Privacy Policy

This Privacy Policy describes how IINL (Indians in the Netherlands), operated by Mahak Rathore ("we", "us", or "our"), handles information when you visit this website. We are committed to compliance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) — EU Regulation 2016/679.

1. Data Controller

Mahak Rathore | hello@indiansinthenetherlands.nl | Netherlands

2. What Data We Collect

This website does not collect personally identifiable information (PII) from visitors. We do not use server-side analytics, tracking cookies, or third-party advertising pixels.

• Local Storage (Browser): We store your GDPR consent status, app popup dismissal status, and visitor count data in your browser's local storage. This data never leaves your device.
• Visitor Counter: A simple counter is maintained using browser local storage only. No IP addresses or user identifiers are collected or transmitted to any server.

3. Cookies

This website uses browser local storage (not HTTP cookies) for functional purposes only — storing your consent preference and visit count. No third-party tracking cookies are set. If you choose "Essential Only" in the consent popup, only strictly necessary local storage entries are used.

4. External Links & Third-Party Services

This website contains links to external services including:

• WhatsApp — WhatsApp LLC (Meta) privacy policy applies
• Facebook — Meta Platforms privacy policy applies
• Google Play — Google LLC privacy policy applies
• Indian Embassy website — Government of India privacy policy applies
• Unsplash Photos (placeholder images) — Unsplash service, no tracking

IINL is not responsible for the privacy practices of these third-party services. We recommend reading their respective privacy policies.

5. WhatsApp Group Administration

IINL manages a number of WhatsApp community groups. When you request to join a WhatsApp group via this website, your phone number becomes visible to other group members as per WhatsApp's functionality. IINL does not store, sell, or share phone numbers obtained through WhatsApp groups. The admin (Mahak Rathore) uses phone numbers solely to add members to relevant groups.

6. Your Rights Under GDPR

As an EU/EEA resident, you have the following rights:

• Right to Access — Request what data (if any) we hold about you
• Right to Erasure — Request deletion of any personal data
• Right to Withdraw Consent — You can withdraw consent at any time by clearing your browser's local storage
• Right to Lodge a Complaint — You may file a complaint with the Dutch Data Protection Authority (Autoriteit Persoonsgegevens): autoriteitpersoonsgegevens.nl

7. Data Retention

Data stored in your browser's local storage remains until you clear it. We do not retain any user data on our servers.

8. Children's Privacy

This website is not directed at children under 16. We do not knowingly collect data from minors.

9. Changes to This Policy

We may update this policy from time to time. The date at the top of this page will reflect the most recent update.

10. Contact

For any privacy-related questions or requests, contact: hello@indiansinthenetherlands.nl