Privacy Policy
Last Updated: September 8, 2025
1. Introduction
NGO AquaTerra ("we," "us," "our," or "the Organization") is committed to protecting the privacy and security of your personal information. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you visit our website www.ngoaquaterra.com, engage with our programs, or interact with our services.
Organization Details:
- Legal Name: NGO AquaTerra
- Registration Number: AAFTT2300ME20251
- Address: Kolkata, West Bengal, India
- Email: ngo.aquaterra@gmail.com
- Founded: 2021
By using our website or services, you consent to the data practices described in this Privacy Policy.
2. Information We Collect
2.1 Personal Information
Contact Information:
- Name and surname
- Email address
- Phone number
- Postal address
- Emergency contact details (for volunteers)
Demographic Information:
- Age and date of birth
- Gender
- Educational background
- Professional information
Volunteer-Specific Information:
- Skills and interests
- Availability and schedule preferences
- Previous volunteer experience
- Background verification documents (as required by law)
- Medical information (if relevant for specific programs)
Donation Information:
- Donation amount and frequency
- Payment method details (processed through secure third-party gateways)
- Tax exemption preferences
- Donor recognition preferences
2.2 Automatically Collected Information
- IP address and device information
- Browser type and version
- Pages visited and time spent on site
- Referring website information
- Location data (general geographic area)
2.3 Cookies and Tracking Technologies
We use cookies and similar technologies to enhance your experience on our website. See Section 8 for detailed cookie information.
3. How We Use Your Information
3.1 Program Operations
- Coordinating volunteer activities and assignments
- Organizing educational workshops and community programs
- Managing tree planting drives and environmental initiatives
- Conducting welfare projects and community outreach
3.2 Communication
- Sending program updates and newsletters
- Providing volunteer training materials
- Sharing impact reports and success stories
- Responding to inquiries and providing support
3.3 Administrative Purposes
- Processing donations and issuing tax receipts
- Maintaining volunteer records and certifications
- Complying with legal and regulatory requirements
- Conducting internal research and analysis
3.4 Website Functionality
- Improving website performance and user experience
- Providing personalized content and features
- Ensuring website security and preventing fraud
4. Legal Basis for Processing
- Consent: When you voluntarily provide information or agree to communications
- Legitimate Interest: For organizational operations, volunteer coordination, and program delivery
- Legal Obligation: To comply with applicable laws and regulations
- Vital Interest: When necessary for health and safety in emergency situations
5. How We Share Your Information
5.1 Third-Party Service Providers
- Payment Processors: For secure donation processing
- Email Service Providers: For newsletters and communications
- Website Analytics: Google Analytics for website improvement
- Cloud Storage Providers: For secure data backup and storage
5.2 Partner Organizations
- Collaborative NGOs for joint programs
- Educational institutions for workshop partnerships
- Government agencies as required by law
5.3 Legal Requirements
- Court orders or legal proceedings
- Government investigations
- Compliance with applicable laws and regulations
- Protection of our rights and safety
5.4 What We Don't Share
- We never sell your personal information to third parties
- We never exchange donor lists with other organizations
- We never use your information for commercial marketing by external parties
6. Data Security
Security Measures
- SSL encryption for data transmission
- Secure servers with restricted access
- Regular security audits and updates
- Staff training on data protection
- Multi-factor authentication for administrative access
Data Breach Response
In the event of a data breach, we will:
- Notify affected individuals within 72 hours
- Report to relevant authorities as required
- Take immediate steps to secure compromised data
- Provide support and guidance to affected individuals
7. Your Rights
7.1 Access and Portability
- Request a copy of your personal information
- Receive your data in a portable format
7.2 Correction and Updates
- Update or correct inaccurate information
- Add missing information to your profile
7.3 Deletion
- Request deletion of your personal information
- Right to be forgotten (subject to legal limitations)
7.4 Communication Preferences
- Opt-out of marketing communications
- Choose frequency and type of updates
- Unsubscribe from newsletters at any time
7.5 Restriction and Objection
- Restrict processing of your information
- Object to certain uses of your data
To exercise your rights, contact us at: ngo.aquaterra@gmail.com
8. Cookies Policy
8.1 Types of Cookies We Use
- Essential Cookies: Required for website functionality
- Analytics Cookies: Google Analytics for website improvement
- Preference Cookies: Remember your settings and preferences
8.2 Managing Cookies
You can control cookies through your browser settings:
- Block all cookies
- Delete existing cookies
- Set preferences for specific websites
Note: Disabling cookies may affect website functionality.
9. Children's Privacy
9.1 Age Restrictions
- Our website is not directed at children under 13
- We do not knowingly collect information from children under 13
- Parental consent required for volunteers under 18
9.2 Educational Programs
- Parental consent is obtained
- Minimal information is collected
- Information is used solely for program purposes
- Photos/videos require explicit parental permission
9.3 Parental Rights
- Review their child's information
- Request deletion of their child's data
- Withdraw consent at any time
10. Data Retention
- Volunteer Information: Duration of volunteering + 3 years
- Donor Information: 7 years (for tax and audit purposes)
- General Inquiries: 2 years from last contact
- Website Analytics: 26 months (Google Analytics default)
- Legal Records: As required by applicable laws
11. International Data Transfers
While we primarily operate in India, some data may be transferred internationally:
- Cloud storage providers with global infrastructure
- International payment processors
- Email service providers
We ensure appropriate safeguards are in place for international transfers.
12. Updates to This Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy to reflect:
- Changes in our data practices
- New legal requirements
- Improvements to our services
Notification of Changes:
- Updated policy posted on our website
- Email notification for significant changes
- Effective date clearly indicated
13. Contact Information
For privacy-related questions, concerns, or requests:
NGO AquaTerra Privacy Team
- Email: ngo.aquaterra@gmail.com
- Subject Line: "Privacy Policy Inquiry"
- Website: www.ngoaquaterra.com/contact
- Response Time: Within 7 business days
Founders:
- Krish Goenka - Founder and Director
- Kanishk Agarwal - Managing Director
14. Applicable Laws
- Information Technology Act, 2000 (India)
- Information Technology (Reasonable Security Practices) Rules, 2011
- Personal Data Protection Bill (when enacted)
- Other applicable Indian privacy and data protection laws
15. Complaint Process
- Internal Complaint: Contact us at ngo.aquaterra@gmail.com
- Response Timeline: We will respond within 7 business days
- Escalation: If unsatisfied, you may contact relevant regulatory authorities
- Documentation: We maintain records of all privacy complaints and resolutions
Effective Date: September 8, 2025
Version: 1.0
This Privacy Policy demonstrates NGO AquaTerra's commitment to transparency, accountability, and respect for individual privacy rights while enabling us to fulfill our mission of creating positive environmental and social impact through youth-led initiatives.