Lens of India ("we", "us", "our") operates this website. This Privacy Policy explains what information we collect, how we use it, and the choices you have. By using our website, you agree to this policy.

1. Information We Collect

  • Account information — name, email address and password when you register as a member.
  • Membership & KYC information — full name, phone number, address, and identity documents (Aadhaar and PAN numbers and their uploaded images) submitted when you apply for a press membership. These are collected solely to verify your identity.
  • Payment information — membership fee payments are processed by our payment gateway (Razorpay). We do not store your card, UPI or bank details on our servers.
  • Content you submit — articles, videos, comments (with your name and email) and newsletter sign-ups.
  • Usage & device data — pages viewed, browser type, IP address and similar data collected automatically through cookies and analytics.

2. How We Use Your Information

  • To create and manage your account and press membership.
  • To verify your identity for membership (KYC).
  • To process payments and issue press credentials.
  • To publish content you submit and moderate comments.
  • To send the newsletter you subscribed to.
  • To operate, secure and improve the website, and to show advertising.

3. Identity Documents (Aadhaar & PAN)

Identity documents are used only to verify membership applications. Aadhaar and PAN numbers are stored in encrypted form, and uploaded documents are kept in private storage that is not publicly accessible. We follow the principle of purpose limitation and retain these documents only as long as necessary for verification and legal compliance under applicable Indian law, including the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023. We never display your identity documents publicly.

4. Cookies & Advertising

We use cookies to keep you signed in, remember your language preference and understand site usage. We display ads, including through Google AdSense. Third-party vendors, including Google, use cookies to serve ads based on your prior visits to this and other websites. You can opt out of personalised advertising via Google Ads Settings.

5. Third-Party Services

We share limited data with trusted service providers only as needed to operate the site:

  • Razorpay — payment processing.
  • Google — advertising (AdSense), and news distribution features.
  • News and content-generation providers used to prepare articles.

These providers have their own privacy policies governing their use of information.

6. Data Retention

We keep your information for as long as your account or membership is active, and thereafter only as required to meet legal, accounting or reporting obligations. You may request deletion of your account and personal data (subject to legal retention requirements).

7. Data Security

We use reasonable technical and organisational measures to protect your information, including encryption of sensitive identity numbers and access controls. However, no method of transmission or storage is completely secure.

8. Your Rights

Subject to applicable law, you may access, correct or delete your personal data, withdraw consent, or object to certain processing. To exercise these rights, contact us using the details below.

9. Children

Our services are not directed to children under 18, and we do not knowingly collect their personal data.

10. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. The "Last updated" date above reflects the latest version.

11. Contact Us

For any privacy questions or requests, contact us at contact@lensofindia.com.