Privacy Policy

This Privacy Policy describes how Mani Pathak ("I," "me," or "my"), operating through manipathak.com (the "Website"), collects, uses, stores, and protects information about you when you visit the Website or use its services. I am committed to protecting your privacy and handling your data in an open and transparent manner.

By using this Website, you agree to the collection and use of information in accordance with this policy. If you do not agree with any part of this policy, please do not use this Website.

1. Information I Collect

1.1 Information You Provide Directly

I collect information you voluntarily provide when you:

• Contact me through the contact form: Name, email address, website URL, phone number, and message content.
• Subscribe to my newsletter or download free resources: Name and email address.
• Enquire about services: Name, email, phone, website URL, business details, and service requirements.
• Purchase a course or digital product: Name, email, billing address, and payment information (processed securely through third-party payment processors — I do not store card details).

1.2 Information Collected Automatically

When you visit the Website, certain information is automatically collected, including:

• Log data: IP address, browser type and version, pages visited, time and date of visit, time spent on pages, and referring URL.
• Device information: Hardware model, operating system, unique device identifiers, and mobile network information.
• Cookies and similar tracking technologies: See the Cookies section below for details.

1.3 Analytics Data

I use Google Analytics 4 to understand how visitors use the Website. This service collects anonymised data about page views, session duration, traffic sources, and user behaviour. Google Analytics data is processed in accordance with Google's Privacy Policy.

2. How I Use Your Information

I use the information collected for the following purposes:

• To respond to your enquiries, contact form submissions, and service requests.
• To send you newsletters, SEO tips, and content updates you have subscribed to.
• To deliver courses, digital products, and services you have purchased.
• To improve the Website's content, functionality, and user experience.
• To analyse traffic patterns and understand how visitors engage with the Website.
• To send service-related communications (receipts, account updates, support).
• To comply with legal obligations and enforce the Terms of Use.
• To prevent fraud, spam, and abuse of the Website.

3. Legal Basis for Processing (GDPR)

If you are located in the European Economic Area (EEA) or the United Kingdom, my legal basis for collecting and using the personal information described in this policy depends on the type of information and the specific context in which I collect it:

• Consent: Where you have given explicit consent (e.g., subscribing to the newsletter or downloading resources).
• Contract performance: Where processing is necessary to fulfil a contract with you (e.g., delivering a purchased course).
• Legitimate interests: Where processing is in my legitimate interests, such as improving the Website and preventing fraud, and not overridden by your data protection rights.
• Legal obligation: Where I am required to process data to comply with applicable law.

4. Cookies

This Website uses cookies — small text files placed on your device — to enhance your browsing experience and to collect analytics data. Cookies I use include:

• Essential cookies: Necessary for the Website to function properly. These cannot be disabled.
• Analytics cookies: Google Analytics cookies that help me understand how visitors interact with the Website. These are anonymised and do not identify individuals.
• Preference cookies: Remember your preferences and settings to improve your experience on return visits.

You can control and disable cookies through your browser settings. Note that disabling certain cookies may affect the functionality of the Website.

5. Third-Party Services

I may share your information with trusted third-party services that help me operate the Website and deliver services, including:

• Google Analytics: Website traffic analysis (anonymised data)
• Google Search Console: Website performance monitoring
• Email marketing platforms (e.g., Mailchimp, ConvertKit): Newsletter delivery and subscriber management
• Payment processors (e.g., Razorpay, Stripe): Secure payment processing for course purchases
• Course delivery platforms: Course hosting and delivery
• Web hosting providers: Website hosting and infrastructure

These third parties are contractually obligated to keep your information confidential and use it only to provide services on my behalf. I do not sell, rent, or trade your personal information to any third party for marketing purposes.

6. Data Retention

I retain your personal information for as long as necessary to fulfil the purposes described in this policy, unless a longer retention period is required by law. Specifically:

• Contact form submissions: Retained for 3 years from the date of submission.
• Newsletter subscriber data: Retained until you unsubscribe or request deletion.
• Course purchase records: Retained for 7 years for tax and financial compliance.
• Analytics data: Retained for 26 months (Google Analytics default).

7. Your Rights

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

• Right of access: Request a copy of the personal data I hold about you.
• Right to rectification: Request correction of inaccurate or incomplete data.
• Right to erasure: Request deletion of your personal data ("right to be forgotten").
• Right to restrict processing: Request that I limit how I use your data.
• Right to data portability: Request a machine-readable copy of your data.
• Right to object: Object to processing based on legitimate interests or for direct marketing.
• Right to withdraw consent: Withdraw consent at any time where processing is based on consent.

To exercise any of these rights, please contact me at hello@manipathak.com. I will respond to all legitimate requests within 30 days.

8. Data Security

I implement appropriate technical and organisational security measures to protect your personal information against unauthorised access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction. These measures include SSL/TLS encryption for data in transit, secure server infrastructure, and restricted access to personal data. However, no method of transmission over the internet or electronic storage is 100% secure, and I cannot guarantee absolute security.

9. Children's Privacy

This Website is not directed at children under the age of 13. I do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If I become aware that I have inadvertently collected personal information from a child under 13, I will delete it promptly. If you believe I may have collected information from a child under 13, please contact me immediately.

10. International Data Transfers

I am based in India. If you are accessing the Website from outside India, your information may be transferred to, stored, and processed in India and other countries where my service providers operate. By using this Website, you consent to the transfer of your information to countries which may have different data protection laws than your country of residence.

11. Links to External Websites

The Website may contain links to external websites that are not operated by me. I strongly advise you to review the privacy policy of every site you visit. I have no control over and assume no responsibility for the content, privacy policies, or practices of any third-party websites.

12. Changes to This Privacy Policy

I may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. When I do, I will update the "Last updated" date at the top of this page. I encourage you to review this policy periodically. Your continued use of the Website after any changes constitutes your acceptance of the updated policy.

13. Contact Information

If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy, wish to exercise your data rights, or have a privacy-related concern, please contact me:

• Email: hello@manipathak.com
• Website: manipathak.com/contact