Privacy Policy

Effective Date: October 15, 2025

1. Introduction

Gastricus (“we”, “our”, or “us”) operates the website https://www.gastricus.org and the Gastricus mobile application (“App”). This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and protect personal information when you use our website, mobile app, services, or participate in our workshops and training programs.

2. Information We Collect

• Personal Identification Data: Name, email address, phone number, and account credentials when you sign up or contact us.
• Account Information: Profile details, registration status, and preferences stored securely in our systems.
• Usage and Interaction Data: How you use the app or website, such as buttons clicked, pages viewed, time spent, and engagement with learning modules.
• Device & Technical Information: Device type, operating system, IP address, app version, and performance metrics collected for analytics and troubleshooting.
• Location Data (if allowed): Your location may be used to recommend nearby events, mentors, or facilities. You may disable location access at any time.
• Payment Information: Billing details collected via secure third-party providers (e.g., Stripe, Razorpay). We never store credit/debit card numbers on our servers.
• Communication Data: Emails, chat messages, or support tickets you send to us for assistance or inquiries.
• Push Notification Tokens: Collected if you opt in to receive educational reminders, event alerts, or updates.

3. How We Use Your Data

• To create and manage your user account.
• To deliver courses, workshops, and educational materials.
• To provide customer support and respond to inquiries.
• To send notifications, updates, or promotional content (with consent).
• To personalize content and improve user experience.
• To analyze trends, usage, and performance of the app and website.
• To comply with legal obligations or enforce our Terms of Service.

4. Legal Basis for Processing (GDPR)

If you are located in the European Economic Area (EEA), we process your personal data under one or more of the following legal bases:

• Your consent (Article 6(1)(a) GDPR)
• Performance of a contract (Article 6(1)(b) GDPR)
• Compliance with legal obligations (Article 6(1)(c) GDPR)
• Legitimate interests (Article 6(1)(f) GDPR)

5. Mobile App Permissions

The Gastricus app may request the following permissions:

• Camera and Photos: For profile setup and content sharing.
• Storage: To save course materials or offline data.
• Location: Optional — to show relevant events nearby.
• Notifications: To send reminders or updates.

6. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

We use cookies, analytics, and similar tracking technologies on our website and app to analyze traffic, improve performance, and understand how users interact with our content. You can disable cookies through your browser settings, but some features may not function properly.

7. Data Sharing and Third Parties

We do not sell your personal data. However, we may share limited data with:

• Service providers (hosting, analytics, and payment gateways).
• Instructors, partners, or institutions for workshop coordination.
• Authorities when required by law or regulation.

8. Data Storage, Transfer & Retention

Your information may be stored on secure servers located in different regions. We take steps to ensure that your data receives adequate protection consistent with applicable privacy laws. We retain your data only for as long as needed to provide services or meet legal obligations.

9. International Data Transfers

If you access our services from outside India, please note that your data may be transferred and processed in countries that may not provide the same level of data protection as your own. By using our services, you consent to such transfers.

10. Data Security

We implement industry-standard measures such as encryption (HTTPS), firewalls, and secure authentication to protect your data. However, no system is entirely immune from risk, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.

11. Your Privacy Rights

You have the right to:

• Access, correct, or delete your personal information.
• Withdraw consent for certain data processing activities.
• Opt-out of marketing communications at any time.
• Request a copy of your data (“data portability”).

To exercise these rights, contact us at admin@gastricus.org.

12. Account Deletion

You can request account deletion directly through the Gastricus app or via our web form at https://www.gastricus.org/delete-account.html. We will confirm your request via email before deleting all data, except where retention is required by law.

13. Links to Other Websites

Our website or app may contain links to third-party websites. We are not responsible for the privacy practices or content of those sites. Please review their respective policies before sharing your data.

14. AI Features and Data Usage (if applicable)

If our app includes AI-assisted features or automated tools, these may process anonymized data to improve accuracy or personalization. We do not use such data to make automated decisions that have legal or significant effects on users.

15. Changes to This Policy

We may revise this Privacy Policy from time to time. Updates will be posted on this page with a revised effective date. Continued use of our app or website after updates constitutes acceptance of the changes.

16. Contact Us

For questions, concerns, or privacy-related requests, please contact:

Gastricus Privacy Office
Email: admin@gastricus.org
Website: https://www.gastricus.org

Gastricus — advancing gastric ultrasound education through research, innovation, and mentorship.