# 🔒 Privacy Policy – Funtel Stories

Last Updated: 28th March, 2025

We welcome you to Funtel Stories and thank you for being part of our storytelling community. We encourage you to carefully read this Privacy Policy to understand how we collect, use, store, and protect your personal data. Transparency and respect for your privacy are central to how we operate.

### Important Notice

If you do not agree with the practices described below, you are advised not to use the Funtel Stories website and/or application.

## 1. Scope

This Privacy Policy applies to the use of the Funtel Stories website (stories.funtelstudio.com) ("Website") and the official Funtel Stories mobile application on Android and iOS ("Application") operated by Funtel Stories, a registered partnership firm ("Firm", "We", "Our", or "Us").

Through the Website/Application, Users can:

- Publish and read literary works (stories, poems, articles, etc.),
- View Firm Content published by Funtel Stories,
- Post reviews, comments, and messages ("Inputs"), and
- Use various features offered by the Firm ("Services").

Published Works and Firm Content together are referred to as Content.

This Privacy Policy is a part of and should be read with the Terms of Service. By using our Services, you agree to this Policy.

## 2. Information We Collect

We collect both personally identifiable information ("Personal Information") and non-identifiable information ("Usage Data") to improve the Services.

### 2.1 Registration / Login Data

- Name, email address, mobile number.
- Social login details (Google/Facebook/Apple) where applicable.
- Optional profile details (gender, city, bio, display photo).

### 2.2 Usage Data

- Stories published, reviews/comments posted.
- Pages visited, reading time, interactions, and search preferences.
- Participation in contests and monetization programs.

### 2.3 Device Data

- Device type, operating system, browser type/version.
- Unique device identifier, IP address.
- Location and language preference (if allowed by device settings).

### 2.4 Payment Data

- Billing details, bank account details (for Author payouts).
- Payment gateway details (when purchasing coins/credits or subscriptions).

### 2.5 Customer Support

- Information provided during support requests or queries.

## 3. How We Use Your Information

We use collected information to:

- Enable you to publish, read, and interact with Content.
- Process payments, subscriptions, and Author payouts.
- Enforce our Terms of Service and protect against fraud.
- Send important notifications (account, security, updates).
- Personalize recommendations and improve the User experience.
- Improve Services through research, analysis, and surveys.
- Comply with applicable legal obligations.

## 4. Sharing of Information

We never sell or rent User data. Information may be shared with:

- Service Providers – Payment gateways (e.g., Razorpay, Google Play, Apple), hosting (AWS/Firebase), analytics providers (Google Analytics, Amplitude), and notification services.
- Legal Authorities – When required by law, government agencies, or court orders.
- Corporate Restructuring – In case of merger, acquisition, or transfer of assets.
- Community Features – Inputs (like reviews, comments, likes) are public and can be viewed by other Users.

## 5. Storage & Security

- User data is stored on secure servers (e.g., AWS India, Google Firebase).
- Passwords are encrypted and stored securely.
- Internal staff access is on a strict need-to-know basis.
- Despite strong safeguards, no system is 100% secure. Users are advised to protect their account credentials.

## 6. Cookies & Tracking

Cookies and similar technologies may be used to improve functionality, track usage, and personalize experiences.

Users can opt out of cookies through their browser, but this may limit some features.

## 7. User Rights

- Registration Choice: You may choose not to register, but certain Services may be unavailable.
- Modify/Delete: You can edit or delete profile details via account settings.
- Deletion: You can request deletion of your account and personal data by emailing us at support@funtelstories.com. Some data may be retained as required by law.
- Notifications: You may opt out of promotional notifications via settings, though critical account messages will still be sent.

## 8. Changes to Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. The revised version will be posted on the Website/Application with an updated date. Continued use after changes implies acceptance of the updated Policy.

## 9. Grievance Redressal

For any concerns or grievances relating to privacy or misuse of your data, you may contact:

### Grievance Officer

📧 Email: support@funtelstories.com

📍 Address: 8th Floor, Balaji Infotech Park, Plot No. A-278, Wagle Industrial Estate, Road No. 16 A, Lane Next to Wagale Police Station, Thane (W) - 400 604

We will acknowledge complaints within 48 hours and resolve them within 15 days.

## 10. Conflict

In case of any conflict between the English version of this Privacy Policy and a translated version (including Hindi), the English version shall prevail.