Privacy Policy

BrightChapters (“Platform”, “we”, “our”, or “us”), operated by NPOWS (OPC) Private Limited, is committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, store, and protect your personal data when you use our Services.

This Policy is published in compliance with the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023 (DPDPA) of India.

1. Personal Data We Collect

We may collect the following personal data:

• Name or username
• Email address
• Login credentials (encrypted)
• Profile information (bio, avatar, preferences)
• Payment-related details (UPI ID, transaction references)
• Wallet balances and coin transaction history
• Content you create or upload
• Email communication preferences

We do not knowingly collect sensitive personal data beyond what is required for platform functionality and legal compliance.

2. How We Use Your Data

Your personal data is used to:

• Create and manage your account
• Provide access to stories, books, and platform features
• Operate the coin system, wallet, and withdrawals
• Enable reader–author interactions
• Process payments and payouts
• Ensure platform security and prevent fraud
• Comply with legal and regulatory obligations

3. Google Authentication

If you choose to sign in using Google, we receive limited information such as your email address and display name from Google. We do not receive your Google password.

Google authentication is used solely for account creation and login.

4. Journaling and Creative Tools

The Platform may offer private journaling tools, including voice-based journaling with automated transcription.

• Journals are private by default
• Voice data may be temporarily processed to generate text
• We do not monitor or analyze private journals beyond technical needs

Journaling features are intended for personal creative expression only and are not medical or therapeutic services.

5. Data Storage and Security

We implement reasonable technical and organizational safeguards to protect your personal data against unauthorized access, loss, or misuse.

Passwords are stored in encrypted form. Financial transactions are processed through authorized payment partners.

6. Data Sharing

We do not sell your personal data.

Data may be shared only with:

• Payment processors for transaction fulfillment
• Service providers assisting in platform operations
• Authorities when required by law

7. Artificial Intelligence and Content Usage

BrightChapters respects author ownership and creative rights.

• We do not use stories, manuscripts, journals, audio files, or user-submitted content to train artificial intelligence or machine learning models.
• We do not sell, license, provide, or otherwise make user content available to third parties for artificial intelligence or machine learning training purposes.
• Any future use of user content for artificial intelligence or machine learning training would require the user's explicit opt-in consent.

We believe authors should retain control over how their creative work is used.

8. Cookies and Analytics

BrightChapters uses cookies and similar technologies to provide essential website functionality and improve user experience.

Essential cookies are used for login sessions, security, and platform functionality.

With user consent, we may use analytics services such as Google Analytics and Microsoft Clarity to understand how visitors use the Platform and to improve performance and usability.

Users may accept or reject non-essential analytics cookies through the cookie consent banner presented on the Platform.

9. Data Retention

We retain personal data only for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined in this Policy or to comply with legal requirements.

10. Communications and Respect for Your Attention

BrightChapters believes your attention is valuable.

Our goal is not to demand your attention, but to earn it.

• We do not require phone numbers for standard reader or writer accounts.
• We do not send SMS marketing messages.
• We do not send WhatsApp marketing messages.
• By default, BrightChapters sends no more than one content update email per week and only when meaningful new content is available on the Platform.
• Essential service communications such as account verification, password resets, payment confirmations, and security notices may be sent when required.
• You may unsubscribe from non-essential communications at any time.

Any future notification features, such as author follows or personalized alerts, will be optional and controlled by user preferences.

11. Your Rights

In accordance with DPDPA, you have the right to:

• Request access to your personal data
• Request correction or updating of data
• Request erasure of personal data, subject to legal obligations
• Withdraw consent where applicable
• Raise grievances regarding data handling
• Withdraw cookie consent and manage cookie preferences where applicable

12. Grievance Redressal

Grievance Officer / Data Protection Officer
Name: Olivia Mukherjee
Email: contact@brightchapters.com
Address: 24/A/A G.N Mukherjee Road, Bansberia, Hooghly – 712502, West Bengal, India

We aim to resolve grievances within 15 working days.

13. Updates to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Continued use of the Platform after updates constitutes acceptance of the revised Policy.

14. Governing Law

This Privacy Policy is governed by the laws of the Republic of India.