Privacy Policy

1. Information We Collect

Anonymous Account Information

• Chosen nickname (no real names required or collected)
• Randomly generated anonymous ID (4-digit identifier)
• Exam type and preparation phase (for personalized support)
• Basic privacy preferences

Service Usage Information

• Counseling session notes (for service continuity only)
• Community posts and comments (anonymous)
• Resource access patterns (to improve recommendations)
• Mood tracking data (if you choose to use this feature)

2. How We Use Your Information

Service Provision

• Matching you with appropriate counselors and resources
• Maintaining session continuity across counseling appointments
• Providing personalized resource recommendations
• Enabling anonymous community participation

Platform Improvement

• Analyzing aggregated, anonymous usage patterns
• Improving our mental health resources and tools
• Enhancing user experience and platform functionality
• Developing new features based on anonymous feedback

We never use your information for: Marketing, advertising, profiling, or any purpose other than providing mental health support services.

3. Anonymity Protection Measures

Technical Safeguards

• Anonymous ID System: Random 4-digit IDs replace traditional user accounts
• Data Sanitization: Automatic removal of potentially identifying information
• Session Isolation: Each interaction is treated as independent to prevent correlation
• No IP Logging: We don't record or store IP addresses

Enhanced Privacy Mode

Users can enable enhanced anonymity mode which provides additional privacy protections:

• Automatic clearing of session data after each visit
• Additional data sanitization measures
• Reduced data collection to absolute minimum
• Enhanced encryption for all communications

4. Information Sharing and Disclosure

Limited Sharing Scenarios

We may share anonymized information only in these specific circumstances:

• Emergency Situations: If there's imminent risk of harm and disclosure could prevent it
• Legal Requirements: If required by law (though our anonymous system provides limited data)
• Service Providers: Anonymized data with trusted partners who help us provide services
• Research: Aggregated, completely anonymized data for mental health research (with your explicit consent)

Counselor Access

Qualified counselors only see your chosen nickname, anonymous ID, and session notes necessary for providing continuous care. They never have access to identifying information.

5. Data Security

Security Measures

• Encryption: All data is encrypted in transit and at rest using industry-standard protocols
• Access Controls: Strict access controls limit who can view any user data
• Regular Audits: Regular security audits and penetration testing
• Staff Training: All staff trained on privacy protection and anonymity protocols

Infrastructure Security

• Secure servers with multiple backup systems
• 24/7 monitoring for security threats
• Regular software updates and security patches
• Isolated systems for sensitive counseling data

6. Data Retention and Deletion

Retention Periods

• Account Data: Retained until you request deletion
• Session Notes: Retained for continuity of care (up to 2 years)
• Community Posts: Retained until you delete them or request account deletion
• Activity Logs: Automatically deleted after 90 days

Account Deletion

You can permanently delete your anonymous account at any time:

• All your data is immediately removed from active systems
• Backup systems are purged within 30 days
• Community posts are anonymized (no longer linked to your account)
• The deletion process is irreversible

7. Your Privacy Rights

Your Rights Include

• Access: View all data associated with your anonymous account
• Correction: Update or correct any information
• Deletion: Permanently delete your account and all associated data
• Portability: Download your data in a standard format
• Privacy Settings: Control how your data is used and stored

To exercise these rights, visit your Privacy Settings in the user dashboard or contact us through our anonymous contact form.

8. Counseling Session Privacy

Confidentiality Standards

• All counseling sessions are subject to professional confidentiality standards
• Session notes are encrypted and accessible only to your assigned counselor
• No session content is shared without your explicit consent
• Emergency protocols exist only for imminent safety risks

Counselor Guidelines

• Counselors never attempt to identify users
• All interactions remain within the anonymous framework
• Session data is used only for providing consistent care
• Counselors follow strict privacy and ethics protocols

9. Community Interaction Privacy

Community features maintain the same anonymity standards:

• All posts and comments are linked only to your anonymous ID
• No personal information should be shared in community areas
• Moderators enforce anonymity guidelines
• You can delete your posts at any time

10. Cookies and Tracking

Minimal Cookie Use

We use only essential cookies required for platform functionality:

• Session Cookies: Maintain your anonymous login session
• Preference Cookies: Remember your privacy and accessibility settings
• Security Cookies: Protect against malicious activities

No Tracking

• We don't use analytics cookies or tracking pixels
• No third-party advertising or tracking scripts
• No social media tracking or integration
• No behavioral profiling or user fingerprinting

11. Changes to This Policy

We may update this privacy policy to reflect changes in our practices or legal requirements. When we make changes:

• We'll notify users through the platform
• Significant changes will be highlighted clearly
• The "Last Updated" date will be revised
• You'll have the opportunity to review changes before they take effect

Continued use of MindEase after policy changes indicates acceptance of the updated terms.

12. Contact Information

If you have questions about this privacy policy or our privacy practices:

• Anonymous Contact Form: Submit an anonymous inquiry
• Privacy Email: privacy@mindease.in
• Data Protection Officer: dpo@mindease.in

We're committed to addressing your privacy concerns while maintaining your anonymity.