Privacy Policy

1. Who We Are

PalakkadNews.com is operated by dotcompals, a digital media platform based in Palakkad, Kerala, India. We run a network of local news and community websites serving Palakkad district and the broader Kerala audience. Our registered contact is: [email protected] | +91 70122 33696.

2. Information We Collect

2.1 Information You Provide Directly

• Advertiser enquiry form: Name, business name, mobile number, email address, business category, and budget range when you fill our contact/enquiry form.
• Payment information: When you make a payment via Razorpay, your card details, UPI ID, or bank details are collected and processed directly by Razorpay. We receive only a payment confirmation and transaction ID — we never see or store your full payment credentials.
• WhatsApp communications: Messages, screenshots, and business information you share with us via WhatsApp (+91 70122 33696).
• Sponsored content submissions: Text, images, logos, and business information provided for advertisement or sponsored article creation.

2.2 Information Collected Automatically

• Website analytics: Page views, session duration, device type, browser, and approximate geographic location via Google Analytics. This data is anonymised and aggregated.
• Cookies: We use essential cookies to ensure the website functions properly, and analytics cookies (Google Analytics) to understand how visitors use the site. You can disable cookies in your browser settings.
• IP addresses: Logged automatically by our web server for security and diagnostic purposes. Not linked to personal identity.

3. How We Use Your Information

• To process your advertising booking and publish your ads on our platforms
• To communicate with you about your booking, campaigns, and reporting
• To process payments securely through Razorpay
• To send you performance reports and updates related to your advertisement
• To improve our website and services based on usage analytics
• To comply with applicable Indian laws and regulations

We do not use your information for unsolicited marketing, profiling, or automated decision-making.

4. How We Share Your Information

We do not sell, rent, or trade your personal information. We share data only in these limited cases:

• Razorpay: Payment processing. Razorpay's privacy policy applies to all payment data: razorpay.com/privacy
• Google Analytics: Anonymous, aggregated website usage data.
• Legal requirements: If required by Indian law, court order, or regulatory authority (such as RBI or CERT-In).
• Business transfer: In the unlikely event of a merger or acquisition, data may transfer to the new entity under the same privacy terms.

5. Data Storage and Security

Your data is stored on secure servers within India. We implement reasonable technical and organisational measures to protect your information against unauthorised access, loss, or misuse. Payment transactions are secured by Razorpay's PCI-DSS compliant infrastructure with 256-bit SSL encryption. Despite these measures, no system is 100% secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security of data transmitted over the internet.

6. Data Retention

We retain your personal information for as long as necessary to fulfil the purpose for which it was collected, and as required by Indian law. Advertiser data is typically retained for 3 years from the date of last transaction for accounting and legal compliance. You may request deletion of your data at any time (see Section 8).

7. Cookies Policy

We use the following types of cookies:

• Essential cookies: Required for the website to function. Cannot be disabled.
• Analytics cookies: Google Analytics (_ga, _gid) to understand visitor behaviour. You can opt out via Google's opt-out tool.
• Payment cookies: Set by Razorpay during the checkout process for fraud prevention and session management.

8. Your Rights

Under the Information Technology Act, 2000 and applicable Indian data protection principles, you have the right to:

• Access the personal data we hold about you
• Correct inaccurate or incomplete data
• Request deletion of your personal data (where legally permissible)
• Withdraw consent for data processing where consent is the legal basis
• Lodge a complaint with the appropriate authority

To exercise these rights, email us at [email protected] with subject line "Privacy Request".

9. Third-Party Links

Our website may contain links to external sites including social media platforms (Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Twitter/X). We are not responsible for the privacy practices of those sites. Please review their privacy policies independently.

10. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Material changes will be notified via a notice on the website. The "Last Updated" date at the top of this page reflects the most recent revision. Continued use of our website after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.

11. Contact Us