Privacy Policy

We respect your privacy rights and recognize the importance of secure transactions and information privacy. This Privacy Policy describes how Om99 Online Private Limited and its affiliates (collectively referred to as “Needtoday”, “we”, “our”, “us”) collect, use, share or otherwise process your personal information through the Needtoday website www.needtoday.com, its subdomain-based channel sites (e.g., channel-name.needtoday.com), Needtoday Institute Mobile application (available on Android and iOS), Needtoday Entertainment application (available on Android and iOS platform), and any related website, mobile site, or digital platform (collectively referred to as the “Platform”).

1. Legal Basis and Scope of This Policy

We value your privacy and are committed to safeguarding your personal information. This Privacy Policy explains how Om99 Online Private Limited and its affiliated entities (referred to collectively as “Needtoday”, “we”, “us”, or “our”) gather, use, store, and handle your data when you interact with any of our digital services. These services include the main website www.needtoday.com, its subdomain-based channel sites (e.g., channel-name.needtoday.com), the Needtoday Institute mobile application, the Needtoday Entertainment application (available on Android and iOS), and any related websites or online platforms (together referred to as the “Platform”).

1.1 This Privacy Policy is issued in accordance with the Information Technology Act, 2000 and the rules framed under it, including:

• Information Technology (Reasonable Security Practices and Procedures and Sensitive Personal Data or Information) Rules, 2011; and
• Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021, as amended from time to time.

1.2 This is an electronic record and does not require a physical or digital signature. The terms described here become applicable from the moment you start using the Platform or our services.

1.3 You are requested to read this Privacy Policy along with our Terms of Service. If you do not agree with any part of this Policy, please do not use the Platform or provide us with your personal information.

1.4 Any personal information you submit to us is provided voluntarily. You may choose not to share some details. However, if certain information is not provided, you might not be able to complete registration, make purchases, or use particular features on the Platform.

1.5 If you are a corporate client or business partner and we have a separate confidentiality or data protection agreement in place, that agreement will apply in addition to this Privacy Policy and shall not be overridden by it.

2. To Whom This Policy Applies

2.1 This Privacy Policy applies to all forms of interaction with the Platform and services operated by Om99 Online Private Limited and its affiliates, including:

• Users/customers
• Vendors, sellers, and service providers
• Business partners, contractors, and suppliers
• Employees, resellers, and representatives
• Any other third party that accesses or uses the Platform or processes information on our behalf

2.2 The Policy also covers operations across our registered office and any branch or operational office of Om99 Online Private Limited.

2.3 This Policy addresses all personal information we collect or receive that can directly or indirectly identify an individual, such as name, contact details, identification information, and any other data shared with us or collected during the use of the Platform, regardless of whether such information is formally defined as “personal data” under specific privacy laws.

2.4 This Privacy Policy forms part of the Needtoday Terms of Service and governs the treatment of your information when you:

• Access the Platform
• Use our services
• Interact with any software, application, or website we provide

2.5 This Policy does not apply to:

• Practices of organizations or individuals that we do not own, control, or manage; or
• Third-party websites, apps, or services which may be linked from our Platform.

3. Registration, Account Creation and Basic Data

3.1 When you create or maintain an account on the Platform, Needtoday may collect certain information depending on your chosen registration method:

• Mobile number sign-up: We collect your mobile number to set up your account and verify your identity.
• Email sign-up: We collect your email address for registration and communication.
• Google sign-in or similar social login: We may receive your first name, last name, email address, and other information explicitly permitted by you as part of the login process.

3.2 In addition, you may choose to provide or update the following details in your profile or during your use of the Platform:

• Full name
• Email address
• Mobile number
• Profile photo or avatar
• Delivery or correspondence address
• Payment information (e.g., card details or other payment instrument details when using paid features)

3.3 If you purchase subscriptions, paid content, or access other paid services, we may collect limited payment and billing information. Full payment data is usually processed by third-party payment gateways under secure protocols.

3.4 Account Verification via SMS

3.4.1 To help maintain the integrity of our user base and ensure each account is linked to a real, unique individual, Needtoday may use SMS-based verification or similar methods. This process can be triggered, for example, when you:

• Access premium or restricted features
• Post or interact in certain sections of the Platform
• Initiate in-app purchases or subscriptions
• Participate in community, learning, or entertainment activities

3.4.2 A one-time password (OTP) or verification code will be sent to the mobile number you provide. This service is free of charge from Needtoday’s side (standard carrier SMS charges, if any, are as per your operator).

3.4.3 If you choose not to complete SMS verification, your account may remain inactive or restricted and you may not be able to use some features.

3.4.4 If you need to change the mobile number linked to your account, you may be required to follow a re-verification process or contact our customer support team.

4. Location, Technical and Usage Information

4.1 Location Data

4.1.1 Depending on your device settings and permissions, we may collect and process information about your approximate or exact location using:

• GPS signals
• IP address
• Nearby Wi-Fi access points
• Mobile network towers and similar technologies

4.1.2 Location data enables us to:

• Show relevant content, services, or listings based on your area
• Improve the personalization of online learning, entertainment, or other features
• Enhance security, detect misuse, and analyse aggregated usage patterns

4.1.3 You will generally be prompted to grant or deny location access. If you choose not to allow location data, you can still use the Platform, but some features may not work as intended.

4.1.4 You can change your location permissions at any time through your device or browser settings.

4.2 Client and Log Data

4.2.1 When you use the Platform, we may automatically collect certain technical information, such as:

• IP address of your device or network
• Time zone and language settings
• Device type, operating system, and browser type/version
• Login timestamps (account creation, password changes, most recent logins)
• Unique device identifiers, app version, and system configuration details

4.2.2 This information helps us:

• Diagnose and fix technical issues
• Maintain platform security and prevent abuse
• Analyse performance and improve user experience

4.3 Clickstream & Analytics Data

4.3.1 We may also track how you interact with the Platform, including:

• The site, app, or link that brought you to our Platform
• Date and time of visits
• Search queries, filters, or keywords used
• Pages or screens viewed, and time spent on each
• Actions taken (clicking ads, saving items, enrolling in content, viewing listings, etc.)

4.3.2 Advertising and analytics tools (including cookies, mobile identifiers like Google Advertising ID or Apple’s IDFA, where applicable) may be used to:

• Measure the performance of content and advertising
• Show you more relevant services, offers, or suggestions
• Understand traffic and usage patterns

You can manage or reset such identifiers in your device settings. Disabling them may reduce the level of personalization.

4.4 Cookies and Similar Technologies

4.4.1 Cookies are small files stored on your browser or device when you visit the Platform. We use cookies and similar technologies to:

• Recognise you when you return to the Platform
• Keep your login session active
• Store your preferences (such as language)
• Show content based on your interests and past activity

4.4.2 Information collected through cookies may include:

• Date and time of your visit
• Pages or features accessed
• Duration of your session
• Interactions with content or advertisements

4.4.3 Most browsers and devices allow you to block, delete, or limit cookies. If you choose to do so, some features of the Platform may not function properly or may become unavailable.

5. Why We Collect and Use Your Personal Information

We process your personal information only when permitted under applicable laws and for clearly defined purposes. These may include one or more of the following legal bases:

• To perform a contract we have with you or are about to enter into
• To pursue our legitimate business interests
• To comply with legal or regulatory obligations
• On the basis of your explicit consent, where required

5.1 Providing and Managing Services

We use your information to:

• Register your account and authenticate your identity
• Allow you to log in via mobile number, email, or social login
• Provide access to courses, content, entertainment, or features you select
• Process payments through secure third-party payment providers
• Offer customer support and respond to your requests, complaints, and queries
• Maintain and administer your account and preferences

If you grant us access to media, contacts, or similar data from your device, we may use it to enable particular features (for example, sharing content, inviting contacts, or customizing your experience), always in line with permissions you provide.

5.2 Improving and Personalising the Platform

We may use the information collected to:

• Analyse how you use the Platform and improve its performance and design
• Tailor content, recommendations, and suggestions to your interests
• Show you nearby or relevant listings or services using your location (if enabled)
• Enhance search results and ranking through AI and other technologies
• Understand what content, listings, or offerings are most useful to you

Your interactions, such as listings you view, videos you watch, courses you engage with, and content you search for, may be used to train or refine models that help improve relevance and discovery.

5.3 Security, Safety, and Fraud Prevention

We may process your data to:

• Detect and prevent fraud, abuse, or suspicious activity
• Apply automated checks or manual review (in limited and controlled situations) to investigate potential misuse
• Block accounts or devices engaging in spam, harassment, or illegal behaviour
• Diagnose technical problems and maintain system stability

Information such as IP address, device details, login patterns, and behaviour on the Platform may be used to identify and mitigate risks.

5.4 Communication, Marketing and Feedback

We may use your contact details (such as email address or mobile number) to:

• Send transactional messages, such as account alerts, security notifications, and service updates
• Request feedback on courses, services, features, or your overall experience
• Inform you about new features, offers, or services that may be relevant to you
• Conduct surveys, polls, or research to better understand user needs

You may receive these communications if:

• You are an existing user or customer
• You have requested information from us
• You have entered a contest or promotion
• You have otherwise agreed to receive such messages

You can opt out of marketing communications at any time using unsubscribe options or by adjusting your account settings, while still receiving essential transactional or service-related messages.

5.5 Legal Compliance and Enforcement

We may process and retain your information to:

• Comply with legal, tax, regulatory, or enforcement obligations
• Cooperate with authorities and respond to lawful requests
• Enforce our Terms of Service and other policies
• Investigate potential violations, disputes, or claims

6. Categories and Sources of Information

Below is a summary of the types of information we may collect and the corresponding sources. These are examples and may not be exhaustive.

6.1 Users / Customers

• Name, address, mobile number, email address, age, gender, profile photo
• Delivery or correspondence address
• Payment and billing information (through third-party payment partners)
• Location data and device details (if permissions are granted)
• IP address and unique device identifiers
• Content you submit (reviews, feedback, queries, messages)
• Voice recordings from calls with support or helplines
• Login credentials, usage data, and device log files
• Contacts/address book information (if app permissions allow access)

6.2 Vendors / Sellers / Service Providers

• Personal identifying details (name, contact details, photo, etc.)
• Business information and addresses
• KYC documents such as PAN, Aadhaar, GST, voter ID, passport, shop license, etc.
• Bank account or payment-related information
• Multimedia content you upload (business-related images, videos, logos)
• Transaction and credit usage data
• Device/IP details and system logs associated with use of the Platform

6.3 Automatically Collected Data

• IP address, device IDs, and browser fingerprints
• Login data, cookies, and session information
• Location of device
• Information on pages viewed, content watched, search activity, and ad interactions
• App and device performance metrics, error logs, network strength
• URLs visited from or to the Platform and timestamps
• Phone numbers used to call support lines, if applicable

6.4 Data from Other Sources

• Updated contact or delivery information from logistics partners
• Data from affiliate merchants, marketing platforms, and analytics providers
• Information on page views and engagement from advertising networks
• Activity data from interactions with vendors or partners via the Platform
• Device or usage statistics from linked systems or third-party integrations

6.5 Employees / Resellers / Staff

• Personal identification and contact details
• Educational and professional background
• KYC documents for employment or contractual verification
• Payroll or payment-related account details
• Location, IP address, system access logs
• Email communicatiolons and recorded support calls where applicable

6.6 Third Parties & Business Associates

• Corporate identification details (CIN, PAN, GSTIN, registration numbers)
• Business and branch office addresses
• Identity and contact details of authorized signatories
• IP address, system and infrastructure access logs
• Information originating from co-branded campaigns or shared platforms

7. Processing of Personal and Sensitive Information

7.1 We may process personal or sensitive personal information when:

• It is necessary to provide services, benefits, or features that you request
• We must comply with laws, regulations, or valid orders issued by a court, tribunal, or public authority
• There is a legitimate operational need, such as fraud prevention, IT and network security, credit checks, or recovery of dues
• It is required for employment-related activities (for example, recruitment, payroll, performance assessment, or termination)

7.2 In urgent or exceptional scenarios, personal data may be processed to:

• Respond to medical emergencies or serious threats to an individual’s life or health
• Provide assistance during pandemics, outbreaks, or public health crises
• Support individuals during disasters, breakdown of public order, or similar situations

7.3 When we rely on legitimate interests, we will balance:

• Needtoday’s legitimate business purposes
• The practicality of obtaining consent
• Any public interest in the processing
• Impact on the rights and freedoms of individuals
• The reasonable expectations of individuals, given the context

7.4 Handling of sensitive personal information (such as certain financial details or KYC data) is done carefully and, where required, based on explicit, informed, and specific consent given by you.

7.5 Data of Children

7.5.1 The Platform is not intended for use by children under 13 years of age without proper parental consent and supervision.

7.5.2 We verify age primarily based on the date of birth or similar information provided by the user. When a child accesses the Platform, we rely on the presumption that a parent or guardian has consented to such use.

7.5.3 Any personal data related to children is treated with heightened care, and we always place the safety and best interests of the child first.

8. Sharing and Disclosure of Your Information

8.1 We do not sell your personal information (such as your mobile number or email address) to third parties for their independent marketing purposes without your explicit consent.

8.2 We may share your information in the following circumstances:

8.2.1 Service Providers and Partners

With third-party vendors, sellers, payment processors, logistics companies, technical service providers, marketing agencies, and other partners that support our operations, for purposes such as:

• Fulfilling your orders or service requests
• Processing payments and refunds
• Providing customer support
• Hosting and maintaining our systems
• Sending communications (emails, SMS, notifications) on our behalf
• Analysing data and improving performance
• Conducting surveys, research, or marketing campaigns

Such third parties are required to handle your information only for the agreed purpose and in compliance with applicable laws and agreed safeguards.

8.2.2 Group Companies and Affiliates

We may share your data with our affiliated entities or group companies to:

• Operate and improve our platforms and services
• Prevent fraud or misuse across systems
• Carry out joint marketing or co-branded initiatives
• Consolidate reporting, analytics, and business operations

Any such sharing will remain subject to this Privacy Policy or comparable protections.

8.2.3 Business Transfers

If Needtoday (or any part of its business) is involved in a merger, acquisition, restructuring, or sale of assets, your information may be transferred to the relevant successor entity as part of the transaction. In such cases, the commitments under this Policy will remain applicable to your data unless you are notified otherwise.

8.2.4 Legal and Regulatory Requirements

We may disclose your information when reasonably necessary to:

• Respond to valid legal processes (such as subpoenas, court orders, or law enforcement requests)
• Comply with applicable laws and regulations
• Enforce our Terms of Service and other policies
• Investigate or address potential violations, fraud, or security threats
• Protect the rights, property, or safety of Needtoday, our users, or the public

We may also provide information to government or law enforcement agencies for verification of identity or prevention, detection, investigation, or prosecution of offences, including cyber incidents, as required by law.

9. Transfer of Information

9.1 Needtoday may transfer your personal or sensitive personal information to third parties located in India or other countries only when:

• It is necessary to provide the services or features you have requested
• It is needed to diagnose or fix errors, improve performance, or protect against fraud and abuse
• There is a valid contractual requirement to do so
• You have provided explicit consent for such transfer

9.2 Any third party receiving your information is required to offer a level of data protection substantially similar to that described in this Policy and as required under applicable law.

9.3 When we use external vendors to collect, store, or process personal information on our behalf, they must follow our data protection requirements and are subject to confidentiality obligations.

10. Retention of Your Information

10.1 We retain your personal information only for as long as is reasonably necessary to:

• Provide the services and features you request
• Fulfil the purposes described in this Privacy Policy
• Comply with legal, accounting, tax, or regulatory requirements
• Resolve disputes and enforce our agreements

10.2 After the relevant purpose is fulfilled, we may:

• Delete or securely dispose of the information; or
• Anonymize or de-identify the data so that it can no longer be associated with you, and use it for research, analytics, or statistical purposes.

10.3 Sensitive personal information is kept only for the period required for lawful use or as mandated by applicable regulations. Once it is no longer required, it is securely erased or anonymised following our internal data retention policy.

10.4 We regularly review our data holdings and retention schedules. Needtoday also conducts internal audits to ensure that data collection, retention, and disposal practices adhere to legal obligations and internal standards.

11. Security Measures

11.1 We maintain appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect your personal information from:

• Unauthorised or unlawful access, use, or disclosure
• Accidental loss, destruction, or damage

These measures may include encryption, secure servers, access controls, firewalls, and other industry-accepted safeguards.

11.2 All payment transactions processed through trusted payment gateways use encryption protocols (such as SSL) and are managed in line with relevant standards (e.g., PCI-DSS) as required by law and by the payment providers.

11.3 Access to your personal data is restricted to authorised personnel, employees, contractors, and partners who need such access to perform their functions and are bound by confidentiality obligations.

11.4 While we strive to protect your information, no method of data transmission over the internet or storage system is 100% secure. You understand that any information you transmit to the Platform is done at your own risk. Once we receive your data, we take reasonable steps to protect it from misuse and unauthorised access.

11.5 You are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of your login credentials and for restricting access to your devices. If you suspect any unauthorised use of your account, you should notify us immediately.

12. Third-Party Websites and Services

12.1 The Platform may contain links to external websites, applications, or services operated by third parties. These links are provided for your convenience only.

12.2 Needtoday does not control these external sites and is not responsible for their privacy practices, content, or security. When you leave our Platform, any information you provide to third parties is governed by their privacy policies.

12.3 We encourage you to review the privacy policy of every website or application you visit before sharing any personal information.

13. Your Rights and Choices

13.1 Subject to applicable law, you may have the right to:

• Access the personal information we hold about you
• Request correction or update of inaccurate or incomplete information
• Request deletion or restriction of processing of your data, in certain circumstances
• Withdraw consent where processing is based on consent (without affecting the legality of prior processing)
• Object to certain types of processing based on legitimate interests

13.2 You can manage many aspects of your personal information directly through your account settings on the Platform, where available.

13.3 To exercise any of your rights or to raise questions about your data, you may contact us using the details provided in Section 14 below.

14. Contact, Queries, and Support

If you have any questions, concerns, or complaints regarding this Privacy Policy or the way we handle your information, you may contact us at:

Email: support@needtoday.com

Postal Address: Om99 Online Private Limited, 3rd Floor, Ganesh Complex, Ganesha Block, #7 Dinnur Main, Road, R.T. Nagar, Bengaluru – 560032, Karnataka, India

Jurisdiction:
Any disputes related to this Privacy Policy shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the competent courts in Bengaluru, Karnataka, India, in accordance with applicable law.

15. Changes to This Privacy Policy

15.1 Needtoday may update or modify this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices, legal requirements, or services.

15.2 Any revised version will be posted on the Platform with an updated “Last updated” date. Changes become effective once published, unless otherwise specified.

15.3 By continuing to use the Platform after such changes are posted, you acknowledge and agree to the updated Privacy Policy.