Privacy Policy

1. Information We Collect

1.1 Personal Information You Provide

When you interact with Epochish, we may collect the following personal information:

• Registration & Program Enrollment: Name, email address, phone number, professional designation, organization/institution name, mailing address
• Newsletter Subscriptions: Name and email address
• Contact Forms: Name, email, phone number, and any information you choose to share in your message
• Payment Information: Billing details, transaction information (processed through secure third-party payment gateways; we do not store complete credit card information)
• Professional Background: Educational qualifications, years of experience, areas of interest (for program customization)
• Communication Preferences: Your preferences for receiving updates, newsletters, and promotional materials

1.2 Information Collected Automatically

When you visit our website, we automatically collect:

• Technical Data: IP address, browser type and version, operating system, device information
• Usage Data: Pages visited, time spent on pages, navigation paths, referring website addresses
• Cookies and Similar Technologies: Information collected through cookies, web beacons, and similar tracking technologies (see Section 7 for details)

1.3 Information from Third Parties

We may receive information about you from:

• Social Media Platforms: If you interact with our social media pages (LinkedIn, Instagram, Twitter/X)
• Partner Institutions: Architectural schools or professional bodies who refer participants to our programs
• Public Sources: Publicly available professional profiles to verify credentials when necessary

1.4 Photographic and Video Documentation

During our programs, we may capture photographs and videos for documentation and archival purposes, marketing and promotional materials, social media content, and educational resources. Participants will be informed before photography/videography takes place and can opt out if they prefer not to be featured.

2. How We Use Your Information

We use the collected information for the following purposes:

2.1 Service Delivery

• Processing program registrations and enrollments
• Coordinating logistics for architectural site visits and programs
• Communicating program details, schedules, and updates
• Facilitating dialogue between participants and featured architects

2.2 Communication

• Sending confirmation emails and receipts
• Providing customer support and responding to inquiries
• Sending newsletters and updates about upcoming programs (with your consent)
• Sharing relevant architectural content and educational resources

2.3 Improvement and Personalization

• Analyzing user behavior to improve our website and services
• Customizing program content based on participant interests
• Conducting surveys and gathering feedback
• Developing new programs and services

2.4 Marketing and Promotion

• Promoting Epochish programs and services
• Sharing success stories and testimonials (with explicit consent)
• Creating case studies and educational content

2.5 Legal and Security

• Complying with legal obligations and regulations
• Protecting against fraud, unauthorized access, and security threats
• Enforcing our Terms and Conditions
• Resolving disputes and addressing complaints

3. Legal Basis for Processing (GDPR Compliance)

For users in the European Economic Area (EEA), we process personal data based on:

• Consent: You have given clear consent for specific processing activities
• Contract Performance: Processing is necessary to fulfill our contractual obligations (e.g., delivering programs you've registered for)
• Legitimate Interests: We have legitimate business interests that do not override your rights
• Legal Compliance: Processing is required by law

4. How We Share Your Information

We do not sell, rent, or trade your personal information to third parties. We may share your information in the following limited circumstances:

4.1 Service Providers

We work with trusted third-party service providers who assist us with payment processing, email marketing and communication platforms, website hosting and analytics, and event management and logistics. These providers are contractually obligated to protect your information and use it only for specified purposes.

4.2 Program Partners

• Featured Architects: We share participant names and professional backgrounds with architects leading our programs to facilitate meaningful dialogue
• Partner Institutions: With your consent, we may share information with architectural schools or professional bodies for accreditation or collaboration purposes

4.3 Legal Requirements

We may disclose information when required by law, including complying with legal processes, responding to government or regulatory requests, protecting our rights, property, or safety, and investigating fraud or security incidents.

4.4 Business Transfers

In the event of a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets, your information may be transferred to the acquiring entity, subject to the same privacy protections.

5. Data Security

We implement industry-standard security measures to protect your personal information:

Technical Measures:

• SSL/TLS encryption for data transmission
• Secure servers with firewalls and intrusion detection
• Regular security audits and vulnerability assessments
• Encrypted storage of sensitive information

Organizational Measures:

• Access controls limiting employee access to personal data
• Staff training on data protection and privacy
• Confidentiality agreements with all team members and partners
• Regular review and update of security policies

6. Data Retention

We retain your personal information only as long as necessary for the purposes outlined in this policy:

• Active Participants: During your enrollment period and for a reasonable period afterward (typically 3 years) for follow-up, alumni engagement, and record-keeping
• Newsletter Subscribers: Until you unsubscribe or request deletion
• Inquiry/Contact Forms: Up to 2 years from the date of your inquiry
• Financial Records: As required by Indian tax and accounting laws (typically 7 years)
• Marketing Materials: With your explicit consent, indefinitely or until you withdraw consent

You may request deletion of your data at any time (see Section 9 for your rights).

7. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

Our website uses cookies and similar technologies to enhance your experience:

Types of Cookies We Use:

Essential Cookies:

• Required for website functionality
• Enable basic features like page navigation and secure access

Analytics Cookies:

• Help us understand how visitors use our website
• Provide insights for improving user experience
• Examples: Google Analytics

Marketing Cookies:

• Track your browsing to show relevant content
• Measure effectiveness of marketing campaigns
• Examples: Social media pixels (LinkedIn, Instagram)

Preference Cookies:

• Remember your settings and preferences
• Customize content based on your location or language

Cookie Management:

You can control cookies through your browser settings. Note that disabling cookies may affect website functionality.

8. Third-Party Links

Our website may contain links to third-party websites (architect portfolios, partner institutions, social media platforms). We are not responsible for the privacy practices of these external sites. We encourage you to review their privacy policies before providing any personal information.

9. Your Rights and Choices

You have the following rights regarding your personal information:

9.1 Access and Portability

• Request a copy of the personal data we hold about you
• Receive your data in a structured, commonly used format

9.2 Correction

• Update or correct inaccurate or incomplete information

9.3 Deletion (Right to be Forgotten)

• Request deletion of your personal data (subject to legal retention requirements)

9.4 Objection and Restriction

• Object to processing of your data for marketing purposes
• Request restriction of processing in certain circumstances

9.5 Withdraw Consent

• Withdraw consent for data processing at any time (does not affect prior processing)

9.6 Opt-Out

• Unsubscribe from marketing emails (via link in every email or by contacting us)
• Disable cookies through browser settings

How to Exercise Your Rights:

Email us at: contact@epochish.com with the subject line "Privacy Request"

We will respond to your request within 30 days.

10. Children's Privacy

Epochish services are intended for professionals and adults. We do not knowingly collect personal information from individuals under 18 years of age. If you believe we have inadvertently collected information from a minor, please contact us immediately, and we will delete such information.

11. International Data Transfers

Epochish is based in India. If you access our services from outside India, your information may be transferred to, stored, and processed in India or other countries where our service providers operate.

We ensure appropriate safeguards are in place for international transfers, including standard contractual clauses, adequacy decisions by relevant authorities, and compliance with applicable data protection laws.

12. Updates to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy periodically to reflect changes in our practices, legal requirements, or services. We will notify you of significant changes by:

• Posting a prominent notice on our website
• Sending an email to registered users
• Updating the "Last Updated" date at the top of this policy

Your continued use of our services after changes indicates acceptance of the updated policy.

13. Contact Us

If you have questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or our data practices, please contact us:

14. Grievance Redressal

In accordance with the Indian Information Technology Act, 2000, and rules made thereunder, if you have any grievances regarding this Privacy Policy or data processing, please contact us at contact@epochish.com

We aim to resolve grievances within 30 days of receipt.

15. 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 courts in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India.