1. Introduction

The Kovai Mining Surveillance System ("App", "we", "us", or "our") is a government initiative by the Coimbatore District Administration, Tamil Nadu, India. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you use our mobile application and web portal to report illegal mining activities.

By using our services, you consent to the data practices described in this policy. If you do not agree with the terms of this privacy policy, please do not access the application.

2. Information We Collect

We collect information that you voluntarily provide to us when you:

• Register an account on our platform (optional - you can submit as a guest)
• Submit a complaint about illegal mining activities
• Upload photographs as evidence

Personal Information (for Registered Users only):

• First Name and Last Name
• Email address
• Phone number
• Password (stored in encrypted format)

Complaint-Related Information:

• Photographs uploaded as evidence
• GPS coordinates (only when you click "Detect My Location" - this is optional)
• District, Taluk, Mother Village, and Hamlet Village selection
• Area name/landmark
• Case title and description
• Submission date and time

3. How We Use Your Information

We use the collected information for the following purposes:

• Processing Complaints: To register, investigate, and resolve complaints about illegal mining activities
• Communication: To send registered users status updates and notifications about their complaint
• Coordination: To share complaint details with authorized government departments (Revenue, Police, Mining, Pollution Control, Forest, WRD) for investigation and action
• Legal Compliance: To comply with applicable laws, regulations, and government orders

4. Information Sharing and Disclosure

We may share your complaint information with:

• Government Departments: Revenue Department, Police Department, Geology and Mining Department, Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board, Forest Department, and Water Resources Department for complaint investigation and resolution
• Authorized Officials: District Collectors, Sub-Collectors, Revenue Divisional Officers, Superintendent of Police, and other authorized personnel
• Legal Authorities: When required by law, court order, or government directive

5. Data Security

We implement security measures to protect your personal information:

• Passwords are stored in encrypted (hashed) format
• Data transmission uses secure protocols
• Access to complaint data is limited to authorized government personnel
• Servers are hosted within secure infrastructure

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

6. Data Retention

We retain your personal information for as long as necessary to:

• Process and resolve your complaints
• Comply with legal obligations and government recordkeeping requirements
• Resolve disputes and enforce our agreements

Complaint records may be retained as per government recordkeeping policies.

7. Your Rights

As a registered user, you have the following rights regarding your personal information:

• Access: View your submitted complaints and their status through the portal
• Correction: Request correction of inaccurate profile information by contacting us
• Opt-out: Choose to submit complaints as a guest without registration

To exercise these rights, please contact us using the information provided below.

8. Children's Privacy

Our services are intended for individuals who are 18 years of age or older. We recommend that minors have parental guidance when using this service.

9. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of any changes by posting the new Privacy Policy on this page and updating the "Last Updated" date. You are advised to review this Privacy Policy periodically for any changes.

10. Contact Us

11. Governing Law

This Privacy Policy is governed by the laws of India, including the Information Technology Act, 2000 and applicable data protection regulations.