SMV Chambers Privacy and Cookie Policy

What types of information does SMV Chambers collect?

SMV Chambers collects:

• Personal Data: Information that identifies you, such as your name, email address, phone number, or other details provided when contacting us or filling out forms.
• Non-Personal Data: Information that does not directly identify you, such as your browser type, IP address, device information, and browsing behavior.
• Cookies and Tracking Data: Data collected through cookies and similar technologies to enhance your experience and analyze website usage.

How does SMV Chambers collect this information?

Information is collected in the following ways:

• Directly from You: When you voluntarily provide information through contact forms, inquiries, or newsletter subscriptions.
• Automatically: Through cookies, web beacons, and other tracking technologies when you interact with the website.
• From Third Parties: From analytics providers, social media platforms, or other services integrated with the website, subject to applicable laws.

Why does SMV Chambers collect this information?

The collected information is used for:

• Providing and improving legal services and website functionality.
• Responding to your inquiries and communicating about our services.
• Sending newsletters, updates, or promotional materials (with your consent, where required).
• Analyzing website usage to enhance user experience.
• Complying with legal obligations under Indian and international laws.
• What is the legal basis for processing personal data under GDPR?

For users in the European Economic Area (EEA), SMV Chambers processes personal data based on:

• Consent: Explicit permission for specific purposes, such as receiving marketing communications.
• Contractual Necessity: To fulfil obligations under a contract with you (e.g., providing legal services).
• Legitimate Interests: For purposes such as improving the website, provided your rights and freedoms do not override these interests.
• Legal Obligations: To comply with applicable laws and regulations.

With whom does SMV Chambers share my data?

SMV Chambers may share your information with:

• Service Providers: Third-party vendors who assist with website hosting, analytics, or communication services, under strict confidentiality agreements.
• Legal Authorities: When required by law or to protect our rights, safety, or property.
• Business Transfers: In connection with a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets, with appropriate safeguards.

SMV Chambers does not sell or rent your personal data to third parties.

How does SMV Chambers use cookies and other tracking technologies?

SMV Chambers uses cookies and similar technologies to:

• Essential Cookies: Ensure the website functions properly.
• Analytics Cookies: Understand how visitors interact with the website to improve performance.
• Marketing Cookies: Deliver relevant advertisements (only with your consent). You can manage or disable cookies through your browser settings or the website’s cookie consent tool. SMV Chambers complies with the DPDP Act and GDPR by obtaining explicit consent for non-essential cookies.

How long does SMV Chambers retain my data?

SMV Chambers retains personal data only for as long as necessary:

• Inquiry Data: Retained for 2 years unless legally required longer.
• Analytics Data: Retained in anonymized form for 3 years. Retention periods may be extended to meet legal obligations.

What rights do I have regarding my personal data?

Under the DPDP Act, GDPR, and other applicable laws, you may have the following rights:

• Access: Request a copy of your personal data.
• Rectification: Correct inaccurate or incomplete data.
• Erasure: Request deletion of your data, subject to legal obligations.
• Restriction: Restrict processing of your data in certain circumstances.
• Portability: Receive your data in a structured, machine-readable format.
• Objection: Object to processing based on legitimate interests or for direct marketing.
• Withdraw Consent: Withdraw consent at any time, where processing is based on consent. To exercise these rights, contact SMV Chambers at office@smvchambers.com. Responses will be provided within statutory timeframes (e.g., 30 days under GDPR).

How does SMV Chambers ensure the security of my data?

SMV Chambers implements reasonable technical and organizational measures, including encryption, access controls, and regular security assessments, to protect your data. However, no system is completely secure, and absolute security cannot be guaranteed.

Does SMV Chambers transfer data internationally, and how is it protected?

Your data may be transferred to and processed in countries outside India, such as the EEA or the United States. SMV Chambers ensures such transfers comply with applicable laws using mechanisms like Standard Contractual Clauses (SCCs) under GDPR or other safeguards required by the DPDP Act.

What should I know about links to third-party websites on SMV Chambers’ website?

The website may contain links to third-party websites. SMV Chambers is not responsible for their privacy practices. You should review their policies before providing personal information.

Does SMV Chambers collect data from children?

No, the website is not intended for individuals under 18 years of age. SMV Chambers does not knowingly collect personal data from children. If you believe such data has been collected, please contact SMV Chambers immediately.

How will I be informed about changes to this policy?

SMV Chambers may update this policy to reflect changes in practices or legal requirements. Significant changes will be notified by posting the updated policy on the website or via email (if applicable).

How can I contact SMV Chambers regarding this policy?

For questions or concerns about this policy or SMV Chambers’ data practices, contact:
Email: office@smvchambers.com

Address: SMV Chambers, 40, 2nd Main Road, CIT Colony, Mylapore, Chennai, Tamil Nadu – 600004.

For GDPR-related inquiries, you may also contact the Data Protection Officer at office@smvchambers.com.

What can I do if I have a complaint about SMV Chambers’ privacy practices?

If you believe your privacy rights have been violated, you may lodge a complaint with SMV Chambers or with a supervisory authority, such as the Data Protection Board of India or an EU Member State’s supervisory authority (e.g., for GDPR-related issues).