Privacy Policy

Welcome to KIIT Quest. This Privacy Policy explains how Abhishek Dhal ("we," "us," "our," or "Developer") collects, uses, stores, and protects your personal information when you use the KIIT Quest mobile application (the "App"). We are committed to protecting your privacy and ensuring transparency in how we handle your data.

1. Information We Collect

1.1 Personal Information You Provide

When you register and use KIIT Quest, we collect the following information:

• Name: Your full name as registered with KIIT University
• Email Address: Your official KIIT University email address (for verification and communication)
• Phone Number: Your mobile phone number
• Academic Information: School/Department, Engineering Branch, Current Semester
• Password: Securely hashed and encrypted for authentication

1.2 Automatically Collected Information

• Device Information: Device model, operating system version, unique device identifiers
• Usage Data: App features accessed, interaction patterns, time spent in app
• Log Data: IP address, crash reports, performance data
• Analytics Data: Aggregated and anonymized usage statistics

1.3 Information from Third-Party Services

We may receive information from:

• Authentication Services: If you sign in using third-party authentication
• Cloud Storage Providers: MongoDB Atlas for database hosting
• AI Services: Anonymous queries sent to AI providers for KIIT Mitra responses

2. How We Use Your Information

We use your information for the following purposes:

2.1 Core App Functionality

• ✅ Verify your identity as a KIIT University student
• ✅ Create and manage your user account
• ✅ Filter and deliver branch-specific and semester-specific academic content
• ✅ Provide personalized PYQs and study materials
• ✅ Enable KIIT Mitra AI assistant to answer your academic queries

2.2 Communication

• 📧 Send important academic updates and notices
• 📧 Respond to your support requests and inquiries
• 📧 Notify you about app updates and new features

2.3 App Improvement

• 📊 Analyze usage patterns to improve user experience
• 📊 Debug technical issues and fix bugs
• 📊 Develop new features based on user needs

2.4 Security and Compliance

• 🔒 Prevent fraud and unauthorized access
• 🔒 Enforce our Terms of Service
• 🔒 Comply with legal obligations

3. Data Storage and Security

3.1 How We Protect Your Data

• 🔐 Encryption: All data transmission uses HTTPS/TLS 1.3 encryption
• 🔐 Password Security: Passwords are hashed using bcrypt with salt
• 🔐 Secure Database: Data stored in MongoDB Atlas with enterprise-grade security
• 🔐 Access Control: Strict authentication and authorization protocols
• 🔐 Regular Security Audits: Periodic security assessments and updates

3.2 Data Location

Your data is stored on secure servers provided by MongoDB Atlas. These servers may be located in various geographic regions, but all comply with industry-standard security practices.

4. Data Sharing and Third Parties

We may share your information only in the following limited circumstances:

4.1 Service Providers

We work with trusted third-party service providers who assist us in operating the app:

• Cloud Hosting: MongoDB Atlas (database hosting)
• AI Services: AI API providers for KIIT Mitra functionality (queries are anonymized)
• Analytics: Aggregated usage analytics (no personal identification)

These providers are contractually bound to protect your data and use it only for specified purposes.

4.2 Legal Requirements

We may disclose your information if required by law, court order, or government regulation, or to:

• Protect our legal rights
• Prevent illegal activities or fraud
• Ensure user safety

4.3 Business Transfers

In the event of a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets, your data may be transferred. You will be notified of any such change.

5. Your Privacy Rights and Controls

5.1 Access and Update

• ✏️ You can view and update your profile information anytime within the app
• ✏️ Access your academic preferences and settings

5.2 Account Deletion

You have the right to delete your account and all associated data at any time:

5.3 Data Portability

You can request a copy of your data in a portable format. Contact us at the email below.

5.4 Opt-Out of Communications

You can opt-out of non-essential communications through app settings or by following unsubscribe instructions in emails.

6. Data Retention

We retain your information only as long as necessary:

• Active Accounts: Data retained while your account is active
• Deleted Accounts: Data permanently deleted within 30 days of account deletion
• Legal Requirements: Some data may be retained longer if required by law
• Anonymized Data: Aggregated, non-identifiable analytics may be retained indefinitely

7. Children's Privacy

KIIT Quest is intended for university students aged 18 and above. We do not knowingly collect information from individuals under 18. If you are under 18, please do not use this app or provide any personal information.

If we discover that we have collected information from someone under 18, we will delete it immediately. If you believe we have such information, please contact us.

8. International Data Transfers

Your information may be transferred to and processed in countries other than India. These countries may have different data protection laws. By using KIIT Quest, you consent to such transfers. We ensure appropriate safeguards are in place to protect your data.

9. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

The KIIT Quest mobile app may use:

• Session Data: Temporary data to maintain your login session
• Local Storage: Cached data for faster performance
• Analytics: Anonymized usage tracking to improve the app

You can clear cached data through your device settings, though this may affect app functionality.

10. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect:

• Changes in our practices
• New features or functionality
• Legal or regulatory requirements

When we make changes:

• ✅ We will update the "Effective Date" at the top
• ✅ Significant changes will be notified via in-app notification or email
• ✅ The updated policy will be posted on this page

Your continued use of KIIT Quest after changes indicates acceptance of the updated policy.

11. Contact Us & Support

12. Additional Legal Information

12.1 Governing Law

This Privacy Policy is governed by the laws of India. Any disputes will be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of courts in Odisha, India.

12.2 Severability

If any provision of this Privacy Policy is found to be unenforceable, the remaining provisions will continue in full effect.

12.3 No Waiver

Our failure to enforce any right or provision of this Privacy Policy will not constitute a waiver of such right or provision.