Privacy Policy
Effective Date: July 7, 2026 | Last Updated: July 7, 2026
1. Introduction
Welcome to Bhiwandi Shorts (“App”), owned and operated by EPTA Technologies LLP (“Company”, “we”, “our”, or “us”).
Bhiwandi Shorts is a digital local news platform dedicated to delivering reliable and timely news, civic updates, public information, educational news, events, and community engagement features for the residents of Bhiwandi and surrounding regions. The App also provides Jan Connect, a feature that allows citizens to report civic issues by submitting information, photographs, and videos for editorial review.
This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, store, and protect your personal information when you access or use the App, website, or related services.
By using Bhiwandi Shorts, you acknowledge that you have read and understood this Privacy Policy and agree to the collection and processing of your information as described herein.
2. Company Information
Legal Entity
EPTA Technologies LLP
Application Name
Bhiwandi Shorts
Website
https://www.bhiwandishorts.com
https://www.eptatechnologies.com
Support Email
Support Phone
+91 9325953184
Registered Office
Bhiwandi, Thane, Maharashtra – 421302, India
3. Scope of this Privacy Policy
This Privacy Policy applies to:
Android Application
Official Website
Jan Connect Platform
Push Notification Services
Customer Support Services
4. Information We Collect
Depending on how you use the App, we may collect the following information.
A. Personal Information
When creating an account or updating your profile, we may collect:
Full Name
Mobile Number
Email Address
Profile Photograph
Date of Birth
Gender
City
State
Providing certain information may be necessary to access specific features of the App.
B. Login Information
Users authenticate using Mobile Number and One-Time Password (OTP).
We store information necessary to verify your account and maintain secure access.
C. Device Information
When you use the App, we may automatically collect:
Device Model
Device Manufacturer
Android Version
App Version
Device Language
Time Zone
IP Address
Device Identifiers (where applicable)
Crash Reports
Diagnostic Information
D. Usage Information
We may collect information regarding:
News articles viewed
Search history within the App
Bookmarked articles
Poll participation
Likes
Comments
Chat activity
Notification preferences
App interactions
Session duration
E. Jan Connect Information
When using Jan Connect, users may submit:
Civic issue descriptions
Images
Videos
Approximate location of the reported issue (if voluntarily provided or required by the feature)
Supporting documents (if applicable)
All submissions undergo editorial review before publication.
F. Camera & Media
If you choose to use Jan Connect or update your profile, the App may request permission to access:
Camera
Photo Gallery
Stored Images
Videos
These permissions are used solely to enable features you initiate.
G. Notifications
The App may send notifications relating to:
Breaking News
General News Updates
Jan Connect updates on issues submitted by you
Important civic alerts
Service announcements
You may manage notification preferences through your device settings.
H. Analytics Information
We use analytics tools, including Firebase Analytics, to better understand how users interact with the App. Analytics data may include anonymized or aggregated information such as feature usage, session duration, and crash reports.
5. Information We Do Not Intentionally Collect
Unless specifically enabled for a feature, we do not intentionally collect:
Financial information
Payment card details
Banking information
Government identity documents
Biometric information
6. How We Use Your Information
We use your information to:
Create and manage user accounts
Authenticate users through OTP
Deliver local news and notifications
Personalize content
Process Jan Connect submissions
Enable comments, chats, likes, bookmarks, and polls
Improve App performance
Detect fraud and misuse
Provide customer support
Resolve technical issues
Comply with legal obligations
Maintain platform security
7. Editorial Review of User Content
Content submitted through Jan Connect is reviewed by our editorial team before publication.
Submission of content does not guarantee publication. We reserve the right to edit, reject, remove, or withhold any submission that violates our policies or legal obligations.
8. Legal Basis for Processing
Where applicable, we process information:
With your consent.
To provide requested services.
To comply with applicable legal obligations.
To protect legitimate interests such as platform security, fraud prevention, and service improvement.
9. Sharing of Information
We do not sell or rent your personal information.
We may share information only in the following situations:
With trusted service providers assisting in operating the App.
When required by law, court order, or lawful government request.
To investigate fraud, abuse, or security incidents.
During a merger, acquisition, or business restructuring, subject to appropriate safeguards.
10. Third-Party Services
The App may use third-party services, including:
Firebase Analytics
Firebase Cloud Messaging (Push Notifications)
Google Play Services
These providers may process limited technical information in accordance with their own privacy policies.
11. Data Storage and Security
We implement reasonable administrative, technical, and organizational safeguards to protect personal information, including:
Secure authentication
Encrypted communication (HTTPS/TLS)
Access controls
Firewalls
Regular security monitoring
Restricted employee access based on operational need
While we strive to protect your information, no electronic transmission or storage system can be guaranteed to be completely secure.
12. Data Retention
We retain information only for as long as reasonably necessary to:
Provide our services.
Meet legal and regulatory obligations.
Resolve disputes.
Enforce our agreements.
Data that is no longer required is securely deleted or anonymized where feasible.
13. Your Rights
Subject to applicable law, you may:
Access your personal information.
Correct inaccurate information.
Update your profile.
Request deletion of your account.
Withdraw consent where processing is based on consent.
Contact us regarding privacy concerns.
Requests may be sent to:
14. Account Deletion
Users may request deletion of their account through the App where available.
Upon successful verification:
Personal profile information will be removed or anonymized where feasible.
Certain records may be retained if required by applicable law, dispute resolution, fraud prevention, or legitimate business purposes.
15. Children’s Privacy
Bhiwandi Shorts is intended for a general audience.
If a parent or legal guardian believes that a child has provided personal information without appropriate authorization, they may contact us, and we will take reasonable steps to review and, where appropriate, remove such information.
16. Cookies and Similar Technologies
Our website may use cookies and similar technologies to:
Improve user experience.
Maintain session security.
Analyze website performance.
Remember user preferences.
Users can manage cookie settings through their web browser.
17. International Data Transfers
If personal information is processed outside India by trusted service providers, we will take reasonable steps to ensure appropriate safeguards are in place.
18. Changes to this Privacy Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy periodically.
Any material changes will be communicated by updating the “Last Updated” date and, where appropriate, through the App or website.
Continued use of the App after changes become effective constitutes acceptance of the revised Privacy Policy.
19. Contact Us
For questions regarding this Privacy Policy or our privacy practices, please contact:
EPTA Technologies LLP
Bhiwandi Shorts
Support Email: support@bhiwandishorts.com
Support Phone: +91 9325953184
Office Address: Bhiwandi, Thane, Maharashtra – 421302, India
20. Governing Law
This Privacy Policy shall be governed by and interpreted in accordance with the laws of India. Any disputes arising from this Privacy Policy shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the competent courts located in Bhiwandi, Maharashtra.
By accessing or using Bhiwandi Shorts, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agreed to this Privacy Policy.