Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

ConnectMyIdea ("we," "our," or "us") operates the website connectmyidea.com (the "Platform"). This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you visit our Platform. We are a professional networking and collaboration platform that connects idea creators with mentors, collaborators, and supporters. We are committed to protecting your personal data and your right to privacy. Please read this policy carefully. By using the Platform, you agree to the collection and use of information in accordance with this policy.

2. Information We Collect

We collect information that you voluntarily provide to us when you register on the Platform, share an idea, explore collaboration opportunities, or otherwise contact us. This may include:

• Personal Information: Name, email address, phone number, and city/location.
• Profile Information: Bio, education, work experience, skills, portfolio, social links, and profile photo.
• Idea Information: Idea title, category, problem statement, solution overview, stage, collaboration preferences, and supporting documents submitted by creators.
• Verification Documents: If you choose to verify your identity, we may collect government-issued identification numbers (such as Aadhaar or PAN) and supporting documents.
• Communication Data: Messages exchanged between users on the Platform.
• Usage Data: Information about how you interact with the Platform, including pages visited, features used, and time spent.
• Payment Data: If you purchase premium features (such as idea boosts or featured listings), payment processing is handled by third-party payment providers. We do not store your full payment card details.

3. How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect for the following purposes:

• To create and manage your user account on the Platform.
• To display ideas to the community and facilitate connections between creators and collaborators.
• To enable communication between users through our messaging system.
• To send notifications about connection requests, collaboration interest, and platform updates.
• To verify user identities through our verification process and display verification badges.
• To process payments for premium features such as idea boosts and featured listings.
• To improve and optimize the Platform's functionality and user experience.
• To enforce our Terms of Service and protect against fraudulent or unauthorized activity.

4. Information Sharing and Disclosure

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

• Public Profile Data: Your ideas, name, bio, and city are visible to other users on the Platform as part of your public profile and idea listings.
• With Your Consent: When you explicitly choose to share information, such as sending a message to another user or expressing interest in an idea.
• Legal Requirements: If required by law, regulation, legal process, or governmental request.
• Service Providers: We may share data with trusted third-party service providers who assist us in operating the Platform (such as cloud hosting, payment processing, and analytics), subject to confidentiality agreements.

5. Data Security

We implement appropriate technical and organizational security measures to protect your personal information against unauthorized access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction. However, no method of transmission over the Internet or electronic storage is 100% secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security. You are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of your account credentials.

6. Data Retention

We retain your personal information for as long as your account is active or as needed to provide you with our services. If you wish to delete your account or request that we no longer use your information, please contact us at [email protected]. We will retain and use your information as necessary to comply with legal obligations, resolve disputes, and enforce our agreements.

7. Cookies and Tracking

The Platform uses cookies and similar tracking technologies to maintain your session, remember your preferences, and analyze usage patterns. You can control cookie settings through your browser preferences. Disabling cookies may affect certain features of the Platform.

8. Third-Party Links

The Platform may contain links to third-party websites or services. We are not responsible for the privacy practices or content of these external sites. We encourage you to review the privacy policies of any third-party services you access through our Platform.

9. Children's Privacy

The Platform is not intended for individuals under the age of 18. We do not knowingly collect personal information from minors. If we become aware that we have collected data from a person under 18, we will take steps to delete such information promptly.

10. Your Rights

Depending on your jurisdiction, you may have the following rights regarding your personal data:

• The right to access the personal information we hold about you.
• The right to request correction of inaccurate or incomplete data.
• The right to request deletion of your personal data.
• The right to withdraw consent for data processing where applicable.

To exercise any of these rights, please contact us at [email protected].

11. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Any changes will be posted on this page with an updated "Last updated" date. We encourage you to review this policy periodically. Continued use of the Platform after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.