Introduction

Effective Date: June 28, 2025

Synsto values your privacy and is committed to protecting the information you share with us. This Privacy Policy outlines how we collect, use, and safeguard your information through our websites, applications, and related services, including those operated on behalf of our authors (collectively, "Sites"). By using our Sites, you consent to the practices described in this policy. If you do not agree, please refrain from using the Sites.

This policy applies only to information collected via the Sites and does not cover data obtained through other channels, such as phone, postal mail, or in-person events.

Updates to This Policy

Synsto may update this Privacy Policy to reflect changes in our services, practices, or applicable laws. Updates will be posted on the Sites and take effect 24 hours after posting. Significant changes to how we use your personal information will be highlighted prominently, and we will not apply less protective practices to previously collected data without your consent. Continued use of the Sites after changes indicates your acceptance.

Information We Collect

We collect two types of information through your use of the Sites:

• Personal Information: Data that uniquely identifies you, such as your name, email address, phone number, mailing address, or payment details.
• Non-Personal Information: Data related to you but not uniquely identifying, such as your interests, demographics (e.g., age, gender, postal code), and Site usage patterns.

How We Collect Information

We gather information in the following ways:

Information You Provide

We may collect personal or demographic information when you:

• Create an account on the Sites.
• Subscribe to our newsletters or promotional emails.
• Purchase services, such as editorial or publishing support.
• Enter contests, sweepstakes, or surveys.
• Engage with our social media, forums, or communities.
• Submit manuscripts, feedback, or other user-generated content.
• Contact us for customer support or job applications.

Automated Data Collection

We and our third-party service providers may use technologies to collect non-personal information, including:

• Device Data: Information like IP address, browser type, device identifiers, or geolocation (if enabled).
• Usage Data: Details about your Site interactions, such as pages visited, search terms, or access times.
• Location Data: If you enable location-based features, your device may store and share your location to provide tailored content. This data is stored locally unless you opt to save it to our servers.
• Cookies and Similar Technologies: We use cookies, web beacons, and other tools to track preferences, enhance Site functionality, and process payments. You can adjust your browser settings to disable cookies, but this may limit Site features.

Use of Your Information

We use your information to enhance your experience with Synsto, including:

• Delivering requested services, such as manuscript reviews or publishing support.
• Sharing your user-generated content as permitted.
• Communicating about your account, transactions, or policy updates.
• Sending newsletters, promotions, or event information.
• Personalizing content and recommendations based on your preferences.
• Displaying targeted ads on our Sites or third-party platforms.
• Manag fortes, contests, or loyalty programs.
• Analyzing Site usage to improve our services.
• Detecting and preventing policy violations or illegal activities.

We may combine data from multiple Sites or offline sources to improve your user experience and maintain accurate records.

Targeted Advertising

We may partner with third-party advertisers to deliver targeted ads based on your Site activity or browsing behavior. These partners use cookies or web beacons to collect anonymous data, not personal information, to tailor ads across our Sites and other platforms. Their practices are not covered by this policy. To opt out, visit the Network Advertising Initiative at http://www.networkadvertising.org/managing/opt_out.asp.

Children’s Privacy

We do not require children to share personal information. When we collect data from children, such as for contests or newsletters, we:

• Collect minimal data, like an email address, for one-time responses and delete it afterward.
• Request parental consent for ongoing activities, such as newsletters, with an option to opt out.
• Use parental email addresses for contest notifications or prize fulfillment.
• Collect anonymous usage data (e.g., via cookies) to improve Site performance, without targeting children behaviorally.

Parents or guardians may review or request deletion of their child’s data by contacting us at [email protected] or [email protected].

Information Security

Synsto implements reasonable measures to protect your personal information. However, no online transmission or storage is fully secure. By using the Sites, you acknowledge that you transmit data at your own risk.

Phishing and Identity Theft

Synsto will never request sensitive information, such as Pin, passwords or Card Details, via email. If you receive suspicious emails claiming to be from Synsto, do not respond and report them to us at [email protected] or [email protected].

Third-Party Content and Links

The Sites may include third-party content or links to external websites. These third parties’ privacy practices are not covered by this policy, and Synsto is not responsible for their actions or content.

Public Forums and Content

Information shared in public areas, such as forums or comment sections, is publicly accessible. Exercise caution when posting personal information. Refer to our Terms of Service for guidelines on using these areas.

Do Not Track Signals

Our Sites do not respond to "Do Not Track" signals. We do not track your personal information across third-party websites for behavioral targeting, nor do we authorize third parties to do so.

International Data Transfers

If you are located outside India, your personal information may be transferred to and stored in India, where data protection laws may differ. By submitting information, you consent to its transfer and use as described in this policy.

Opting Out and Data Correction

You may opt out of commercial emails or newsletters by clicking the “unsubscribe” link in our emails or contacting us at [email protected] or [email protected]. You can also request corrections to your information. Note that transactional messages, such as order confirmations, are not affected by opt-out requests.

Governing Law

This Privacy Policy is governed by Indian laws, including the Information Technology Act, 2008, and the Information Technology (Reasonable Security Practices and Procedures and Sensitive Personal Data or Information) Rules, 2011. Disputes will be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of courts in New Delhi, India. Synsto may opt for arbitration under the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996.

Corporate Changes

In the event of a merger, acquisition, or sale of Synsto’s assets, your information may be transferred to the acquiring entity. We will aim to ensure the acquiring party follows this Privacy Policy, but we cannot guarantee identical practices.

Contact Us

For questions about this Privacy Policy or our data practices, contact us at [email protected] or [email protected].