The Pakistan Hajj Volunteers Group (PHVG) is committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you use the PHVG Hajj Navigator mobile application (the “App”). By using the App, you agree to the terms of this Privacy Policy. If you do not agree, please do not use the App.

1. Information We Collect

Personal information you disclose to us

We collect limited information necessary to provide the PHVG Hajj Navigator App’s services, only when you voluntarily interact with its features. The information collected includes:

• Personal Information:‍
  
  • ‍Location Data: Precise, real-time location data to enable navigation to camps, masjids, train stations, hospitals, Mashaer sites (e.g., Mina camps, Aziziyah accommodations), or PHVG volunteer posts. Location data is also used temporarily for the “I’m Lost” emergency feature (available from one day before Hajj begins, i.e.,7th of Dhul Hijjah or approximately June 4, 2025, for five days) to share your location with PHVG volunteers or the command center.‍
  • Nusuk Card Data: Information obtained when you scan your Nusuk card, including your name, pilgrim identifier, and service provider name (the company that made arrangements for your Hajj pilgrimage).

• Feedback and Communications: Information you provide when submitting feedback, suggestions, or inquiries through the App or via email (contact@phvg.com).

• Device Information: Technical data, such as device type, operating system, or IP address, to support App functionality and analytics.

• Usage Data: Not applicable as of now. We will update the privacy policy once we start capturing user’s usage information.

Important Note: We do not store personal information (location, name, pilgrim identifier, or service provider name) in our database. Data is used temporarily to provide App functionality and is delete dafter its intended use (e.g., after navigation or the five-day “I’m Lost” feature period).

Sensitive Information: We do not process any sensitive personal information beyond the minimal data required for App functionality (e.g., Nusuk card details for navigation purposes).

2. How We Use Your Information

We use the information collected to provide and improve the PHVG Hajj Navigator App’s services, including:

• App Functionality: : To enable real-time navigation, route guidance to Mashaer sites, Nusuk card scanning for pilgrim details, offline map access, and emergency support (e.g. connecting lost pilgrims with PHVG volunteers or the command center).
• Enhanced User Experience: To offer Hajj tips, support a multilingual interface (available in Arabic, Urdu, English, French, Malay, Indonesian, Turkish, and Bengali), and improve the App’s user interface.
• User Support: To respond to your inquiries, feedback, or suggestions submitted via the App or email.
• Safety and Security: To detect and prevent fraud, ensure the security of the App, and protect users during Hajj.‍
• Legal Compliance: To comply with applicable laws, regulations, or governmental requests.

Location data and Nusuk card data are used temporarily and not retained in our database after their intended purpose is fulfilled.

3. How We Share Your Information

We may share your information in the following limited circumstances:

• Service Providers: With trusted third-party providers (e.g., cloud hosting, analytics, or mapping services) who assist in operating the App. These providers are contractually obligated to protect your data and use it only for specified purposes.
• Emergency Support: With PHVG volunteers or the command center during the “I’m Lost” feature activation to locate and assist lost pilgrims. This sharing is limited to the five-day period (7th to 12th of Dhul Hijjah, approximately June 3–8, 2025) and only includes necessary location data.
• Legal Obligations: When required by law, regulation, or legal process, or to protect PHVG’s rights, safety, or property.

We do not sell your information to third parties, and we do not store personal information in our database.

4. Your Privacy Rights

Depending on your location, you may have rights under applicable data protection laws, such as:

• Access: Request details about the information we process about you.
• Correction: Update or correct inaccurate information.
• Deletion: Request deletion of your information, noting that personal information is not stored in our database and is deleted after temporary use.

To exercise these rights, contact us at contact@phvg.com. We will respond promptly in accordance with applicable laws.

5. Do-Not-Track (DNT) Features

The App does not currently respond to Do-Not-Track signals, as no standardized DNT protocol has been universally adopted. If a standard is established, we will update our practices and notify you in a revised Privacy Policy.

6. Children’s Privacy

The PHVG Hajj Navigator App is not intended for users under 18 years old. We do not knowingly collect or solicit information from minors. If we learn that data from a minor has been collected, we will deactivate the account and delete the data promptly. If you believe we have collected data from a minor, please contact us at contact@phvg.com.

7. Data Security

We implement reasonable measures to protect your information from unauthorized access, loss, or misuse. Location data and Nusuk card data are encrypted during transmission (e.g., for the “I’m Lost” feature) and are not stored in our database. Data is deleted after its temporary use. However, no system is completely secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.

8. Updates to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy periodically to reflect changes in our practices, App features (e.g. new UI, Nusuk card scanning, or Hajj tips), or legal requirements. We will notify you of material changes via a prominent notice in the App or by email. The updated policy takes effect upon posting. Please review this policy regularly at www.phvg.com/privacy-policy.

9. Contact Us

For questions, concerns, or to exercise your privacy rights, please contact us at:

• Email: contact@phvg.com
• Website: www.phvg.com

Key Changes and Notes

• Personal Information Definition: The policy now explicitly defines personal information as limited to location data and Nusuk card data (name, pilgrim identifier, service provider name), as specified.
• No Database Storage: The policy emphasizes that personal information is not stored in PHVG’s database, addressing the user’s clarification. Data is used temporarily and delete dafter its purpose (e.g., navigation or emergency feature).
• Removal of Business Transfers: The “Business Transfers” section has been removed, as requested.
• Alignment with Features: The policy reflects the App’s features (e.g., Nusuk card scanning "I’m Lost” feature for five days, multilingual support) and their data implications, ensuring clarity for pilgrims.
• Consistency with PHVG Razakar: The structure, tone, and provisions (e.g., user rights, DNT, children’s privacy) remain consistent with the PHVG Razakar policy for uniformity across PHVG apps.

For further refinements or to confirm specific details, users should contact PHVG atcontact@phvg.com.