# Privacy Policy
**Last Updated:** January 2025
## 1. Introduction
Welcome to Bharat Rath ("we," "our," or "us"). This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you use our mobile application (the "App"). Please read this Privacy Policy carefully. By using our App, you agree to the collection and use of information in accordance with this policy.
## 2. Information We Collect
### 2.1 Personal Information
We collect the following personal information when you use our App:
- **Phone Number**: Required for account registration and authentication via OTP (One-Time Password)
- **Name**: Required during registration to identify you
- **Business Name**: Required during registration to associate your account with your business
- **Email Address**: Optional, collected when you submit enquiries or contact forms
- **Address**: Optional, collected when you provide location information
- **Date of Birth/Age**: Optional, collected when you provide this information
- **GSTIN**: Optional, collected if you provide your GST identification number
- **Referral Information**: Optional, collected if you use referral codes or are referred by another user
### 2.2 Authentication Data
- **User ID**: Unique identifier assigned to your account
- **Authentication Tokens**: Security tokens used to maintain your login session
- **OTP Verification**: Temporary codes sent to your phone number for authentication
### 2.3 Business Information
- **Website Data**: Information about websites associated with your account
- **Warehouse Data**: Information about warehouses linked to your business
- **Business Preferences**: Your selected website and business configurations
### 2.4 Device Information
- **Device Type**: Information about your mobile device (iOS or Android)
- **App Usage Data**: Information about how you interact with the App
- **Language Preferences**: Your selected language preference (English, Hindi, Marathi)
### 2.5 Automatically Collected Information
- **Log Data**: Technical information such as IP address, device identifiers, and timestamps
- **Error Reports**: Information about errors or crashes that occur in the App
## 3. How We Use Your Information
We use the collected information for the following purposes:
### 3.1 Account Management
- To create and manage your user account
- To authenticate your identity using phone number and OTP
- To maintain your login session
- To associate your account with your business and websites
### 3.2 Service Delivery
- To provide access to business management features
- To enable barcode scanning functionality
- To generate and share PDF documents (invoices, bills, etc.)
- To send you notifications about important updates
- To support multi-language functionality
### 3.3 Security
- To implement app lock features using biometric authentication
- To protect against unauthorized access
- To detect and prevent fraud or abuse
### 3.4 Communication
- To respond to your enquiries and support requests
- To send you important service-related notifications
- To communicate about your account or transactions
### 3.5 Service Improvement
- To analyze app usage patterns
- To improve our services and user experience
- To fix bugs and technical issues
## 4. Device Permissions
Our App requests the following device permissions:
### 4.1 Camera Permission
- **Purpose**: To enable barcode scanning functionality
- **When Requested**: When you attempt to use the barcode scanner feature
- **Required**: Yes, for barcode scanning functionality
### 4.2 Storage Permission
- **Purpose**: To save PDF files (invoices, bills) to your device and enable file sharing
- **When Requested**: When you generate or download PDF documents
- **Required**: Yes, for PDF generation and sharing features
### 4.3 Biometric Authentication Permission
- **Purpose**: To enable app lock security using Face ID, Touch ID, or fingerprint authentication
- **When Requested**: When you enable app lock in security settings
- **Required**: Optional, only if you choose to enable app lock
### 4.4 Internet Permission
- **Purpose**: To communicate with our backend servers for authentication and data synchronization
- **Required**: Yes, for core app functionality
### 4.5 Location Permission (if applicable)
- **Purpose**: Currently not actively used, but may be requested for future features
- **Required**: No
## 5. Data Storage and Security
### 5.1 Local Storage
- We store authentication tokens, user data, and preferences locally on your device using secure storage mechanisms (AsyncStorage)
- This data is encrypted and stored securely on your device
- You can clear this data by uninstalling the App or using the logout function
### 5.2 Backend Servers
- Your data is transmitted to and stored on our secure backend servers
- Our servers are located at: `apps.bharatrath.com` and `apps.bharatrath.tech`
- All data transmission is encrypted using HTTPS/TLS protocols
### 5.3 Security Measures
- We implement industry-standard security measures to protect your data
- Authentication tokens are securely stored and transmitted
- We use secure authentication methods (OTP) to verify your identity
- App lock feature provides additional security for your account
## 6. Data Sharing and Disclosure
We do not sell, trade, or rent your personal information to third parties. We may share your information only in the following circumstances:
### 6.1 Service Providers
- We may share data with third-party service providers who assist us in operating the App and conducting our business
- These service providers are contractually obligated to protect your information
### 6.2 Legal Requirements
- We may disclose your information if required by law or in response to valid legal requests
- We may disclose information to protect our rights, privacy, safety, or property
### 6.3 Business Transfers
- In the event of a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets, your information may be transferred as part of that transaction
## 7. Your Rights and Choices
### 7.1 Access and Correction
- You can access and update your personal information through the App settings
- You can correct inaccurate information by updating your profile
### 7.2 Account Deletion
- You can request deletion of your account by contacting us
- Upon account deletion, we will delete your personal information, subject to legal retention requirements
### 7.3 App Lock
- You can enable or disable app lock security from the App settings
- App lock uses your device's built-in security (PIN, Pattern, Fingerprint, or Face ID)
### 7.4 Language Preferences
- You can change your language preference at any time (English, Hindi, Marathi)
### 7.5 Logout
- You can log out of the App at any time, which will clear locally stored authentication data
## 8. Data Retention
- We retain your personal information for as long as your account is active or as needed to provide you services
- We may retain certain information after account deletion as required by law or for legitimate business purposes
- Authentication tokens are stored locally on your device until you log out or uninstall the App
## 9. Children's Privacy
Our App is not intended for children under the age of 18. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If you believe we have collected information from a child, please contact us immediately.
## 10. Third-Party Services
Our App may contain links to third-party websites or services. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of these third parties. We encourage you to read their privacy policies.
## 11. International Data Transfers
Your information may be transferred to and processed in countries other than your country of residence. By using the App, you consent to the transfer of your information to these countries.
## 12. Changes to This Privacy Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of any changes by:
- Posting the new Privacy Policy in the App
- Updating the "Last Updated" date at the top of this policy
- Sending you a notification (if significant changes are made)
Your continued use of the App after such modifications constitutes your acceptance of the updated Privacy Policy.
## 13. Contact Us
If you have any questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or our data practices, please contact us:
**Bharat Rath**
Email: [Your Contact Email]
Website: https://bharatrath.com
Address: [Your Business Address]
## 14. Consent
By using our App, you consent to:
- The collection and use of your information as described in this Privacy Policy
- The use of device permissions as outlined in Section 4
- The storage of your data locally and on our servers
- The use of biometric authentication for app lock (if enabled)
## 15. Additional Information for Specific Regions
### 15.1 India
- This App is designed for users in India
- We comply with applicable Indian data protection laws
- Phone number authentication follows Indian telecom regulations
### 15.2 iOS Users
- For iOS users, we use Face ID for biometric authentication (if enabled)
- We comply with Apple's App Store privacy requirements
- Our PrivacyInfo.xcprivacy file details our privacy practices for iOS
### 15.3 Android Users
- For Android users, we use fingerprint or device lock for biometric authentication (if enabled)
- We comply with Google Play Store privacy requirements
- We request permissions only when necessary for app functionality
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**Note**: This Privacy Policy should be reviewed regularly and updated as needed to reflect changes in our practices or legal requirements. Users should be informed of significant changes through app notifications or other appropriate means.