Privacy Policy

Effective Date: May 27, 2025
Last Updated: May 27, 2025

Welcome to the official website of Pacif Educational and Welfare Trust, a registered public charitable trust under the Indian Trusts Act, 1882. We are committed to protecting your privacy and ensuring the security of your personal information. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your data when you engage with our platforms, including those related to Pacif Institute of Cosmology and Selfology (PICS) and other associated units.

1. Information We Collect

We may collect the following types of information when you interact with our services, including our website (https://pacif-ics.com), Olympiads, courses, or other activities:

  • Personal Information: Name, date of birth, address, phone number, email address, and other contact details provided during registration, enrollment, or donation processes.
  • Educational and Academic Details: Information such as academic qualifications, school/college details, or other relevant data submitted during Olympiad registrations, course enrollments, or academic events.
  • Payment Information: Credit/debit card details, bank account information, or other payment-related data required for processing transactions, donations, or course fees.
  • User-Generated Content: Feedback, survey responses, or any other data you voluntarily submit while using our services.
  • Technical Data: IP address, browser type, operating system, device information, and usage data collected through cookies, web beacons, or analytics tools.
  • Other Information: Any additional details you provide during interactions with our platforms, including inquiries or support requests.

2. How We Use Your Information

We use the collected information to provide, improve, and personalize our services. Specific purposes include:

  • Service Delivery: Facilitating registration and administration of Olympiads, courses, workshops, and other educational events.
  • Communication: Sending updates, newsletters, event reminders, or other relevant information (with an option to opt out of non-essential communications).
  • Payment Processing: Verifying and processing transactions for course fees, Olympiad registrations, or donations.
  • Research and Analytics: Conducting internal research to improve educational programs, analyze participation trends, and enhance user experience.
  • Website Functionality: Optimizing website performance, personalizing content, and ensuring compatibility across devices.
  • Compliance and Legal Obligations: Meeting regulatory requirements, such as issuing donation receipts under Section 80G of the Income Tax Act, 1961.

3. Data Protection & Storage

We are committed to protecting your personal information through industry-standard security measures, including:

  • Encryption: Secure transmission of sensitive data (e.g., payment details) using SSL/TLS protocols.
  • Access Controls: Limiting access to personal data to authorized personnel only, bound by strict confidentiality obligations.
  • Secure Storage: Storing data on secure servers with regular backups and protection against unauthorized access, alteration, or destruction.

We retain your personal information only for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined in this policy or to comply with legal obligations. Data no longer required is securely deleted or anonymized.

4. Data Sharing

We do not sell, rent, or trade your personal information to third parties for marketing purposes. Your data may be shared in the following limited circumstances:

  • Service Providers: With trusted third-party service providers (e.g., payment gateways, cloud storage providers, or educational platforms) who assist in delivering our services, under strict confidentiality agreements.
  • Legal Compliance: When required by law, court order, or government regulation, such as tax reporting or fraud prevention.
  • Internal Use: Within the Trust and its affiliated units (e.g., PICS) for operational, research, or educational purposes.

All third parties with whom we share data are required to adhere to data protection standards equivalent to those outlined in this policy.

5. Data Collected During Olympiads & Courses

Information provided during Olympiad registrations, course enrollments, or other academic activities may be used for:

  • Administering and evaluating participation.
  • Conducting research to improve educational offerings.
  • Generating anonymized reports or analytics to support our mission.

No personally identifiable information will be disclosed publicly or shared with external entities for commercial purposes.

6. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

Our website uses cookies and similar technologies (e.g., web beacons, pixels) to enhance user experience and analyze usage patterns. Cookies may collect:

  • Session data (e.g., pages visited, time spent on the site).
  • Preferences (e.g., language or display settings).
  • Technical information (e.g., browser type, IP address).

You can manage cookie preferences through your browser settings. Disabling cookies may limit certain website functionalities. For more details, please refer to our Cookie Policy (available upon request).

7. Your Rights

As a user, you have the following rights regarding your personal information:

  • Access: Request a copy of the data we hold about you.
  • Correction: Update or correct inaccuracies in your personal information.
  • Deletion: Request deletion of your data, subject to legal or operational obligations (e.g., retaining donation records for tax purposes).
  • Objection: Object to the processing of your data for specific purposes, such as marketing communications.
  • Portability: Request your data in a structured, machine-readable format.
  • Opt-Out: Unsubscribe from non-essential communications at any time.

To exercise these rights, please contact us at info@pacif-ics.com. We will respond within 30 days, as per applicable regulations.

8. Third-Party Links

Our website may contain links to third-party platforms (e.g., Amazon for merchandise purchases). We are not responsible for the privacy practices or content of these external sites. Please review their respective privacy policies before engaging.

9. International Data Transfers

As a trust based in India, most of our data processing occurs within the country. If data is transferred internationally (e.g., to cloud servers), we ensure compliance with applicable data protection laws and use safeguards like Standard Contractual Clauses.

10. Children’s Privacy

Our services are primarily designed for individuals aged 13 and above. If we collect data from children under 13 (e.g., during Olympiads), we will obtain verifiable parental consent as required by law.

11. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy periodically to reflect changes in our practices or legal requirements. The updated policy will be posted on our website with a revised “Last Updated” date. We encourage you to review this page regularly.