India-Chat.org

1. Introduction & Scope

This Privacy Policy describes how India-Chat.org ("we", "us", "our") collects, uses, stores, and discloses information when you access and use our website and free Indian chat room services. By using India-Chat.org, you acknowledge that you have read and understood this policy.

Because India-Chat.org does not require account registration, we inherently collect far less personal data than typical online platforms. This policy explains what limited data we do collect and why.

2. Data We Collect

2.1 Chat Activity

When you use our chat rooms, the following may be recorded by the IRC network that powers our chat service:

• Chosen nickname: The display name you select to chat
• Public chat messages: Text you send in public channels
• IRC connection data: Connection timestamps and channel activity

Note: Our chat is powered by a third-party IRC network. Their data practices are governed by their own privacy policy, which we encourage you to review.

2.2 Technical Data (Automatic Collection)

Our web server automatically collects standard technical information when you visit our site:

• IP address (used for rate limiting, spam prevention, and security)
• Browser type, version, and operating system
• Pages visited and navigation patterns
• Referring URLs and search engine queries
• Device type (desktop, mobile, tablet)
• Visit timestamps and session duration

2.3 Cookies & Local Storage

We use cookies and browser local storage for:

• Theme preference: Remembering whether you prefer light or dark mode
• Analytics: Understanding how visitors use our site (anonymized)
• Session management: Basic session continuity during your visit

You may disable cookies in your browser settings, though this may affect some site functionality (such as theme preference persistence).

3. How We Use Your Information

We use the limited information we collect solely for the following purposes:

• Delivering and maintaining the India-Chat.org platform
• Ensuring platform security and preventing abuse or spam
• Enforcing our community rules and Safety Guidelines
• Analyzing aggregate usage patterns to improve user experience
• Responding to moderation concerns and safety reports
• Complying with applicable legal obligations

We do not use your information for behavioral advertising, user profiling, or any commercial data exploitation.

4. Data Sharing

We do not sell, rent, or trade your personal data to third parties. We may share information only in these limited circumstances:

• Infrastructure providers: Trusted hosting and analytics vendors operating under strict data processing agreements
• Legal compliance: When compelled by valid legal process (court orders, subpoenas, government requests)
• Safety emergencies: To prevent imminent harm to users or the public
• Business continuity: In the event of a merger or acquisition (users will be notified)

5. Third-Party IRC Service

Our chat interface is provided by an embedded third-party IRC service. When you connect to chat, your connection data (including IP address) is handled by that IRC network. India-Chat.org is not the data controller for information processed directly by the IRC network. We recommend reviewing the privacy policy of the IRC provider for complete details.

6. Data Retention

We retain technical log data for a maximum of 90 days for security and operational purposes. Moderation records (ban logs, abuse reports) may be retained longer as required for safety enforcement. Anonymized, aggregated analytics data may be retained indefinitely for statistical purposes only.

7. Security Measures

We implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect the limited data we hold, including:

• HTTPS/TLS encryption for all data in transit
• Access controls limiting data access to authorized personnel only
• Regular security reviews and updates
• Minimal data collection by design (privacy by default)

8. Children's Privacy

India-Chat.org is strictly for users aged 18 and above. We do not knowingly collect or store any personal information from individuals under 18 years of age. If we become aware that a minor has used our platform, we will take steps to immediately remove their data and prevent future access.

9. Your Privacy Rights

Depending on your location, you may have rights including:

• Access to the personal data we hold about you
• Correction of inaccurate or incomplete data
• Deletion of your data ("right to be forgotten")
• Restriction of processing in certain circumstances
• Data portability where technically feasible
• Objection to data processing based on legitimate interests

To exercise any of these rights, contact us at admin@india-chat.org. We will respond within 30 days.

10. International Users

India-Chat.org is accessed by users globally, including from India, UK, USA, Canada, Australia, UAE, and many other countries. If you access our service from outside India, your connection data may be processed in India or in the country where our servers are located. By using the service, you consent to this cross-border processing.

11. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy periodically. Material changes will be indicated by updating the "Last Revised" date above. We encourage you to review this policy regularly. Continued use of India-Chat.org following any changes constitutes acceptance of the revised policy.

12. Contact Us

For privacy-related inquiries, data requests, or concerns:

• 📧 Email: admin@india-chat.org
• 🌐 Website: india-chat.org