Last updated: 4 November 2026.
This Privacy Policy explains how Chha Gam Patidar Samaj, Chicago (“Chha Gam,” “we,” “us”) handles personal information on chhagam.org (the “Website”). We are a not-for-profit community organization, and we collect only what we need to run the community and its member services.
Information we collect
- Account information you provide when you register or update your profile — such as your name, the village your family belongs to, email address, phone number, mailing address, and membership details.
- Directory and matrimonial information you choose to add, and the privacy choices you set for it.
- Content you submit — for example obituary notices, event responses, reimbursement requests, or messages to the Board.
- Verification records — when you use phone verification, we record your consent, the time, delivery references, expiry and limited attempt counts. We store a keyed hash of each verification code, never its plain text.
- Basic technical information your browser sends (such as IP address) and server logs needed to operate and secure the Website.
How we use it
We use your information to provide and administer member services, to verify accounts, to operate the member directory and matrimonial features according to your privacy choices, to communicate with you about the Samaj, and to keep the Website secure. Membership applications are reviewed by the Board.
Cookies and tracking
We do not use advertising cookies and we do not load third-party advertising or analytics trackers. WordPress sets strictly necessary cookies when you log in, to keep you signed in and remember display choices. Your choice on our consent notice is stored in your browser’s local storage, not in a cookie.
Text messages (SMS)
When you request phone verification, your saved phone number and the verification message are sent through our text-message provider, Bird, which receives only what is needed to deliver the code. This is used for account verification, not marketing. Full details, including how to stop messages, are on our SMS Verification Information page.
What members can see
Other logged-in members can see directory and matrimonial information only as permitted by the privacy choices you set. The Board retains access to the contact details required for Samaj communication and administration. The directory may show a phone-number region independently of your other choices.
How we share information
We do not sell your personal information, and we do not share it with advertisers. We share information only with service providers that help us operate the Website (such as our hosting and text-message providers), and only as needed to deliver those services, or where required by law. If you request a password reset, your IP address is included in the reset email.
How long we keep it
We keep account, verification and consent records for as long as needed to administer your membership and the community, and as required for legal, security or administrative purposes. You can ask the Board about the records associated with your account.
Your choices and rights
You can view and update most of your information from your member profile, and adjust your directory privacy choices at any time. To request a copy of your information, to correct it, or to ask us to delete information we are not required to keep, contact the Board. You can stop verification texts as described on the SMS Verification Information page.
Children
The Website’s member services are intended for adults in the community. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children without the involvement of a parent or guardian.
Changes
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time and will revise the “Last updated” date above when we do.
Contact
Questions about this Privacy Policy can be sent to the Board through our Contact page.
