Privacy Policy
This Privacy Policy describes how Host Niki (“we”, “us”, “our”), located at 16/1/Q, B K Paul, Temple Road, Belur, Howrah - 711202, West Bengal, India, collects, uses, shares, and protects personal information when you use our website, products, or services. This policy applies to all users of our platform, including visitors, customers, and affiliates.
1. Information We Collect
We collect the following categories of information to provide and improve our services:
- Personal Identification Information: Full name, email address, phone number, billing address, government-issued ID (if applicable for compliance or fraud prevention).
- Account Credentials: Usernames, encrypted passwords, and authentication details for our services including WHMCS and client area access.
- Transactional Data: Details of the services purchased, invoice history, renewal data, and payment details (excluding sensitive card data which is handled via secure gateways).
- Technical Data: IP address, device information, browser type, operating system, referring URLs, and log files captured through automated tracking tools.
- Usage Data: Login timestamps, activity on control panels (such as Webuzo or cPanel), bandwidth usage, support interaction logs, and domain activity.
- Communications: Emails, chats, tickets, call logs, and feedback sent via any support or contact method provided.
- Cookies & Tracking Technologies: We use cookies, beacons, and third-party analytics tools like Google Analytics to analyze website behavior and improve our offerings.
2. How We Use This Information
The data we collect is used to provide, manage, and enhance your experience, including but not limited to:
- Creating and managing your client account via WHMCS and our hosting infrastructure.
- Processing orders for hosting services, domains, emails, SSLs, and related solutions.
- Sending service notifications, invoices, renewal reminders, and security alerts.
- Providing personalized support via chat (Tawk.to), tickets, calls, or email.
- Ensuring platform security, including fraud prevention and abuse detection.
- Complying with legal obligations under Indian IT laws, financial regulations, and government directives.
- Improving our website, offerings, and user interface through usage analytics.
3. Legal Basis for Processing
We process your data under the following lawful bases under Indian IT rules and applicable international standards:
- Contractual Necessity: For providing services that you have purchased from us.
- Legitimate Interest: To enhance user experience, prevent fraud, and secure our systems.
- Legal Obligation: For tax, accounting, anti-fraud, and compliance purposes.
- Consent: For marketing and promotional communications (you may opt out at any time).
4. Data Retention
We retain your personal data for as long as your account is active and for at least five (5) years afterward in compliance with taxation and IT compliance laws in India. After this period, data is anonymized or securely deleted.
5. Data Sharing & Disclosure
We do not sell or rent your personal data. We may share data with:
- Payment Gateways: Such as Razorpay or PayPal for processing payments securely.
- Domain Registrars: To register or transfer your domain names (ICANN or NIXI policies apply).
- Server Providers: Including Hetzner, Netcup, Asura Hosting for provisioning hosting services.
- Support Tools: Tawk.to, email providers, and internal ticketing systems.
- Legal & Regulatory Authorities: If required by law, legal proceedings, or government investigations.
6. Data Security
We employ strict measures to protect your data:
- SSL encryption on all data transfers (HTTPS).
- Firewall protection and malware scanning.
- Role-based access controls and internal staff training.
- Regular backups and disaster recovery protocols.
7. Your Rights and Choices
You have the right to:
- Access or correct your personal information via your WHMCS client portal.
- Request deletion of your data (where legally permissible).
- Withdraw consent to marketing or promotional messages.
- File complaints with Indian data protection regulators if you feel your data is mishandled.
8. Use of Cookies
Cookies help us remember your preferences and understand user activity. You can disable cookies via your browser settings, but certain features may not work correctly. Third-party services may also place cookies in accordance with their own privacy policies.
9. Third-Party Services
Our site may include integrations with third-party tools, platforms, or service providers. While we try to partner only with trusted services, we are not responsible for their privacy policies or data practices.
10. Children’s Data
Our services are intended for adults over the age of 18. We do not knowingly collect or process personal data from children. If we learn that we have collected data from a minor, we will take appropriate steps to delete it.
11. International Data Transfers
Your data may be stored or processed outside India, including on servers located in the EU or US (e.g., Hetzner, Netcup). We ensure adequate protection using standard contractual clauses and compliance with data transfer regulations.
12. Updates to This Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy periodically. The latest version will always be available on our website. Continued use of our services after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.
13. Contact Information
If you have any concerns or questions about your privacy, you may contact us at:
Effective Date: May 16, 2025