Privacy Policy for ADVOCATE Directory: Pala

Last Updated: October 29, 2025

1. Introduction

This Privacy Policy describes how the Pala Bar Association ("we," "us," or "our") collects, uses, and manages information in connection with your use of the ADVOCATE Directory: Pala mobile application (the "App").

The data presented within this App is officially managed and controlled by the Pala Bar Association. Technical support, including app development and online database hosting, is provided by Bitsofts Solutions (the IT unit of DEEDALLS), acting as a data processor on our behalf.

This App serves as the official directory of advocate members of the Pala Bar Association, intended for use by the public and Association members.

2. Information We Collect

• Directory Information: The App displays information about advocate members provided and managed by the Pala Bar Association. This may include:
  • Full Name
  • Phone Number(s)
  • Email Address
  • Office Address
  • Home Address
  • Blood Group
  • Willingness to Donate Blood
  • Vehicle Number(s)
  • Profile Photo
  • Office and Home Location Coordinates (if provided)
  • Clerk/Staff Names and Phone Numbers (associated with an advocate)
• Usage Data (Stored Locally): To provide the "Sort by Recent" feature, the App stores a log on your device only. This log records which profiles you interact with (by tapping phone numbers, email links, or direction buttons) and the time of interaction. This data is not uploaded to any server and remains solely on your device to enable local sorting.
• Technical Data: We or our technical support provider (Bitsofts Solutions) may collect non-personal technical information necessary for the operation and maintenance of the App and its backend systems, such as crash reports or server logs for troubleshooting.

3. How We Use Information

• To Provide the Directory Service: Displaying advocate contact information and details as intended.
• To Enable Contact: Facilitating communication via phone calls, emails, or finding directions through integrated device features.
• To Improve User Experience: Using locally stored usage data to allow you to sort profiles by recent interaction.
• For Technical Maintenance: Using technical data to ensure the App and its supporting infrastructure function correctly.

4. Data Sharing and Disclosure

The Pala Bar Association is the data controller.

• Technical Support Provider: We share necessary data with Bitsofts Solutions (DEEDALLS) solely for the purpose of providing technical services like hosting the online database and maintaining the App. They act as a data processor under our instruction and are obligated to protect the data.
• Legal Requirements: We may disclose information if required by law, subpoena, or other legal process, or if we believe in good faith that disclosure is necessary to protect our rights, protect your safety or the safety of others, investigate fraud, or respond to a government request.
• No Sale or Marketing: We do not sell, rent, or share the directory information for marketing purposes.

5. Data Security

We and our technical support provider implement reasonable administrative, technical, and physical security measures to protect the information from unauthorized access, use, alteration, or destruction. However, no internet transmission or electronic storage is 100% secure.

6. Data Retention

• Directory Information: Is maintained as long as it is deemed necessary by the Pala Bar Association.
• Local Usage Data: Is stored only on your device and can be cleared by uninstalling the app or clearing the app's data through your device settings.

7. Your Rights (Updating Information)

Advocate members wishing to update or correct their information displayed in the directory should contact the Pala Bar Association directly, as they are responsible for managing the accuracy of the data.

8. Children's Privacy

The App is not intended for use by children under the age of 13 (or the relevant age of consent in your jurisdiction), and we do not knowingly collect personal information from children.

9. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of any changes by posting the new Privacy Policy within the App or through other appropriate means. You are advised to review this Privacy Policy periodically for any changes.

10. Contact Us

For questions about the data in this directory or this Privacy Policy, please contact the Pala Bar Association.

For technical issues with the App, please contact Bitsofts Solutions.