Privacy Policy
Effective: 1 January 2024 · Last updated: 1 June 2025
1. Introduction
Karuppu News ("we", "us", or "our") is committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, store, and disclose information when you use news.karuppu.in and karuppu.in (collectively, the "Platform").
By using the Platform, you agree to the collection and use of information in accordance with this policy. This policy complies with the Information Technology Act, 2000 and the Information Technology (Amendment) Act, 2008 (India).
2. Information We Collect
2.1 Account Information
When you register as a reporter or member, we collect your name, email address, mobile number, and district/location. Journalists additionally provide Aadhaar number (for KYC), press card details, and professional background information.
2.2 Usage Data
We automatically collect information about how you interact with the Platform, including articles you view, search queries, articles you like or bookmark, comments you post, and device/browser information (IP address, browser type, operating system, pages visited, time spent).
2.3 Content You Submit
Articles, comments, tips, and other content you submit to the Platform are stored on our servers and may be displayed publicly according to your account settings and our editorial decisions.
2.4 Cookies
We use session cookies (required for login and security), preference cookies (theme, language), and analytics cookies (Google Analytics — see section 4). You can disable analytics cookies in your browser settings without affecting core Platform functionality.
3. How We Use Your Information
- To provide and maintain the Platform and your account
- To verify reporter identity and issue press credentials (KYC process)
- To calculate and pay reporter revenue earnings
- To send you notifications about your account, articles, and replies to your comments
- To monitor Platform security and prevent fraud
- To improve our content recommendations and Platform features
- To comply with legal obligations and respond to lawful government requests
4. Third-Party Services
4.1 Google Analytics
We use Google Analytics to understand how users interact with the Platform. Google Analytics collects anonymised usage data. You can opt out using the Google Analytics opt-out browser add-on.
4.2 Payment Processing
Reporter earnings are processed through third-party payment services. These services receive only the information necessary to process payments (name, bank account or UPI details). We do not store full payment credentials on our servers.
4.3 Cloud Infrastructure
The Platform is hosted on Vercel (servers in India/Singapore region) and uses Neon PostgreSQL for database services. Both services are bound by GDPR-equivalent data protection agreements.
5. Data Sharing
We do not sell, rent, or trade your personal information to third parties for marketing purposes. We may disclose your information only in the following circumstances:
- When required by law or a valid court order from an Indian court
- To prevent fraud or protect the safety of our users or the public
- To service providers acting on our behalf under data processing agreements
- In an event of a business merger or acquisition (users will be notified)
6. Data Retention
- Account data: retained until you request deletion
- Published articles: retained indefinitely as part of our public record
- Comments: retained unless you delete them or they are removed for policy violations
- Analytics data: retained for 26 months per Google Analytics defaults
- KYC documents: retained for 5 years as required by applicable law
7. Your Rights
You have the right to:
- Access the personal information we hold about you
- Correct inaccurate personal information
- Request deletion of your account and personal data (subject to legal retention obligations)
- Withdraw consent for analytics cookies at any time
- Lodge a complaint with the relevant data protection authority
To exercise these rights, contact us at privacy@karuppu.in. We will respond within 30 days.
8. Security
We implement industry-standard security measures including HTTPS encryption, bcrypt password hashing, rate limiting on authentication endpoints, and regular security reviews. However, no method of transmission over the internet is 100% secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.
9. Children's Privacy
The Platform is not directed at children under 13 years of age. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If you believe a child has provided us with personal information, contact us at privacy@karuppu.in.
10. Changes to This Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify registered users of significant changes by email or via an in-Platform notification. Your continued use of the Platform after changes are posted constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.
11. Contact
For privacy-related inquiries: privacy@karuppu.in
Karuppu News · Tamil Nadu, India