Privacy Policy

Effective Date: April 25, 2026  |  Last Updated: April 25, 2026

Welcome to Vakeel Now ("we", "us", "our", or the "App"). Vakeel Now is operated by Om Divyatej. We are committed to protecting your personal data and respecting your privacy in accordance with the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023 (DPDPA) of India and other applicable laws.

This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, store, share, and protect your personal data when you use the Vakeel Now mobile application and related services.

1. Information We Collect

1.1 Information You Provide

Data Type	Details
Account Information	Full name, phone number, email address
Profile Information	Profile photo (optional), preferred language
Payment Information	Wallet balance, transaction history, payment method details (processed by Dodo Payments)
Consultation Data	Call history, consultation notes, consultation recordings (only if you explicitly opt in)
Lawyer Verification	Bar Council enrolment number, identity documents, qualifications (for lawyers only)
Support Communications	Messages you send to our support team

1.2 Information Collected Automatically

• Device information (device model, operating system version, unique device identifiers)
• App usage data (features used, consultation frequency, session duration)
• Log data (IP address, access times, error logs)
• Network information (connection type, carrier)

1.3 Information from Third-Party Services

• Supabase (authentication and database): Account authentication tokens and session data
• Google Meet: Meeting metadata when consultations are conducted via Google Meet video calls
• Dodo Payments: Transaction confirmations and payment status

2. How We Use Your Information

We use your personal data for the following purposes:

• Providing Services: To connect you with verified lawyers, facilitate consultations via Google Meet, and manage your account
• Payment Processing: To process wallet top-ups, deduct consultation fees, and maintain transaction records
• Lawyer Verification: To verify lawyers' credentials with the Bar Council of India and ensure quality of service
• Communication: To send consultation reminders, service updates, payment receipts, and respond to your inquiries
• Service Improvement: To analyse usage patterns, diagnose technical issues, and improve app features
• Legal Compliance: To comply with applicable Indian laws, regulations, and legal processes
• Safety and Security: To detect and prevent fraud, abuse, and security threats

3. Legal Basis for Processing

Under the DPDPA 2023, we process your personal data based on:

• Consent: You provide consent when you create an account and agree to this Privacy Policy
• Contractual Necessity: Processing is necessary to provide the consultation services you have requested
• Legitimate Uses: As permitted under Section 7 of the DPDPA for certain legitimate purposes prescribed by law

4. Third-Party Services

We use the following third-party services that may process your data:

4.1 Supabase

Used for user authentication, database management, and secure data storage. Supabase processes your account credentials and stores your profile and consultation data. Please review Supabase's Privacy Policy.

4.2 Google Meet

Used for video and audio consultations between users and lawyers. Google may collect meeting metadata and technical data. Please review Google's Privacy Policy.

4.3 Dodo Payments

Used for processing wallet top-ups and consultation payments. Dodo Payments handles your payment instrument details securely. We do not store your full payment card or UPI details on our servers. Please review Dodo Payments' Privacy Policy.

4.4 Expo / React Native

The App is built using Expo and React Native. Expo may collect anonymous crash reports and diagnostic data to help improve app stability.

5. Data Sharing and Disclosure

We do not sell your personal data. We may share your information only in the following circumstances:

• With Lawyers: Your name and consultation details are shared with the lawyer you choose to consult, solely for the purpose of providing legal advice
• Service Providers: With third-party service providers (listed above) who assist in operating our App, subject to confidentiality obligations
• Legal Requirements: When required by law, court order, or governmental authority in India
• Safety: To protect the rights, safety, or property of Vakeel Now, our users, or the public
• Business Transfers: In connection with a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets, with prior notice to you

6. Data Storage and Security

Your data is stored on secure servers managed by Supabase. We implement industry-standard security measures including:

• Encryption of data in transit (TLS/SSL) and at rest
• Secure authentication mechanisms
• Role-based access controls
• Regular security audits and vulnerability assessments

While we strive to protect your data, no method of electronic transmission or storage is 100% secure. We cannot guarantee absolute security.

7. Data Retention

• Account Data: Retained as long as your account is active. Deleted within 90 days of account deletion request.
• Consultation Records: Retained for 3 years from the date of consultation, or longer if required by law.
• Consultation Recordings: Retained for 1 year from the date of recording, unless you request earlier deletion.
• Payment Records: Retained for 8 years as required under Indian tax and financial regulations.
• Log Data: Retained for up to 1 year for security and diagnostic purposes.

8. Your Rights Under DPDPA

As a Data Principal under the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023, you have the following rights:

• Right to Access: Request a summary of the personal data we hold about you and the processing activities
• Right to Correction: Request correction of inaccurate or incomplete personal data
• Right to Erasure: Request deletion of your personal data, subject to legal retention requirements
• Right to Withdraw Consent: Withdraw your consent at any time; however, this may affect your ability to use the App
• Right to Grievance Redressal: File a complaint with our Grievance Officer or the Data Protection Board of India
• Right to Nominate: Nominate another individual to exercise your rights in case of your death or incapacity

To exercise any of these rights, please contact us at ohmbrock42@gmail.com. We will respond within 30 days.

9. Children's Privacy

Vakeel Now is not intended for use by individuals under the age of 18. We do not knowingly collect personal data from children. If you are under 18, you must have a parent or legal guardian use the App on your behalf.

If we become aware that we have collected personal data from a child without verifiable parental consent, we will take steps to delete that information promptly. If you believe we have inadvertently collected data from a child, please contact us immediately.

10. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

As a mobile application, Vakeel Now does not use browser cookies. However, we may use the following:

• Local Storage: To store your session tokens and app preferences on your device
• Analytics: Anonymous usage analytics to understand how the App is used and to improve performance

We do not use any third-party advertising trackers or serve ads within the App.

11. Cross-Border Data Transfers

Your data may be processed on servers located outside India (e.g., Supabase cloud infrastructure). In such cases, we ensure that appropriate safeguards are in place as required under the DPDPA and any rules notified by the Central Government regarding cross-border data transfers.

12. Consultation Recordings

Consultation recordings are made only when both the user and the lawyer explicitly consent before the recording begins. You may:

• Decline recording at any time
• Request deletion of a recording after the consultation
• Access your recordings through your consultation history

Recordings are encrypted and stored securely. They are accessible only to the parties involved in the consultation and are not shared with any third party except as required by law.

13. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of material changes through the App or via email before they take effect. Your continued use of the App after changes become effective constitutes acceptance of the revised policy.

We encourage you to review this Privacy Policy periodically.

14. Grievance Officer

In accordance with the DPDPA 2023, the details of our Grievance Officer are:

If you are not satisfied with our response, you may file a complaint with the Data Protection Board of India as established under the DPDPA 2023.

15. Contact Us

If you have any questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or our data practices, please contact us: