Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

Welcome to VAHILA Smart Marker Mapping ("App", "we", "us", or "our"), developed by VHL Engineering. We are committed to protecting your privacy and ensuring the security of your personal information. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you use our mobile application and related services.

By downloading, installing, or using our App, you agree to the collection and use of information in accordance with this Privacy Policy. If you do not agree with our policies and practices, please do not use our App.

2. Information We Collect

We collect several types of information to provide and improve our services to you:

2.1 Personal Information

• Identity Data: Full name, username, company name, designation
• Contact Data: Email address, phone number, business address
• Account Data: Login credentials (encrypted), account preferences
• Professional Data: Project information, organization details, sector/industry

2.2 Location Data

Our App collects precise location data (GPS coordinates) to provide core functionality:

• Recording marker/tag locations during field surveys
• Displaying your current position on maps
• Navigation to marker locations
• Calculating distances and generating reports

Note: Location data is collected only when the App is in use and with your explicit permission. You can disable location access through your device settings at any time.

2.3 Camera and Photos

Our App may access your device camera and photo library for:

• Capturing photos of markers/tags during surveys
• Attaching images to detection records
• Uploading profile pictures

Photos are only accessed or captured with your explicit action and permission.

2.4 Device Information

• Device model, operating system version
• Unique device identifiers
• Mobile network information
• App version and usage statistics

2.5 RFID/Marker Data

• RFID tag readings and detection data
• Marker frequency, signal strength, and accuracy
• Utility type and classification data
• Timestamps and scan history

3. How We Use Your Information

We use the collected information for the following purposes:

• Service Provision: To provide, operate, and maintain our App and services
• Account Management: To create and manage your user account
• Data Synchronization: To sync your data across devices and with cloud storage
• Communication: To send you service-related notifications, updates, and alerts
• Customer Support: To respond to your inquiries and provide technical support
• Analytics: To understand how users interact with our App and improve functionality
• Security: To detect, prevent, and address technical issues and security threats
• Legal Compliance: To comply with applicable laws and regulations
• Report Generation: To create and export survey reports as requested by you

4. Data Sharing and Disclosure

We do not sell your personal information. We may share your data in the following circumstances:

4.1 Service Providers

We engage trusted third-party companies to perform services on our behalf, including:

• Cloud Hosting: Supabase (database and authentication services)
• Map Services: Google Maps Platform (location and mapping)
• Email Services: For transactional and notification emails

These providers have access to your information only to perform their specific tasks and are obligated to protect your data.

4.2 Legal Requirements

We may disclose your information if required by law, court order, or government request, or to protect our rights, property, or safety.

4.3 Business Transfers

In the event of a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets, your information may be transferred as part of that transaction.

5. Data Storage and Security

We implement industry-standard security measures to protect your data:

• End-to-end encryption for data transmission (HTTPS/TLS)
• Encrypted storage for sensitive information
• Secure authentication mechanisms
• Regular security audits and updates
• Access controls and authentication for staff
• Secure cloud infrastructure with data redundancy

Data Location: Your data may be stored on servers located in India and other countries where our service providers operate. By using our App, you consent to this transfer.

6. Data Retention

We retain your personal data only for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined in this Privacy Policy, unless a longer retention period is required by law. Specifically:

• Account Data: Retained while your account is active
• Survey/Marker Data: Retained as long as you maintain your account
• Usage Logs: Typically retained for 12 months
• Backup Data: May be retained for up to 30 days after deletion

7. Your Rights and Choices

You have the following rights regarding your personal data:

• Access: Request a copy of the personal data we hold about you
• Correction: Request correction of inaccurate or incomplete data
• Deletion: Request deletion of your personal data (see Account Deletion below)
• Portability: Request your data in a portable format
• Restriction: Request restriction of processing in certain circumstances
• Withdrawal: Withdraw consent at any time (where processing is based on consent)

To exercise these rights, please contact us at the email address provided below.

8. Account Deletion

You can request deletion of your account and associated data at any time:

• Through the App: Go to Settings → Account → Delete Account
• Via our website: Visit https://vahila.in/delete-account
• By email: Send a request to info@vhlengineering.com

Upon deletion request, we will remove your personal data within 30 days, except where we are required to retain certain information for legal or legitimate business purposes.

9. Permissions Required

Our App requires the following device permissions to function properly:

• Location (GPS): To record marker positions and provide navigation
• Camera: To capture photos of markers and survey sites
• Storage: To save and access photos and exported reports
• Internet: To sync data and communicate with our servers
• Bluetooth: To connect with RFID detection devices (if applicable)

You can manage these permissions through your device settings at any time.

10. Children's Privacy

Our App is not intended for use by children under the age of 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If we discover that a child under 13 has provided us with personal information, we will delete it immediately. If you believe we might have information from a child under 13, please contact us.

11. Cookies and Tracking

Our mobile App does not use cookies. However, our website and web dashboard may use cookies and similar technologies to enhance user experience, remember preferences, and analyze usage. You can control cookie settings through your browser preferences.

12. Third-Party Links

Our App may contain links to third-party websites or services that are not operated by us. We have no control over and assume no responsibility for the content, privacy policies, or practices of any third-party sites or services. We encourage you to review the privacy policy of every site you visit.

13. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of any material changes by posting the new Privacy Policy on this page and updating the "Last Updated" date at the top. For significant changes, we may also send you a notification through the App or via email. We encourage you to review this Privacy Policy periodically.

14. Governing Law

This Privacy Policy is governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of India. Any disputes arising from this policy shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts in Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh, India.