Privacy Policy – Akhand News

1. Information We Collect

Voluntarily Provided Information

We may collect information you voluntarily provide, including:

• Name and email address when subscribing to newsletters
• Account login credentials when creating a user profile
• Contact information when reaching out through contact forms
• Authentication data when using Google login or email OTP verification
• Profile information including bio, preferences, and reading interests

Automatically Collected Information

Our website automatically collects technical information when you visit, including:

• IP address and geolocation data
• Device type, operating system, and browser information
• Pages visited, time spent on pages, and navigation patterns
• Referral source and click behavior
• Cookies and tracking identifiers for session management and advertising

Cookies and Similar Technologies

We use cookies, web beacons, and similar tracking technologies to:

• Maintain user sessions and login states
• Remember user preferences and settings
• Analyze website traffic and user behavior
• Serve personalized content and relevant advertising
• Measure advertising effectiveness and user engagement
• Detect and prevent fraud or security threats

Note: Users can control cookie settings through their browser preferences. However, disabling cookies may affect website functionality and prevent certain features from working properly.

2. Authentication and Account Access

Akhand News offers multiple secure authentication methods to protect your account:

Email OTP (One-Time Password) Verification

When you log in using email OTP, we send a time-limited code to your email address. This code is used only to verify your identity and is not stored longer than necessary for authentication purposes.

Google Authentication

You may choose to authenticate using your Google account. When you do, Google shares limited information (email, name, profile picture) with us. We use this data only to create and manage your account. We do not receive or store your Google password.

Account Data Security

Authentication credentials are transmitted over HTTPS (encrypted connection) and stored using industry-standard security practices. We never share your login credentials with third parties.

3. Google AdSense, DoubleClick Cookie & Interest-Based Advertising

Google DoubleClick DART Cookie: Akhand News uses Google AdSense to serve ads on our website. Google uses the DoubleClick cookie to serve ads based on users' prior visits to our website and other websites on the Internet, and to measure ad effectiveness.

How Google Uses Your Data

When you visit our website, Google may:

• Place cookies on your device to track your browsing behavior
• Use your browsing history to serve personalized, interest-based ads
• Collect data about your interests from visits to other Google partner sites
• Measure ad performance and conversion rates
• Use device identifiers and IP addresses for analytics

Opt-Out Options for Interest-Based Advertising

You have several ways to opt out of interest-based advertising:

• Google Ads Settings: Visit https://adssettings.google.com to manage your Google ad preferences and opt out of personalized ads
• Network Advertising Initiative (NAI): Use https://optout.networkadvertising.org to opt out of multiple advertising networks
• Digital Advertising Alliance (DAA): Visit https://optout.aboutads.info to manage opt-outs across participating companies
• Browser-Level Controls: Use your browser's privacy settings or ad blocker extensions

Note: Opting out of interest-based advertising does not mean you will see no ads. You will still see ads, but they may be less relevant to your interests.

Google's Privacy Policy

For more information about how Google uses data and your privacy rights, please review Google's Privacy Policy and How Google Uses Information from Sites or Apps that Use Google Services.

4. Analytics and Performance Monitoring

Google Analytics

Akhand News uses Google Analytics to understand traffic patterns, user behavior, popular content, and engagement metrics. Google Analytics collects:

• Pages visited and time spent on each page
• Device and browser information
• Traffic source (direct, search, referral, social)
• User demographics and interests (anonymized)
• Conversion and event tracking data

Disabling Analytics Tracking

You can opt out of Google Analytics tracking by:

• Installing the Google Analytics Opt-out Browser Add-on
• Using your browser's "Do Not Track" (DNT) feature
• Installing privacy-focused browser extensions like uBlock Origin or Privacy Badger

Note: Analytics data helps us improve content quality, website performance, and user experience. We do not use analytics data for individual tracking or selling to third parties.

5. Newsletters and Email Communication

Newsletter Subscription

When you subscribe to Akhand News newsletters, we collect your email address and name to send you:

• Daily news digests and editorial highlights
• Breaking news alerts on topics you follow
• Market updates and business news
• Special announcements and events
• Important service updates and security notices

Unsubscribe and Preferences

You may unsubscribe from newsletters at any time by:

• Clicking the "Unsubscribe" link at the bottom of any email
• Visiting your account preferences on our website
• Emailing info@akhandnews.com with your request

Email Privacy

Your email address is never sold to third parties. We only use it to send communications you have requested or important service notifications. Unsubscribe requests are processed immediately.

6. Children's Privacy (COPPA Compliance)

COPPA Compliance: Akhand News is not directed to children under 13 years of age. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If we discover that a child under 13 has provided us with personal information, we will delete such information immediately and terminate the child's account.

Parental Concerns

If you believe your child has created an account or provided information to us, please contact us immediately at info@akhandnews.com to request account deletion and data removal.

For Children 13+

Children aged 13-17 may create accounts with parental consent. We recommend parents review this privacy policy and monitor their child's account activity.

7. Data Retention & Security

How Long We Keep Your Data

• Newsletter Emails: Stored for the duration of your subscription. Deleted within 30 days of unsubscribe.
• User Account Data: Retained while your account is active. Deleted within 90 days of account deletion request.
• Cookies & Tracking: Most cookies expire after 1-2 years or at end of browser session (session cookies)
• Analytics Data: Google Analytics retains data for 14-50 months depending on settings
• Server Logs: IP addresses and access logs retained for up to 30 days for security purposes
• Legal Obligations: We may retain data longer if required by law or for legal disputes

Security Measures

Akhand News implements multiple security safeguards to protect your information:

• HTTPS Encryption: All data transmission uses SSL/TLS encryption (HTTPS)
• Database Security: User data stored in encrypted databases with access controls
• Password Security: Passwords hashed using industry-standard algorithms (bcrypt/Argon2)
• Two-Factor Authentication: Optional 2FA available for account protection
• Regular Security Audits: We conduct periodic security assessments and vulnerability testing
• Secure Hosting: Hosted on secure servers with firewall protection and DDoS mitigation
• Staff Training: Our team trained on data protection and privacy best practices

Important: While we implement reasonable security measures, no internet-based system is 100% secure. You are responsible for keeping your password confidential and notifying us immediately of any unauthorized access.

8. Third-Party Services & Data Sharing

Partners and Service Providers

We may share limited personal data with trusted third-party service providers only when necessary to provide our services:

• Google Services: Google Analytics, Google AdSense, Google Authentication
• Email Providers: For sending newsletters (using secure, encrypted connections)
• Hosting Providers: Server infrastructure and data storage
• Analytics Tools: Website performance and user behavior analysis

Data We Do NOT Share

• We do NOT sell your personal data to advertisers or marketing companies
• We do NOT rent or lease your contact information
• We do NOT share passwords or sensitive authentication data
• We do NOT share data without legal requirement or your consent

Legal Disclosures

We may disclose your information when required by law, court order, or government request. We will notify you of such requests unless legally prohibited.

Business Transfers

If Akhand News is acquired, merged, or sold, your information may be transferred as part of that transaction. We will notify you of any such change and any choices you may have.

9. International Privacy Rights (GDPR & CCPA)

GDPR Compliance (European Users)

If you are located in the European Union, you have the following rights under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR):

• Right to Access: Request a copy of all personal data we hold about you
• Right to Rectification: Correct inaccurate or incomplete information
• Right to Erasure: Request deletion of your data ("right to be forgotten")
• Right to Restrict: Limit how we process your information
• Right to Data Portability: Receive your data in machine-readable format
• Right to Object: Opt out of processing for marketing, profiling, or analytics
• Right to Lodge a Complaint: File a complaint with your local data protection authority

CCPA Compliance (California Users)

If you are a California resident, you have rights under the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA):

• Right to Know: Receive details about personal information collected about you
• Right to Delete: Request deletion of personal data (with limited exceptions)
• Right to Opt-Out of Sale: Direct us not to sell your personal information
• Right to Non-Discrimination: We will not discriminate against you for exercising your CCPA rights

Note: Akhand News does not sell personal information. However, we may share data with advertising partners for serving personalized ads, which may be considered a "sale" under CCPA. You have the right to opt out.

Exercising Your Rights

To exercise any of these privacy rights, email us at info@akhandnews.com with your request. Please include sufficient detail to identify you and specify which right you wish to exercise. We will respond within the legally required timeframe (30-45 days).

10. Contact Information & Privacy Requests

If you have questions about this Privacy Policy, concerns about your data, or wish to exercise your privacy rights, please contact us:

Data Protection Officer (DPO)

For GDPR-related inquiries, you may contact our Data Protection Officer at info@akhandnews.com with "DPO Request" in the subject line.

11. Changes to This Privacy Policy

Akhand News may update this Privacy Policy periodically to reflect changes in our practices, technology, legal requirements, or other factors. We will notify you of material changes by:

• Updating the "Last Updated" date at the top of this policy
• Sending an email notification to registered users
• Posting a prominent notice on our website

Your continued use of Akhand News after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated Privacy Policy. We encourage you to review this policy regularly to stay informed about how we protect your information.

13. Acknowledgment & Acceptance

By using Akhand News, you acknowledge that you have read this Privacy Policy, understand it, and agree to its terms. If you do not agree with any part of this policy, please do not use our website or services.

Thank you for trusting Akhand News with your information. We are committed to protecting your privacy and providing a secure, transparent experience.