— PRIVACY POLICY —
Introduction
Western Ridge International School respects the privacy of students, parents, visitors, and all individuals interacting with our website, digital services, WhatsApp Business communications, and Rich Communication Services (“RCS”).
This Privacy Policy explains how Western Ridge International School collects, processes, stores, protects, and manages personal information in accordance with Indian legal requirements, Meta Business Messaging Policies, and industry-standard data protection practices.
By using our services, users consent to the practices described in this Privacy Policy.
Information We Collect
Western Ridge International School may collect the following categories of information:
User Information
- Full name
- Mobile number
- Email address
- Address details
- Student information
- Parent/guardian information
- Admission inquiry details
Device Information
- IP address
- Browser type
- Device identifiers
- Operating system
- Internet service provider details
Cookies & Technical Information
- Session identifiers
- Usage analytics
- Website interaction patterns
- Preferences and settings
Message Data
When users communicate through WhatsApp or RCS, the School may process:
- Message content
- Message timestamps
- Delivery status
- Communication preferences
- Interaction records
This information is collected strictly for legitimate educational and administrative purposes.
Purpose of Data Collection
Western Ridge International School collects data for purposes including:
- Admission processing
- Student and parent communication
- Educational administration
- Website functionality
- Communication through WhatsApp and RCS
- Event notifications
- Fee-related communication
- Security monitoring
- Regulatory compliance
- Improving user experience
Data is collected only to the extent reasonably necessary for these purposes.
Consent for WhatsApp & RCS Data Processing
By voluntarily providing contact information and interacting with Western Ridge International School through WhatsApp Business API or RCS, users expressly consent to:
- Receiving messages
- Processing communication-related metadata
- Storage of communication records
- Automated and manual communication workflows
Users may withdraw consent for non-essential communication at any time.
The School ensures compliance with applicable Meta Business and telecom communication requirements.
Legal Basis for Processing
Western Ridge International School processes information based on:
- User consent
- Legitimate educational interests
- Legal obligations
- Contractual necessity
- Institutional administration requirements
Processing is carried out in accordance with applicable Indian laws and digital communication regulations.
How We Use Collected Data
Collected information may be used to:
- Respond to inquiries
- Process admissions
- Send notifications
- Provide support
- Maintain communication records
- Improve website functionality
- Conduct internal analysis
- Ensure service security
- Prevent misuse or fraud
- Comply with legal obligations
The School does not sell personal information to third parties.
Data Retention & Deletion
Western Ridge International School retains personal information only for as long as necessary to fulfill:
- Educational purposes
- Administrative obligations
- Legal requirements
- Security and audit needs
Data may be deleted, anonymized, or archived after the retention period expires.
Users may request deletion of eligible personal information subject to applicable legal or institutional retention obligations.
Data Sharing with Third Parties
The School may share limited data with trusted third parties including:
- Meta Platforms, Inc.
- WhatsApp Business service providers
- Telecom operators
- Cloud hosting providers
- IT infrastructure vendors
- Analytics service providers
- Government authorities where legally required
Such sharing occurs only where necessary for service functionality, compliance, or institutional operations.
Third parties are expected to maintain appropriate security and confidentiality standards.
Security Measures & Encryption
Western Ridge International School implements reasonable security safeguards including:
- Encryption technologies
- Access controls
- Firewall protection
- Secure servers
- Authentication mechanisms
- Restricted administrative access
- Monitoring and logging systems
Despite reasonable measures, no digital system can guarantee absolute security.
Users are encouraged to maintain device-level security and avoid sharing sensitive credentials.
Cookies & Tracking Technologies
The School’s website may use cookies and related technologies to:
- Improve user experience
- Remember preferences
- Analyze website traffic
- Enhance security
- Monitor website performance
Users may disable cookies through browser settings, though some website features may become unavailable.
Data Transfer & Storage (India-based)
Information collected by Western Ridge International School is primarily stored and processed within India or through secure infrastructure operated by authorized service providers.
Where international data transfers occur through Meta or communication platforms, reasonable contractual and technical safeguards are applied.
The School strives to ensure data protection standards consistent with applicable regulations.
User Rights
Users may have the right to:
- Access personal information
- Correct inaccurate information
- Request deletion
- Withdraw communication consent
- Object to certain processing activities
- Request clarification regarding data usage
Requests may be submitted through official contact channels.
The School reserves the right to verify user identity before processing requests.
Policy for Children
Western Ridge International School provides educational services involving minors.
Collection and processing of children’s information occurs under parental or guardian supervision and strictly for educational and administrative purposes.
Parents or guardians are encouraged to monitor digital interactions involving minors.
The School does not knowingly collect unnecessary information from children.
Updates to Privacy Policy
Western Ridge International School may revise this Privacy Policy periodically to reflect:
- Legal updates
- Technological changes
- Operational requirements
- Regulatory obligations
Updated versions may be published on the official website.
Continued use of services after updates constitutes acceptance of the revised Privacy Policy.
Governing Law (India)
This Privacy Policy shall be governed by the laws of India.
Any disputes relating to privacy matters shall fall under the jurisdiction of courts located in Maharashtra, India.
Contact Information
For privacy-related inquiries, requests, or concerns, contact:
Western Ridge International School
Kalyan East, Maharashtra – 421306
Phone: 9561361809
Email: admin@westernridgeintschool.in
