Privacy Policy

1 Introduction

Codeswords ("we", "us", "our") operates the website www.codeswords.com (the "Platform"). This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your personal information when you visit our Platform, apply for our internship or training programmes, or otherwise interact with our services.

This policy is published in compliance with the Information Technology Act, 2000, the Information Technology (Reasonable Security Practices and Procedures and Sensitive Personal Data or Information) Rules, 2011 ("SPDI Rules"), and other applicable laws of India.

By accessing or using the Platform, you consent to the practices described in this Privacy Policy. If you do not agree, please do not use the Platform.

2 Information We Collect

2.1 Personal Information You Provide

When you apply for our programmes, contact us, or register on the Platform, we may collect:

• Full name, email address, phone/WhatsApp number
• City, state, and location details
• College/company name, course, current year, graduation year
• Technology preferences, skill level, and programme interests
• Payment preference (mode of payment only; we do not store card/bank details)
• Any message or query you voluntarily provide
• Referral source information

2.2 Automatically Collected Information

• Browser type, device information, operating system
• IP address and approximate geolocation
• Pages visited, time spent on pages, referral URLs
• Cookies and similar tracking technologies (see Section 7)

3 How We Use Your Information

We use the collected information for the following purposes:

• To process and evaluate your internship/training applications
• To communicate with you regarding your application, programmes, schedules, and updates
• To provide mentorship, training, and support services
• To send programme-related notifications, reminders, and important announcements
• To improve our Platform, content, and services based on usage analytics
• To respond to your enquiries and provide customer support
• To comply with legal obligations and enforce our Terms of Use
• To prevent fraud, misuse, and unauthorized access to the Platform

4 Disclosure of Information

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

• Service Providers: Trusted third-party vendors who assist in operating the Platform (e.g., hosting, email delivery, analytics) under strict confidentiality agreements
• Mentors & Programme Coordinators: Relevant programme-related details shared with assigned mentors solely for training purposes
• Legal Requirements: When required by law, court order, or governmental authority under applicable Indian laws
• Business Transfers: In connection with a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets, with prior notice to users

5 Data Retention

We retain your personal information only for as long as necessary to fulfil the purposes outlined in this policy, or as required by applicable law. Typically:

• Application data: Retained for the duration of the programme and up to 3 years thereafter for certification and record-keeping
• Contact enquiries: Retained for up to 2 years from the date of enquiry
• Analytics data: Retained in anonymised/aggregated form

You may request deletion of your data at any time by writing to us at info@codeswords.com.

6 Data Security

We implement reasonable security practices and procedures as mandated under the SPDI Rules, including:

• SSL/TLS encryption for all data transmission
• Encrypted storage of sensitive information
• Access controls limiting data access to authorised personnel only
• Regular security audits and vulnerability assessments

While we strive to protect your data, no method of electronic transmission or storage is 100% secure. We encourage you to use strong passwords and exercise caution online.

7 Cookies & Tracking Technologies

We use cookies and similar technologies to:

• Remember your preferences and improve user experience
• Analyse website traffic and usage patterns
• Deliver relevant content and programme recommendations

You can manage cookie preferences through your browser settings. Disabling cookies may affect certain features of the Platform.

8 Third-Party Links

The Platform may contain links to third-party websites (e.g., LinkedIn, Facebook, payment gateways). We are not responsible for the privacy practices or content of these external sites. We encourage you to review their privacy policies independently.

9 Your Rights

Under applicable Indian law, you have the right to:

• Access: Request a copy of the personal data we hold about you
• Correction: Request correction of inaccurate or incomplete data
• Withdrawal of Consent: Withdraw consent for processing at any time (this will not affect the lawfulness of prior processing)
• Deletion: Request deletion of your personal data, subject to legal retention requirements
• Grievance Redressal: Lodge a complaint with our Grievance Officer (see Section 11)

To exercise any of these rights, please email us at info@codeswords.com with subject line "Privacy Request".

10 Children's Privacy

Our Platform and services are intended for individuals aged 16 years and above. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 16. If you believe a child has provided us with personal data, please contact us immediately and we will take steps to delete such information.

11 Grievance Officer

In accordance with the Information Technology Act, 2000 and SPDI Rules, the details of the Grievance Officer are as follows:

12 Changes to This Policy

We reserve the right to update this Privacy Policy at any 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. For material changes, we will endeavour to notify registered users via email.

13 Contact Us

If you have questions or concerns about this Privacy Policy, please contact us: