# Privacy Policy
Effective date: 25-01-2011
Star Welfare Organization ("SWO", "we", "our", or "us") respects the privacy and dignity of donors, volunteers, beneficiaries, and visitors.
This Privacy Policy explains how we handle personal information through https://www.starwelfare.org and related communications. Where a welfare
programme requires additional information, we will explain the relevant arrangements when collecting it.
## 1. Who we are and how to contact us
Star Welfare Organization provides charitable and welfare support in Pakistan.
- Email: info@starwelfare.org
- Telephone: +92 48 3717220 / +92 300 9607123
- Postal address: Nai Abadi, Kot Farid, Street No. 2, Sargodha, Pakistan
For privacy questions or requests, use the subject line "Privacy Request". Please avoid sending identity documents, medical records, or other
sensitive information in your initial message.
## 2. Information we collect
Depending on how you interact with us, we may collect:
- Contact and account information: your name, username, email address, country, city, account credentials, and information supplied in correspondence.
- Donation information: donor name and contact details, donation amount and date, payment reference, payment method, stated purpose, and
information needed to acknowledge or investigate a payment.
- Enquiries, applications, and complaints: details you provide when seeking assistance, volunteering, submitting feedback, or contacting us.
- Welfare information: where needed for an assessment or service, information about a person's circumstances, family contacts, health, disability,
or safeguarding needs. We seek only information relevant to the assistance being considered.
- Technical information: IP address, browser and device details, requested pages, and security or error logs generated when the website is used.
- Images and stories: photographs, videos, testimonials, or case information provided for an agreed purpose, subject to the protections below.
Information may come from you, an authorized representative, a referring organization, or a relevant authority. Where information concerns another
person, you must have a lawful reason to provide it. Do not send unnecessary details about children, survivors of abuse, or other vulnerable people.
## 3. How we use information
We use relevant information to respond to enquiries; administer accounts; record and acknowledge donations; assess requests for assistance;
coordinate services and volunteers; handle complaints; protect
people and prevent misuse; maintain financial and operational records; and meet applicable legal obligations.
Where we offer fundraising updates or newsletters, we will provide an appropriate choice about receiving them and a way to unsubscribe. Service
messages, such as responses to an enquiry or donation
acknowledgement, may still be sent when necessary.
Where applicable law requires a legal basis, we rely on the basis appropriate to the activity, such as consent, fulfilling a requested service or
agreement, a legal obligation, or a legitimate interest
after considering the individual's rights. Sensitive information receives additional safeguards and is processed only where an applicable legal
condition permits it. Reading this policy or browsing the
website is not consent to every use of personal information.
## 4. Donations and payment services
Donations made through banks, mobile wallets, or other payment services are also subject to those providers' privacy notices and security arrangements.
We may receive transaction confirmations and limited donor information needed to reconcile donations.
Do not send card security codes, PINs, passwords, or one-time verification codes to SWO. For a payment query, provide only the minimum reference details
needed to locate the transaction.
## 5. Cookies and third-party features
Cookies and similar technologies may be used for account sessions, security, and website preferences. Third-party content, such as embedded media, can
also collect technical information when loaded.
Where consent is required, optional technologies will not be activated until you choose to allow them. You can also manage cookies through your browser;
blocking essential cookies may affect account functions. Withdrawing optional cookie consent should be as straightforward as giving it.
## 6. When information is shared
We do not sell personal information. We share only what is reasonably needed with authorized personnel; providers supporting hosting, communications,
payments, or administration; and relevant professionals or partner organizations involved in an agreed service or referral. Appropriate confidentiality
and security arrangements should govern such access.
Information may also be disclosed where required by law, in response to a valid legal process, or where legally permitted and necessary to protect a person
from serious harm. Donating does not entitle a donor to confidential beneficiary records or direct contact with a beneficiary.
If a provider processes information outside Pakistan, we will assess the arrangement and use safeguards required by applicable law.
## 7. Children, vulnerable people, photographs, and case stories
Access to assistance is not conditional on agreeing to publicity. We do not treat a request for help as permission to publish a person's identity, circumstances,
photograph, or medical information.
Identifiable stories or images require a separate assessment of permission, lawful authority, dignity, and safety. For children, this includes appropriate parent
or guardian authorization where lawful and safe, consideration of the child's wishes and best interests, and additional safeguarding review. Permission alone
does not justify publishing material that could expose someone to harm.
Missing-person or family-reunification notices require verification and a safeguarding assessment before publication or disclosure of a person's whereabouts.
We limit published information and review notices when circumstances change.
Contact us to raise concerns or request removal of material we control. We will assess the request promptly, although copies made independently by other websites
or individuals may be outside our control.
## 8. Security and retention
We use reasonable organizational and technical safeguards appropriate to the information involved, including restricting access to those who need it. No website,
transmission method, or storage system is completely secure.
We retain information only as long as needed for its stated purpose, applicable recordkeeping duties, safeguarding requirements, or the establishment or resolution
of legal claims. We then securely delete or anonymize it, subject to legitimate retention requirements.
## 9. Your privacy choices and requests
You may contact us to ask what information we hold about you, request a correction or deletion, object to certain uses, or withdraw consent where processing
depends on it. Depending on applicable law, further rights may apply. These requests are subject to relevant legal requirements and exceptions; for example, some
donation or safeguarding records may need to be retained.
We may need proportionate identity verification before responding. Withdrawing consent does not invalidate earlier lawful processing. If you are unhappy with our
response, you may raise the matter with a competent authority where a complaint route is available under applicable law.
## 10. External websites and changes
Other websites and services have their own privacy practices. We encourage you to read their policies before providing information.
We may update this policy and will change its effective date. Where a change requires additional notice or consent, we will provide it before applying that change.