Privacy Policy
Last updated: 20 September 2026
1. Introduction
Motihari Local ("we", "us", "our") respects your privacy and is committed to protecting the personal information you share with us. This Privacy Policy explains what information we collect, how we use it, and the choices you have, whether you use the Platform as a Customer or as a Vendor (shop owner).
By using Motihari Local, you agree to the collection and use of information as described in this policy.
2. Information We Collect
We collect information you provide directly, information generated automatically as you use the Platform, and information related to your store if you register as a Vendor.
| Category | Examples |
|---|---|
| Account information | Name, email address, phone number, password (stored securely as a hash), account role (customer / vendor) |
| Store information (Vendors) | Store name, address, area, category, WhatsApp number, logo, product images, prices, and offers |
| Usage information | Pages viewed, search queries, favorited products, device type, and browser information |
| Communications | Any information you share with us directly, such as support emails |
3. How We Use Your Information
- To create and manage your account and verify Vendor stores.
- To display relevant shops, products, categories, and offers to you.
- To power features such as search, favorites/wishlist, and personalized recommendations.
- To send OTP verification codes and important account-related emails.
- To maintain the security and integrity of the Platform, and prevent fraud or abuse.
- To respond to support requests and improve our services over time.
4. How We Share Information
We do not sell your personal information. We share information only in the following limited circumstances:
- With Vendors: When you contact a store via WhatsApp, the information you choose to share in that conversation (such as your name and order details) is shared directly with the Vendor, outside of our platform.
- Service providers: We may use trusted third-party services (such as email delivery providers) strictly to operate the Platform on our behalf.
- Legal requirements: We may disclose information if required by law, regulation, or a valid legal request.
- Business transfers: If Motihari Local is involved in a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets, user information may be transferred as part of that transaction, subject to this Policy.
5. Information Vendors Receive
When you initiate an order or conversation with a shop through the "WhatsApp Order" or "Contact Store" buttons, you are taken to WhatsApp, and the Vendor receives whatever information you choose to send them (typically your name, phone number visible on WhatsApp, and your message). Motihari Local does not control or store the content of these WhatsApp conversations.
6. Cookies & Similar Technologies
We use session cookies and similar technologies to keep you logged in, remember your preferences, and understand how the Platform is used. You can control cookies through your browser settings, though disabling them may limit some features (such as staying logged in).
7. Data Security
We use industry-standard measures to protect your information, including password hashing, CSRF protection on forms, and access controls on our database. However, no method of transmission or storage is 100% secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.
8. Data Retention
We retain your account information for as long as your account remains active, or as needed to provide our services. You may request deletion of your account and associated personal data at any time by contacting us, subject to any legal retention requirements.
9. Your Rights & Choices
- Access & correction: You can view and update your profile information from your account settings.
- Deletion: You may request that we delete your account and personal data by emailing us.
- Marketing communications: You may opt out of non-essential email communications at any time.
- Favorites/Wishlist data: You can remove saved items at any time from within your account.
10. Children's Privacy
Motihari Local is not directed at children under the age of 13, and we do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If you believe a child has provided us with personal information, please contact us so we can remove it.
11. Changes to This Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices or for legal reasons. The "Last updated" date at the top of this page indicates when the latest changes were made. We encourage you to review this page periodically.
12. Contact Us
If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or how your data is handled, please contact us:
- Email: support@motiharilocal.in
- Address: Motihari, Bihar, India – 845401