GATHA

PRIVACY POLICY

GATHA – Global Alliance for Traditional Healers Advancement

GATHA respects the privacy of traditional healers, Vaidyas, researchers, academicians, institutions, and other users. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, protect, and share information through the GATHA App.

1. Information We Collect

We may collect personal and professional details, contact information, photographs, location, traditional healing experience, medicinal plant knowledge, formulations, practices, audio/video recordings, research interests, and technical data necessary for app functionality.

2. Use of Information

Information may be used for user registration, traditional knowledge documentation, preservation, research collaboration, scientific validation, education, IPR support, biodiversity conservation, benefit-sharing initiatives, and platform improvement.

3. Consent and Traditional Knowledge Protection

Information and traditional knowledge will be collected and used in accordance with applicable consent requirements. Separate consent may be sought for interviews, media recordings, research, publication, and public disclosure. Confidential or sensitive knowledge will not be made publicly accessible merely because it has been submitted to GATHA.

4. Information Sharing

Information may be shared with authorized GATHA personnel, researchers, academic institutions, partners, and service providers for legitimate purposes, subject to applicable permissions and safeguards. Disclosure to authorities may occur where legally required.

5. Research, Publications and IPR

Research activities and publications must respect applicable ethical requirements, consent, confidentiality, intellectual property rights, community rights, and fair benefit-sharing obligations. Submission of traditional knowledge does not automatically authorize its unrestricted use or publication.

6. Data Security and Retention

GATHA will implement reasonable technical and organizational safeguards to protect information against unauthorized access, disclosure, loss, or misuse. Information will be retained only as long as reasonably necessary or as required or permitted by law.

7. User Rights

Subject to applicable law, users may request access to, correction of, or deletion of their personal information and may withdraw consent where applicable. Certain legal, research, or preservation requirements may limit deletion or withdrawal.

8. Third-Party Services

The App may use third-party services for hosting, authentication, analytics, communications, and security. External websites and services are governed by their own privacy policies.

9. Children's Privacy

GATHA will handle children's personal information in accordance with applicable legal requirements, including any required parental consent and safeguards.

10. Policy Updates

GATHA may update this Privacy Policy when necessary. The latest version will be made available through the App or other appropriate channels.

11. Contact and Grievance Redressal

GATHA – Global Alliance for Traditional Healers Advancement

By using the GATHA App, users acknowledge this Privacy Policy. Where consent is legally required, it will be obtained separately and appropriately.