PRIVACY POLICY

Last Updated: February 25, 2026

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1. INTRODUCTION

Welcome to Authique ("we," "us," or "our"). Authique provides personal branding services for founders, executives, senior professionals, and business leaders ("Services").

This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and protect your personal information when you:

• Visit our website at www.authique.com ("Website")
• Engage with our Services
• Communicate with us via email at hello@authique.com

By accessing our Website or using our Services, you agree to this Privacy Policy. If you do not agree, please discontinue use immediately.

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2. INFORMATION WE COLLECT

2.1 Information You Provide Directly

When you engage with Authique, we may collect:

Contact Information:

• Full name
• Email address
• Phone number
• Company name and position
• LinkedIn profile or other professional social media links

Professional Information:

• Career history and achievements
• Educational background
• Areas of expertise
• Professional goals and objectives
• Content for personal branding (articles, interviews, media appearances)

Payment Information:

• Billing address
• Payment method details (processed securely through third-party payment processors)
• Transaction history

Communication Data:

• Email correspondence
• Form submissions
• Feedback and testimonials
• Meeting notes and consultation records

2.2 Information Collected Automatically

When you visit our Website, we automatically collect:

Technical Data:

• IP address
• Browser type and version
• Device information
• Operating system
• Referring/exit pages
• Date and time stamps
• Clickstream data

Cookies and Tracking Technologies: We use cookies, pixels, and similar technologies to enhance your experience. You can control cookies through your browser settings.

2.3 Information from Third Parties

We may receive information about you from:

• Social media platforms (LinkedIn, Twitter/X, etc.)
• Public databases and professional directories
• Business partners and referral sources
• Analytics providers

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3. HOW WE USE YOUR INFORMATION

We use your information for the following purposes:

3.1 Service Delivery

• Providing personal branding services
• Creating and executing branding strategies
• Developing content and marketing materials
• Managing client relationships
• Delivering contracted services

3.2 Communication

• Responding to inquiries and support requests
• Sending service updates and important notices
• Sharing industry insights and newsletters (with your consent)
• Scheduling consultations and meetings

3.3 Business Operations

• Processing payments and maintaining financial records
• Analyzing and improving our Services
• Conducting market research
• Managing contracts and legal obligations
• Preventing fraud and ensuring security

3.4 Marketing (with Consent)

• Sending promotional communications about our Services
• Personalizing marketing messages
• Conducting surveys and gathering feedback
• Creating case studies and testimonials (with explicit permission)

3.5 Legal Compliance

• Complying with applicable laws and regulations
• Responding to legal requests and preventing illegal activities
• Enforcing our Terms and Conditions
• Protecting our rights and interests

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4. LEGAL BASIS FOR PROCESSING (GDPR & INTERNATIONAL COMPLIANCE)

For clients in the European Union, UK, and other jurisdictions requiring legal basis:

• Contract Performance: Processing necessary to deliver our Services
• Legitimate Interests: Improving Services, marketing, and business operations
• Consent: When you explicitly agree (e.g., marketing communications)
• Legal Obligation: Complying with tax, financial, and regulatory requirements

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5. DATA SHARING AND DISCLOSURE

We do not sell your personal information. We may share data with:

5.1 Service Providers

Third-party vendors who assist us:

• Payment processors (e.g., Stripe, PayPal, Razorpay)
• Cloud hosting services (e.g., AWS, Google Cloud)
• Email marketing platforms (e.g., Mailchimp, ConvertKit)
• Analytics providers (e.g., Google Analytics)
• CRM systems
• Content creation tools and platforms

All service providers are contractually obligated to protect your data.

5.2 Professional Partners

With your consent, we may share information with:

• Content creators and designers
• Media outlets and publications
• Speaking engagement organizers
• Collaborating brands and sponsors

5.3 Legal Requirements

We may disclose information when required by:

• Court orders or legal processes
• Government investigations
• Protection of our legal rights
• Prevention of fraud or illegal activities
• Emergency situations threatening safety

5.4 Business Transfers

If Authique undergoes a merger, acquisition, or sale, your information may be transferred to the new entity.

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6. INTERNATIONAL DATA TRANSFERS

For Indian Clients: Your data is primarily stored and processed in India in compliance with the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023 and Information Technology Act, 2000.

For International Clients: We may transfer data across borders to provide our Services. When transferring data from the EU/UK/EEA, we ensure adequate safeguards through:

• Standard Contractual Clauses (SCCs)
• Adequacy decisions
• Explicit consent

We comply with GDPR, UK GDPR, and other applicable international data protection laws.

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7. DATA RETENTION

We retain your information for as long as necessary to:

• Provide ongoing Services
• Comply with legal obligations (tax records: 7 years)
• Resolve disputes and enforce agreements
• Maintain business records

After the retention period, we securely delete or anonymize your data.

Specific Retention Periods:

• Active client data: Duration of relationship + 2 years
• Financial records: 7 years (Indian tax law compliance)
• Marketing communications: Until you unsubscribe
• Website analytics: 26 months (Google Analytics default)

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8. YOUR PRIVACY RIGHTS

Depending on your location, you may have the following rights:

8.1 For All Users

• Access: Request copies of your personal data
• Correction: Update inaccurate or incomplete information
• Deletion: Request deletion of your data (subject to legal obligations)
• Objection: Object to processing for marketing purposes
• Restriction: Request limited processing of your data

8.2 Additional Rights (EU/UK/EEA Users - GDPR)

• Portability: Receive your data in a structured, machine-readable format
• Withdraw Consent: Withdraw previously given consent at any time
• Lodge Complaint: File a complaint with your local data protection authority

8.3 Additional Rights (California Users - CCPA)

• Right to know what data is collected
• Right to delete personal information
• Right to opt-out of sale (we don't sell data)
• Right to non-discrimination

8.4 Indian Users (DPDP Act, 2023)

• Right to access and correction
• Right to erasure and data portability
• Right to nominate (designate someone to exercise rights in case of death/incapacity)

To Exercise Your Rights: Email us at hello@authique.com with "Privacy Rights Request" in the subject line. We will respond within 30 days (or as required by applicable law).

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9. SECURITY MEASURES

We implement industry-standard security measures:

Technical Safeguards:

• SSL/TLS encryption for data transmission
• Encrypted data storage
• Secure payment processing (PCI-DSS compliant processors)
• Regular security audits and updates
• Firewall protection
• Access controls and authentication

Organizational Safeguards:

• Employee confidentiality agreements
• Limited access to personal data (need-to-know basis)
• Regular security training
• Incident response procedures

Note: No method of transmission over the internet is 100% secure. While we strive to protect your data, we cannot guarantee absolute security.

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10. COOKIES AND TRACKING TECHNOLOGIES

10.1 Types of Cookies We Use

Essential Cookies: Necessary for Website functionality

Performance Cookies: Help us understand how visitors use our Website (e.g., Google Analytics)

Functional Cookies: Remember your preferences and settings

Marketing Cookies: Track your activity for targeted advertising (with consent)

10.2 Managing Cookies

You can control cookies through:

• Browser settings (delete or block cookies)
• Our cookie consent banner
• Opt-out tools (e.g., Google Analytics Opt-out)

Disabling cookies may affect Website functionality.

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11. THIRD-PARTY LINKS

Our Website may contain links to third-party websites, social media platforms, or services. We are not responsible for their privacy practices. Please review their privacy policies before sharing information.

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12. CHILDREN'S PRIVACY

Our Services are not directed to individuals under 18 years of age. We do not knowingly collect information from children. If you believe we have collected data from a child, contact us immediately at hello@authique.com.

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13. DO NOT TRACK SIGNALS

Some browsers have "Do Not Track" (DNT) features. Our Website does not currently respond to DNT signals, but you can manage tracking through cookie settings.

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14. CHANGES TO THIS PRIVACY POLICY

We may update this Privacy Policy periodically. Changes will be posted on this page with an updated "Last Updated" date. Significant changes will be communicated via:

• Email notification to active clients
• Prominent notice on our Website
• Requiring re-consent where legally required

Continued use of our Services after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated Privacy Policy.

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15. CONTACT US

For questions, concerns, or to exercise your privacy rights:

Authique
Email: hello@authique.com

For EU/UK Users - Data Protection Officer:
Email: hello@authique.com (Subject: "GDPR Inquiry")

For Indian Users - Grievance Officer:
Email: hello@authique.com (Subject: "DPDP Grievance")

We will respond to all requests within 30 days or as required by applicable law.

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16. GOVERNING LAW & JURISDICTION

For Indian Clients: This Privacy Policy is governed by the laws of India. Disputes shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of courts in Dehradun, India.

For International Clients: This Privacy Policy is governed by the laws of your jurisdiction as applicable. For EU/UK clients, GDPR provisions apply. We aim to comply with all applicable international data protection regulations.

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By using Authique's Services, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to this Privacy Policy.

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Last Updated: February 25, 2026