Effective Date: January 3, 2026
Last Updated: January 3, 2026
At As We Exist (“AWE”, “we”, “us”, or “our”), we honor your trust by protecting your personal stories and data with empathy and transparency. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard information on our wellness storytelling platform focused on human resilience, vulnerability, and authentic experiences. We comply with India’s Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023 (DPDP Act) and respect global standards. By using asweexist.com, you consent to these practices.
We collect minimal data necessary for our mission of fostering emotional connections through unfiltered narratives. Personal Data (as defined under DPDP Act):
- Account details: Name, email address (for user accounts and newsletters).
- User-generated content: Stories, comments, reflections (pseudonyms optional for anonymity).
- Contact info: Provided via forms for submissions or inquiries.
Non-Personal Data:
- Analytics: IP address, device type, browser, pages visited (via Google Analytics, cookies).
- Usage: Referral sources, time spent on stories.
We do not collect sensitive data without explicit consent and avoid tracking for advertising.
Contact Us
For questions: asweexist.official@gmail.com.
How We Use Your Information
Data processing occurs only for specified, lawful purposes with your free, specific, informed, unconditional, and unambiguous consent (or legitimate uses under DPDP Act).
- Enable platform features: Display stories, manage accounts, moderate content.
- Improve services: Analyze trends in wellness themes (anonymized).
- Communicate: Send newsletters (opt-in), respond to submissions.
- Legal compliance: Prevent abuse, respond to authorities.
Voluntarily provided data (e.g., stories) may be processed without separate consent if no non-consent is indicated.
Cookies and Tracking Technologies
We use essential cookies for site functionality (e.g., session management). Optional analytics cookies help us understand reader engagement with resilience content. You can manage preferences via browser settings. No third-party behavioral advertising.
Sharing and Disclosure
We never sell your data. Disclosure is limited to:
- Service providers (e.g., Hostinger hosting, email tools) under strict contracts with security safeguards.
- Legal requirements: Court orders, DPDP Board inquiries.
- Business transfers: In mergers (with notice).
No cross-border transfers to restricted jurisdictions.
Data Security
We implement reasonable safeguards per DPDP Act:
- Encryption (SSL/TLS).
- Access controls, logs, and monitoring.
- Regular audits.
In a breach, we notify affected users and the Data Protection Board within required timelines.
Data Retention and Deletion
Data is retained only as necessary for purposes (e.g., stories until deleted). We erase it securely once the purpose ends or upon request. Backups held for breach investigation (min. 1 year).
Your Rights as Data Principal (DPDP Act)
Exercise these free of charge via asweexist.official@gmail.com:
- Access: Summary of processed data and recipients.
- Correction: Update inaccurate info.
- Erasure: Delete data (subject to legal holds).
- Withdraw Consent: At any time, stops processing.
- Grievance Redressal: Response within a reasonable time (max 1 year retention for complaints).
- Appoint representative (e.g., for incapacity).
Children under 18 require guardian consent; no processing for tracking.
Third-Party Links
Our site links to external resources (e.g., wellness tools). We control neither their privacy nor content.
Changes to This Policy
Updates posted here with the effective date. Major changes emailed to registered users. Continued use constitutes acceptance.