1. Introduction
At Lost & Found, we are committed to protecting your personal information and your right to privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, specify, and safeguard your data when you use our platform. We operate in compliance with the Digital Personal Data Protection Act (DPDP) 2023 and adhere to fundamental GDPR-style principlesregarding data transparency and user control.
By accessing or using our services, you signify that you have read, understood, and agree to our collection, storage, use, and disclosure of your personal information as described in this Privacy Policy and our Terms of Service.
2. Information We Collect
We collect personal information that you voluntarily provide to us when you register on the platform, express an interest in obtaining information about us, or otherwise contact us.
Account Information
- Name: Your full name for identification and communication.
- Email Address: Used for account verification, notifications, and support.
- Phone Number: Optional contact method for urgent item recovery updates.
User Generated Content (UGC)
- Item Posts: Detailed descriptions of lost or found items, including dates and categories.
- Chat History: Records of communications between users through our internal messaging system.
- Comments & Feedback: Any additional information provided in community discussions or support tickets.
Images and Media
- Item Photos: Images uploaded to help identify lost or found belongings.
- Attachments: Any documentation or media uploaded as part of a claim verification process.
Location Data
- Approximation: General locations where items were lost or found (e.g., specific campuses, stations, or city landmarks).
- IP-based Location: We may derive general vicinity from your IP address for security purposes.
Device Data
- Technical Specs: IP address, browser type, device model, and operating system for security monitoring and troubleshooting.
Cookies
- Session Cookies: Necessary for core platform functionality and maintaining your login session.
- Preference Cookies: Used to remember your selected language and platform settings.
3. How We Use Data
We use your information for various professional and operational purposes, including:
- Core Service Provision: Connecting users who have lost items with those who have found them.
- Matching Algorithms: Analyzing item descriptions and location data to suggest potential item matches.
- Secure Communication: Enabling our internal chat system to facilitate safe exchanges.
- Fraud Detection: Monitoring platform activity to prevent scams, fake listings, and unauthorized access.
- Security Monitoring: Ensuring the technical integrity of our infrastructure and user data.
- Service Improvement: Using anonymized analytics to enhance platform features and user experience.
- Critical Notifications: Sending automated alerts regarding account activity, matches, and policy changes.
4. Data Storage and Retention
We prioritize the security and limited retention of your personal data:
- Secure Cloud Infrastructure: All data is stored on highly secure, encrypted cloud servers with restricted access.
- Encryption Standards: Data is encrypted both at rest (AES-256) and in transit (TLS 1.3).
- Retention Period: We retain your personal data only for as long as your account is active or as needed to provide you with services.
- Account Deletion: Upon request, we will delete your account and associated personal information, subject to mandatory legal hold requirements.
5. Sharing of Information
We do not sell your personal data. We share information only in the following circumstances:
- Infrastructure Providers: With trusted cloud hosting and database providers required to operate the platform.
- Analytics Partners: With tools like Google Analytics (anonymized) to understand platform usage.
- Legal Compliance: If required by law, we may disclose your information to comply with valid legal processes or protect our legal rights.
- Safety Concerns: If we believe disclosure is necessary to prevent physical harm or financial loss.
6. User Rights
Under DPDP and GDPR principles, you have the following rights over your data:
- Right to Access: You can request a summary of the personal data we hold about you.
- Right to Correction: You can update inaccurate or incomplete information through your profile settings.
- Right to Deletion: You can request that we erase your personal data from our systems.
- Right to Export: You can request a copy of your data in a machine-readable format for portability.
7. Cookies and Tracking
We use cookies to enhance navigation and understand how you interact with our platform. You can configure your browser settings to refuse all or some cookies, though this may limit your access to certain features of the Lost & Found platform.
8. Children's Privacy
Lost & Found is not intended for use by children under the age of 13. We do not knowingly collect data from children. Users between 13 and 18 years of age are required to obtain express parental or guardian consentbefore using the platform.
9. Data Security
We implement a multi-layered security approach, including active firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and regular vulnerability assessments. In the event of a significant data breach, we are committed to notifying affected users and the relevant authorities within the timelines required by law.
10. Policy Updates
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. The "Last Updated" date at the top of the page will reflect the most recent revisions. We encourage you to review this policy periodically to stay informed about how we protect your data.
11. Contact
If you have any questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or your personal data, please contact the Lost & Found Safety Team at:
Email: lostandfound.claim@gmail.com
Entity: Lost & Found Network (Intermediary Platform)