1. Introduction
EdPicker ("EdPicker", "we", "us", or "our") is an education technology platform operated from Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India. We help learners discover colleges, courses, and counselling support across India.
We use the Meta WhatsApp Business Platform to communicate with you for support, updates, and with your consent, for recommendations. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, store, and protect your personal data.
EdPicker is the Data Controller for your personal information and is responsible for ensuring its processing complies with the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023 (India).
2. Information We Collect
We collect information you provide directly and information generated through your use of our services:
- Account & Profile Data: Name, email address, phone number, city, state, current education level, role (student, parent, counsellor).
- Educational Preferences: Courses of interest, budget range, entrance exams, preferred locations.
- Communication Data: Inquiries, call recordings (with notice), emails, and chat transcripts.
- WhatsApp Business Platform Data: Your WhatsApp phone number, profile name, message content you send us (text, images, documents, voice notes), message timestamps, delivery and read receipts, and your opt-in and opt-out status.
- Technical Data: IP address, device type, browser, operating system, and usage analytics.
- Transaction Data: Payment status and invoices for paid counselling services. We do not store card details.
3. How We Use Information
We use your data only for legitimate educational service purposes:
- To create your account and provide personalized college and course recommendations.
- To respond to your queries via phone, email, and WhatsApp.
- To connect you with verified partner institutions, only after your explicit consent.
- To send service-critical alerts such as application deadlines, document reminders, and counselling slots.
- To improve our platform, train counsellors, and ensure quality.
WhatsApp Messaging
We will only send WhatsApp messages after you opt-in via our website, WhatsApp, or by providing your number. You can opt-out anytime by replying STOP, UNSUBSCRIBE, or by emailing us. We use WhatsApp data solely to provide EdPicker services and support. We do not use the content of your WhatsApp messages for advertising on Meta platforms.
4. Data Sharing
We do not sell your personal data. We share data only in these limited circumstances:
- With Partner Institutions: Your name, contact, and academic preferences are shared with a college or university only when you request information or apply through EdPicker.
- With Service Providers: Trusted vendors who help us operate (cloud hosting, analytics, customer support, payment processing) under strict confidentiality agreements.
- Legal Compliance: When required by Indian law, court order, or government authority.
5. Data Processors
We engage the following categories of data processors:
- Meta Platforms, Inc.: Provider of the WhatsApp Business Platform. Meta processes WhatsApp messages on our behalf to deliver them to you.
- Cloud Infrastructure: Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Google Cloud Platform, with servers located in India (Mumbai region).
- Communication Tools: For email delivery and CRM.
Note on Meta Platform Data Handling: Data received from WhatsApp (phone number, message content, opt-in status) is used exclusively to operate EdPicker services. We do not transfer, share, or combine WhatsApp data with third parties for their independent marketing. All data processing is in compliance with the WhatsApp Business Messaging Policy and Meta's Business Terms. Meta retains message data per its own retention schedule for service delivery.
6. Data Retention
We retain personal data only as long as necessary:
- Active student accounts: For the duration of your engagement plus 24 months thereafter.
- WhatsApp conversation logs: 12 months for quality and dispute resolution, then deleted or anonymized.
- Opt-out records: 36 months to ensure we honour your preference.
- Legal records: As required by Indian tax and education regulations, typically up to 7 years.
You may request early deletion by contacting us, subject to legal obligations.
7. Your Rights under India DPDP Act, 2023
As a Data Principal in India, you have the right to:
- Access: Obtain a summary of personal data we hold about you.
- Correction and Erasure: Request correction of inaccurate data or deletion of data no longer needed.
- Withdraw Consent: Withdraw consent for WhatsApp or marketing at any time without affecting services you already receive.
- Grievance Redressal: Lodge a complaint with our Grievance Officer.
- Nominate: Nominate another individual to exercise your rights in case of incapacity.
To exercise any right, email us at hi@edpicker.com. We will respond within 30 days as mandated by law.
8. Children's Privacy
EdPicker provides services to students, including those under 18 years of age. For any user below 18, we require verifiable consent from a parent or legal guardian before collecting personal data or initiating WhatsApp communications.
If we learn that we have collected data from a child without parental consent, we will delete it promptly. Parents can review, modify, or request deletion of their child's data by contacting us.
9. Security
We implement appropriate technical and organisational measures including TLS encryption in transit, AES-256 encryption at rest, access controls, role-based permissions, and regular security audits. WhatsApp messages are transmitted via Meta's end-to-end encrypted infrastructure. While we strive to protect your data, no system is 100% secure.
10. Contact Us
EdPicker - Grievance Officer
Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India
For WhatsApp opt-out, reply STOP to any message or email us with your number.
Changes to this Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy to reflect changes in law or our services. We will notify you of material changes via email or WhatsApp (if opted-in) and update the Last Updated date above.