e-Shakti App – Privacy Policy

Last Updated: 8th December 2025

e-Shakti (“App”, “we”, “us”, “our”) is a wellbeing and mindfulness application designed to help users manage stress and improve mental wellness through guided content, journaling, and related tools.

This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, store, and protect your information when you use the App. By installing or using the App, you agree to this Privacy Policy.

1. Information We Collect

We collect only what is required for account creation, authentication, journaling, notifications, and mandatory research participation as part of the app onboarding process.

1.1 Account Information (Mandatory)

Collected through Firebase Authentication:

• Name
• Email address
• Phone number

This information is required to create and maintain your account.

1.2 Journal Entries

Stored using Firebase Firestore:

• Free-text entries you write inside the journal module

All journal content is private to your account and stored securely in our database.

Important: Do not enter extremely sensitive information such as passwords, financial details, or other people’s personal data inside journal entries.

1.3 Analytics & Technical Information

Collected automatically through Firebase Analytics and crash reporting tools, such as:

• Device type and operating system
• App version
• Crash logs and performance data

This data is aggregated and not personally identifiable. It is used only to maintain app performance and diagnose technical issues.

1.4 Notifications Data (OneSignal)

We use OneSignal to send push notifications and reminders.

OneSignal may collect:

• Device push token
• Basic device/app metadata
• Notification delivery and open rates

We do not use notifications for advertising.

1.5 Research Questionnaires (Google Forms)

When you install and proceed inside the App, you are required to complete the research questionnaires (such as PSS Scale, Well-Being Index, and demographic forms) using the same email address you use to log in via Firebase Authentication.

We collect:

• Your email address (for before/after matching)
• Demographic information you provide during onboarding
• Survey responses related to mental wellness and wellbeing

The App will not unlock or proceed until these required forms are submitted successfully.

After matching your before–after responses using your email, your questionnaire data is treated solely as research data and analysed only in aggregated or anonymised form.

Journal entries are NOT shared with the research team.

1.6 Information We Do Not Intentionally Collect

We do not intentionally collect:

• Financial or banking details
• Aadhaar, PAN, or government IDs
• Contacts from your device
• Photos, media, or files from your device (unless you explicitly upload something in a future feature)
• Precise GPS location

2. How We Use Your Information

2.1 To Provide Core App Functionality

• Authenticate your account
• Store your journal entries
• Deliver soundtracks, exercises, and wellbeing tools
• Send necessary notifications and reminders

We do not use your data for personalisation, behavioural tracking, or targeted marketing.

2.2 Technical Maintenance

• Diagnose crashes
• Improve stability and performance
• Maintain security of the App

Technical logs do not contain personally identifiable information.

2.3 Research & Academic Study (Mandatory for App Use)

Completion of the research questionnaires is a mandatory part of the App onboarding process. By continuing to use the App, you consent to:

• Submit the required research forms using the same email as your Firebase login
• Allow your responses to be used for academic research and publication
• Allow before/after matching using your email address (for analysis only)

All research findings are published only in anonymised or aggregated form. Your personal identity is never disclosed.

We do NOT use your data for:

• Targeted advertising
• Selling data to third parties
• External marketing
• Cross-platform tracking
• Personalised content delivery

3. Data Sharing

We share data only in limited circumstances:

3.1 Service Providers

To operate and maintain the App:

• Firebase Authentication
• Firebase Firestore
• Firebase Analytics
• OneSignal (push notifications)

These providers process data on our behalf under their own privacy and security policies.

3.2 Research Use (Anonymised)

Because completing the research questionnaires is required to use the App:

• Your questionnaire responses may be accessed by authorised research team members for analysis
• All analysis and reporting are performed only at an aggregated or anonymised level
• Research publications do not contain any personal identifiers
• Your journal entries inside the App are not shared with the research team

4. Data Security

We implement appropriate safeguards, including:

• Encrypted communication (HTTPS)
• Restricted access to databases
• Secure Firebase infrastructure
• Regular review of security configurations

However, no online system is 100% secure. Users are encouraged to:

• Keep their device secure
• Not share their login credentials

5. Data Retention

We retain:

• Account information: for as long as your account is active
• Journal entries: until you delete your account
• Research questionnaire data: anonymised and retained indefinitely for academic purposes

If you request deletion of your account:

• Your identifiable information will be removed from active systems
• Anonymised data (with no personal identifiers) may continue to be used for aggregated research

6. Children’s Privacy

e-Shakti is intended for adults and older adolescents using the App under supervision or as part of a guided program.

We do not knowingly collect data from users under 18 without appropriate consent. If you believe a child has provided data without permission, contact us so we can delete it.

7. Intellectual Property & Content Note

All soundtracks, guided meditations, audio programs, and written content inside the App are the intellectual property of Malhar Kedar Bakshi, and/or collaborators where mentioned.

This does not affect your privacy rights but clarifies that App content remains proprietary.

8. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy to reflect:

• New features
• Changes in research methods
• Legal or regulatory updates

We will update the “Last Updated” date when changes are made. Continued use of the App means you accept the revised policy.

9. Contact Us

For questions or privacy-related requests, contact:

📧 developer.malhar@gmail.com