Privacy policy
Last updated: 23 October 2026 (volunteers, resident chats)
palava.city is a community platform for residents of Palava (pin code 421204): a directory of local businesses and useful numbers, updates on WhatsApp, and, soon, residents' own posts. It is an independent residents' initiative and is not affiliated with Lodha or any developer. This policy explains what information we collect, why, and the choices you have.
Who we are
palava.city is run by Neha Garg, a Palava resident. The website and the WhatsApp service (+91 8779 421204, "Apna Palava") are built and provided by VirtualCOO® ("we", "us"), which is responsible for your information under India's Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023. Legal details are at the end of this page.
What we collect
- When you join, on the website or on WhatsApp: your name, WhatsApp number, society or building, the topics you want updates on, and the messages and media you send us.
- When you call us on WhatsApp: calls may be answered automatically. We tell you at the start that the call is recorded; we keep the recording (and, later, a written transcript) privately, together with your number and the time of the call, so we can reply and help. If no one answers, you can leave a voicemail, which we keep the same way.
- When a volunteer helps you: questions the bot can't answer are passed to a palava.city volunteer on WhatsApp, with your first name and society (not your number), so they can reply quickly. Volunteers agree to keep what they see confidential.
- When we connect you with another resident (for example a carpool, something for sale, or a lost item): your messages are passed between you through our number and kept privately for safety. Your number is shared only if you both choose to share. Phone numbers and links typed in these messages are hidden until then.
- When you log in with WhatsApp: the number the login code came from (that is how we know it is yours), and when you logged in. A cookie keeps you logged in on that phone (30 days unless you log out).
- When you list a business: the business details you enter (name, what you offer, area, address, timings, phone, WhatsApp, website), your WhatsApp number as the owner, and your agreement to publish them.
- Businesses that advertise publicly to Palava residents: some directory entries are drafted from advertisements that businesses post themselves in Palava residents' WhatsApp groups. From such an ad we take only the business's details. We also keep, privately, a copy of the original ad, its date, the group it was posted in, and the name and number it was posted from, so we can show where an entry came from and handle corrections. We never publish the poster's personal number, never take residents' personal messages, and never message anyone because their number appears in a group.
- When you visit the website: basic technical data such as browser type, pages visited and approximate location, kept in server logs. With your permission, also the analytics described under Cookies and analytics.
Why we use it
- To send you the updates you asked for (for example the weekly newsletter or alerts you picked).
- To publish directory entries and posts, after a check by a person.
- To reply to your messages, send you details you ask for (such as an entry sent to your WhatsApp), and keep the community safe from fraud and misuse.
- To improve palava.city.
We use your information with your consent, which you give when you join, log in, list a business or message us, and you can withdraw it at any time. Business details taken from public advertisements are used for the legitimate purpose of a local directory, and the business can ask us to change or remove them at any time.
What is public
Directory entries show businesses' and organisations' details: name, area and address, timings and the business's phone or WhatsApp number. Each entry says where its information came from and when it was last checked. We do not show residents' personal numbers. A business can claim its entry, or ask us to correct or remove it, by messaging us on WhatsApp (send FIX or CLAIM with the entry's number, shown on its page) or by email.
Cookies and analytics
We use one cookie to keep you logged in. With your permission (the "Accept" button), we also use:
- Google Analytics, to count visitors and see which pages and sections are useful and where visitors come from (for example WhatsApp or Instagram).
- Microsoft Clarity, to see anonymously where people tap and scroll, so we can make pages easier to use. Anything you type is hidden from it.
If you choose "No thanks", neither loads. You can change your mind at any time with Cookie preferences; withdrawing consent deletes these cookies. We do not use advertising cookies.
Who we share it with
We do not sell your information. We share it only with service providers who help us run palava.city, and only for that purpose: Meta (WhatsApp Business Platform) for messaging, Google Cloud for hosting and storing files, and, only with your permission, Google Analytics and Microsoft Clarity. We may disclose information if the law requires it.
How long we keep it
We keep your registration while you remain a member. Time-bound posts (such as carpools) are removed after they expire. If you leave, we delete your information within 30 days, except where the law requires us to keep it. Call recordings and voicemails are kept for up to a year, then deleted. Records of where a directory entry came from are kept while the entry exists and for up to a year after it is removed, in case of a dispute.
Your rights
- Ask what information we hold about you, and correct or update it.
- Ask us to delete it, or withdraw your consent. Send STOP on WhatsApp to stop all messages.
- Nominate someone to exercise these rights for you.
- Raise a complaint with our Grievance Officer, and then with the Data Protection Board of India.
Write to privacy@virtualcoo.ai or message us on WhatsApp.
Children
palava.city is meant for adults. If you are under 18, please use it with a parent or guardian.
Security
We use reasonable technical and organisational measures to protect your information: private storage, staff access only through a verified WhatsApp login, and a log of who opened what. No system is completely secure, so please do not send us sensitive details such as bank or ID numbers.
Grievance Officer
Neha Garg, Grievance Officer
Email: grievance@virtualcoo.ai
WhatsApp: +91 8779 421204
We acknowledge complaints within 24 hours and aim to resolve them within 15 days.
Changes
We may update this policy. We will change the date at the top and, for important changes, tell members on WhatsApp.
Legal
palava.city is provided by VirtualCOO®. Contact: privacy@virtualcoo.ai. See also our Terms of use and Listing rules.