Kothakoli

Privacy Policy

Last updated: 9 October 2026

This Privacy Policy explains what information Kothakoli ("we", "us") collects when you use our website https://www.kothakoli.in and our mobile app, how we use it, and the choices you have. By using Kothakoli you agree to this policy.

1. Information we collect

Information you give us

  • Account details: name, username, email address and password (stored only in encrypted, hashed form).
  • Profile details (optional): bio, website, profile photo and cover photo.
  • Content: poems, stories and other posts, drafts, comments, reactions, bookmarks and the writers you follow.
  • Wallet and payments: coin purchase requests (amount, payment method and the UPI/bank transaction reference you enter), gifts you send or receive, and withdrawal requests (amount, method and the UPI ID or bank account you provide for payout). We do not collect or store card numbers or UPI PINs.
  • Messages to us: anything you send when you contact us.

Information collected automatically

  • Reading statistics: to count unique views and calculate writer earnings, we store a one-way encrypted (hashed) code made from your IP address and browser, or your user ID if signed in, together with the date. We cannot turn this code back into your IP address.
  • Device and log data: IP address, browser/app version, device type and pages visited, kept in server logs for security and troubleshooting.
  • Push notification tokens: if you allow notifications, a device token from Google Firebase so we can send you notifications.
  • Cookies and local storage: see section 5.

2. How we use information

  • To create and run your account and show your writing to readers.
  • To count views, run the coin wallet, process gifts, purchases and withdrawals, and prevent fraud.
  • To send notifications you have allowed (new posts from writers you follow, comments, reactions, gifts, followers, and announcements).
  • To keep Kothakoli safe: detect spam, abuse and violations of our Terms.
  • To show advertising that helps keep Kothakoli free (see section 4).
  • To comply with law and respond to valid legal requests.

We do not sell your personal information.

3. What is public

Your name, username, profile photo, bio, published posts, comments, reactions counts, follower counts and leaderboard positions are visible to everyone. Drafts, your email address, wallet balances and payment details are private.

4. Third-party services

We use trusted services that may process limited data on our behalf or set their own cookies:

  • Google AdSense (website) and Google AdMob (app) to show ads. Google may use cookies or device identifiers to show personalised or non-personalised ads. You can manage ad personalisation at https://adssettings.google.com. Learn more: https://policies.google.com/technologies/ads
  • Google Firebase Cloud Messaging for push notifications.
  • Google Fonts to display fonts.
  • DiceBear to generate letter avatars for users without a photo (your display name is sent to create the image).
  • Wikisource / public-domain sources for classic literature (no personal data is shared).

Each service has its own privacy policy.

5. Cookies and local storage

We use a session cookie to keep you signed in and protect forms (security token). We store small preferences in your browser, such as your theme (light/dark) and whether you dismissed the notification prompt. Advertising partners may set their own cookies. Details are in our Cookie Policy.

6. Data retention

We keep your account data while your account is active. Published content stays public until you delete it or your account. Wallet and payment records are kept as long as required for accounting, tax and legal purposes. Server logs are kept for a limited period.

7. Your rights and choices

Under applicable law, including India's Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023, you may:

  • access and correct your information (most of it can be edited in Settings);
  • delete your posts and comments at any time;
  • request deletion of your account;
  • withdraw consent for notifications (in your browser or phone settings) and for personalised ads;
  • nominate a person to exercise your rights in case of death or incapacity;
  • file a grievance (see below).

To make a request, email hellokothakoli@gmail.com.

8. Children

Kothakoli is meant for users aged 18 and above. Users under 18 may use it only with the consent and supervision of a parent or guardian. If you believe a child has given us personal data without consent, contact us and we will delete it.

9. Security

We use HTTPS encryption, hashed passwords and access controls. No online service is 100% secure, so please use a strong, unique password.

10. Changes

We may update this policy. We will post the new version here with a new "Last updated" date, and notify you of important changes.

11. Contact and grievances

Questions or complaints: hellokothakoli@gmail.com Grievance Officer: To be announced Address: —