Privacy Policy
Last updated: January 2025
Vanshdhara ("we", "us", or "our") is committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, and safeguard your information when you use our mobile application and services.
Information We Collect
We collect information that you provide directly to us:
- Account Information: Name, email address, phone number, date of birth, and profile photo when you create an account.
- Family Tree Data: Names, dates, relationships, photos, and other information about family members that you add to your family tree.
- Cultural Information: Optional details such as Gotra, Nakshatra, Kula, and place of origin that you choose to record.
- Payment Information: Subscription and billing details processed through Google Play or Apple App Store.
- Communications: Messages and feedback you send to our support team.
We also collect information automatically:
- Device Information: Device type, operating system, and unique device identifiers.
- Usage Data: How you interact with the app, features used, and error logs.
- Location: General location based on IP address (we do not collect precise GPS location).
How We Use Your Information
We use the information we collect to:
- Provide and maintain the Vanshdhara service
- Create and manage your family tree
- Enable connections with other family members in the community
- Process subscriptions and payments
- Send important updates about your account and the service
- Respond to your support requests
- Improve our app and develop new features
- Ensure security and prevent fraud
Information Sharing
Your family tree data is private by default. We share information only in these circumstances:
- With Your Consent: When you invite family members as co-owners or share your tree.
- Community Features: If you use the "Find My Family" search, limited profile information may be visible to other users searching for relatives.
- Service Providers: With trusted third parties who help us operate our service (cloud hosting, analytics).
- Legal Requirements: When required by law or to protect our rights.
We do not sell your personal information to third parties.
Data Security
We implement appropriate technical and organisational measures to protect your personal information, including:
- Encryption of data in transit and at rest
- Secure authentication systems
- Regular security assessments
- Access controls for our team members
Data Retention
We retain your data for as long as your account is active. If you delete your account, we will delete your personal data within 30 days, except where we need to retain certain information for legal purposes or to resolve disputes.
When deleting your account, you can choose to:
- Delete all family member data you created, or
- Keep family member data accessible to other trees that have imported them
Your Rights
You have the right to:
- Access your personal data
- Correct inaccurate information
- Export your family tree (GEDCOM/PDF formats available with Premium)
- Delete your account and data
- Control privacy settings for your profile
- Withdraw consent for optional data processing
Children's Privacy
Vanshdhara is not intended for children under 13 years of age. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If you are a parent or guardian and believe your child has provided us with personal information, please contact us.
Data Storage Location
All your data is stored and processed on servers located in India. Your personal information and family data never leave India, ensuring compliance with Indian data protection requirements.
Changes to This Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of significant changes through the app or by email. Your continued use of Vanshdhara after changes indicates acceptance of the updated policy.
Contact Us
If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or wish to exercise your rights, please contact us at:
Vanshdhara (Xyracel Services Limited)
Email: support@vanshdhara.com
Location: Staines, United Kingdom