1. Introduction & Overview

Welcome to Sitamarhi Information Centre (sicstm.com). We are committed to safeguarding the privacy of our visitors, business owners, and local residents. This Privacy Policy details how we handle personal and non-personal data when you visit our website, submit a business listing, post an inquiry or review, or browse local services in Sitamarhi district and surrounding regions.

2. Information We Collect

We collect information in the following categories to provide seamless local directory services:

• Public Business Information: When a business owner registers or claims a profile, we collect business name, trade category, address, locality/block, phone number, WhatsApp contact, operating hours, photos, and product catalog items for public display.
• Customer Inquiries & Quotes: When a visitor submits a quote request or inquiry to a business, we collect your name, email address, phone number, and message text to transmit directly to the business owner.
• User Reviews & Ratings: Name, email address, star rating, and review comments submitted by verified consumers.
• Technical & Analytical Data: IP address, browser type, operating system, pages viewed, referring URLs, and timestamps collected automatically to secure our servers and optimize platform performance.

3. How We Use Your Information

The information collected is utilized for the following legitimate purposes:

• To operate, maintain, and enhance the Sitamarhi Information Centre online directory.
• To connect consumers directly with local businesses, merchants, and service providers.
• To verify business authenticity and prevent fraudulent listings, scams, or misleading claims.
• To notify business owners of customer leads, quote requests, and community reviews.
• To display local district updates, flash news, and community business spotlights.
• To comply with applicable Indian IT Acts, cyber regulations, and legal obligations.

4. Cookies, Web Beacons & Advertising

Our website uses cookies (small text files saved on your device) to preserve your preferences, track liked listings and videos, and analyze aggregate traffic patterns.

Google AdSense & Third-Party Advertising

We may display advertisements served by Google AdSense and authorized third-party ad networks. Google utilizes cookies (including the DoubleClick cookie) to serve ads to users based on their visits to our site and other internet destinations. Users may opt out of personalized advertising by visiting Google Ads Settings.

5. Data Protection & Security

We implement modern administrative, technical, and physical security measures (including HTTPS SSL encryption, firewalls, and server access limits) to protect personal information against unauthorized access, loss, misuse, or alteration.

6. Your Rights & Listing Management

Business owners can update their listed contact information, product photos, hours, or request deletion of their business listing at any time by logging into their account at Business Dashboard or by reaching out to our support team.

7. Grievance Officer & Contact Information

If you have questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or data handling practices, please contact our administrative team: