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sam2code edited this page Dec 27, 2025 · 14 revisions

STEP&HOP PLATFORM PRIVACY POLICY

Last Updated: 28-December-2025
Effective Date: 23-December-2025

This Privacy Policy explains how OWLHOP VENTURES PRIVATE LIMITED ("Company", "we", "us", "our") collects, uses, stores, shares, and protects information when you use any of our applications, websites, or services under the brand name "Step&Hop" or "SNH" or "stepnhop" (collectively, the "Platform").

This Policy applies to all Platform applications, including but not limited to:

  • Step&Hop: Step&Hop Consumer App
  • S&H Partner: Step&Hop Supplier App
  • Admin / Operations Interfaces

By using the Platform, you agree to the collection and use of information as described in this Policy.

1. WHO THIS POLICY APPLIES TO

This Policy applies to:

  • Individual users (buyers/customers/consumers)
  • Businesses (suppliers)
  • Authorized administrators and operators

All users must be 18 years or older and have legal capacity to use the Platform.

2. INFORMATION WE COLLECT

We collect information necessary to operate a trusted, transaction-enabled platform.

2.1 Personal & Business Information

  • Name (individual or business name)
  • Data of Birth of individuals (optional)
  • Phone number
  • Email address (optional)
  • Business details
  • Proof of identity for businesses
  • Proof of business ownership or registration
  • Banking information of businesses

2.2 Camera Images / Photos

  • Product images uploaded by suppliers
  • Images submitted for verification, returns, or issue resolution

Purpose:
To enable product listings, verification, and transaction support.

2.3 Location Data

  • Address (individual or business)
  • Location selected on maps
  • Geographic coordinates (latitude/longitude)

Purpose:
To help buyers locate businesses and enable location-based discovery and delivery.

2.4 Audio Recordings (Microphone Access)

  • Businesses may record audio descriptions of products

Important Clarification:
Audio recordings are not stored permanently.
They are:

  1. Temporarily processed using AI to generate text descriptions
  2. Converted into text
  3. Discarded after processing

Only the text description is stored.

2.5 Phone Access

  • Used to enable:
    • Calls to Step&Hop customer support
    • Calls between individuals (buyers) and businesses (suppliers) during transactions

Phone numbers are not publicly displayed.

2.6 Usage, Analytics & Technical Data

  • App usage patterns
  • Search queries
  • Login timestamps
  • Device and crash information
  • Performance metrics

Purpose:
To improve functionality, stability, and user experience.

3. HOW WE USE YOUR INFORMATION

We use collected information to:

  • Create and manage user and business accounts
  • Enable product listings and transactions
  • Facilitate communication between buyers and sellers
  • Verify identity and prevent fraud
  • Provide customer support
  • Improve platform features and performance
  • Comply with legal and regulatory obligations

4. CONTENT REVIEW & VISIBILITY

To maintain trust and safety:

  • Product photos and descriptions may be reviewed by authorized administrators before being made visible
  • Review is performed to prevent fraud, misuse, or policy violations

Visibility on the Platform:

Data Visibility
Product photos Visible to buyers
Business location May be visible to buyers
Product descriptions Visible after review
Phone number Shared only to enable transaction communication

5. DATA STORAGE & SECURITY

5.1 Where Data Is Stored

We store data using Google Firebase and Google Cloud Platform services. Our data is stored in asia-south1 region of Google Cloud.

5.2 Security Measures

We implement:

  • Secure authentication
  • Encrypted data transmission
  • Role-based access controls
  • Restricted administrative access

No system is completely secure, but we take reasonable steps to protect your data.

6. THIRD-PARTY SERVICES

We use trusted third-party service providers, including:

  • Google Firebase (Authentication, Database, Storage, Analytics, Crash Reporting)
  • Google Cloud Platform
  • Google Maps
  • Sarvam AI (Audio-to-text processing)
  • EXOTEL API (For telephonic calls with helpdesk and communications between users and suppliers)

These providers process data only for service delivery purposes and under contractual confidentiality obligations.

7. DATA SHARING

We do not sell personal data.

Data may be shared:

  • Between transacting users as required to complete transactions
  • With service providers strictly for platform operations
  • When required by law or legal process

8. DATA RETENTION

  • Data is retained while the account is active
  • Users may:
    • Go offline
    • Mark themselves inactive
  • Upon permanent account deletion:
    • Data is deleted or anonymized
    • Some records may be retained where legally required

For details on data retention, please refer to: https://github.com/sam2code/SNH_Public/wiki/Supplier-Account-Deletion https://github.com/sam2code/SNH_Public/wiki/User-Account-Deletion

9. USER RIGHTS

Subject to applicable law, users have the right to:

9.1 Access & Update

  • View and update business and profile information via the App

9.2 Delete Data

  • Request permanent deletion by contacting customer support or self-serve by using options available in user app
  • Disable account or mark inactive at any time

For details refer to: https://github.com/sam2code/SNH_Public/wiki/Supplier-Account-Deletion https://github.com/sam2code/SNH_Public/wiki/User-Account-Deletion

9.3 Withdraw Consent

  • Withdraw consent for optional features
  • Withdrawal of essential permissions may limit functionality

10. PERMISSIONS DISCLOSURE

Our apps may request the following permissions:

Permission Purpose
Camera Upload product photos
Location Share business location
Microphone Record product descriptions
Phone Call support or transact

Permissions are requested only when needed and can be managed via device settings.

11. COMMUNICATIONS & DND CONSENT (INDIA)

By providing your mobile number, you consent to receive communications via SMS, calls, WhatsApp, or push notifications even if registered under DND/NCPR, for service, transaction, and support purposes.

You may opt out of non-essential communications.

12. CHILDREN'S PRIVACY

Step&Hop does not knowingly collect data from individuals under 18.

Accounts found to belong to minors may be terminated.

13. CHANGES TO THIS PRIVACY POLICY

We may update this Policy from time to time.

  • The "Last Updated" date will be revised
  • Material changes may require re-acceptance
  • Continued use constitutes acceptance of updates

14. COMPLIANCE WITH LAWS

This Policy is designed to comply with:

  • India Digital Personal Data Protection Act (DPDP)
  • Applicable consumer protection laws

15. CONTACT US

For privacy concerns, data requests, or questions:

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