide explicit, informed consent during registration and before sensitive data is collected. You may withdraw consent at any time, though this may affect your ability to use certain features.
• Contractual Necessity: Processing your data is necessary to provide you with the services described in this policy and in the Terms & Conditions you agree to upon registration.
• Legal Obligation: Certain data processing is required to comply with applicable laws, including cybersecurity regulations and court-mandated disclosures.
• Legitimate Interests: We may process data to protect the integrity of our platform, prevent fraud, and maintain security — where such interests are not overridden by your rights.

Withdrawal of Consent: You may withdraw your consent to data processing at any time by deleting your account or contacting our support team. Withdrawal of consent does not affect the lawfulness of processing carried out before the withdrawal.

Section 5: Data Storage, Infrastructure & Security

Nigama Connect takes data security extremely seriously. We implement multiple layers of technical, organizational, and infrastructure-level safeguards to protect your personal data from unauthorized access, misuse, alteration, or destruction.

Infrastructure

• Database & Storage: We use Google Firebase / Google Cloud Database for secure, scalable data storage with globally recognized security certifications including ISO 27001 and SOC 2 compliance.
• Cloud Hosting: We use Amazon Web Services (AWS) for cloud server infrastructure, which maintains compliance with GDPR, ISO 27001, SOC 2, and other international security standards.
• Chat System: Nigama Connect uses an entirely proprietary, in-house messaging system. We do not use any third-party chat platforms (e.g., Twilio, Firebase Messaging for chat content, or any other external service). All communications within the App are handled exclusively through our own secured servers, ensuring no external party has access to your messages.

Security Measures

• Encryption in Transit: All data transmitted between your device and our servers is protected using HTTPS with TLS/SSL encryption, ensuring no third party can intercept your data.
• Encryption at Rest: Sensitive data stored in our databases is encrypted at rest using industry-standard AES-256 encryption.
• Password Security: User passwords are never stored in plain text. They are hashed and salted using secure cryptographic algorithms (e.g., bcrypt or equivalent).
• Access Control: Strict role-based access controls (RBAC) are enforced, ensuring that only authorized personnel with a documented need-to-know can access user data.
• Two-Factor Authentication: Admin and privileged access to our systems requires multi-factor authentication (MFA).
• Regular Security Audits: We conduct regular vulnerability assessments and penetration testing to proactively identify and remediate security weaknesses.
• Firewall & Intrusion Detection: Our cloud infrastructure is protected by firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and continuous monitoring for suspicious activity.
• Backup & Disaster Recovery: Encrypted backups of user data are maintained on a regular schedule to ensure service continuity in the event of system failures.

Disclaimer: While we implement robust security measures, no digital system is 100% impenetrable. We encourage users to use strong passwords, enable any available security features, and report suspicious activity to our support team immediately.

Section 6: Data Sharing & Third-Party Disclosure

Nigama Connect does not sell, rent, trade, or commercially exploit your personal data. We share your data only in the limited and specific circumstances described below:

• Authorized Service Providers: We may share data with trusted service providers (e.g., Google Cloud, AWS) strictly for the purpose of operating and maintaining the App. These providers are contractually bound to process data only on our instructions and to protect it in accordance with applicable laws.
• Legal Obligations: We may disclose your data if required to do so by applicable law, regulation, court order, or government authority. We will, where legally permitted, notify you of such requests.
• Platform Safety: Data may be shared with law enforcement or legal authorities if we have a good-faith belief that such disclosure is necessary to protect the safety of any person, investigate fraud, or enforce our Terms of Service.
• Business Continuity: In the event of a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets, user data may be transferred to the successor entity, subject to the same privacy commitments described in this policy. Users will be notified of such changes.
• With Your Explicit Consent: We will share your data with third parties only when you have explicitly authorized us to do so.

We never share your personal data with advertisers, marketing companies, data brokers, or any other parties for commercial purposes. Nigama Connect is an ad-free platform.

Section 7: User Rights & Data Control

As a data subject under the Digital Personal Data Protection Act 2023 and applicable international frameworks, you have the following rights with respect to your personal data. You may exercise these rights by accessing your account settings within the App or by contacting our support team:

• Right to Access: You have the right to request a copy of the personal data we hold about you.
• Right to Correction: You may update or correct your personal information at any time through your profile settings.
• Right to Deletion (Right to be Forgotten): You may request deletion of your account and all associated personal data. Upon such a request, we will permanently erase your data from active systems within a reasonable timeframe (typically 30 days), subject to legal retention obligations.
• Right to Restrict Processing: You may request that we limit the processing of your data in certain circumstances.
• Right to Data Portability: You may request your personal data in a structured, machine-readable format where technically feasible.
• Right to Withdraw Consent: You may withdraw your consent to data processing at any time. Withdrawal does not affect processing that took place before your withdrawal.
• Right to Lodge a Complaint: You have the right to lodge a complaint with the Data Protection Board of India or another relevant supervisory authority if you believe your data rights have been violated.

To exercise any of the above rights, please contact us at the official support email available within the App. We will respond to verified requests within 30 days as required by applicable law.

Section 8: Family Tree & User-Generated Data Responsibility

Nigama Connect provides a fully functional platform for users to create, manage, and maintain their family trees, event listings, matrimony profiles, and other content. The following important data responsibility principles apply:

User Responsibility for Family Tree Data

All information entered into the family tree — including names, dates of birth, relationship types, photographs, and supporting documents of family members — is provided entirely by the user. Nigama Connect does not independently verify, validate, or assume responsibility for the accuracy of this information.

When you add a family member as a "temporary member" (i.e., someone who does not yet have a Nigama Connect account), you are solely responsible for ensuring you have the appropriate authority or consent to add that person's information to the platform.

Key Principles

• User Mistakes & Corrections: If a user makes an error in entering family tree data, event details, matrimony information, or any other content — including incorrect names, wrong dates, incorrect relationship assignments, or accidental deletions — Nigama Connect is not responsible for such errors. The platform provides full editing and deletion capabilities, and it is the user's responsibility to manage their data accurately.
• No Liability for User Data Errors: Nigama Connect shall not be held liable for any consequences arising from inaccurate, incomplete, or erroneous data entered by users into any feature of the App, including family trees, events, classifieds, matrimony profiles, or chat messages.
• Full Editing Rights: Users retain full rights to edit, update, and delete any data they have entered, including family tree members (subject to tree integrity rules), event details, classified posts, and matrimony profiles.
• Data Added About Others: When adding information about other individuals (family members, friends, etc.), you represent that you are authorized to do so and that the information is accurate to the best of your knowledge.

Nigama Connect is a platform provider. We provide the tools and infrastructure; you are responsible for the accuracy and appropriateness of the data you enter. We encourage all users to exercise care when adding personal information about others.

Section 9: Account Deletion & Complete Data Erasure

Nigama Connect provides every user with the ability to permanently delete their account and all associated data directly within the App. This feature is available to all registered users at any time, at no cost.

How to Delete Your Account

Navigate to Account Settings within the App → Select "Delete Account" → Confirm your identity → Confirm deletion.

Alternatively, contact our support team to request account deletion.

What Happens When You Delete Your Account

• Your user profile, including all personal details, photographs, and preferences, will be permanently deleted.
• All family tree data associated exclusively with your account will be removed. Data related to family members who are also independent users may be retained in their own accounts.
• Your matrimony profile, if created, will be permanently deactivated and removed from search results immediately.
• All classifieds and event listings posted by you will be deleted.
• Your chat history will be deleted from our active servers. Note: Messages received by other users may remain in their respective accounts.
• Your account credentials and login information will be permanently erased.
• All data will be permanently removed from our active systems within 30 days of your deletion request.
• Backup copies, if any, will be purged within a reasonable period thereafter, consistent with our backup rotation schedule.

Upon account deletion, Nigama Connect will erase all personal data associated with your account from our active systems. Certain data may be retained for a limited period where required by applicable law (e.g., for legal proceedings or regulatory compliance).

Section 10: Children's Privacy

Nigama Connect is intended exclusively for individuals who are 18 years of age or older, or who meet the legally permitted age for using community networking and matchmaking services under applicable laws in their jurisdiction.

We do not knowingly collect, process, or store personal data from minors (individuals under the age of 18). Users represent and warrant that they are of legal age to use the App when they register.

• If you are a parent or guardian and believe that a minor has registered on Nigama Connect without your consent, please contact us immediately at the official support email.
• Upon receiving a verified report, we will promptly investigate and, if confirmed, delete the minor's account and all associated data.
• Family tree entries for minor children added by their parents or guardians are handled as part of the adult user's family data and are subject to the same protections described in this policy.

Nigama Connect strictly prohibits minors from registering independently. If we discover a user is under 18, the account will be suspended and data deleted promptly.

Section 11: Data Retention Policy

Nigama Connect retains your personal data only for as long as is necessary to fulfill the purposes for which it was collected, as described in this Privacy Policy, or as required by applicable laws and regulations.

We do not retain personal data beyond the periods described above. Once data is no longer required, it is securely deleted or anonymized in accordance with our data destruction protocols.

Section 12: Data Breach Response

In the event of a personal data breach — defined as any unauthorized access, disclosure, alteration, or destruction of user data — Nigama Connect will take the following immediate steps:

• Immediate Containment: Upon discovering a breach, we will immediately contain the incident, isolate affected systems, and prevent further unauthorized access.
• Investigation: A full forensic investigation will be conducted to determine the nature, scope, and impact of the breach.
• User Notification: Affected users will be notified as soon as reasonably practicable and within the timeframes required by applicable law (within 72 hours where mandated).
• Regulatory Reporting: We will report the breach to the Data Protection Board of India and other relevant authorities as required under the DPDP Act 2023 and other applicable laws.
• Remediation: We will take all necessary steps to remediate the breach, strengthen security measures, and prevent recurrence.
• Documentation: All breaches, regardless of scale, will be documented in our internal breach register.

Nigama Connect maintains a documented Data Breach Response Plan. All employees and service providers with access to user data are trained on breach identification and response procedures.

Section 13: Cookies & Tracking Technologies

The Nigama Connect mobile application may use limited tracking technologies to improve performance and user experience. These are used strictly for functional and analytical purposes and not for advertising.

• Session Tokens: Used to maintain your logged-in state securely across sessions.
• Device Identifiers: Used for security purposes such as detecting suspicious login attempts from unrecognized devices.
• Analytics (Anonymized): Aggregated, anonymized usage statistics may be collected to understand feature usage and improve the App.
• No Advertising Trackers: We do not use advertising cookies, cross-site tracking pixels, or any tracking technology for commercial advertising purposes.

Section 14: Cross-Border Data Transfer

Nigama Connect operates using cloud infrastructure provided by Google Cloud (Firebase/Google Database) and Amazon Web Services (AWS). These platforms operate data centers in multiple global regions. As a result, your data may be stored or processed outside of India.

Where data is transferred outside India, we ensure such transfers comply with applicable data protection laws, including the DPDP Act 2023, by relying on appropriate safeguards such as contractual clauses with our infrastructure providers.

All cross-border data transfers are subject to the same level of security and protection described in this policy, regardless of the jurisdiction in which data is stored.

Section 15: Policy Updates & User Notifications

Nigama Connect reserves the right to update or modify this Privacy Policy at any time to reflect changes in our practices, legal requirements, or platform features. When material changes are made:

• We will update the "Effective Date" at the top of this document.
• Users will be notified of significant changes via in-app notifications or email.
• Continued use of the App after the effective date of the revised policy constitutes your acceptance of the changes.
• If you disagree with any updates, you may delete your account as described in Section 9.

We recommend reviewing this Privacy Policy periodically to stay informed about how we protect your data.

Section 16: Acceptance of Terms

By downloading, installing, registering for, or using the Nigama Connect application, you ("User") enter into a legally binding agreement with Nigama Connect Private Limited ("Company"). These Terms & Conditions govern your use of the App and all related services.

By providing your mobile number during registration and clicking "Agree & Continue", you explicitly acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these Terms & Conditions in their entirety. If you do not agree to these terms, do not use the App.

These Terms & Conditions, together with the Privacy Policy, constitute the entire legal agreement between you and Nigama Connect. These terms are governed by the laws of India.

Section 17: User Eligibility & Registration

To use Nigama Connect, you must meet all of the following eligibility requirements:

• You must be at least 18 years of age or the legally permitted age to use community networking and matchmaking services in your jurisdiction.
• You must provide accurate, complete, and truthful information during registration, including your real name, valid mobile number, and correct date of birth.
• You must keep your registration information up-to-date and correct any inaccuracies promptly.
• You must not have been previously suspended or terminated from Nigama Connect for violating these Terms.
• You must have the legal capacity to enter into a binding agreement under applicable law.

Registration with false or misleading information constitutes a material breach of these Terms and may result in immediate account suspension and legal action where warranted.

Section 18: Account Responsibility & Security

You are solely responsible for maintaining the security and confidentiality of your Nigama Connect account credentials, including your registered mobile number and any passwords. Specific responsibilities include:

• Credential Security: You must not share your login credentials with any other person. You are responsible for all activities conducted under your account.
• Unauthorized Access: You must notify Nigama Connect immediately upon discovering any unauthorized use of your account or any security breach.
• Device Security: You are responsible for securing the devices on which you access Nigama Connect. We recommend using screen locks, biometric authentication, and keeping your device's operating system updated.
• Shared Devices: If you access Nigama Connect on a shared device, you must ensure you log out after each session.
• Account Non-Transferability: Your Nigama Connect account is personal to you and may not be transferred, sold, or assigned to any other person.

Nigama Connect will not be liable for any loss or damage arising from your failure to maintain the security of your account credentials.

Section 19: Prohibited Conduct

Users of Nigama Connect are strictly prohibited from engaging in any of the following activities. Violations may result in immediate account suspension, permanent termination, and/or legal action:

• Illegal Activity: Using the App for any purpose that violates applicable local, national, or international laws or regulations.
• False Information: Providing false, inaccurate, misleading, or impersonating information during registration or at any other point of use.
• Harassment & Abuse: Harassing, threatening, intimidating, bullying, or otherwise abusing other users of the platform.
• Harmful Content: Posting, transmitting, or sharing content that is unlawful, defamatory, obscene, harmful, threatening, or violates third-party rights.
• Unauthorized Access: Attempting to gain unauthorized access to other users' accounts, our servers, or any related systems or networks.
• Platform Manipulation: Using automated tools, bots, scrapers, or any other means to manipulate or interfere with the App's normal operation.
• Data Harvesting: Collecting or harvesting personal data of other users without their explicit consent.
• Fraud: Engaging in any fraudulent, deceptive, or manipulative activities, including misrepresentation in matrimony profiles or classifieds.
• Malicious Code: Uploading, transmitting, or distributing viruses, malware, or any other harmful or malicious code.
• Commercial Spam: Sending unsolicited commercial communications or spam to other users through the App's messaging or notification systems.

Section 20: User-Generated Content & Profile Data

Nigama Connect allows users to post, upload, and share various types of content including family tree data, profile information, event details, classified listings, matrimony profiles, photographs, and chat messages. The following terms apply to all user-generated content:

• User Responsibility: You are solely and entirely responsible for all content you post, upload, or transmit through the App. Nigama Connect does not review or verify user-generated content in real time.
• Accuracy of Content: You represent and warrant that all content you post is accurate, truthful, and does not infringe any third-party rights.
• Content License: By posting content on Nigama Connect, you grant Nigama Connect a non-exclusive, royalty-free license to display and use that content within the App solely for the purpose of providing the service.
• Ownership: You retain ownership of all content you create and post. Nigama Connect does not claim ownership of your personal data or user-generated content.
• Right to Remove: Nigama Connect reserves the right to remove any content that violates these Terms, our Community Guidelines, or applicable law, without prior notice.
• Family Tree Errors: If you make an error in your family tree, event listing, matrimony profile, or any other user-generated content, you are responsible for correcting it. Nigama Connect is not liable for user data entry errors.

The App provides full create, edit, and delete functionality for all user-generated content. It is the user's responsibility to use these tools diligently to ensure their data remains accurate and up-to-date.

Section 21: Intellectual Property Rights

All intellectual property rights in and to the Nigama Connect application — including but not limited to its design, branding, logos, graphics, user interface, source code, algorithms, features, and documentation — are exclusively owned by or licensed to Nigama Connect.

• You may not copy, modify, distribute, sell, sublicense, reverse-engineer, or create derivative works from any part of the App without Nigama Connect's prior written permission.
• The Nigama Connect name, logo, and brand identity are trademarks of Nigama Connect. Unauthorized use is strictly prohibited.
• Your personal content (data, photos, family information) remains your intellectual property. Nigama Connect's license to use your content is limited solely to providing the App's services.

Section 22: Limitation of Liability & Disclaimer

Nigama Connect is a platform provider that connects users within a digital community. We are not responsible for, and expressly disclaim liability for, the following:

• User Disputes: Any disputes, disagreements, conflicts, or legal claims arising between users of the platform. Nigama Connect is not a party to any interactions between users.
• Accuracy of User Data: We do not verify or guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or truthfulness of any user-provided data, including matrimony profiles, classifieds, family tree entries, or event details.
• User Data Errors: Any errors made by users in entering, managing, or deleting their data within the App. Users are solely responsible for the accuracy of their own content.
• Outcomes of Matrimony Connections: Nigama Connect provides a platform to explore matrimony connections but is not responsible for the outcomes of any relationships, meetings, or agreements formed through the platform.
• Third-Party Links: The App may contain links to third-party websites or services. Nigama Connect is not responsible for the privacy practices or content of such third parties.
• Force Majeure: We are not liable for any failure or delay in service due to circumstances beyond our reasonable control, including natural disasters, government actions, internet outages, or cyberattacks.
• Indirect Damages: To the maximum extent permitted by applicable law, Nigama Connect shall not be liable for any indirect, incidental, special, consequential, or punitive damages arising from your use of the App.

The Nigama Connect platform is provided "as is" and "as available". We strive to provide a reliable, high-quality experience but do not warrant that the App will be uninterrupted, error-free, or free from security vulnerabilities at all times.

Section 23: Service Modifications & Account Termination

Nigama Connect reserves the right to modify, suspend, or discontinue any part of the App at any time, with or without notice, for maintenance, upgrades, or other operational reasons.

• Account Suspension: Nigama Connect may suspend your account if we reasonably believe you have violated these Terms, engaged in fraudulent activity, or posed a risk to other users or the platform.
• Account Termination: Nigama Connect may permanently terminate your account for serious or repeated violations of these Terms, illegal activity, or harm to other users.
• User-Initiated Deletion: You may delete your account at any time using the in-app "Delete Account" feature. See Section 9 of the Privacy Policy for details.
• Effect of Termination: Upon termination, your right to access and use the App ceases immediately. Data deletion will proceed as described in Section 9.

Where possible, Nigama Connect will provide advance notice of significant service changes or account actions. However, in cases of serious violations, immediate action may be taken without prior notice.

Section 24: Dispute Resolution & Governing Law

These Terms & Conditions are governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of India, without regard to conflict of law principles.

• Jurisdiction: Any disputes arising out of or in connection with these Terms shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of competent courts in India.
• Amicable Resolution: In the event of any dispute, we encourage users to first contact our support team to seek an amicable resolution before initiating formal legal proceedings.
• Applicable Laws: These Terms are subject to the Information Technology Act 2000, the Digital Personal Data Protection Act 2023, the Consumer Protection Act 2019, and other applicable Indian legislation.
• International Users: If you access Nigama Connect from outside India, you are responsible for compliance with your local laws. You agree that Indian law governs these Terms regardless of your location.

Section 25: Contact Information & Grievance Redressal

Nigama Connect is committed to resolving user concerns promptly and transparently. In accordance with the Information Technology Act 2000 and the DPDP Act 2023, we have designated a Grievance Officer responsible for addressing user complaints and data-related concerns.

• Data Requests: Requests for data access, correction, or deletion may be submitted through the App or via our support email and will be processed within 30 days.
• Escalation: If your concern is not resolved to your satisfaction, you have the right to escalate to the Data Protection Board of India or other relevant regulatory authority.

We value your trust and are committed to addressing your concerns with transparency, fairness, and urgency. Your feedback helps us build a safer, more trustworthy platform for everyone.

Legal Notice

This Privacy Policy and Terms & Conditions document is legally binding on all users of the Nigama Connect application. By using the App, you agree to be bound by these terms in their entirety. Nigama Connect reserves the right to update this document at any time. Continued use of the App after any such update constitutes your acceptance of the revised terms.