Privacy Policy
This Privacy Policy explains how The Kushinagar Library ("we," "our," or "us") collects, uses, stores, and protects your personal information when you use our mobile application. By registering and using the app, you agree to the practices described herein.
1. Who We Are
The Kushinagar Library is a digital library application designed to provide users with access to books, educational resources, and community services. We are committed to protecting the privacy of every member of our library community.
2. Scope of This Policy
This policy applies to all users of The Kushinagar Library mobile application available on the Google Play Store, including registered and guest users. It covers information collected through the app, our servers, and any related services.
Information We Collect
2.1 Registration Information
When you create an account, we collect the following personal details:
| Data Field | Purpose | Required |
|---|---|---|
| Username | Unique account identifier and public display name within the app | Yes |
| Full Name | Identity verification and personalization of library membership | Yes |
| Phone Number | Account security, OTP verification, and important service notifications | Yes |
| Email Address | Account recovery, receipts, and communication of library updates | Yes |
| Marital Status | Demographic research and personalized content recommendations | Optional |
| Gender | Demographic research, accessibility customization, and personalization | Optional |
2.2 Device & Technical Information
We automatically collect certain technical data to ensure the app functions correctly:
- Device type, model, and operating system version
- Unique device identifiers (used for push notifications via Firebase)
- IP address and approximate geographic location (for regional content)
- App usage statistics, crash logs, and performance data
- Network connection type (Wi-Fi or mobile data)
2.3 Location Information
Our app requests access to your device location (coarse and fine) to provide location-aware library services such as finding nearby library branches and events. Location access is requested at runtime and you may deny or revoke this permission at any time in your device settings.
2.4 Biometric Data
The app supports biometric authentication (fingerprint or face recognition) for quick and secure login. Biometric data is processed entirely on your device by the Android system and is never transmitted to or stored on our servers.
2.5 NFC Usage
The app uses NFC (Near Field Communication) functionality for library card scanning and book check-in/check-out at physical library terminals. NFC interactions are processed locally and session data is not stored beyond the transaction.
How We Use Your Information
3.1 Primary Purposes
- Creating and managing your library membership account
- Authenticating your identity and securing account access
- Processing book reservations, borrowing records, and returns
- Sending important notifications such as due-date reminders and account alerts
- Delivering personalized book recommendations and curated content
- Responding to your support queries and customer service requests
3.2 Operational & Legal Purposes
- Analyzing usage patterns to improve app features and performance
- Complying with applicable Indian laws and regulatory requirements
- Detecting, preventing, and addressing fraud, abuse, or security incidents
- Conducting anonymized statistical research on library usage trends
3.3 Communications
We may send you service-related communications such as borrowing confirmations, overdue notices, and system updates. You may opt out of promotional communications at any time via your account settings or by contacting us directly.
3.4 Third-Party Services
We use the following trusted third-party services to operate the application. Each is bound by its own privacy policy:
- Google Firebase — Push notifications, crash analytics, and app performance monitoring
- Google Play Services — App distribution and security updates
- Cloud Hosting Provider — Secure storage of account and borrowing data
3.5 Data Retention
We retain your personal data for as long as your account remains active or as required to provide our services. Upon account deletion, your personal data is permanently removed within 30 days, except where retention is required by law (e.g., financial or audit records, which are kept for 7 years as required under Indian law).
Data Security & Storage
4.1 Security Measures
We implement industry-standard technical and organizational measures to protect your personal information from unauthorized access, loss, or disclosure:
- All data transmitted between the app and our servers is encrypted using HTTPS/TLS
- Passwords are hashed using industry-standard cryptographic algorithms and never stored in plain text
- Access to personal data is restricted to authorized personnel on a need-to-know basis
- Regular security audits and vulnerability assessments are conducted
4.2 Data Storage Location
Your data is stored on secure servers located in India. We do not transfer your personal data outside of India unless required by law or with your explicit consent.
4.3 Children's Privacy
Our application is not directed at children under 13 years of age. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If you believe a child under 13 has provided us with personal information, please contact us immediately and we will delete such information promptly.
Your Rights & Choices
You have the following rights with respect to your personal information held by us. To exercise any of these rights, contact us at the details provided in the Contact section.
| Right | Description |
|---|---|
| Access | Request a copy of all personal data we hold about you |
| Correction | Request correction of inaccurate or incomplete personal information |
| Deletion | Request deletion of your account and associated personal data |
| Portability | Receive your data in a structured, machine-readable format |
| Opt-Out | Unsubscribe from promotional communications at any time |
| Withdraw Consent | Withdraw consent for optional data fields (marital status, gender) at any time |
We will respond to all verifiable requests within 30 days. We may need to verify your identity before processing certain requests.
Terms & Conditions
Please read these Terms and Conditions carefully before using The Kushinagar Library application. By accessing or using the app, you agree to be bound by these terms. If you disagree with any part, you may not use our service.
6.1 Acceptance of Terms
By downloading, installing, or using The Kushinagar Library app, you confirm that you are at least 13 years of age, have the legal capacity to enter into a binding agreement, and accept these Terms and Conditions in full.
6.2 Account Registration & Responsibility
- You must provide accurate, complete, and current information during registration
- You are solely responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of your account credentials
- You must promptly notify us of any unauthorized use of your account
- One person may hold only one active account; duplicate accounts may be suspended
- You are responsible for all activities that occur under your account
6.3 Permitted Use
The Kushinagar Library app is provided for personal, non-commercial use only. You agree to use the app solely for its intended purpose of accessing library resources, borrowing materials, and engaging with library services.
6.4 Prohibited Activities
You must not engage in any of the following activities:
- Accessing, tampering with, or using non-public areas of the app or its systems
- Attempting to probe, scan, or test the vulnerability of any system or network
- Distributing, copying, or reproducing library content in violation of copyright
- Harassing, abusing, or harming other users of the library community
- Creating false accounts, impersonating others, or providing fraudulent information
- Using automated bots, scrapers, or tools to access or extract data from the app
- Engaging in any activity that disrupts or burdens the infrastructure of the service
6.5 Intellectual Property
All content within The Kushinagar Library app, including but not limited to the software, design, logos, text, and graphics, is the property of The Kushinagar Library or its licensors and is protected by applicable intellectual property laws. You may not reproduce, distribute, or create derivative works without our prior written consent.
6.6 Borrowing & Library Rules
- Digital and physical borrowing is subject to availability and membership tier
- Items must be returned by the due date; late returns may incur applicable fees
- Lost or damaged items are the responsibility of the borrowing member
- Misuse of borrowing privileges may result in account suspension
6.7 Notifications & Alarms
The app uses scheduled notifications (including exact alarms) to remind you of due dates, reservations, and library events. By using the app, you consent to receiving such service-related notifications. You may manage notification preferences within the app settings at any time.
6.8 Disclaimer of Warranties
The Kushinagar Library app is provided on an "as is" and "as available" basis. We make no warranties, express or implied, regarding the reliability, accuracy, or fitness for a particular purpose of the app or its content. We do not guarantee uninterrupted or error-free access to the service.
6.9 Limitation of Liability
To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, The Kushinagar Library shall not be liable for any indirect, incidental, special, consequential, or punitive damages arising from your use of or inability to use the app, even if we have been advised of the possibility of such damages.
6.10 Termination
We reserve the right to suspend or terminate your account at our discretion, with or without notice, if we determine that you have violated these Terms or engaged in conduct harmful to the app, its users, or the library community. You may delete your account at any time through the app settings.
6.11 Changes to These Terms
We reserve the right to update these Terms and Conditions at any time. Material changes will be communicated via in-app notification or email at least 15 days before taking effect. Continued use of the app after changes constitutes your acceptance of the revised terms.
6.12 Governing Law
These Terms and Conditions are governed by the laws of India, including the Information Technology Act, 2000, and the Information Technology (Reasonable Security Practices and Procedures and Sensitive Personal Data or Information) Rules, 2011. Any disputes shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts in Kushinagar, Uttar Pradesh, India.
Contact Us
If you have any questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or these Terms and Conditions, please reach out to our dedicated support team. We are committed to responding within 72 hours.
The Kushinagar Library
Privacy & Legal Inquiries
Kushinagar, Uttar Pradesh, India