Privacy Policy

1. Consent & Notice

We only process personal data after obtaining your explicit consent via an "I Agree" checkbox or button. You can refuse or withdraw consent at any time; doing so may limit access to certain Website features.

2. Data We Collect

Voluntarily Provided Data:

• Name
• Email address
• Phone number
• Organisation/Institution
• Input in forms (e.g., newsletter sign-ups, research queries)

Automatically Collected Data:

• IP address, browser type/version, device type
• Pages visited and time spent
• Technical diagnostics, unique device identifiers
• Analytics data for research usage and Website improvement

3. Purpose of Processing

Your data is used to:

• Provide, maintain, and improve our services and Website.
• Deliver newsletters, research publications, updates, and event invitations.
• Conduct research, surveys, and evidence-driven analysis.
• Manage competitions, webinars, or events you join.
• Perform internal training, evaluation, and quality checks.
• Communicate with you via email, phone, or other channels.
• Engage in data analysis to enhance governance research and services.

4. Data Sharing & Disclosure

Your data may be shared with:

• Analytics and IT service providers.
• Legal authorities for compliance or investigation purposes.
• Business partners (e.g., universities, event venues) with your consent.
• Legal and professional advisors when required.

5. Cookies & Tracking

• Cookie banner appears on your first visit for consent management.
• Cookies help with analytics, personalization, and research measurement.
• You can manage or refuse cookies via the Cookie Settings tool anytime.

6. Your Rights

Under the DPDP Act, you can:

• Access your personal data held by us.
• Correct inaccuracies in your data.
• Erase your data from our systems.
• Withdraw consent at any time—processing will cease except where legally required.
• Raise grievances related to data protection.

Requests will be addressed within 30 days.

7. Data Retention

We retain personal data only as long as necessary for our purposes or as legally required. Usage analytics are kept for a shorter duration unless retention supports research integrity or legal compliance.

8. Security Measures

We protect your data using encryption, secure servers, access controls, and periodic audits. Note that data transmission over the internet is never 100% secure.

9. External Links

Our Website may link to external sites (e.g., partner labs, research portals). We're not responsible for their privacy practices—please review those policies directly.

10. Minors

We do not collect data from individuals under 18. If a minor does submit personal data, we will promptly delete it upon identification or request.

11. Contact & Grievance Redressal

For privacy-related queries, consent withdrawal, or complaints, contact our Data Protection Officer:

12. Policy Updates

We may update this Policy over time. Significant changes will be clearly communicated via Website notifications or email, and where needed, new consent will be requested.