e-Shakti App – Privacy Policy

Last Updated: 6th January 2026

e-Shakti (“App”, “we”, “us”, “our”) is a wellbeing and mindfulness application currently provided exclusively as part of an academic research project. The App functions as a research tool to study wellbeing outcomes using guided content, journaling, and structured practices.

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

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, government identification numbers, 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 does not directly identify you. It is used solely to maintain App stability, security, and performance.

1.4 Notifications Data (OneSignal)

We use OneSignal to send essential push notifications and reminders related to App usage.

OneSignal may collect:

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

Notifications are not used for advertising or promotional purposes.

1.5 Research Questionnaires (Google Forms)

As part of mandatory onboarding, users are required to complete research questionnaires (including general forms, pre-evaluation form which includes scales such as the PSS Scale and Well-Being Index). These questionnaires must be completed using the same email address used for Firebase Authentication.

We collect:

  • Email address (used solely for pre- and post-evaluation matching)
  • Demographic information provided during onboarding
  • Responses to wellbeing and mental wellness questionnaires

The App will not unlock or provide access to its features until the required research questionnaires are submitted.

Important clarification: The use of email for matching makes the data pseudonymous at the time of collection. Once pre- and post-evaluation matching is completed, questionnaire responses are dissociated from email identifiers and analysed in a de-identified or anonymised form.

All research findings, reports, and publications are presented only in aggregated or anonymised form and do not contain personally identifiable information.

Journal entries are NOT shared with the research team and are NOT used for research analysis.

1.6 Information We Do Not Intentionally Collect

We do not intentionally collect:

  • Financial or banking details
  • Aadhaar, PAN, or other government-issued identification numbers
  • Contacts from your device
  • Photos, media, or files from your device (unless explicitly uploaded in a future feature)
  • Precise GPS location

2. How We Use Your Information

2.1 Core App Functionality

  • Authenticate your account
  • Store your journal entries
  • Deliver guided content, soundtracks, and wellbeing practices
  • Send essential notifications and reminders

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

2.2 Technical Maintenance

  • Diagnose crashes and errors
  • Maintain performance, stability, and security

Technical logs do not contain personally identifiable information.

2.3 Research & Academic Study (Mandatory)

Use of the App is conditional upon participation in the associated research study. By registering and continuing to use the App, you consent to:

  • Submission of required research questionnaires
  • Use of your responses for academic research and analysis
  • Email-based pre- and post-evaluation matching for analytical purposes only

Research outputs are strictly anonymised and do not reveal individual identities.

3. Data Sharing

We share data only in limited circumstances:

3.1 Service Providers

  • Firebase Authentication
  • Firebase Firestore
  • Firebase Analytics
  • OneSignal

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

3.2 Research Access

  • Only authorised research personnel may access questionnaire data
  • Access is limited to research analysis purposes
  • Journal entries are excluded from research access

4. Data Security

  • Encrypted communication (HTTPS)
  • Restricted and role-based database access
  • Secure cloud infrastructure

5. Data Retention

  • Account data: retained while your account is active
  • Journal entries: retained until account deletion
  • Research data: retained in anonymised form for academic reporting

6. Children’s Privacy

The App is intended for adults and older adolescents participating under supervision as part of a guided or institutional research program.

7. Intellectual Property Notice

All audio content, guided practices, 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 as research methods, features, or legal requirements evolve. Continued use of the App constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.

9. Contact Us

For privacy-related queries:

📧 developer.malhar@gmail.com