Introduction
Welcome to The Patna Times (“we,” “our,” or “us”). We are committed to protecting your privacy and ensuring the security of your personal information. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you visit our website thepatnatimes.com (the “Site”).
Please read this Privacy Policy carefully. By accessing or using our Site, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by this Privacy Policy.
Information We Collect
Information You Provide to Us
We may collect personal information that you voluntarily provide to us when you:
- Subscribe to our newsletter
- Create an account
- Submit comments or content
- Contact us through our contact forms
- Submit pitches or story ideas
- Participate in surveys or promotions
This information may include:
- Name
- Email address
- Phone number
- Mailing address
- User-generated content (comments, submissions)
- Any other information you choose to provide
Information Automatically Collected
When you visit our Site, we automatically collect certain information about your device and browsing activity, including:
- IP address
- Browser type and version
- Operating system
- Pages visited and time spent on pages
- Referring website
- Device information
- Cookies and similar tracking technologies
Third-Party Information
We may receive information about you from third-party sources, such as social media platforms, analytics providers, and advertising networks.
How We Use Your Information
We use the information we collect for the following purposes:
- To provide, operate, and maintain our Site
- To send you newsletters and updates (with your consent)
- To respond to your inquiries and provide customer support
- To process and publish user-generated content
- To improve our Site and user experience
- To analyze site usage and trends
- To detect, prevent, and address technical issues and security threats
- To comply with legal obligations
- To send you promotional materials (with your consent)
- To personalize content and advertisements
Cookies and Tracking Technologies
We use cookies and similar tracking technologies to collect and store information about your visit to our Site. Cookies are small text files stored on your device.
Types of Cookies We Use:
- Essential Cookies: Required for the Site to function properly
- Analytics Cookies: Help us understand how visitors use our Site
- Advertising Cookies: Used to deliver relevant advertisements
- Functional Cookies: Remember your preferences and settings
You can control cookies through your browser settings. However, disabling cookies may limit your ability to use certain features of our Site.
Third-Party Services
We may use third-party services that collect, monitor, and analyze information, including:
- Google Analytics: For website analytics
- Social Media Plugins: For sharing content on social platforms
- Advertising Networks: For displaying advertisements
- Content Delivery Networks: For improving site performance
- Email Service Providers: For sending newsletters
These third parties have their own privacy policies, and we encourage you to review them.
How We Share Your Information
We do not sell your personal information. We may share your information in the following circumstances:
- Service Providers: With third-party vendors who assist us in operating our Site
- Legal Requirements: When required by law or to protect our rights
- Business Transfers: In connection with a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets
- With Your Consent: When you have given us permission to share your information
- Public Content: Comments and user-generated content you submit may be publicly displayed
Data Security
We implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect your personal information from unauthorized access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction. However, no method of transmission over the internet is 100% secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.
Data Retention
We retain your personal information for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined in this Privacy Policy, unless a longer retention period is required by law.
Your Rights and Choices
Depending on your location, you may have the following rights:
- Access: Request access to your personal information
- Correction: Request correction of inaccurate information
- Deletion: Request deletion of your personal information
- Objection: Object to processing of your personal information
- Portability: Request transfer of your information to another service
- Withdraw Consent: Withdraw consent for processing (where applicable)
- Opt-Out: Unsubscribe from marketing communications
To exercise these rights, please contact us at the email address provided below.
Children’s Privacy
Our Site is not intended for children under 13 years of age. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If you believe we have collected information from a child under 13, please contact us immediately.
International Data Transfers
Your information may be transferred to and maintained on servers located outside your jurisdiction, where data protection laws may differ. By using our Site, you consent to such transfers.
Editorial Content and Author Rights
Content Ownership and Opinions
All articles, opinions, and content published on The Patna Times are the intellectual work of their respective authors. The opinions, views, and statements expressed in articles belong solely to the individual authors and do not necessarily reflect the views, opinions, or positions of The Patna Times, its owners, editors, or staff.
Evidence-Based Reporting
Authors are expected to provide evidence-based content and properly cite sources. While we strive for accuracy, The Patna Times does not guarantee the completeness, reliability, or accuracy of any content published on the Site. Readers are encouraged to verify information independently.
Author Republication Rights
Authors retain the right to republish their own work elsewhere after it has been published on The Patna Times, provided that:
- The author obtains prior written permission from The Patna Times
- The republished content includes a clear citation stating: “This article was first published on The Patna Times (thepatnatimes.com) on [date]”
- A link back to the original article on The Patna Times is included where possible
- The author notifies us of where the content will be republished
We encourage open communication with our authors and are generally supportive of content republication requests that maintain proper attribution.
Dispute Resolution and Legal Matters
Commitment to Amicable Resolution
The Patna Times is committed to resolving any disputes, complaints, or concerns through dialogue and mutual understanding. We believe in addressing issues professionally and constructively without resorting to legal proceedings.
Our Approach to Disputes
If you have any concerns, complaints, or disputes regarding:
- Content published on our Site
- Privacy matters
- Intellectual property issues
- Any other matters related to our operations
We strongly encourage you to contact us first. We commit to:
- Prompt Response: Acknowledging your concern within 48-72 hours
- Good Faith Discussion: Engaging in honest and transparent communication
- Fair Resolution: Working collaboratively to find a mutually acceptable solution
- Mediation: If direct communication does not resolve the issue, we are open to third-party mediation before considering any legal action
- Corrections: Promptly correcting any factual errors or inaccuracies brought to our attention
Content Disputes
If you believe any content on our Site is inaccurate, defamatory, or infringes upon your rights:
- Contact us immediately with specific details
- Provide evidence supporting your claim
- We will review the matter promptly and in good faith
- We may temporarily remove or modify content pending investigation
- We will communicate our findings and proposed resolution
We are committed to fair journalism and will take appropriate action when genuine concerns are raised.
Limitation of Liability
To the maximum extent permitted by law, The Patna Times, its owners, editors, employees, and contributors shall not be held liable for:
- Any errors, omissions, or inaccuracies in content
- Any actions taken based on information provided on the Site
- Any direct, indirect, incidental, consequential, or punitive damages
- Any content provided by third-party contributors or users
- Any opinions expressed by individual authors
Users access and use the Site at their own risk.
Indemnification
You agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless The Patna Times, its owners, employees, and contributors from any claims, damages, losses, liabilities, and expenses (including legal fees) arising from:
- Your use of the Site
- Your violation of this Privacy Policy or our Terms of Service
- Your violation of any rights of another party
- Content you submit to the Site
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 on this page and updating the “Last Updated” date. You are advised to review this Privacy Policy periodically for any changes. Continued use of the Site after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.
Governing Law
This Privacy Policy shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of India. Any disputes shall preferably be resolved through negotiation and mediation in Patna, Bihar.
Contact Us
If you have any questions, concerns, complaints, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy, content on our Site, or any other matter, please Contact Us. We are committed to addressing your concerns promptly and professionally.
We encourage open communication and are committed to resolving all matters amicably and in good faith.
Consent
By using our Site, you consent to our Privacy Policy and agree to its terms. You acknowledge that you have read and understood this Privacy Policy, including our commitment to dispute resolution through dialogue and our limitations of liability.
Last Updated: October 2025