Privacy Policy

AnnaJyoti ("we", "us", "our") operates the AnnaJyoti Android application and the annajyoti.com website (together, the "Service"), connecting food and item donors with volunteers and verified NGOs across India. This Privacy Policy explains what information we collect, how we use it, who we share it with, and the choices and rights you have.

By creating an account or using the Service, you agree to the collection and use of information in accordance with this policy.

1. Information we collect

Information you provide directly

• Account information: name, email address, phone number, and password (or Google Sign-In credentials) when you register as a Donor, Volunteer, or NGO.
• Profile details: profile photo, city/address, and NGO registration details (for NGO accounts).
• Donation content: photos, descriptions, quantity, and pickup location of food or items you list for donation.
• Communications: messages sent through in-app chat, support requests, and CSR/contact form submissions.

Information collected automatically

• Location data: real-time and approximate device location, used to match donations with nearby volunteers/NGOs and to show pickup routes on the map. Collected only with your permission and while the relevant feature is in use.
• Device and usage information: device model, operating system version, app version, crash logs, and general usage analytics (e.g. screens viewed, features used).
• Cookies (website only): the annajyoti.com website uses cookies to remember your preferences; you can accept or reject non-essential cookies via the cookie banner.

2. How we use your information

• To create and manage your account and authenticate you.
• To match donors, volunteers, and NGOs, and to coordinate pickups and deliveries.
• To send notifications (e.g. donation claimed, volunteer assigned, delivery confirmed).
• To display impact statistics, leaderboards, and donation history.
• To verify NGO registrations and prevent fraud or misuse of the platform.
• To respond to support requests, CSR inquiries, and NGO registration requests.
• To improve app performance, fix bugs, and develop new features.

3. How we share information

We do not sell your personal information. We share information only in the following situations:

• Between users of the platform: when you post a donation, your name, approximate location, and donation details are visible to volunteers and NGOs so a pickup can be arranged.
• Service providers: with infrastructure and analytics providers (see Section 4) who process data on our behalf under confidentiality obligations.
• Legal requirements: if required to comply with a legal obligation, court order, or to protect the rights, safety, or property of AnnaJyoti, our users, or the public.
• Business transfers: in connection with a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets, with notice to you.

4. Third-party services we use

These providers have their own privacy policies governing their use of information. We encourage you to review Google's Privacy Policy for details on how Firebase and Google Maps handle data.

5. App permissions

• Location: to show nearby donations/pickups and enable live tracking during deliveries.
• Camera / Photos: to attach photos when posting a donation.
• Notifications: to alert you about donation status and messages.

You can grant or revoke these permissions at any time from your device settings; some features may not work correctly if permissions are denied.

6. Data retention

We retain account and donation data for as long as your account is active, or as needed to provide the Service, comply with legal obligations, resolve disputes, and enforce our agreements. When you delete your account (see Section 9), we delete or anonymize your personal data within 30 days, except where retention is required by law.

7. Data security

We use industry-standard safeguards, including encrypted connections (HTTPS) and Firebase's built-in security rules, to protect your information. However, no method of transmission or storage is 100% secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.

8. Your rights and choices

• Access, review, and update your profile information directly within the app.
• Opt out of promotional notifications from the app's notification settings.
• Reject non-essential cookies on the website via the cookie banner.
• Request a copy of your data or ask us questions about our data practices by contacting us (Section 12).
• Request deletion of your account and associated data (Section 9).

9. Deleting your account and data

You can request deletion of your AnnaJyoti account and personal data at any time, whether or not you still have the app installed. Full details of what gets deleted, what may be retained, and how to submit a request are on our dedicated Delete Account & Data page.

10. Children's privacy

AnnaJyoti is not directed to children under 13, and we do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If you believe a child has provided us with personal information, please contact us so we can delete it.

11. Changes to this policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of material changes by updating the "Last updated" date above and, where appropriate, through an in-app notice.

12. Contact us