Cookie & Tracking Policy

Effective Date: 6th August 2025

This Cookie & Tracking Policy (“Policy”) is issued by Lahar Networks Private Limited, a company incorporated under the Companies Act, 2013, bearing CIN U63112DL2025PTC452796, with its registered office at D-365, West Vinod Nagar, East Delhi, Delhi 110092, India. This Policy explains the use of cookies and tracking technologies on the Lahar platform (“Lahar” or “Platform”) and provides Users with clear choices regarding consent and opt-out mechanisms.

1. Purpose

1.1 The purpose of this Policy is to ensure transparency regarding the collection and use of cookies, pixels, and similar tracking technologies by Lahar.

1.2 This Policy is designed to comply with the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023 (DPDP Act), the Information Technology (Reasonable Security Practices and Procedures and Sensitive Personal Data or Information) Rules, 2011, the IT Rules, 2021, and global standards including the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR – EU), the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA – USA), and other international privacy frameworks.

2. Applicability

2.1 This Policy applies to all categories of Users, namely Regular Users, Content Creators or Marketplace Operators, and Institutional Users.

2.2 This Policy applies whenever Users access the Platform through web browsers, mobile applications, or third-party integrations that rely on cookies or tracking technologies.

3. What are Cookies and Tracking Technologies

3.1 Cookies are small text files placed on a User’s device by a website or application to store preferences, enable functionality, and track activity.

3.2 Tracking technologies include pixels, web beacons, SDKs, device identifiers, and similar tools that collect information about User behavior, device type, browser information, location data, and usage patterns.

4. Types of Cookies Used

4.1 Strictly Necessary Cookies: These cookies are essential for the operation of the Platform, including authentication, session management, security, and fraud prevention.

4.2 Performance and Analytics Cookies: These cookies collect information about how Users interact with the Platform to improve performance, functionality, and User experience.

4.3 Functional Cookies: These cookies remember User preferences, such as language settings and account configurations.

4.4 Advertising and Targeting Cookies: These cookies track browsing behavior to deliver personalized advertisements, sponsored content, and promotions, subject to User consent.

5. Legal Basis for Processing

5.1 For Users located in India, cookies and tracking technologies are processed under the DPDP Act with User consent wherever required.

5.2 For Users located in the European Union, cookie usage is based on GDPR Article 6(1)(a) (consent) or Article 6(1)(f) (legitimate interests, where applicable).

5.3 For Users in California, cookie usage complies with the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), which provides opt-out rights for the sale or sharing of personal data.

6. Consent Mechanism

6.1 Upon first access, Users will be presented with a cookie banner requesting consent to non-essential cookies, such as analytics and advertising cookies.

6.2 Users may accept, reject, or customize their cookie preferences at any time through the cookie settings panel available on the Platform.

6.3 Users may withdraw consent at any time without affecting the lawfulness of processing carried out prior to withdrawal.

7. Opt-Out and User Controls

7.1 Users may disable cookies by adjusting their browser or device settings, though certain features of the Platform may not function properly without essential cookies.

7.2 Users may opt out of personalized advertising by using industry opt-out tools such as the Network Advertising Initiative (NAI), the Digital Advertising Alliance (DAA), or equivalent regional mechanisms.

7.3 Institutional Users managing multiple accounts may request centralized cookie preference settings through written communication to [email protected].

8. Data Retention

8.1 Cookies and tracking data shall be retained only for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined in this Policy and in accordance with the Data Retention & Deletion Policy of Lahar.

8.2 Session cookies are automatically deleted once the browser is closed, while persistent cookies shall expire in accordance with their set duration or when deleted by the User.

9. Sharing of Data

9.1 Cookie-generated data may be shared with trusted third-party service providers for analytics, advertising, fraud detection, and security monitoring.

9.2 Such third parties shall be contractually bound to process data in compliance with applicable data protection laws and this Policy.

9.3 Lahar does not sell personal data collected through cookies without providing Users the right to opt out, as required under the CCPA.

10. Security of Cookie Data

10.1 Lahar applies industry-standard encryption and security measures to safeguard cookie and tracking data from unauthorized access, alteration, or misuse.

10.2 Access to such data is restricted to authorized personnel only.

11. Updates to Policy

11.1 Lahar may revise this Policy periodically to reflect changes in law, technology, or business practices.

11.2 Users shall be notified of significant updates via Platform notifications or email. Continued use of the Platform after such updates constitutes acceptance of the revised Policy.

12. Contact

For questions or concerns regarding this Policy or to exercise cookie preferences, please contact:

Lahar Networks Private Limited
D-365, West Vinod Nagar, East Delhi, Delhi 110092, India
Email: [email protected]