Privacy Policy

Swayam News (“we”, “us”, “our”) operates https://swayam.news/ (“Site”), an Odia-language news portal serving Odisha and Indian audiences. This policy explains our data collection, use, disclosure, security practices, and your rights.

By using the Site, you consent to these practices. We comply with India’s Information Technology Act, 2000, Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023, and applicable global standards (GDPR/CCPA where relevant).

1. Information We Collect

Personal Information:

Name, email address, website (from comments/newsletter forms)
IP address, browser type, ISP, timestamp (log files for security)
Email hash for Gravatar profile pictures

Technical/Analytics Data:

Cookies for preferences, analytics (Google Analytics), advertising (Google DART)
Device info, pages visited, time spent, referral sources
Location data (generalized from IP for regional content)

Automatically Collected:

Spam detection data (WordPress Akismet)
Social media interactions (if you click share buttons)

We do not collect sensitive personal data (health, religion, biometrics) unless voluntarily provided.

2. How We Use Your Information

Site Operations: Manage comments, moderate content, prevent spam
Analytics: Understand user behavior, improve content relevance
Personalization: Regional news prioritization, language preferences
Marketing: Newsletters (with unsubscribe), targeted ads
Security: Fraud prevention, spam filtering, legal compliance
Development: New features based on usage patterns

3. Cookies & Tracking Technologies

Essential Cookies: Site functionality, session management
Analytics Cookies: Google Analytics (traffic, demographics)
Advertising Cookies: Google DoubleClick (personalized ads)

Manage Preferences: Browser settings or Google’s ad settings (https://adssettings.google.com). Opt-out available.

Log Files: Record IP, browser, pages visited, time spent (aggregated for trends).

Service Providers (under strict contracts):

Hosting (WordPress/Cloudflare)
Analytics (Google Analytics)
Email services (Mailchimp)
Payment gateways (if ads/subscriptions added)

Legal Requirements:

Court orders, government requests
Spam/abuse prevention
Protect rights, safety, property

Business Transfers: Mergers, acquisitions (with notice).

Third-party links (social media, ads) have separate policies.

5. Data Security

SSL encryption for data transmission
Access controls, regular security audits
Employee training, data minimization
Incident response plan

Limitation: No system is 100% secure. We notify affected users promptly if required.

6. Your Legal Rights (DPDP Act 2023)

Indian Users:

Access, correction, deletion, portability
Withdraw consent, object to processing
Nominate data heir (in case of death)
Grievance officer contact within 30 days

Global Rights (if applicable):

GDPR: Right to be forgotten, data portability
CCPA: Opt-out of data sales, non-discrimination

How to Exercise: Email swayamnews1@gmail.com with name, registered email, specific request.

7. Children’s Privacy

Site intended for users 18+. No intentional collection from children under 13 (COPPA) or 18 (DPDP). Parents can request deletion.

8. Third-Party Services

Google Analytics: Demographics, interests (anonymized)
Social Media Plugins: Facebook, Twitter (their policies apply)
Embedded Content: YouTube videos (their cookies)

9. Data Retention

Comments: Indefinitely (unless deleted)
Analytics: 14-26 months (Google standard)
Personal data: As long as account active + 2 years, or legal requirement

10. International Data Transfers

Data processed in India. Service providers may store data globally (Google servers). Adequate protection via contracts.

11. Changes to This Policy

Posted here with “Last Updated” date. Material changes notified via homepage banner/email. Continued use = acceptance.

12. Contact Information

Email: swayamnews1@gmail.com
Address: Swayam News, BACK SIDE OF OTv, N/62, Chandaka Industrial Estate, Prasanti Vihar, Patia, Bhubaneswar, Odisha 751024
Phone: +91-7008956780, 9853000084

Grievance Officer (DPDP compliance): Same contact. Response within 72 hours, resolution within 30 days.