Effective Date: 01-May-2025
Last Updated: 05-May-2025

The Association of Physicians of India (API) respects your privacy and is committed to maintaining the confidentiality, integrity, and security of the personal information we collect from you. This Privacy Policy outlines how we collect, process, use, share, store, and protect your data when you visit our website (https://apiindia.org) or engage with our membership services.

By accessing or using the site, you consent to the collection and use of your data in accordance with this Privacy Policy.

1. Scope

This policy applies to:

• Visitors to the API website
• Individuals submitting membership applications
• Users making payments via integrated payment systems
• Any other interaction involving the exchange of personal data through the website

2. Information We Collect

When you submit a membership application or contact us, we may collect the following:

• Full name, gender, and date of birth
• Email address and phone number
• Postal address and location
• Medical qualifications and degrees
• Medical Council registration number and year
• Current institutional affiliation or place of practice

When you make a payment on our site, transaction-related information such as:

• Payment amount
• Payment mode (card, UPI, net banking, etc.)
• Date and time of payment
• Transaction reference numbers

Note: We do not store your card details or sensitive payment credentials. These are handled directly by our authorized payment service providers, using secure, industry-compliant infrastructure.

We automatically collect certain data to enhance user experience and platform stability, including:

• IP address and geolocation
• Browser type and version
• Device type (desktop, mobile, tablet)
• Operating system
• Referral source, pages visited, session duration
• Clickstream behavior and error logs

3. Purpose of Data Collection

Your information is collected for:

• Processing and evaluating membership applications
• Providing confirmation and receipts for payments made
• Maintaining an official database of members
• Enabling communication related to API services, events, and announcements
• Improving our website experience and resolving technical issues
• Fulfilling statutory obligations and audit requirements

4. Legal Basis for Processing

We process your personal data on the following bases:

• Your explicit consent
• Fulfillment of a contract (e.g., membership application process)
• Compliance with applicable laws and regulatory frameworks
• Legitimate interest in maintaining the operations and governance of the association

5. Data Retention

We retain your personal and transaction-related data only for as long as necessary:

• To fulfill the purposes for which it was collected
• To comply with legal, regulatory, or audit requirements
• To maintain historical records of membership applications

Data may be archived in a secure, encrypted form for future reference or reactivation.

6. Cookies and Tracking

Our website uses cookies and similar technologies to enhance functionality and measure traffic. These may include:

• Session cookies to manage user logins
• Analytics cookies for behavior tracking
• Preference cookies to remember user settings

You may control cookies through your browser settings. However, disabling cookies may affect certain functionalities.

7. Data Sharing and Disclosure

We do not sell, rent, or trade your data.

We may share limited data with:

• Authorized personnel within API for application evaluation
• Third-party service providers assisting with IT support, data hosting, or email delivery
• Payment gateway services, solely for the purpose of processing your transaction
• Government, legal, or enforcement authorities if required by law

All data-sharing parties are contractually bound to confidentiality and compliance.

8. Data Security

We implement stringent security protocols to protect your data from loss, misuse, or unauthorized access. These include:

• SSL encryption for data transfer
• Firewalled and access-controlled servers
• Role-based data access policies
• Regular backups and audit trails

While we take every reasonable step, no system is immune from risks. You agree to use the platform with this understanding.

9. Your Rights

Depending on applicable laws, you have the right to:

• Access and review your personal data
• Request correction or updating of inaccurate data
• Request deletion of data (subject to statutory retention)
• Withdraw previously given consent
• Opt out of non-essential communication

To exercise these rights, contact us at the details provided below.

10. Children’s Privacy

This website and API membership services are not directed at individuals below 18 years of age. We do not knowingly collect personal data from minors.

11. External Websites

Our website may contain links to third-party sites (e.g., academic journals, conference partners). API is not responsible for their content or privacy practices. Users are advised to read their respective privacy policies.

12. Changes to This Policy

We may revise this Privacy Policy periodically. Updated versions will be posted on this page with a modified “Last Updated” date. Continued use of the website after such updates constitutes your agreement.

13. Contact Information

For questions or concerns related to this policy or your data:

The Association of Physicians of India (API)
Unit 6 & 7, Ground Floor, Turf Estate,
Off Dr. E. Moses Road, Near Mahalaxmi Station (West),
Mumbai – 400011, India
📧 Email: api.hdo@gmail.com
📞 Phone: +91-22-6666 3224