PRIVACY POLICY

1. Introduction

The Research on India’s Security, Economy and Technology (RISET) Foundation (“RISET Foundation”, “we”, “us”, or “our”) is a public charitable trust registered under the Tamil Nadu Trust Act with its registered office at Ishwarya Nagar, Thondamuthur Road, Bharathiyar University, Post Office, Vadavalli, Coimbatore - 641046

We are committed to protecting your privacy and ensuring transparency in how we collect, use, store, and safeguard your personal information. This Privacy Policy applies to all users of www.risetfoundation.com (“Website”) and to individuals interacting with our digital platforms, research activities, programs, and services.

BY ACCESSING OUR WEBSITE OR SUBMITTING ANY INFORMATION, YOU ACKNOWLEDGE THAT YOU HAVE READ, UNDERSTOOD THIS PRIVACY POLICY AND YOU AGREE TO THE TERMS OF THIS PRIVACY POLICY. IF YOU DO NOT AGREE WITH ANY PART OF THIS PRIVACY POLICY, YOU MUST IMMEDIATELY DISCONTINUE USE OF THE WEBSITE AND EXIT THE PLATFORM.

2. Legal Compliance

This Privacy Policy is governed by and construed in accordance with:

• The Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023 (DPDP Act)
• The Information Technology Act, 2000 and applicable Rules
• Applicable state laws, including the Tamil Nadu Trust Act

Where relevant for international collaborations, we endeavour to follow globally accepted data protection principles, including those under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).

3. Information We Collect

We may collect the following categories of information when you interact with our website, participate in our programs, or engage with us in any capacity:

3.1 No Automatic Collection of Personal Data

We do not automatically collect personal information that directly identifies you unless:

• you voluntarily provide it, or
• such collection is expressly notified to you at the point of submission.

Personal data is collected only when you choose to provide it—such as through:

• contact forms
• newsletter or subscriptions
• event or program registrations
• donation forms
• surveys or research participation
• direct communication with us

Non-identifiable technical information may still be collected automatically (see 3.3).

3.2 Personal Information

May include:

• Name, designation, organisation
• Email address, phone number, postal address
• Donor details
• Information submitted through forms or applications, registrations or subscriptions
• Feedback and survey responses
• Communications with us

3.3 Automatically Collected Information

May include:

• IP address
• Browser and device details
• Operating system
• Pages visited, duration, and usage patterns
• Cookies and analytics (e.g., Google Analytics)

3.4 Sensitive Personal Data

Collected only with explicit consent and only when strictly necessary for research, regulatory, or programmatic purposes.

4. Purpose of Data Collection and Use

We use information to:

• Provide newsletters, reports, and updates
• Manage events, workshops, and programs
• Process donations and issue receipts
• Conduct policy research and analysis
• Improve website performance and user experience
• Comply with legal obligations
• Respond to queries or requests

We do not sell or trade your personal information.

5. Consent and User Rights

By providing your information, you consent to its collection and processing.

You have the right to:

• Access your personal data
• Request correction
• Withdraw consent (subject to legal obligations)
• Request deletion where permissible
• Lodge complaints with our Grievance Officer

Contact: reachus@risetfoundation.org

6. Cookies and Analytics

Cookies help us analyse website activity and improve services. You may disable cookies in your browser settings. Continued use of the Website signifies consent.

7. Data Sharing and Disclosure

We may share data with:

• Authorised service providers (e.g., hosting, mailing, analytics)
• Government authorities where mandated
• Research collaborators (with safeguards)

All third parties are bound by confidentiality obligations.

8. Donor and Payment Data

• All financial transactions are processed through PCI-DSS–compliant gateways.
• We do not store complete credit/debit card details.
• Donation data is retained only as required for accounting and compliance.

9. Research and Publications

• Personal data is anonymised before publication.
• Research participation is voluntary and based on informed consent.

10. Events, Workshops, and Trainings

Information collected may be used for documentation, follow-up, and communication unless you opt out.

Opt-out: reachus@risetfoundation.com

11. Data Storage, Retention, and Security

• Data is stored securely on servers located in [India / specify if elsewhere].
• We implement encryption, access controls, and organisational safeguards.
• Data is retained only as long as necessary for legitimate purposes.

12. Data Transfer

Transfer outside India will comply with Indian law and only to jurisdictions with adequate safeguards.

13. Governance and Accountability

The Board of Trustees ensures compliance with applicable laws.

A designated Grievance Officer oversees privacy matters:
Grievance Officer: Mrs. Ruchi V Sinha, Data Protection Officer
Email: reachus@risetfoundation.com

14. Data Breach Notification

In the event of a breach, we will notify affected individuals and authorities as legally required.

15. Intellectual Property

All content on the Website is the property of RISET Foundation and may not be reproduced without prior written approval.

16. Third-Party Links and External Content

Our website may contain links to external websites. RISET Foundation is not responsible for the privacy practices, content, service provided or policies of external sites.

Where applicable, content authored by external contributors or partners will be clearly attributed. Views expressed may not reflect those of RISET Foundation.

17. Disclaimer

The content on our Website is provided for general informational and educational purposes. We make no warranties regarding accuracy, completeness, reliability, or suitability. Use of the Website is at your sole risk.

18. No Legal, Financial, or Professional Advice

Nothing on the Website constitutes legal, financial, investment, or professional advice. Users must seek professional counsel before acting on any information.

19. Limitation of Liability

TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED UNDER LAW, RISET FOUNDATION SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY DIRECT, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, OR SPECIAL DAMAGES ARISING FROM USE OF, OR INABILITY TO USE, THE WEBSITE.

20. Children’s Privacy

Our services are intended for adults. Data from individuals under 18 is processed only with verified parental consent.

21. Policy Updates

We may update this Policy periodically. Continued use of the Website constitutes acceptance of updated terms.

22. Governing Law and Jurisdiction

This Policy is governed by the laws of India. Courts in Chennai, Tamil Nadu shall have exclusive jurisdiction.

23. Dispute Resolution and Arbitration

Any dispute, controversy, or claim arising out of or relating to this Privacy Policy, including its interpretation, validity, breach, or termination, shall be resolved exclusively through binding arbitration in accordance with the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996.

• The seat and venue of arbitration shall be Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India.
• The arbitration shall be conducted by a single arbitrator, mutually appointed.
• The language of the arbitration shall be English.
• The arbitral award shall be final and binding on all parties.

BY CONTINUING TO USE THE WEBSITE, YOU EXPRESSLY CONSENT TO ARBITRATION AND WAIVE ANY RIGHT TO INITIATE PROCEEDINGS BEFORE ANY COURT, EXCEPT FOR ENFORCEMENT OF THE ARBITRAL AWARD OR FOR SEEKING INTERIM RELIEF.

Contact Us

RISET Foundation
Registered Address: Ishwarya Nagar, Thondamuthur Road, Bharathiyar University Post Office, Vadavalli, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu
Email: reachus@risetfoundation.com