Privacy Policy

Selco Foundation (“Selco,” “we,” “our,” or “us”) has developed a Platform for Collective Wisdom (“Platform” or “PCW”), a shared digital infrastructure offered by us. The Platform has been developed by Selco on Apurva.AI’s digital infrastructure and is maintained in association with a software service provider.

This Platform, in tandem with other channels of interactions with Selco, including AI-powered tools and other offerings available on our website _____ (collectively, "Interface"), helps users access development-sector knowledge contributed by practitioners and organisations across the country.

The Interface enables users to raise queries and quickly get relevant information for complex decision-making. This initiative aims to leverage a scalable learning approach in the development sector, making it easier to include diverse opinions and make decisions faster.

The automated responses are drawn from structured and unstructured knowledge resources contributed to the PCW by various organisations that Selco has partnered with.

In your journey of seeking information from us, you may have to share Personal Data or Sensitive Personal Data with us.

Personal Data refers to any data that can identify you directly or indirectly, such as names, contact details, and other identifiers as defined under applicable Indian laws.
Sensitive personal data refers to information relating to:
(i) passwords;
(ii) financial information;
(iii) physical, physiological, and mental health condition;
(iv) sexual orientation;
(v) medical records and history;
(vi) biometric information; and
(vii) any related details provided or processed under lawful contract or otherwise.

We appreciate the trust placed in us and are committed to safeguarding your Personal Data. This Privacy Policy outlines what we collect, how we use it, and the steps we take to protect it.

Your consent is obtained through clear opt-in mechanisms, either during registration or when engaging in specific actions that require processing of personal data.

1. Information We Collect

We collect various categories of Personal Data to deliver, maintain, and improve the Interface, including:

Login Credentials: Usernames, passwords, or related account details.
Query Inputs: Text of queries, prompts, or content you submit.
Feedback Data: Comments, ratings, or flags about responses generated.
Communication Data: Details shared during correspondence such as support requests.
Contact Information: [Name, email, phone number, organisation details], if voluntarily provided.
Usage Data: Timestamps, session duration, frequency of use, etc.
Device Information: [IP address, browser type, OS, device metadata].
Cookies and Tracking Technologies: Data collected for functionality, analytics, or security.
Anonymised/Aggregated Data: Insights derived after removing personal identifiers.

2. Purpose of Data Collection

Personal Data is used for operational, analytical, and compliance purposes, including:

Operating and maintaining the Interface.
Authenticating access credentials and managing accounts.
Generating contextually relevant responses.
Improving models and features through interaction analysis.
Customising outputs (language, format, depth).
Conducting research, diagnostics, and performance assessments.
Addressing queries, support, and technical issues.
Preventing unauthorised access, misuse, or fraud.
Monitoring usage trends and deriving anonymised insights.
Preparing internal reports for development.
Complying with legal obligations and regulatory requests.

Where laws require additional consent for new uses, we will obtain it in advance.

3. Data Sharing and Disclosure

We do not sell or rent Personal Data. Data may be shared only under these circumstances:

Service Providers: With trusted third parties for operation, maintenance, or improvements, bound by confidentiality obligations.
Affiliates and Partners: For technical collaboration, knowledge support, or governance needs.
Legal and Regulatory Compliance: To comply with laws, court orders, inquiries, or government requests.
Business Continuity: During mergers, restructurings, or transitions, subject to the same safeguards.
With Consent: For limited purposes where explicit opt-in consent is provided.

4. International Data Transfers

(If applicable — text preserved as provided)

Personal Data collected through the Interface or interactions with us may be processed or stored outside India, only where necessary for technical operation.

We ensure that receiving entities implement safeguards consistent with applicable law.

5. Data Security

We implement technical and organisational safeguards, including:

Encryption
Access controls
Intrusion detection
Secure APIs and databases
Logging of security events
Internal audits

However, no system is fully secure. Users are encouraged to exercise discretion when sharing details.

6. Data Retention

We retain Personal Data only as long as required for purposes described in this Policy or as mandated by law. When no longer required, data may be anonymised or securely deleted.

7. Your Rights

You have the following rights:

Access & Correction: Request access to or correction of your Personal Data.
Erasure: Request deletion, subject to legal retention requirements.
Consent Withdrawal: Withdraw consent without affecting prior lawful processing.
Opt-Out of Communications: Unsubscribe from promotional emails.
Nomination: Nominate another individual to exercise your rights if incapacitated or deceased.

To exercise your rights or raise grievances, contact us at [insert email].
(Note: A dedicated grievance redressal email is recommended under Indian laws.)

8. Data Breach Protocol

In case of a data breach, we will notify relevant authorities and affected individuals as required by law and take immediate remedial action.

9. Children’s Privacy

The Interface is not intended for individuals under 18.
Under-18 users and persons with disabilities must use the Interface only with verifiable parental/legal guardian consent and supervision.

10. Cookies and Tracking

The Interface may use cookies and similar technologies for session management, analytics, or user experience enhancements.
You may control or decline cookies via browser settings. Essential cookies may be required for core functionality.

11. Policy Updates

We may revise this Privacy Policy periodically. Changes will be notified on the Interface. Continued use signifies acceptance of the updated Policy.

12. Contact Us

For questions, grievances, suggestions, or to exercise your rights, contact us at [insert email address].

13. Governing Law and Jurisdiction

This Policy is governed by the laws of India. Disputes fall under the exclusive jurisdiction of courts in Bengaluru, Karnataka.

Last Updated: [Insert Date]

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Welcome to the Platform for Collective Wisdom (“Platform”), a shared digital infrastructure offered by Selco Foundation (“Selco”). The Platform has been developed by Selco on Apurva.AI’s digital infrastructure and is maintained in association with a software service provider.

At its core, Selco focuses on sustainable livelihoods, healthcare, education, and housing through customized solar solutions. Through a unique blend of technology with inclusive finance, local innovation, and capacity building, we address the twin challenges of poverty and climate change.

Our mission is to create a decentralized, ethically governed repository of developmental knowledge aimed at improving lives in underserved communities. We curate and share access to reliable information and insights from contributors across diverse sectors and themes in livelihoods.

Our Platform is dedicated to harnessing collective wisdom by pooling, curating, and disseminating practitioner-led, field-rooted, community-based insights to strengthen sector-wide learning and impact.

These Terms of Use ("Terms") govern your access to and use of the Platform and its services. By accessing or using the Platform, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these Terms. If you do not agree to these Terms, please do not use the Platform.

1. Use of the Platform

These Terms of Use apply to your use of all aspects of the Platform and the services provided therein.
The Platform includes all digital interfaces through which it is accessed, such as the Website, mobile applications, etc.
The Website refers to the primary online platform hosting our Platform, available here: [Insert Website Link].
The Platform supports multi-format content inputs (text, audio, video), multilingual search and retrieval, source traceability, bias detection, and systems-thinking insights.

2. Eligibility and User Responsibilities

The Platform is intended for use by individuals aged 18 years or older. If you are under 18 years of age, you may use the Platform only with the consent and supervision of a parent or legal guardian.

Users agree to use the Platform solely for lawful purposes and in a manner consistent with these Terms. Users are responsible for ensuring the accuracy and authenticity of any information they provide.

3. Access to Platform

We strive to ensure that the Platform remains accessible. However, we do not guarantee uninterrupted or error-free access and may modify, suspend, or terminate the Platform or any part of its services without prior notice.

Users agree that we are not liable for any disruptions or modifications that affect availability, including scheduled maintenance, technical issues, network failures, or circumstances beyond reasonable control.

4. Intellectual Property

All content, features, output, and functionality on the Platform are the intellectual property of Selco or licensed to Selco by third parties, protected by copyright, trademark, and other laws.
Users may not reproduce, distribute, modify, or exploit this intellectual property without prior written consent.
Users are granted a non-exclusive license to use the specific outputs they generate, consistent with these Terms.
By submitting inputs, users grant the Platform a non-exclusive, worldwide, royalty-free license to use, store, process, analyze, display, and distribute the content solely for generating outputs.

5. Privacy, Data Use, and AI Ethics

Data use is governed by our Privacy Policy. By using the Platform, you consent to data collection and processing as described therein.
AI algorithms rely on diverse data sources, and outputs may not always reflect contextual nuances.
While we work to minimize biases, users acknowledge that eliminating all bias is challenging and must critically evaluate AI outputs.
The Platform’s digital infrastructure is operated by Apurva.AI with third-party providers. Selco is not liable for security breaches during internet transmission or for misuse not attributable to Selco.
User interactions and inputs may be anonymized and used for identifying trends and preparing reports, as outlined in the Privacy Policy.

6. AI-Generated Content and User Accountability

AI-generated outputs are supplementary tools and not definitive guidance. Users must verify accuracy, relevance, and applicability before making decisions.
Outputs may not always be accurate and are not substitutes for professional advice or expertise.
Similar outputs may be generated for multiple users; exclusivity is not guaranteed.
Users are solely responsible for compliance with laws and ethical standards when using outputs.
Selco disclaims liability for how users apply or act upon AI-generated content. Use of the Platform is at the user’s own risk.

7. Prohibited Conduct

Users are prohibited from actions that could harm the Platform, its users, or Selco, including introducing malicious code, unauthorized access, data misuse, or misuse of services.
Users may not reverse engineer, decompile, disassemble, or attempt to extract source code or AI algorithms.
Refer to the Annexure for Community Guidelines.

8. Limitations of Liability and AI-Generated Content

The Platform is provided “as is” and “as available,” without warranties of any kind.

Selco shall not be liable for:

Use or inability to use the Platform.
AI-generated content inaccuracies.
User-generated content risks.
Third-party interactions.
Breach of these Terms.

Selco is not liable for direct, indirect, incidental, special, consequential, punitive, or exemplary damages, including loss of data, profits, goodwill, or intangible losses.

Users acknowledge full responsibility for decisions or actions taken based on Platform content.

9. Indemnity

Users agree to indemnify and hold harmless Selco and its affiliates from any claims, damages, losses, liabilities, costs, or expenses arising from:

i. Use of the Platform or AI-generated outputs.
ii. Violations of these Terms, Privacy Policy, or Community Guidelines.
iii. Reliance on AI-generated outputs.
iv. Content uploaded or submitted by users.
v. Third-party disputes related to user activity.

10. Governing Law and Compliance

These Terms are governed by the laws of India, with disputes under the exclusive jurisdiction of courts in Bengaluru, Karnataka.

Users agree to comply with evolving AI-related laws and regulations.

11. Changes to the Terms

We may revise these Terms to reflect legal or platform updates. Updates will be communicated via email, notifications, or platform announcements. Continued use signifies acceptance.

12. Contact Information

For any questions or concerns, please contact us at [Insert Contact Information].

Last Updated: [Insert Date]

Annexure Community Guidelines

To uphold the integrity of our mission, these Community Guidelines govern user interactions with our Platform.

Users must conduct themselves in alignment with inclusivity, respect, and constructive collaboration.

1. User Code of Conduct

(a) Users must interact respectfully and professionally, aligned with Selco’s mission.

(b) Offensive, obscene, abusive, discriminatory, or inappropriate behaviour is prohibited.

Produce harmful, misleading, or inappropriate outputs.
Create false or defamatory content.
Generate hate speech, violence, discrimination, or illegal content.
Misuse the Platform for malicious purposes.
Falsely represent AI outputs as human-originated.

(d) Users must not input or transmit content that:
i. Contains harmful, unlawful, or defamatory material.
ii. Promotes violence, hate speech, or harassment.
iii. Threatens national security, unity, or public order.
iv. Infringes privacy or IP rights.
v. Contains malware or harmful code.

2. Use of Output by Users

(a) Outputs support informed, ethical solutions for social innovation.
(b) Outputs should align with the Platform’s mission.
(c) Users must not use outputs for illegal, unethical, or harmful actions.
(d) Outputs require critical judgment and do not replace professional expertise.
(e) When sharing outputs, users must:
i. Provide context.
ii. Attribute insights to the Platform as a supportive tool.

3. Inclusivity and Accessibility

(a) Users must promote inclusivity and equitable practices.
(b) Outputs should help bridge gaps in resources and opportunities.
(c) Users are encouraged to contribute feedback and ideas supporting social justice and dignity.

4. Monitoring and Compliance

(a) Selco may monitor interactions to ensure compliance.
(b) Violations may lead to suspension or termination.
(c) Severe violations may result in legal action.
(d) Users may report violations to Selco at [•].

5. Amendments and Updates

(a) Guidelines may be updated periodically.
(b) Users are encouraged to provide feedback to support ongoing refinement.

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