PRIVACY POLICY
ECO TRIBE FOUNDATION Last updated: August 31, 2025
Contact: contact@ecotribefoundation.org.in
Website: https://ecotribefoundation.org.in
ABOUT ECO TRIBE FOUNDATION
ECO TRIBE FOUNDATION is a Section 8 company registered under the Companies Act, 2013, operating as a non-profit organization. We are dedicated to promoting sustainable living through community service, research, and implementation of natural farming practices. Our initiatives focus on Natural Farming, Education Literacy, Women Empowerment, Sustainable Agriculture, Health and Nutrition, Disaster Management, Rural Livelihood Promotion, and Rural Entrepreneurial Support.
This Privacy Policy describes how we collect, use, store, and protect your personal data when you visit our website or engage with our services, in compliance with the Digital Personal Data Protection Act (DPDPA) 2023, Information Technology Act 2000, and other applicable Indian laws.
SUMMARY OF KEY POINTS
What personal information do we collect? We collect information you voluntarily provide when contacting us, commenting on blog posts, or making donations. We also automatically collect certain technical information when you visit our website.
Do we process sensitive personal information? With your explicit consent, we may collect GPS location data and PAN numbers for donation processing and service delivery.
How do we use your information? We use your information to respond to inquiries, process donations, improve our services, and communicate about our programs and initiatives.
Do we share your information? We share information only with essential service providers (payment processors, website hosting, analytics) and as required by Indian law.
How long do we keep your information? We retain information only as long as necessary for legitimate purposes or as required by Indian law.
What are your rights? Under Indian law, you have rights to access, correct, and delete your personal data, subject to certain exceptions.
1. INFORMATION WE COLLECT
Personal Information You Provide
When you interact with our website or services, you may voluntarily provide:
- Contact Information: Name, email address, phone number, mailing address
- Communication Data: Messages submitted through contact forms, blog comments
- Professional Information: Job titles, organizational affiliation (when relevant)
- Donation Information: Details required for processing donations and issuing receipts
Sensitive Personal Data (with explicit consent)
- Location Data: GPS coordinates when you grant permission for location-based services
- Financial Information: PAN number for donation receipts and tax exemption purposes under Section 80-IAC of the Income Tax Act, 1961
Information Automatically Collected
When you visit our website, we automatically collect:
- Technical Data: IP address, browser type, device information, operating system
- Usage Data: Pages visited, time spent, referring websites, clickstream data
- Location Data: General location based on IP address (country/city level)
Cookies and Tracking Technologies
We use cookies and similar technologies for:
- Essential Functions: Website functionality and security
- Analytics: Google Analytics to understand website usage patterns
- Social Media: Integration with social media platforms (Meta, Google)
You can control cookies through your browser settings, though some website features may not function properly if cookies are disabled.
2. HOW WE USE YOUR INFORMATION
We process your personal data for the following purposes:
Service Delivery
- Responding to inquiries and providing customer support
- Processing and managing donations
- Issuing donation receipts and tax exemption certificates
- Delivering information about our programs and services
Legal Compliance
- Complying with requirements under the Companies Act, 2013
- Meeting obligations under the Income Tax Act, 1961
- Fulfilling regulatory requirements for Section 8 companies
- Maintaining records as required by DPIIT notifications
Organizational Operations
- Analyzing website usage to improve user experience
- Conducting research for program development
- Communicating updates about our initiatives
- Ensuring website security and preventing fraud
Marketing Communications (with consent)
- Sending newsletters about our programs
- Sharing information about events and initiatives
- Promotional communications about our services
3. LEGAL BASIS FOR PROCESSING
Under Indian law, we process your personal data based on:
- Consent: When you explicitly agree to data processing
- Contractual Necessity: To fulfill donation processing or service delivery
- Legal Obligation: To comply with Indian laws and regulations
- Legitimate Interest: For organizational operations, security, and program improvement
4. INFORMATION SHARING AND DISCLOSURE
Service Providers
We share information with trusted third-party service providers:
- Payment Processing: Razorpay for donation processing (governed by their privacy policy)
- Website Hosting: Hostinger for website hosting and CDN services
- Analytics: Google Analytics for website performance analysis
- Communication Tools: Email service providers for newsletters and communications
All service providers are contractually bound to protect your information and use it only for specified purposes.
Legal Disclosures
We may disclose information when required by:
- Court orders or legal processes
- Government authorities under applicable Indian laws
- Law enforcement agencies for legitimate investigations
- Regulatory bodies overseeing Section 8 companies
Business Transfers
In case of merger, acquisition, or dissolution, personal data may be transferred as part of business assets, subject to continued privacy protection.
5. INTERNATIONAL DATA TRANSFERS
Primary Data Storage: All primary data is stored on servers located in India through Hostinger.
Limited International Processing: Some data may be processed internationally through:
- Google Analytics: For website analytics (governed by Google’s privacy policies)
- Social Media Plugins: When you interact with social media features
- CDN Services: For faster content delivery globally
When data is transferred internationally, we ensure appropriate safeguards are in place as required by Indian law.
6. DATA RETENTION
We retain personal information for:
- Contact Information: Until you request deletion or withdraw consent
- Donation Records: As required by Income Tax Act, 1961 and Companies Act, 2013 (typically 8-10 years)
- Technical Data: Up to 2 years for analytics and security purposes
- Communication Records: Until no longer needed for customer service or legal compliance
Data is securely deleted when retention periods expire, except where longer retention is required by Indian law.
7. DATA SECURITY
We implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect your data:
- Technical Safeguards: Encryption, secure servers, regular security updates
- Organizational Measures: Access controls, staff training, incident response procedures
- Third-Party Security: Due diligence on service provider security practices
While we strive to protect your information, no method of transmission over the internet is 100% secure. You should only provide information through secure connections.
8. YOUR RIGHTS UNDER INDIAN LAW
Under the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023 and other applicable laws, you have:
Data Principal Rights
- Right to Access: Obtain information about data processing
- Right to Correction: Request correction of inaccurate data
- Right to Erasure: Request deletion of personal data (subject to legal exceptions)
- Right to Data Portability: Receive your data in a structured format
- Right to Grievance Redressal: File complaints about data processing
Exercising Your Rights
To exercise these rights:
- Email us at contact@ecotribefoundation.org.in
- Submit a written request with identity verification
- Use our data subject access request form: [link to be added]
We will respond within 30 days as required by Indian law.
Limitations
Rights may be limited when data processing is necessary for:
- Legal compliance (tax records, regulatory requirements)
- Fraud prevention and security
- Legitimate organizational interests
9. DONATIONS AND TAX COMPLIANCE
Donation Processing
When you make donations:
- We collect information necessary for payment processing
- PAN number may be required for donations above statutory limits
- Donation receipts are issued in compliance with Income Tax Act, 1961
Tax Exemption Benefits
- Donations to ECO TRIBE FOUNDATION may qualify for tax exemptions under Section 80-IAC
- We maintain records as required for your tax benefit claims
- Donation data is retained as per Income Tax Act requirements
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)
For corporate donors contributing under Section 135 of the Companies Act, 2013:
- We provide necessary documentation for CSR compliance
- Maintain records as per DPIIT notifications including G.S.R. 127(E) dated February 19, 2019
10. CHILDREN’S PRIVACY
We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 12 years of age. If we discover we have collected information from a minor without parental consent, we will promptly delete such information.
11. BLOG COMMENTS AND USER CONTENT
When you comment on our blog posts:
- Comments are publicly visible
- We may moderate content for appropriateness
- You retain rights over your contributed content
- We reserve the right to remove inappropriate content
12. COMPLIANCE WITH INDIAN REGULATIONS
This privacy policy ensures compliance with:
- Digital Personal Data Protection Act (DPDPA) 2023
- Information Technology Act, 2000 and IT Rules 2011
- Companies Act, 2013 (Section 8 and Section 135)
- Income Tax Act, 1961 (Section 80-IAC)
- DPIIT Notifications including G.S.R. 127(E) dated February 19, 2019
13. GRIEVANCE REDRESSAL
Internal Grievance Officer
For data protection concerns, contact: Email: contact@ecotribefoundation.org.in Response Time: Within 30 days
External Authorities
You may also approach:
- Data Protection Board of India (when operational)
- Cyber Crime Cells for data breaches
- Consumer Forums for service-related issues
14. UPDATES TO THIS POLICY
We may update this privacy policy to reflect:
- Changes in Indian data protection laws
- New services or features
- Regulatory guidance or requirements
Updated policies will be posted on our website with revision dates. Continued use of our services constitutes acceptance of updates.
15. CONTACT INFORMATION
ECO TRIBE FOUNDATION
Section 8 Company under Companies Act, 2013
Address:
Village + Post Office: Md. Bazar
Birbhum – 731127
West Bengal, India
Email: contact@ecotribefoundation.org.in
Website: https://ecotribefoundation.org.in
For privacy-related queries or to exercise your data rights, please contact us using the above details.
16. GOVERNING LAW
This privacy policy is governed by the laws of India. Any disputes arising from this policy will be subject to the jurisdiction of courts in West Bengal, India.
Effective Date: August 31, 2025
This privacy policy has been prepared in compliance with Indian data protection laws and regulations applicable to Section 8 companies registered under the Companies Act 2013, India. For the most current version, please visit our website.