Privacy Policy

Last Updated: [DATE TO BE FILLED]

1. Introduction

The Ismaili Professionals Network (“IPN,” “we,” “us,” or “our”) is committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy describes how we collect, use, store, and protect your personal information when you use the IPNOnline platform (“Platform”) and related services.

This Privacy Policy applies to all users of the IPNOnline platform. By creating an IPNOnline account, submitting personal data, or using IPNOnline's features, you agree to our collection, use, and disclosure practices as outlined below.

Contact Information:

2. Information We Collect

2.1 Personal Information You Provide

We collect information you voluntarily provide when you:

• Register for an account
• Complete your professional profile
• Register for events
• Use our messaging features
• Contact us for support

This may include:

• Name, email address, and contact information
• Professional background, education, and experience
• Profile photos and professional information
• Event registration details
• Communication preferences and frequency of interactions

2.2 Automatically Collected Information

We automatically collect certain information when you use our Platform:

• Device information (IP address, browser type, operating system)
• Usage data (pages visited, features used, time spent)
• Search queries within the Platform
• Technical information for security and performance

2.3 Payment Information

When you register for paid events, payment processing is handled exclusively by Stripe, Inc. We do not store credit card numbers, CVV codes, or other sensitive payment information. We may retain transaction IDs and payment status for record-keeping purposes.

3. How We Use Your Information

We use your personal information to:

3.1 Platform Operations

• Provide and maintain the IPNOnline platform
• Facilitate professional networking among users
• Enable messaging between platform members
• Process event registrations and payments

3.2 Communication

• Send platform updates and notifications
• Facilitate introductions between professionals
• Provide customer support
• Send newsletters and community updates via our email service provider

3.3 Platform Improvement

• Analyze usage patterns to improve our services
• Conduct research to enhance user experience
• Develop new features and functionality
• Ensure platform security and prevent abuse

3.4 Legal and Safety

• Comply with legal obligations
• Enforce our Terms of Service
• Protect against fraud and abuse
• Respond to legal requests and prevent harm

4. Information Sharing and Disclosure

4.1 Within the IPN Community

• Your professional profile information is visible to other verified platform members
• Ismaili users have access to full platform features
• Non-Ismaili users have limited access as specified in our Terms of Service

4.2 Third-Party Service Providers

We share information with trusted service providers who assist us in operating the Platform. All third-party providers are contractually obligated to protect your information and use it only for the services they provide to us.

4.3 Legal Requirements

We may disclose your information when required by law or when we believe disclosure is necessary to:

• Comply with legal process or governmental requests
• Protect our rights, property, or safety
• Protect the rights, property, or safety of our users
• Investigate potential violations of our Terms of Service

4.4 Business Transfers

In the event of a merger, acquisition, or transfer of assets, user information may be transferred as part of the transaction, subject to the same privacy protections.

5. Data Security

We implement appropriate technical and organizational security measures to protect your personal information against unauthorized access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction. These measures may include:

• Encryption of data in transit
• Regular security assessments and updates
• Access controls and authentication measures
• Employee training on data protection
• Regular backups and disaster recovery procedures

However, no method of transmission over the internet or electronic storage is 100% secure. While we strive to protect your information, we cannot guarantee absolute security.

6. Data Retention

We retain your personal information for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined in this Privacy Policy, unless a longer retention period is required or permitted by law. Specific retention periods include:

• Account Information: Retained while your account is active and for 7 years after account closure
• Profile Data: Retained while your account is active and for 3 years after account closure
• Chat Messages: Retained indefinitely unless deleted by users or as required for legal compliance
• Event Registration Data: Retained for 7 years for financial and tax purposes
• Analytics Data: Anonymized and retained for 26 months (Google Analytics standard)

You may request deletion of your account and associated data at any time, subject to legal retention requirements.

7. Your Rights and Choices

7.1 Access and Correction

You have the right to:

• Access your personal information
• Correct inaccurate or incomplete information
• Update your profile and preferences
• Download your data

7.2 Data Portability

You may request a copy of your personal information in a structured, machine-readable format.

7.3 Deletion Rights

You may request deletion of your personal information, subject to:

• Legal retention requirements
• Legitimate business interests
• Ongoing legal proceedings

7.4 Communication Preferences

You may opt out of:

• Non-essential email communications
• Marketing messages
• Platform notifications (with some exceptions for critical updates)

7.5 EU and California Residents

Residents of jurisdictions with additional privacy rights (e.g., EU, California) may exercise those rights by contacting us at [email]. We will respond in accordance with applicable law.

8. International Data Transfers

Your information is processed and stored in the United States. If you are accessing the Platform from outside the United States, please be aware that your information may be transferred to, stored, and processed in the United States, where data protection laws may differ from those in your jurisdiction.

For EU residents, we ensure appropriate safeguards are in place for international transfers in accordance with GDPR requirements.

9. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

We use cookies and similar tracking technologies to:

• Remember your preferences and settings
• Analyze platform usage and performance
• Provide security features
• Enable core platform functionality

You can control cookie settings through your browser, though disabling certain cookies may limit platform functionality.

9.1 Google Analytics

We use Google Analytics to understand how users interact with our Platform. Google Analytics uses cookies to collect usage information anonymously. You can opt out of Google Analytics by installing the Google Analytics Opt-out Browser Add-on.

10. Children's Privacy

The IPNOnline platform is designed for professional networking and is not intended for individuals under 18 years of age. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 18. If we become aware that a child under 18 has provided us with personal information, we will take steps to delete such information.

11. Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices, technology, or legal requirements. We will notify you of material changes by:

• Posting the updated policy on the Platform
• Sending email notifications to registered users
• Providing prominent notice on the Platform

Your continued use of the Platform after the effective date of changes constitutes acceptance of the updated Privacy Policy.

THE IPNONLINE PLATFORM AND ALL CONTENT, SERVICES, AND FEATURES ARE PROVIDED "AS-IS" AND "AS-AVAILABLE," WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED. IPN DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES, INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION THE WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, UNINTERRUPTED SERVICE, AND NON-INFRINGEMENT. YOU USE THE PLATFORM AT YOUR OWN RISK

You agree to defend, indemnify, and hold harmless Ismaili Professionals Network (IPN), IPNOnline Platform, and each of their parent, subsidiary, and affiliated entities, as well as their officers, directors, volunteers, agents, and service providers, from any and all claims, liabilities, losses, or expenses (including reasonable attorneys' fees) arising out of your use of the Platform or any breach of this Privacy Policy.

"By accessing or using IPNOnline, you covenant to hold IPN, its parent organizations, affiliates, subsidiaries, and their respective officers, directors, volunteers, agents, and service providers harmless against any and all claims, damages, liabilities, and costs (including legal fees) resulting from your actions or omissions on the Platform."

12. Contact Us

If you have questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or our privacy practices, please contact us at:

For EU residents, you also have the right to lodge a complaint with your local supervisory authority if you believe our processing of your personal information violates applicable law.

This Privacy Policy is effective as of [DATE] and governs the use of the IPNOnline platform operated by the Ismaili Professionals Network.