Privacy Policy for MP Voter Search App

The MP Voter Search app, developed by the Madhya Pradesh State Election Commission (MPSEC), is a public-facing application designed for voters in Madhya Pradesh to access their voter details and generate digital voter slips. Unlike other MPSEC apps, this app does not require login credentials and is accessible to all registered voters without authentication. Users can search for voter details by selecting their district, block, and panchayat and entering their full or partial name, with optional fields such as Father/Husband’s name, age, and gender. All data is sourced directly from MPSEC servers, and no search data is saved or stored by the app. This Privacy Policy outlines how we collect, use, store, and protect your personal information in compliance with applicable laws, including the Information Technology Act, 2000, and the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023 (DPDP Act).

1. Information We Collect

We collect the following types of information to enable the app’s functionality and ensure a seamless voter experience:

a. Personal Information

• Search Inputs: Information provided by you during a search, such as district, block, panchayat, full or partial name, and optional fields (Father/Husband’s name, age, gender). These inputs are used solely to query the MPSEC database and are not stored by the app.
• Device Information: Device ID, IP address, and operating system details to ensure secure access, troubleshoot technical issues, and optimize app performance.

b. Election-Related Data

• Voter Details: Information retrieved from MPSEC servers, such as voter name, polling booth details, and other relevant data displayed in search results.
• Digital Voter Slip: Data used to generate a digital voter slip within the app.

c. Usage Data

• App interactions, such as timestamps of searches and error logs, to ensure operational efficiency and troubleshoot issues. No personally identifiable search data is stored.

2. How We Use Your Information

Your information is used solely for the following purposes:

• Voter Search: Process your search inputs (e.g., district, name) to retrieve voter details and polling booth information from MPSEC servers.
• Digital Voter Slip Generation: Generate a digital voter slip within the app for use as identity proof at polling booths.
• Technical Support: Analyze device information and usage data to improve app performance and resolve issues for users.
• Security: Use device information to secure the app and prevent unauthorized access to MPSEC data.

Note: No search inputs or voter details are saved or stored by the app after the search is completed or the app is closed.

3. How We Collect Your Information

• Direct Input: You provide search inputs (e.g., district, block, panchayat, name) to query voter details. These inputs are not stored by the app.
• Automated Collection: Device information is collected automatically during app usage to ensure functionality and security.
• MPSEC Database: Voter details are sourced directly from the MPSEC’s official database during searches, ensuring accuracy and compliance with election protocols.

4. Data Sharing and Disclosure

We do not store or share your search inputs or personal information. Data is handled as follows:

• With MPSEC: Search queries are sent to MPSEC servers to retrieve voter details, but no search data is retained by the app or MPSEC after the query is processed.
• Legal Requirements: We may disclose device or usage data if required by law, court order, or government regulation, in accordance with the Information Technology Act, 2000, and the DPDP Act, 2023.
• Service Providers: Limited device and usage data may be shared with trusted technical service providers (e.g., MP State Electronics Development Corporation Ltd.) for app maintenance and support, under strict confidentiality agreements.

5. Data Security

We implement robust security measures to protect the information processed by the app:

• Encryption: All data transmissions between the app and MPSEC servers, including search queries and voter details, are encrypted using industry-standard protocols.
• No Data Storage: Search inputs and voter details are not stored by the app, ensuring minimal risk of data exposure.
• Secure Storage: Temporary device data (e.g., digital voter slips) is stored securely on your device and cleared when the app is closed.
• Regular Audits: We conduct periodic security audits to ensure compliance with data protection standards.

6. Data Retention

• Search Inputs: No search inputs (e.g., name, district) are saved or stored by the app after the search is completed or the app is closed.
• Voter Details: Voter information retrieved from MPSEC servers is displayed temporarily and not retained by the app.
• Digital Voter Slips: Generated voter slips are stored temporarily on your device and can be accessed offline but are cleared when the app is closed or uninstalled.
• Usage Data: Non-identifiable usage data (e.g., error logs) may be retained as per MPSEC protocols for audit and technical purposes.
• If you have concerns about data usage, contact the MPSEC Data Protection Officer (details below).

7. Your Rights

Under the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023, you have the following rights:

• Access: Request details of any personal information processed by the app (note: no search data is stored).
• Correction: Request correction of inaccurate voter data through MPSEC’s official channels.
• Grievance Redressal: Raise concerns about data handling with the MPSEC Data Protection Officer.

To exercise these rights, contact the MPSEC at mpsec@mp.gov.in or call the Helpline: +91-755-2551076.

8. Offline Functionality

• The app supports offline access to previously generated digital voter slips, stored securely on your device.
• No search functionality is available offline, as voter data is sourced from MPSEC servers requiring an internet connection.
• Offline data (e.g., voter slips) is encrypted to prevent unauthorized access and is cleared when the app is closed or uninstalled.

9. Third-Party Services

• The app does not integrate with third-party analytics or advertising services.
• Technical support services (e.g., server hosting) are provided by trusted partners like the MP State Electronics Development Corporation Ltd., under strict data protection agreements.

10. Public Access

• The MP Voter Search app is publicly accessible to all registered voters in Madhya Pradesh without requiring login credentials.
• Voter data is sourced directly from the MPSEC’s official database, ensuring accuracy and compliance with election protocols.

11. Children’s Privacy

• This app is intended for use by registered voters and is not designed for individuals under 18 years of age. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children.

12. Changes to This Privacy Policy

• We may update this Privacy Policy to reflect changes in app functionality or legal requirements. The updated policy will be posted in the app and on the MPSEC website (mplocalelection.gov.in).
• Users will be notified of significant changes via the app or the MPSEC website.