Privacy Policy for Hostel Connect

Privacy Policy for HostelConnect

At HostelConnect, your privacy is important to us. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and protect your information when you use our mobile application and related services. Please read this policy carefully to understand your rights and our practices.

1. Information We Collect

We collect the following types of information depending on your role in the app:

A. Hosteler/Student Users

  • Personal Details: Name, gender, phone number (OTP verified), email address, residential address, institute name, and profile photograph.
  • Location Data: Current or selected location to show nearby hostels.
  • App Usage Data: Your preferences, filters, and ratings given to hostels.

B. Hostel Owners

  • Personal & Business Information: Name, phone number (OTP verified), email address, hostel name, hostel type (boys/girls), address, hostel photos (minimum 4), number of available rooms, and amenities.
  • Location Data: Exact or nearby hostel location to assist users in discovery.

2. How We Use Your Information

We use your information to:

  • Match students with suitable hostels based on location and preferences.
  • Facilitate direct communication between students and hostel owners.
  • Display listings and reviews to improve transparency.
  • Improve and personalize the app experience.
  • Respond to user inquiries and provide customer support.
  • Detect and prevent fraud or misuse of the app.

3. Information Sharing & Disclosure

We do not sell, trade, or rent your personal information to third parties.
However, your profile information may be displayed in the app under the following circumstances:

  • Student users may view hostel listings and owner contact details.
  • Hostel owners may receive inquiries from verified users.

We may disclose information:

  • If required by law, legal process, or governmental request.
  • To protect our rights, users, and services in cases of suspected fraud or abuse.

4. Data Storage and Security

We take industry-standard precautions to protect your personal data. These include:

  • Encrypted data transmission (HTTPS)
  • Secure OTP authentication
  • Controlled data access and minimal retention of sensitive details

However, no method of transmission over the internet or electronic storage is 100% secure. We cannot guarantee absolute security.

5. User Rights and Choices

You have the right to:

  • Access or update your personal information in the app.
  • Request deletion of your profile or any associated data by contacting us.
  • Withdraw consent for data collection by uninstalling the app (note: some residual data may remain unless deletion is specifically requested).

To exercise any of these rights, email us at: 

6. Children’s Privacy

HostelConnect is intended for users aged 16 years and above.
We do not knowingly collect data from children under 16. If such data is inadvertently collected, we will promptly delete it.

7. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Any changes will be reflected with a revised effective date at the top of this page. We encourage you to review this policy periodically.

8. Contact Us

If you have any questions or concerns about this Privacy Policy or our data practices, please contact:

📧 Email:
📍 Location: Bankura, West Bengal, India