Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

The Diocese of Cochin (“we,” “us,” or “our”) is a non-profit religious organisation under the Catholic Church, committed to serving the faithful community. This Privacy Policy describes how we collect, use, disclose, and protect your personal information when you visit our website dioceseofcochin.org and use our services.

2. Information We Collect

We may collect the following types of information:

• Personal Information: Name, email address, phone number, and postal address when you contact us, subscribe to notifications, or submit enquiries through our website.
• Usage Data: Information about how you access and use our website, including your IP address, browser type, pages visited, time spent on pages, and referring URLs.
• Push Notification Data: If you opt in to receive push notifications, we collect your device token and notification preferences.
• Cookies & Similar Technologies: We use cookies and similar tracking technologies to enhance your browsing experience. See Section 6 for details.

3. How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect for the following purposes:

• To provide, maintain, and improve our website and services.
• To communicate with you regarding diocesan events, news, parish activities, and pastoral programmes.
• To send push notifications about important announcements, if you have opted in.
• To respond to your enquiries, prayer requests, and feedback.
• To analyse website usage and improve the user experience.
• To comply with applicable laws and ecclesiastical regulations.

4. Sharing of Information

As a non-profit religious organisation, we do not sell, trade, or rent your personal information to third parties. We may share your information only in the following circumstances:

• Service Providers: With trusted third-party service providers who assist us in operating our website and delivering services (e.g., hosting providers, email services), subject to confidentiality obligations.
• Ecclesiastical Authorities: With other Catholic Church entities where necessary for pastoral or administrative purposes, in accordance with Canon Law.
• Legal Requirements: When required by law, regulation, or legal proceeding, or to protect the rights, safety, and property of the Diocese.

5. Data Security

We implement appropriate technical and organisational measures to protect your personal information against unauthorised access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction. However, no method of transmission over the Internet or electronic storage is 100% secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.

6. Cookies & Tracking Technologies

Our website uses cookies to:

• Remember your preferences and settings.
• Understand how visitors interact with our website.
• Improve website performance and functionality.

You can control cookies through your browser settings. Disabling cookies may limit certain features of our website.

7. Children's Privacy

Our website is not directed at children under the age of 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If you believe a child has provided us with personal information, please contact us so that we can take appropriate steps to remove such data.

8. Your Rights

You have the right to:

• Access the personal information we hold about you.
• Request correction of inaccurate or incomplete information.
• Request deletion of your personal information, subject to applicable legal and canonical obligations.
• Withdraw consent for push notifications at any time through your browser or device settings.
• Opt out of promotional communications by following the unsubscribe instructions provided.

9. Third-Party Links

Our website may contain links to third-party websites, including social media platforms, affiliated organisations, and external resources. We are not responsible for the privacy practices or content of these external sites. We encourage you to review their respective privacy policies.

10. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices or applicable laws. Any updates will be posted on this page with a revised “Last updated” date. We encourage you to review this policy periodically.

11. Contact Us

If you have any questions or concerns about this Privacy Policy or how your information is handled, please contact us: