BackBenchersCommunityIndia ("we," "us," or "our") operates as an open builder network connecting ideas with execution. We are committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you use our platform, join our network, submit ideas, or participate in our initiatives.
1. Information We Collect
1.1 Information You Provide
When joining our network:
- Personal details: Name, email, phone number, location
- Professional information: Skills, experience level, expertise areas
- Portfolio and work samples: Links to previous work, GitHub profiles
- Preferences: Project types, availability, collaboration interests
- Introduction and goals: Why you want to join, what you hope to contribute
When submitting an idea or project:
- Contact information: Name, email, phone
- Idea details: Title, problem statement, solution approach, target users
- Project information: Stage, timeline, budget, required support
- Attachments: Documents, presentations, prototypes
When contacting us:
- Name, email, phone, message content, inquiry category
When participating in events:
- Registration details, professional background, dietary preferences
1.2 Automatically Collected Information
- Usage Data: Pages visited, features used, time spent, clicks, navigation patterns
- Device Information: IP address, browser type, operating system, device identifiers
- Performance Data: Load times, errors, technical diagnostics
- Location Data: General geographic location (country/city level)
1.3 Cookies and Tracking
We use essential cookies for authentication and preferences. Analytics cookies help us improve the platform. You can manage cookie preferences in your browser settings.
2. How We Use Your Information
2.1 Core Platform Operations
- Matchmaking: Connect contributors with relevant projects and opportunities
- Collaboration: Facilitate introductions between idea submitters and builders
- Project Coordination: Assign team members, track progress, manage deliverables
- Mentorship: Match members with appropriate mentors and advisors
2.2 Communication
- Application status updates (approval/rejection notifications)
- Project invitations and collaboration requests
- Event announcements and registration confirmations
- Newsletter updates about network activities (with consent)
- Important platform updates and policy changes
2.3 Platform Improvement
- Analyze usage patterns to enhance user experience
- Identify popular features and areas for improvement
- Develop new tools and capabilities
- Troubleshoot technical issues
2.4 Community Building
- Create member directories (with your consent)
- Feature success stories and testimonials
- Showcase completed projects
- Highlight community achievements
3. Information Sharing
3.1 Within the BBCINDIA Network
With Your Explicit Consent:
- Share your profile with project coordinators seeking collaborators
- Connect you with mentors in your field
- Introduce you to other members for networking
- Feature your work in case studies and success stories
Limited Visibility (Admins Only):
- Join requests and idea submissions are visible only to administrators for review
- Contact form submissions are private and not shared publicly
3.2 Service Providers
We share information with trusted partners who help us operate:
- Email Services: Gmail SMTP for transactional emails
- Database Hosting: Neon PostgreSQL (encrypted data storage)
- Cloud Infrastructure: Vercel for hosting and deployment
- Analytics: Usage analytics for platform improvement (anonymized where possible)
3.3 Legal Requirements
We may disclose information when required by law, court order, or to:
- Comply with legal processes
- Protect our rights, property, or safety
- Prevent fraud or illegal activity
- Enforce our Terms of Use
3.4 What We Never Do
- ❌ Sell your data to third parties or advertisers
- ❌ Share contact details without permission
- ❌ Use your ideas without giving you credit
- ❌ Spam you with unsolicited marketing
4. Data Security
We implement industry-standard security measures:
4.1 Technical Safeguards
- Encryption: SSL/TLS encryption for data in transit
- Password Protection: Bcrypt hashing for stored passwords
- Secure Infrastructure: Cloud hosting with enterprise-grade security
- Access Controls: Role-based access (Super Admin, Admin, Editor, etc.)
- Database Security: PostgreSQL with connection pooling and authentication
4.2 Organizational Measures
- Limited employee access on need-to-know basis
- Regular security audits and vulnerability assessments
- Staff training on data protection
- Incident response procedures
Important: While we use strong security measures, no system is 100% secure. We cannot guarantee absolute security but are committed to protecting your data.
5. Your Privacy Rights
You have the following rights regarding your personal information:
5.1 Access
Request a copy of all personal information we hold about you.
5.2 Correction
Request correction of inaccurate or outdated information.
5.3 Deletion
Request deletion of your account and associated data (subject to legal retention requirements).
5.4 Data Portability
Receive your data in a structured, machine-readable format.
5.5 Restriction
Request that we stop processing your data in certain circumstances.
5.6 Objection
Object to processing based on legitimate interests or direct marketing.
5.7 Withdraw Consent
Withdraw consent for optional data uses (newsletters, public profiles, etc.).
To Exercise Your Rights
Email us at: contact@bbcindia.org
Subject: "Privacy Rights Request" | Include: Your name, email, and specific request
6. Data Retention
We retain your information for different periods depending on the purpose:
- Active Members: While your account is active and for 3 years after last activity
- Rejected Applications: 1 year (for reapplication reference)
- Completed Projects: 5 years (for portfolio and reference)
- Contact Inquiries: 2 years
- Legal Requirements: As long as required by law
After retention periods expire, we securely delete or anonymize data.
7. Children's Privacy
BackBenchersCommunityIndia is not intended for individuals under 18 years of age. We do not knowingly collect information from children. If you believe we have inadvertently collected data from a minor, contact us immediately at contact@bbcindia.org.
8. International Data Transfers
BackBenchersCommunityIndia operates primarily in India. If you access our platform from outside India, your information may be transferred to and processed in India or other countries where our service providers operate. We ensure appropriate safeguards are in place for international transfers.
9. Third-Party Links
Our platform may link to external websites (partner sites, member portfolios, etc.). We are not responsible for the privacy practices of these sites. Review their privacy policies before sharing information.
10. Changes to This Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy to reflect changes in our practices or legal requirements. Significant changes will be communicated via:
- Email notification to registered members
- Prominent notice on our website
- Updated "Last Updated" date at the top of this page
Continued use of our services after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.
11. Contact Us
For questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy:
BackBenchersCommunityIndia
General Inquiries: contact@bbcindia.org
Privacy Officer: privacy@bbcindia.org
Data Protection: dpo@bbcindia.org
Your Consent
By using BackBenchersCommunityIndia, joining our network, or submitting information through our platform, you acknowledge that you have read and understood this Privacy Policy and consent to the collection, use, and disclosure of your information as described herein.