Privacy Policy

MentorTalk Edutech Private Limited ("MentorTalk", "we", "us", "our") operates the MentorTalk mobile application and website at www.mentortalk.app (collectively, the "Platform"). This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, store, and protect your information when you use our Platform.

This Privacy Policy is published in accordance with Section 43A of the Information Technology Act, 2000, the Information Technology (Reasonable Security Practices and Procedures and Sensitive Personal Data or Information) Rules, 2011, and the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023.

By accessing or using the Platform and by clicking the "I AGREE" button during registration, you expressly consent to the collection and use of your information as described in this Privacy Policy. If you do not agree, please do not use the Platform.

1. Information We Collect

1.1 Personal Information

When you register and use the Platform, we shall collect the following information:

• Account Information: Phone number, first name, last name, date of birth, gender.
• Identity Verification (Mentors only): Aadhaar PDF and OTP (one-time password, for verification purposes only — deleted after verification), selfie photograph, and educational qualification certificates and documents (such as degree certificates, marksheets, and other proof of academic credentials).
• Communication Data: Messages, audio, video, and other content exchanged during mentoring sessions.
• Payment Information: Wallet balance, transaction history, payment details processed through our third-party payment gateway (Razorpay). For Mentors, we additionally collect bank account details (account number, IFSC code, account holder name) and PAN card information, as required for processing payouts and compliance with applicable tax regulations. Mentee payment information is handled entirely by Razorpay and is not stored on our servers.
• Device Information: Device identifiers, operating system, app version, FCM (Firebase Cloud Messaging) tokens for push notifications.

1.2 Automatically Collected Information

• IP address and approximate geographic location
• App usage data, session duration, and interaction patterns
• Device type, operating system version, and browser information
• Crash logs and performance data

1.3 Authentication Information

We use the Truecaller SDK for phone-based authentication. Depending on your device and configuration, verification may occur via one-tap authentication, missed call verification, or OTP (one-time password). By using Truecaller authentication, you are also subject to Truecaller's Privacy Policy. We receive your verified phone number and name through this service.

2. Commitments

Creating a user profile with MentorTalk involves providing specific information. The mandatory details include your phone number for OTP (One-Time Password) verification, which is necessary to ensure the security and validity of the registration process. You are also required to provide educational information, which may include details such as your current course, stream, examination being prepared for, academic level, or institution, as applicable. This information is required to ensure relevant and effective mentor matching and guidance on the platform.

Your phone number may also be used for the purpose of Mentors connecting with you when you have requested to interact with them on the platform. Such interactions, including audio calls and video calls, are conducted exclusively through the MentorTalk app or its integrated services. Your phone number will never be shared with the Mentors directly — all communication, whether via phone call, audio call, or video call, is facilitated through MentorTalk as an intermediary, ensuring that your private contact details remain private, unknown, and inaccessible to any third parties, including Mentors, while allowing you to communicate with them at your convenience.

Additionally, you are required to provide your first name. Last name and date of birth (DOB) are optional and are not mandatory during the registration process. If provided, this information, including educational details, will be stored and used in compliance with the Information Technology (Reasonable Security Practices and Procedures and Sensitive Personal Data or Information) Rules, 2011, and for the purposes described in this policy.

3. How We Use Your Information

We use the information collected for the following purposes:

• Account Management: To create and manage your account, verify your identity, and maintain your profile.
• Service Delivery: To facilitate mentoring sessions, match mentees with mentors, and process payments.
• Identity Verification: To verify mentor credentials and ensure platform safety. Aadhaar documents are used solely for verification and are permanently deleted from our systems after successful verification.
• Communications: To send service-related notifications, session reminders, and important updates via push notifications, SMS, or email.
• Payment Processing: To manage wallet balances, process per-minute billing, and handle transactions through Razorpay.
• Platform Improvement: To analyse usage patterns, fix bugs, and improve our services.
• Safety and Security: To detect fraud, enforce our Terms and Conditions, and maintain platform integrity.
• Legal Compliance: To comply with applicable laws, regulations, and legal processes.

The information collected by the Platform may be used for any purpose as may be permissible under the applicable law and shall include but not limited to the following:

• For providing a personalised browsing experience. While using best practices to maintain the anonymity of the user, the personal information collected may be used for research purposes, for improving the marketing and promotional efforts, to analyse usage, improve the content of the Platform, product offering and for customising the Platform's layout for suiting the needs of its Users.
• With IP tracking details and Cookies data, the Platform will use it for facilitating the usage of the Platform and provide personalised experience and any information which is sensitive in nature will not be provided to any third party without the consent of the User.
• All information (and copies thereof) collected by the Platform, including without limitation Personal Information, User Data, and other information related to your access and use of the services offered by the Platform, may be retained by the Platform for such period as necessary, including but not limited to, for purposes such as compliance with statutory or legal obligations, tax laws and potential evidentiary purposes and for other reasonable purposes such as to implement, administer, and manage your access and use of our services, or resolution of any disputes.
• To ensure a seamless experience at the Platform for you and to ensure your maximum benefit and comfort, the Platform may use the data collected through cookies, log file, device identifiers, location data and clear gifs information to: (a) remember information so that you will not have to re-enter it during your visit or the next time you visit the site; (b) provide custom, personalized content and information, including advertising; (c) provide and monitor the effectiveness of Services offered by the Platform; (d) monitor aggregate metrics such as total number of visitors, traffic, usage, and demographic patterns on the Platform and its Services; (e) diagnose or fix technology problems; and (f) otherwise to plan for and enhance the service.
• The Platform uses certain third-party analytics tools to measure traffic and usage trends for the Services. These tools collect information, which is not personal or sensitive in nature sent by the User's device, including the web pages visited, add-ons, and other information that assists the Platform in improving the Services. Such information is collected from Users in the form of anonymized logs, so that it cannot reasonably be used to identify any particular individual User.
• We may obtain information collected by cookies or similar technologies, through promotions held by the Company, enrollment for promotions, campaigns, special offers, surveys, feedback, analytics, research, etc. or data otherwise shared on the Platform.
• We may also obtain information collected as a result of you hosting, displaying, uploading, modifying, publishing, transmitting, updating and sharing User Materials in any form on the Service. We may combine your personal information with information collected from tracking technologies and aggregate it with information collected from other users using the Platform to attempt to provide you with the services and a better experience on the service.
• No mobile information will be shared with third parties/affiliates for marketing/promotional purposes. Including text messaging originator opt-in data and consent; this information will also not be shared with any third parties.
• You agree to receive communications from us regarding (i) requests for payments, (ii) information about us and the Services, (iii) promotional offers and services from us and our third party partners, and (iv) any other matter in relation to the Services.

4. Aadhaar Data Handling

We take special care with Aadhaar-related data:

• Aadhaar PDF documents are collected solely for identity verification of mentors.
• Aadhaar documents are stored in encrypted form on secure servers during the verification process.
• Upon successful verification, Aadhaar PDF documents are permanently deleted from our servers and cloud storage.
• We do not share Aadhaar data with any third party.
• We retain only a verification status flag (verified/not verified) after the document is deleted.

5. Sharing of Information

We do not sell, rent, or trade your personal information. We may share your information only in the following circumstances:

• Payment Processors: With Razorpay for processing payments. Razorpay's handling of your data is governed by their privacy policy.
• Service Providers: With trusted third-party service providers who assist in operating our Platform (cloud hosting, analytics), bound by confidentiality obligations.
• Legal Requirements: When required by law, court order, or government authority, or when we believe disclosure is necessary to protect our rights, your safety, or the safety of others.
• Business Transfers: In the event of a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets, your information may be transferred to the successor entity, who will be bound by this Privacy Policy.

We do not share your personal information with other users beyond what is necessary for mentoring sessions (e.g., mentor's display name and expertise areas are visible to mentees).

6. Free Sessions

Each new Mentee receives one complimentary introductory session of 3 minutes, available for chat-based sessions only. Additional free sessions may be earned by Mentees through the referral programme ("Refer and Earn"). Mentors may also receive free session credits based on criteria and constraints determined by MentorTalk from time to time. Free sessions are subject to the same data collection, usage, and privacy practices described in this Privacy Policy. Free sessions are non-transferable and may not be exchanged for cash or wallet credit.

7. Mentor Obligations and Prohibited Disclosures

Mentors must not share the following information with Mentees during or outside of sessions: personal phone numbers, email addresses, social media handles or profiles, external website links, bank account or financial details, Aadhaar number or any government-issued identification details, home address or precise location, and any personal information of other users or mentors on the Platform. Mentors must not solicit personal information from Mentees or encourage communication outside the Platform.

8. Data Storage and Security

• All data is stored on secure servers hosted on Amazon Web Services (AWS) in India (ap-south-1 region).
• We use encryption for data in transit (TLS/SSL) and implement industry-standard security measures for data at rest.
• Access to personal data is restricted to authorized personnel only.
• Payment information is processed through PCI-DSS compliant payment gateways and is never stored on our servers.
• Despite our best efforts, no method of electronic transmission or storage is 100% secure. We cannot guarantee absolute security.

9. Data Retention

• Account Data: Retained as long as your account is active. Upon account deletion, personal data is removed within 30 days, except where retention is required by law.
• Session Data: Communication logs are retained for dispute resolution and quality purposes for a period of 90 days.
• Aadhaar Documents: Deleted immediately upon successful verification.
• Payment Records: Retained as required under applicable tax and financial regulations.
• Anonymised Analytics: May be retained indefinitely in aggregate, non-identifiable form.

10. Your Rights

You have the following rights regarding your personal information:

• Access: Request a summary of the personal data we hold about you.
• Correction: Request correction of inaccurate or incomplete data.
• Deletion: Request deletion of your account and associated personal data by contacting us at support@mentortalk.app.
• Withdraw Consent: Withdraw your consent to data processing at any time. Note that this may affect your ability to use certain features of the Platform.
• Data Portability: Request a copy of your data in a commonly used format.

To exercise any of these rights, contact us at support@mentortalk.app.

11. Children's Privacy

IF YOU ARE UNDER 8 YEARS OF AGE (FOR MENTEES) OR UNDER 14 YEARS OF AGE (FOR MENTORS), PLEASE DO NOT USE ANY OF THE SERVICE PROVIDED BY THE PLATFORM AT ANY TIME OR IN ANY MANNER. If it comes to the knowledge of the concerned parent regarding sharing of any information of a child under the minimum age requirement (8 for Mentees, 14 for Mentors), contact the Platform immediately. We will take appropriate steps and delete the data from the Platform's systems.

Users under 18 years of age may use the Platform with the consent of a parent or guardian, which is deemed to be provided upon registration.

12. Device Permissions

The Platform may request access to certain device features to enable its services:

• Microphone: Required for audio-based sessions.
• Camera: Required for video-based sessions and selfie verification during mentor onboarding.
• Notifications: To deliver session alerts, payment updates, and other service communications.
• Storage: To allow uploading of documents during mentor onboarding.

You may manage these permissions through your device settings. Disabling certain permissions may limit your ability to use specific features.

13. Cookies and Tracking

Our mobile application may use local storage and analytics tools to improve performance and user experience. We use Firebase Cloud Messaging for push notifications. We do not use cookies for advertising purposes.

14. Third-Party Links, Services and Content

The Platform may contain links to third-party websites or services. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of these external sites. We encourage you to review their privacy policies before providing any personal information.

These Terms of Service apply to all users of MentorTalk Services. Information shared through MentorTalk may include links to third-party websites not owned or controlled by MentorTalk. MentorTalk assumes no responsibility for the content, privacy policies, or practices of such third-party websites.

MentorTalk does not endorse or guarantee the accuracy of third-party content and shall not be liable for errors, omissions, defamation, obscenity, or misrepresentation contained therein. Users acknowledge that opinions expressed by mentors or third parties are solely their own and do not reflect MentorTalk's views.

Users are advised to review third-party terms and policies before engaging in any transactions or interactions.

15. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Changes will be posted on this page with an updated "Last Updated" date. Continued use of the Platform after changes constitutes acceptance of the revised policy. We will notify users of significant changes through in-app notifications.

16. Errors, Corrections, and Right to Modify or Discontinue

MentorTalk does not guarantee that the platform will be error-free, uninterrupted, or free from harmful components. Information provided on the platform may not always be accurate, complete, or up to date.

MentorTalk reserves the right to modify, suspend, or discontinue any feature, service, or content at any time without prior notice and shall not be liable for any resulting consequences.

17. Restricted Content

Child Endangerment

Our App strictly prohibits users from creating, uploading, or distributing content that facilitates the exploitation or abuse of children will be subject to immediate deletion of the account. This includes all child sexual abuse materials. To report content on the MentorTalk App that may exploit a child, please contact us at support@mentortalk.app.

We also prohibit the use of MentorTalk App to endanger children. This includes but is not limited to use of apps to promote predatory behaviour towards children, such as:

• Inappropriate interaction targeted at a child (for example, groping or caressing).
• Child grooming (for example, befriending a child online to facilitate, either online or offline, sexual contact and/or exchanging sexual imagery with that child).
• Sexualization of a minor (for example, imagery that depicts, encourages or promotes the sexual abuse of children or the portrayal of children in a manner that could result in the sexual exploitation of children).
• Sextortion (for example, threatening or blackmailing a child by using real or alleged access to a child's intimate images).
• Trafficking of a child (for example, advertising or solicitation of a child for commercial sexual exploitation).

Inappropriate Content

To ensure that the MentorTalk App remains a safe, professional, and respectful educational platform, we have established standards that define and prohibit content that is harmful, inappropriate, or inconsistent with the purpose of academic learning and mentoring.

Users are strictly forbidden from uploading, sharing, or distributing:

• Sexual content or profanity, including pornography, sexually explicit material, or content promoting or soliciting sexual activities for compensation.
• Depictions of violence, threats, or behaviour that incites hatred or harm against individuals or groups based on protected characteristics such as race, religion, caste, gender, sexual orientation, nationality, disability, or any other legally protected status.
• Content that glorifies or promotes terrorist activities, extremist ideologies, or dangerous organizations and movements.

MentorTalk reserves the right to remove content, suspend or permanently terminate accounts that violate these standards and to take legal action where applicable.

Sexual Content and Profanity

MentorTalk does not allow any account, content, or behaviour that contains or promotes sexual content or profanity. This includes, but is not limited to, pornography, sexually explicit or suggestive material, or any content or services intended to be sexually gratifying.

The platform strictly prohibits content that promotes or solicits sexual acts in exchange for compensation, or that is associated with sexually predatory behaviour, exploitation, or non-consensual sexual content, including content generated using deepfake or similar technologies.

If an account contains content that violates this policy, MentorTalk reserves the absolute right to delete or disable such account with immediate effect.

Users are prohibited from engaging in:

• Depictions of sexual nudity or sexually suggestive poses that are inappropriate for a professional educational environment.
• Depictions, animations, illustrations, or descriptions of sexual acts or sexually explicit body parts.
• Content that promotes illegal sexual themes, fetishes, or sexual services.
• Lewd, profane, or explicit language, slurs, or adult keywords in profiles, chats, audio/video calls, or any in-app communication.
• Content depicting or encouraging bestiality or sexual exploitation of any kind.
• Content promoting escort services, compensated dating, or any arrangement implying sexual acts in exchange for money, gifts, or benefits.
• Content that degrades, objectifies, or exploits individuals, including apps or content claiming to undress people or see through clothing.
• Threatening, coercive, or exploitative sexual behaviour, including creepshots, hidden camera usage, or non-consensual recordings.

Hate Speech

MentorTalk does not allow any content or behaviour that promotes violence, discrimination, or hatred against individuals or groups based on protected characteristics, including but not limited to race, religion, caste, ethnicity, nationality, disability, age, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, immigration status, or veteran status.

Users are prohibited from engaging in:

• Content asserting that a protected group is inferior, inhuman, or deserving of hatred.
• Hateful slurs, stereotypes, or theories portraying a protected group as malicious, corrupt, or dangerous.
• Content encouraging discrimination, exclusion, or harm against any protected group.
• Promotion of hate symbols, insignias, flags, or behaviour associated with hate groups.

Violence

MentorTalk does not allow content that depicts, promotes, or facilitates violence or dangerous activities.

Users are prohibited from engaging in:

• Graphic depictions or realistic threats of violence against any person or animal.
• Content promoting self-harm, suicide, eating disorders, choking games, or any activity that could result in serious injury or death.

Terrorist Content and Dangerous Organizations

MentorTalk does not permit terrorist organizations, extremist groups, or violent movements to publish content for any purpose, including recruitment or propaganda.

Content that promotes, glorifies, incites, or assists terrorism or violence against civilians is strictly prohibited.

Sensitive Events

MentorTalk does not allow content that exploits, trivializes, or lacks sensitivity toward events with significant social, cultural, or political impact, including natural disasters, public health emergencies, conflicts, deaths, or other tragedies.

Users are prohibited from engaging in:

• Insensitive content regarding the death of individuals or groups.
• Denial of well-documented major tragic events.
• Attempts to profit from sensitive events without clear educational or public benefit.

Bullying and Harassment

MentorTalk does not tolerate bullying, harassment, intimidation, or exploitation of any user.

Users are prohibited from engaging in:

• Harassment or bullying related to academic performance, background, religion, or identity.
• Extortion, blackmail, or coercive behaviour.
• Public humiliation or targeted harassment of individuals or groups.
• Harassing victims or families affected by tragic events.

Dangerous Products and Substances

MentorTalk does not allow content that facilitates the sale, promotion, or use of:

• Explosives, firearms, ammunition, or prohibited weapons.
• Instructions for manufacturing weapons or modifying firearms.
• Psychotropic drugs or substances restricted under applicable laws.
• Marijuana, tobacco products (including e-cigarettes and vaping devices), or encouragement of illegal or inappropriate use of alcohol or tobacco.

Prohibited Superstitious or Fraudulent Practices

MentorTalk strictly prohibits content or behaviour involving black magic, witchcraft, voodoo, tantrism, superstition-based frauds, or deceptive practices presented as educational guidance. Any user found engaging in such activities shall have their account terminated immediately.

18. Consequences of Rule Violations (Legal & Financial)

Any violation of MentorTalk's policies, community standards, or applicable laws shall attract strict action, depending on the nature, severity, intent, and frequency of the violation. MentorTalk reserves the absolute right to take one or more of the following actions without prior notice.

1. Content Removal and Platform Restrictions

• Immediate removal or disabling of any content, profile, message, audio/video communication, or educational document that violates platform rules.
• Temporary or permanent restriction of platform features, including chats, audio calls, video calls, document uploads, and mentor access.

2. Account Suspension or Permanent Termination

MentorTalk may suspend or permanently terminate accounts in cases involving, but not limited to:

• Sexual content, exploitation, or harassment
• Hate speech, threats, bullying, or intimidation
• Violence, terrorism, or extremist activities
• Fraud, impersonation, misuse or falsification of educational documents
• Repeated or intentional policy violations

Termination may result in permanent loss of account access, stored data, mentorship history, and platform benefits.

3. Financial Penalties (Fine up to ₹1,00,000)

MentorTalk reserves the right to impose a financial penalty (fine) up to ₹1,00,000 (Rupees One Lakh only) on users found violating platform policies or applicable laws, including but not limited to:

• Deliberate misuse of the platform
• Submission of forged, misleading, or fraudulent educational documents
• Harassment, threats, or abuse of other users or mentors
• Activities causing reputational, operational, or legal harm to MentorTalk

Such fines may be recovered through lawful means, including adjustment against dues, credits, or legal recovery proceedings.

4. Legal Proceedings Under Applicable Indian Laws

MentorTalk reserves the right to initiate civil and/or criminal proceedings and report violations to law enforcement authorities under applicable laws, including but not limited to:

• Information Technology Act, 2000
• Indian Penal Code, 1860 / Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 (as applicable)
• Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012
• Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940 & Rules, 1945
• Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967 (UAPA)
• Copyright Act, 1957

MentorTalk may disclose relevant user information, content, IP logs, and activity records to law enforcement or regulatory authorities as required by law, court orders, or government directives.

5. No Refund and Indemnity

• Any suspension, termination, fine, or legal action arising from policy violations shall not entitle the user to any refund or compensation.
• Users agree to indemnify and hold harmless MentorTalk from any losses, claims, damages, penalties, or legal expenses arising due to their violation of laws or platform policies.

6. Zero-Tolerance Violations

The following violations shall attract immediate permanent termination, financial penalties, and legal action:

• Sexual exploitation, especially involving minors
• Terrorism or violent extremism
• Severe harassment, threats, or blackmail
• Fraud or forgery of educational documents
• Repeated or willful abuse of the platform

Final Authority & Enforcement

MentorTalk's decision regarding enforcement actions, fines, suspensions, and legal proceedings shall be final and binding. MentorTalk is not obligated to provide prior notice, warnings, or reinstatement in cases of serious violations.

19. User Acknowledgement

By accessing or using the MentorTalk App or Website, users acknowledge that they have read, understood, and agreed to comply with these rules, consequences, and applicable laws.

20. Grievance Officer

In accordance with the Information Technology Act, 2000 and the rules made thereunder, the Grievance Officer for the purpose of this Privacy Policy is:

• Name: Kapil Sharma
• Email: support@mentortalk.app
• Address: Hsd-416, Bahadurgarh, Hr, Bahadurgarh, Jhajjar, Haryana, India, 124507

The Grievance Officer shall address any complaints or concerns regarding the processing of personal information within 30 days of receipt.

21. Contact Us

If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy, you can contact us:

• Email: support@mentortalk.app
• Website: www.mentortalk.app
• Address: MentorTalk Edutech Private Limited, Hsd-416, Bahadurgarh, Hr, Bahadurgarh, Jhajjar, Haryana, India, 124507