1. Introduction

PHOTON ACADEMY respects the privacy of its students, parents, and website visitors. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, and protect the personal information shared with us through our website.

By using the PHOTON ACADEMY website, you agree to the collection and use of information in accordance with this policy. We are committed to ensuring that your personal information remains secure and is used only for educational, administrative, and communication purposes related to the academy.

2. Information Collection and Use

We collect various types of information for the purpose of providing and improving our services. This may include personal data and usage data.

Personal Data

• Contact Information: When you interact with the Website/App or contact us through provided channels, we may collect your name, email address, phone number, and postal address.
• Student Information: For enrolled students, we collect academic records, attendance data, and other educational information necessary for providing our services.
• Parent/Guardian Information: We collect contact details and relevant information from parents or guardians for communication and administrative purposes.
• Payment Information: Financial details required for processing fee payments and transactions.

Usage Data

• Device Information: We may collect information about your device, including the type of device you use, unique device identifiers, operating system version, and mobile network information.
• Usage Statistics: We may gather information on how you use the Website/App, such as the features you access, the time and duration of your activities, and other usage patterns.
• Biometric Data: With prior consent, we may collect biometric information for attendance tracking purposes.
• CCTV Footage: For safety and security, our premises are monitored by CCTV cameras, and footage may be recorded and stored.

3. Use of Data

We use the collected data for various purposes, including:

• To provide and maintain the Website/App and our educational services.
• To notify you about changes to our services, important announcements, and updates.
• To communicate with you and respond to your inquiries through various channels including SMS, WhatsApp, email, and mobile app notifications.
• To process admissions, manage student records, and track academic progress.
• To ensure campus safety and security through biometric attendance and CCTV surveillance.
• To analyze usage trends and improve the Website/App's functionality and user experience.
• To process fee payments and maintain financial records.
• To comply with legal obligations and educational regulations.

4. Sharing of Data

We may share your personal data in the following circumstances:

• With Service Providers: We may share your information with third-party service providers who assist us in operating the Website/App and providing services to you, such as payment processors, SMS/email service providers, and cloud storage providers.
• With Educational Authorities: We may share information with government bodies, educational boards, and regulatory authorities as required by law.
• For Legal Purposes: We may disclose your information in response to a legal request or when required to protect our rights, property, or safety, or that of others.
• With Your Consent: We may share your information with third parties when you provide consent to do so.

We do not sell or rent your personal information to third parties for marketing purposes.

5. Data Security

We implement appropriate security measures to protect your personal data from unauthorized access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction. These measures include:

• Secure servers and encrypted data transmission
• Access controls and password protection
• Regular security audits and system updates
• Staff training on data protection and confidentiality
• Physical security measures including CCTV surveillance

However, no method of transmission over the internet or electronic storage is completely secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.

6. Data Retention

We will retain your personal data only for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined in this Privacy Policy, unless a longer retention period is required or permitted by law. Specifically:

• Student academic records are maintained as per educational regulations
• Financial records are kept for the period required by applicable laws
• CCTV footage is typically retained for 30-90 days unless required for investigation
• Website/App usage data is retained as long as necessary for operational purposes

7. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

Our Website uses cookies and similar tracking technologies to enhance user experience and analyze usage patterns. You can control cookie settings through your browser preferences. Types of cookies we use include:

• Essential Cookies: Required for website functionality
• Analytics Cookies: Help us understand how visitors use our website
• Preference Cookies: Remember your settings and preferences

8. Third-Party Links

Our Website/App may contain links to third-party websites or services. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of these external sites. We encourage you to review their privacy policies before providing any personal information.

9. Children's Privacy

As an educational institution, we collect and process information about minors. We obtain parental consent before collecting student information and implement strict security measures to protect children's data. We do not knowingly share children's information for marketing purposes.

10. Your Rights

You have certain rights regarding your personal information, including:

• Access: Request a copy of the personal information we hold about you
• Correction: Request correction of inaccurate or incomplete information
• Deletion: Request deletion of your data (subject to legal requirements)
• Objection: Object to certain types of data processing
• Withdrawal of Consent: Withdraw consent for specific data uses at any time

To exercise any of these rights, please contact us using the information provided below.

11. Contact Us

If you have any questions or concerns about our Privacy Policy or the handling of your personal data, please contact us:

• Institution: PHOTON ACADEMY
• Phone: +91 9471723787
• Email: helpdesk@photon-academy.com

12. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update our Privacy Policy from time to time. Any changes will be reflected on this page, and the "Last Updated" date will be updated accordingly. We encourage you to review this Privacy Policy periodically for any changes. Your continued use of the Website/App after the posting of changes constitutes your acceptance of such changes.

13. Consent

By using our Website/App, enrolling at PHOTON ACADEMY, or providing us with your personal information, you consent to the collection, use, and processing of your information as described in this Privacy Policy.