Website and Data - Legal & Policies

PRIVACY POLICY

StratVision Forum (SVF)
Last Updated: [21/09/2026]

1. Introduction

StratVision Forum ("SVF", "we", "our", or "us") respects the privacy of individuals who visit our website, participate in our programmes, communicate with us, or otherwise interact with SVF. SVF is an independent, non-partisan platform working in the areas of strategic affairs, international relations, public policy, governance, defence and security, digital diplomacy, sustainable development, research and civic development. Our activities may include research projects, publications, seminars, conferences, workshops, training programmes, fellowships, internships, public lectures, surveys, consultations, collaborative projects and other knowledge-sharing initiatives. This Privacy Policy explains what personal information SVF may collect, why we collect it, how we use it, when it may be shared, and the choices available to individuals. By personal information, we mean information that relates to an identifiable individual, such as a person's name, email address, telephone number, application information or other information that can reasonably be associated with that person. Where SVF determines the purpose and means of processing digital personal data, SVF acts as the Data Fiduciary for that processing and will comply with the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023 (DPDP Act), the Digital Personal Data Protection Rules, 2025, and other applicable Indian law as and when the relevant provisions apply.

2. Information We May Collect

The information SVF collects depends on how you interact with us.

You may provide information when you:

Contact SVF through email or a contact form
Register for an event
Subscribe to a newsletter
Apply for an internship or fellowship
Apply to participate in a research or training programme
Submit an article, paper or other publication
Participate in a survey or research activity
Register as a volunteer
Make a donation or payment, where applicable or
Communicate with SVF for any other legitimate purpose.

Depending on the activity, information may include your:

Name
Email address
Telephone number
Organisation or institution
Professional designation
Academic affiliation
Educational qualifications
Research interests
Curriculum vitae or resume
Statement of purpose
Writing samples
Information provided in applications
Event-registration details
Communication history and
Other information that you voluntarily provide.

SVF will seek to collect information that is relevant to the purpose for which it is required.

3. Information Collected Through the Website

When you visit the SVF website, certain technical information may be recorded automatically. This may include your IP address, browser type, device information, operating system, pages visited, date and time of access, referring webpage and technical information relating to website performance and security. This information helps SVF understand how the website is being used, identify technical problems, maintain security and improve the website. Cookies and similar technologies are addressed separately in the SVF Cookie Policy.

4. Why We Use Personal Information

SVF may use personal information for purposes such as:

Responding to enquiries
Managing event registrations
Communicating with participants
Processing internship and fellowship applications
Managing volunteer applications
Communicating with researchers and authors
Administering research activities
Managing publication submissions
Sending newsletters and requested updates
Issuing certificates or participation records
Processing donations or payments
Maintaining appropriate organisational records
Improving our website and services and
Meeting applicable legal or administrative requirements.

SVF will not knowingly use personal information for a purpose that is unrelated to the purpose for which it was collected unless there is an appropriate basis for doing so.

5. Research and Surveys

SVF may conduct research involving surveys, interviews, consultations, field studies or other forms of interaction with individuals. Where personal information is collected as part of research, SVF will explain the purpose of the research where appropriate and will seek to collect only information relevant to that activity. Where individual identification is not necessary, SVF may use anonymised or aggregated information in research outputs. Where research involves confidential or identifiable information, additional safeguards may be applied according to the nature of the research.

6. Applications for Internships, Fellowships and Programmes

Individuals applying for internships, fellowships, training programmes, research opportunities or volunteer positions may be asked to provide information necessary to evaluate and administer their applications. This may include academic qualifications, professional experience, research interests, résumé, statement of purpose, writing samples and references. Such information will primarily be used for selection, communication and programme administration.

7. Publications and Profiles

SVF may publish information about authors, researchers, speakers, fellows, interns, contributors and other participants when this is relevant to SVF's research, educational or institutional activities. Depending on the circumstances, published information may include a person's name, professional designation, institutional affiliation, biography, photograph, research interests or published work. Where appropriate, SVF will obtain permission or rely upon an applicable lawful basis before publishing identifiable personal information.

8. Photographs and Recordings

SVF may photograph or record seminars, conferences, workshops, public lectures, meetings and other activities organised or supported by SVF. Such photographs and recordings may be used for institutional, educational, archival, research, reporting and communication purposes. Where circumstances require specific permission, SVF will provide appropriate notice or seek appropriate consent. If you have a concern about an identifiable photograph or recording published by SVF, you may contact us.

9. Newsletters and Communications

If you voluntarily subscribe to an SVF newsletter or request information from us, we may use your contact information to send research updates, publications, event announcements, opportunities and institutional news. You may unsubscribe from non-essential communications at any time through the unsubscribe option provided in the communication or by contacting SVF.

10. Sharing Information

SVF does not sell or rent personal information for unrelated commercial purposes. Information may be shared where reasonably necessary with service providers or organisations that support SVF's activities, such as website providers, event-registration services, communication platforms, payment providers or technology providers. Information may also be disclosed where required by law or to protect the rights, security or legitimate interests of SVF or others.

11. Retention of Information

SVF retains personal information for as long as reasonably necessary for the purpose for which it was collected, for legitimate organisational requirements, or where retention is required or permitted by law. When information is no longer required, SVF may delete, anonymise or securely dispose of it, subject to legitimate archival, research, legal or administrative requirements.

12. Your Privacy Rights

Subject to applicable law, individuals may have rights relating to their personal information, including the ability to request access, correction or deletion of information and to withdraw consent where consent is the applicable basis for processing. Requests may be submitted to SVF using the contact information below. SVF may need to verify the identity of a person making a privacy request before responding.

13. Children's Information

Some SVF educational or civic-development activities may involve students or young persons. Where an activity involves the collection of children's personal information, SVF will apply safeguards appropriate to the activity and comply with applicable legal requirements.

14. Data Fiduciary and Applicable Framework

Where SVF determines the purpose and means of processing digital personal data, SVF acts as the Data Fiduciary for that processing. SVF will process personal data only for lawful purposes and in accordance with the DPDP Act, applicable rules and other applicable law.

15. Notice at the Point of Collection

Where SVF requests personal data for a particular activity, SVF will provide an appropriate notice, either through this Policy or an activity-specific notice. The notice will, where applicable, identify the personal data being collected, the specified purpose of processing, the relevant activity, and the means available to withdraw consent, exercise applicable rights and raise a grievance.

16. Consent and Withdrawal

Where consent is the applicable basis for processing, SVF will seek consent in a manner that is free, specific, informed, unconditional and unambiguous, with clear affirmative action. Consent will be limited to personal data reasonably necessary for the specified purpose. Individuals may withdraw consent where consent is the applicable basis, using a mechanism reasonably comparable to the manner in which consent was given. Withdrawal does not invalidate processing lawfully carried out before withdrawal, and SVF may continue processing where another lawful basis or legal requirement permits or requires it.

17. Data-Protection Rights

Subject to applicable law and the circumstances of processing, individuals may exercise applicable rights including access to information about processing, correction, completion, updating and erasure, withdrawal of consent where consent is the applicable basis, and grievance redressal. SVF may take reasonable steps to verify identity before responding.

18. Grievance Redressal and Data Protection Contact

SVF will maintain an accessible mechanism for privacy and data-protection requests and grievances. Data Protection Contact: [Name/Designation]. Email: [Official Email]. If a statutory Data Protection Officer is required for SVF in the future, SVF will identify that officer as required by law.

19. Data Processors and Service Providers

SVF may use website hosts, cloud-storage providers, communication platforms, event-management systems, payment providers, research tools and other technology providers. Where such providers process personal data on behalf of SVF, SVF will take reasonable steps to ensure that processing is limited to authorised purposes and that appropriate contractual, organisational and technical safeguards are used.

20. Personal Data Breaches

SVF will maintain procedures for identifying, assessing, containing, documenting and responding to personal data breaches. Where applicable law requires notification to the relevant authority or affected Data Principals, SVF will make such notifications in the required manner and within the applicable timeframe.

21. Children's Personal Data

Where SVF processes the personal data of a child, SVF will apply the safeguards required by applicable law, including verifiable parental or lawful-guardian consent where required. SVF will not knowingly undertake processing prohibited by applicable child-data provisions, including prohibited tracking, behavioural monitoring or targeted advertising directed at children where those provisions apply.

22. Contact Us

For questions, requests or concerns regarding this Privacy Policy, please contact:

StratVision Forum (SVF)
Email: info@stratvisionforum.org.in

USER POLICY

1. Additional Information Collected for SVF Programmes and Engagement

The following specific information may be collected where relevant to the particular SVF activity or service:

Volunteer & Internship Applications: Full name, email address, phone number, educational background, area of study, CV/resume details, LinkedIn profile, and written statements of interest.
Newsletter & Publication Subscriptions: Email address and name.
Event Registrations & Policy Dialogues: Name, institutional affiliation, academic/professional designation, and contact details.
Contact Inquiries & Feedback: Name, email address, message subject, and inquiry contents.

2. Specific Website and Technical Information

Where applicable, SVF may process browser type, operating system, pages visited, referring URLs, time spent on pages, and general non-identifying geographic region (country/city level). Standard functional and analytical cookies may also be used for website navigation, map loading (including the Conflict Mapping Tracker), and site performance.

3. Specific Third-Party Technical Providers

Cloud Infrastructure & Hosting: Secure cloud hosting and database systems (e.g., Render, MongoDB Atlas).
Media & Asset Delivery: Secure image optimization and CDN providers (e.g., Cloudinary).

4. External Platforms

The SVF website may contain links to social networks (e.g., LinkedIn, X) and Google Forms, in addition to external research sources and other third-party platforms.

5. Administration Portal & Restricted Systems Security

STRICT WARNING & LEGAL NOTICE: Access to the StratVision Forum Administration Portal (/admin), backend databases, server infrastructure, and restricted internal systems is strictly reserved for authorized administrators only.

Any attempt by unauthorized individuals to:

Gain unauthorized entry, bypass authentication, or exploit security vulnerabilities
Tamper with, alter, inject malicious code, or delete platform data, research articles, or member records
Perform denial-of-service attacks, automated scraping, or unauthorized penetration testing
Misrepresent their identity or misuse official StratVision Forum credentials

will result in:

Immediate & Permanent Ban: Permanent termination of platform access, membership, volunteer status, or fellowship affiliations with StratVision Forum.
Security Blacklisting: Immediate blocking of associated IP addresses and digital identifiers across all SVF networks.
Legal Prosecution: Immediate reporting to cybercrime law enforcement authorities and commencement of legal action, including claims for civil damages and criminal prosecution under applicable cyber and information technology laws.

TERMS OF USE

StratVision Forum (SVF)
Last Updated: [21/09/2026]

1. About These Terms

These Terms of Use explain the rules that apply when you access or use the StratVision Forum website and its publicly available digital services. The website may provide access to research, publications, policy analysis, articles, reports, events, programmes, opportunities and other information relating to SVF. By accessing or using the website, you agree to follow these Terms. Additional rules may apply to particular SVF programmes, events, applications, publications or services.

2. Acceptable Use

You may use the SVF website for lawful and legitimate purposes, including:

Reading research and publications
Learning about SVF and its activities
Registering for events
Applying for programmes and opportunities
Accessing publicly available resources
Sharing links to SVF webpages
Contacting SVF and
Engaging with SVF's public initiatives.

You should use the website responsibly and in a manner that does not interfere with the rights or experience of other users.

3. Prohibited Activities

You must not use the SVF website to:

Break any applicable law
Attempt to gain unauthorised access to SVF systems
Introduce viruses, malware or harmful code
Interfere with website operations
Circumvent security measures
Impersonate SVF or its representatives
Falsely claim an official relationship with SVF
Use automated systems to disrupt the website
Collect information from the website through unauthorised methods
Upload unlawful or harmful material
Harass or threaten other users or SVF representatives or
Engage in fraudulent, deceptive or malicious activity.

4. Information Submitted by Users

Users should not submit personal information belonging to another person to SVF unless they have the necessary authority or lawful basis to do so. Personal data submitted to SVF is handled in accordance with the SVF Privacy Policy and Data Protection Policy.

When submitting an application, enquiry, article, document, photograph or other material to SVF, you are responsible for ensuring that the information is truthful and that you have the necessary rights or authority to provide it. Submitting information does not guarantee that SVF will publish it, accept an application, select an applicant or provide any particular service.

5. Events and Programmes

SVF may organise conferences, seminars, workshops, public lectures, training programmes, fellowships, internships and other activities. Registration or application does not automatically guarantee participation. SVF may establish eligibility requirements, participation limits or additional rules for specific programmes. SVF may also change the date, venue, speakers, format or schedule of an event where circumstances require.

6. External Websites

The SVF website may contain links to government institutions, universities, research organisations, international organisations, media outlets, academic databases and other external websites. These links may be provided for information or convenience. SVF does not control external websites and is not responsible for their content, availability or practices.

7. Website Availability

SVF seeks to maintain a reliable website, but uninterrupted availability cannot be guaranteed. The website may occasionally be unavailable because of maintenance, technical problems, upgrades, security measures or circumstances outside SVF's reasonable control.

8. Website Security

Users must not attempt to compromise or interfere with the security or operation of the website. If SVF identifies activity that threatens the security or integrity of its systems, it may restrict access and take appropriate action.

9. Suspension of Access

SVF may suspend or restrict access to the website where reasonably necessary because of misuse, security concerns, unlawful conduct, violation of these Terms or conduct that threatens SVF or other users.

10. Changes to These Terms

SVF may update these Terms when its website, services, activities or applicable legal requirements change. The updated version will be published on the SVF website with a revised "Last Updated" date.

11. Governing Law

These Terms are governed by the laws applicable in India. Any dispute relating to these Terms or use of the SVF website shall be addressed in accordance with applicable Indian law.

12. Contact

Questions regarding these Terms may be sent to:

StratVision Forum (SVF)
Email: info@stratvisionforum.org.in
© [2026] StratVision Forum. All Rights Reserved.

DISCLAIMER

StratVision Forum (SVF)
Last Updated: [21/09/2026]

1. Purpose of This Disclaimer

StratVision Forum publishes research, analysis, commentary and information to encourage informed discussion and contribute to evidence-based policy dialogue. The material available through SVF is primarily intended for educational, research, informational and policy-discussion purposes. This Disclaimer explains the limits that readers should keep in mind when using or relying upon SVF's content.

2. Research and Publications

SVF may publish:

Research reports
Policy briefs
Working papers
Articles
Commentaries
Opinion pieces
Interviews
Conference papers
Research summaries
Data and statistics and
Other forms of scholarly or policy-oriented material.

Research can involve interpretation, competing perspectives and changing evidence. Accordingly, publication by SVF should not be understood as a guarantee that every conclusion, forecast or recommendation represents a permanent or official position of the organisation.

3. Authors' Opinions

SVF provides a platform for researchers, academics, practitioners, students, professionals and other contributors. Unless expressly identified as an official institutional statement, opinions expressed by an author or contributor belong to that individual. The publication of an article, commentary or research paper does not necessarily mean that SVF agrees with every argument or conclusion presented in it.

4. Independence and Non-Partisanship

SVF is intended to function as an independent and non-partisan platform for research and policy dialogue. SVF may host or publish perspectives from individuals and institutions with different views. The presence of a particular speaker, author, institution or viewpoint on an SVF platform should not automatically be interpreted as SVF's endorsement of that position.

5. Accuracy of Information

SVF makes reasonable efforts to ensure that its publications and website information are accurate and responsibly presented. However, information can change. Statistics may be revised, policies may change, events may develop, research may be updated and external webpages may become unavailable. SVF therefore does not guarantee that every item of information will always be complete, current or free from error.

6. Independent Verification

Readers should independently verify important information before relying on it for significant decisions.

This is particularly important where information relates to:

Government policies
Laws and regulations
Security developments
International affairs
Financial matters
Professional decisions
Academic research or
Other matters where incorrect information could have significant consequences.

7. No Professional Advice

SVF's publications and website content are not intended to replace professional advice. Unless expressly stated otherwise, SVF content should not be treated as legal, financial, investment, medical, technical or other specialised professional advice.

8. External Sources

SVF may refer to information produced by governments, universities, research institutions, international organisations, media organisations and other third parties. The inclusion of an external source or link does not necessarily mean that SVF endorses the views, policies or conclusions of that source.

9. Forecasts and Assessments

Strategic and policy research may include forecasts, scenarios, risk assessments or assessments of future developments. Such assessments involve uncertainty. They should be understood as analytical judgements based on information available at the time of publication and not as guarantees of future events.

10. Website Errors and Interruptions

SVF cannot guarantee that the website will always operate without technical problems or that every linked resource will remain available. SVF may correct, update, replace or remove information when necessary.

11. Responsibility of the Reader

Readers remain responsible for how they interpret and use information obtained from SVF. Where a decision carries significant consequences, readers should consult appropriate primary sources or qualified professionals.

12. Changes to This Disclaimer

SVF may update this Disclaimer when necessary to reflect changes in its activities, publications, website or applicable requirements.

COPYRIGHT POLICY

StratVision Forum (SVF)
Last Updated: [21/09/2026]

1. Purpose

StratVision Forum creates and publishes research and other original materials as part of its work in strategic affairs, international relations, public policy, defence and security, digital diplomacy and related areas. This Copyright Policy explains how SVF's original content may be used and how permission can be obtained for uses that require authorisation.

2. What Is Protected

Unless otherwise stated, original content created by or for SVF may be protected by copyright.

This may include:

Research reports
Policy briefs
Working papers
Articles
Commentaries
Institutional reports
Original graphics and infographics
Photographs created by SVF
Videos and recordings
Original datasets
Website text
Research summaries
Educational materials and
Other original works.

3. Ownership

Copyright in an SVF work may belong to SVF, an individual author, a commissioned creator, a partner organisation or another rights holder, depending on the circumstances. The copyright notice or licensing information accompanying a particular work should therefore be checked before reproducing it. SVF does not claim ownership over material that belongs to another rights holder.

4. Academic and Educational Use

SVF encourages responsible academic and educational engagement with its publications. Readers may normally refer to SVF publications in research, teaching, academic writing and non-commercial educational work, subject to applicable law and any specific licence attached to the material. Proper attribution should always be provided.

5. How to Cite SVF Material

Where appropriate, a citation should include:

Author's name
Title of the work
StratVision Forum
Date of publication and
Original webpage or publication details.

Users should not alter a quotation or extract in a way that changes its meaning.

6. Reproducing SVF Material

Small portions of SVF content may be reproduced where permitted by applicable law, provided that the source is properly acknowledged. Reproduction of substantial portions, complete publications or material beyond permitted use may require prior permission from SVF or the relevant copyright holder.

7. Republishing

A person or organisation wishing to republish an SVF article, report, policy brief or other substantial material should obtain permission before republication unless a specific licence already permits the intended use.

Requests should explain:

Which material is being requested
Where it will be published
How it will be used
Whether the use is commercial or non-commercial and
The intended audience.

8. Translation

Translation of an SVF publication into another language may require permission where it involves reproduction or adaptation of the copyrighted work. An unauthorised translation must not be presented as an official SVF translation.

9. Commercial Use

Commercial reproduction, resale, licensing or substantial commercial use of SVF copyrighted material requires prior permission unless the material is expressly released under a licence allowing such use.

10. SVF Name and Logo

The name StratVision Forum, its logo and other distinctive institutional branding must not be used in a way that falsely suggests that SVF sponsors, endorses, accredits or officially supports a person, organisation, product or activity. Academic references to SVF by name are permitted where appropriate and accurate.

11. Third-Party Content

Some photographs, graphics, quotations, datasets or other materials appearing on SVF platforms may belong to third parties. Permission to use such material must be obtained from the appropriate rights holder where required.

12. Copyright Infringement

If you believe that material published by SVF infringes your copyright or another person's copyright, please contact SVF.

A copyright complaint should identify:

The material concerned
Where it appears
The copyrighted work that you believe has been infringed
The nature of the concern and
Your contact information.

SVF will review legitimate complaints and take appropriate action.

13. Permission Requests

Permission requests may be sent to:

StratVision Forum (SVF)
Copyright Email: [info@stratvisionforum.org.in]

SVF may approve a request, impose conditions, request additional information or decline the proposed use.

14. Copyright Notice

Unless otherwise indicated:

The rights of individual authors and third-party rights holders remain unaffected.

COOKIE POLICY

StratVision Forum (SVF)
Last Updated: [21/29/2026]

1. What Are Cookies?

Cookies are small text files or similar technologies that websites may place on a visitor's device. They allow a website to recognise a device, remember certain preferences, maintain functionality and understand how visitors use the website. SVF may use cookies and similar technologies as part of operating and improving its website.

2. Why SVF Uses Cookies

Depending on how the website is configured, SVF may use cookies for several purposes.

Essential Website Functions

Some cookies may be necessary for the website to function properly. They may support functions such as navigation, security, forms or other basic website operations.

Website Preferences

Certain cookies may allow the website to remember choices made by visitors, such as preferences relating to the way the website operates.

Website Analytics

SVF may use analytics technologies to understand how visitors use the website. This may help us understand which pages are useful, identify technical problems and improve the structure and content of the website.

Embedded or Third-Party Services

Some SVF webpages may contain content or services provided by third parties. For example, a webpage may contain an embedded video, event-registration service, map, social-media feature or other external service. Such services may use their own cookies or similar technologies.

3. Types of Cookies

Cookies used on the SVF website may generally fall into the following categories:

Essential cookies: Necessary for core website functions.

Preference cookies: Used to remember settings or choices.

Analytics cookies: Used to understand website usage and performance.

Third-party cookies: Created by external services integrated into the website.

The exact cookies used may change as SVF updates its website and services.

4. Managing Cookies

Depending on the website's configuration, visitors may be provided with choices regarding non-essential cookies. Visitors can also manage cookies through their browser settings. Most browsers allow users to block or delete cookies. However, blocking essential cookies may affect the way certain parts of the SVF website function.

5. Third-Party Cookies

5A. Consent and Cookie Choices

Where non-essential cookies or similar technologies involve processing for which consent is required, SVF will provide an appropriate choice mechanism. Visitors may accept, reject, manage or withdraw consent for applicable non-essential technologies through the cookie-management mechanism provided by SVF. Withdrawal will be reasonably accessible and will not affect essential website functions except where a technology is necessary for a selected service.

When SVF uses a third-party service that places cookies on a visitor's device, the relevant third party may process information according to its own policies. SVF does not control the independent cookie practices of third-party websites. Visitors should review the relevant third party's privacy information where necessary.

6. Changes to Our Cookie Use

The cookies and technologies used by a website can change when new services, features or security tools are introduced. SVF may therefore update this Cookie Policy from time to time. The latest version will be made available on the SVF website.

7. Contact Us

If you have questions about SVF's use of cookies or similar technologies, please contact:

DATA PROTECTION POLICY

StratVision Forum (SVF)
Last Updated: [20/09/2026]

1. Purpose

StratVision Forum recognises that responsible management of personal data is an important part of maintaining trust with researchers, students, participants, authors, applicants, partners, volunteers and other individuals who interact with the organisation. This Data Protection Policy establishes the principles SVF follows when managing personal data as part of its organisational activities. This Policy is primarily concerned with how SVF manages data within its organisation and through persons or service providers acting on its behalf.

2. Who This Policy Applies To

This Policy applies to SVF's authorised personnel and activities involving personal data, including:

Staff and office-bearers
Researchers
Project teams
Fellows
Interns
Volunteers
Programme coordinators
Authorised service providers and
Other persons authorised to handle SVF data.

3. Responsible Data Handling

Anyone handling personal data for SVF should understand the purpose for which the information is collected and must use it only for an authorised organisational purpose. Personal data should not be collected, copied, shared or retained simply because it may be useful in the future. Where SVF is the Data Fiduciary, personnel must follow the SVF Privacy Policy, this Policy, applicable notices and applicable obligations under the DPDP Act and Rules.

4. Data Minimisation

SVF should seek to collect and retain only the information reasonably necessary for the relevant activity. For example, an event registration should generally collect information necessary to organise and administer the event rather than unrelated personal details. Research teams should similarly avoid collecting identifying information where it is not required for the research.

5. Access to Data

Access to personal data should be limited to people who need that information to perform their authorised responsibilities. Where appropriate, SVF should use access controls, passwords, secure accounts and other reasonable safeguards. Personnel should not access personal information merely because they have the technical ability to do so.

6. Research Data

Research involving personal information requires particular care. Researchers working with SVF should consider whether the research requires identifiable information or whether anonymised or aggregated information would be sufficient. Where participants have provided information for a defined research purpose, researchers should not use or disclose that information for unrelated purposes without an appropriate basis. Research data should be handled in accordance with applicable SVF research and ethical requirements.

7. Confidential Information

Some information received or created by SVF may be confidential.

This can include:

Unpublished research
Interview material
Information provided by research participants
Private correspondence
Internal organisational documents
Partner information
Application materials and
Information subject to a confidentiality agreement.

Confidential information should not be disclosed to unauthorised persons.

8. Sharing Data

Personal data should only be shared when there is a legitimate organisational reason and appropriate authority to do so.

Before sharing information with an external organisation, SVF should consider:

Why the information is being shared
What information is actually necessary
Who will receive it
How it will be protected; and
Whether any additional safeguards are required.

9. Service Providers

SVF may rely on external service providers for website hosting, cloud storage, email, event management, payment processing, research tools or other organisational functions. Where such providers handle personal data for SVF, appropriate safeguards should be considered. The information shared should be limited to what the service requires.

10. Storage and Security

SVF should take reasonable measures to protect personal data stored in physical or electronic form.

Depending on the circumstances, these measures may include:

Password protection
Restricted access
Secure cloud or server environments
Device security
Backup procedures
Secure physical storage and
Secure deletion.

The level of protection should be appropriate to the nature of the information and the risks involved.

11. Data Retention

SVF should establish reasonable retention periods for different categories of information.

The appropriate retention period may depend on:

The purpose for which information was collected
Whether the information is required for ongoing activities
Legal or accounting requirements
Research and archival requirements and
Other legitimate organisational needs.

When information is no longer required, it should be securely deleted, anonymised or disposed of where appropriate.

12. Data Breaches

A suspected data breach should be reported promptly to the person or authority designated by SVF.

A breach may include:

Unauthorised access
Accidental disclosure
Loss of a device containing personal data
Unauthorised sharing
Destruction or alteration of information or
Other incidents that compromise personal data.

SVF should assess the incident, take reasonable steps to contain and address it, and make notifications where required by applicable law.

13. Responsibilities of SVF Personnel

Anyone handling SVF personal data is expected to:

Keep information confidential
Use information only for authorised purposes
Follow access restrictions
Avoid unnecessary copying or downloading
Store information securely
Report suspected data breaches and
Follow applicable SVF policies and procedures.

14. Data Protection in Partnerships

When SVF works with universities, research institutions, government bodies, international organisations, civil-society organisations or other partners, data-handling responsibilities should be considered as part of the collaboration where personal data is involved. Where necessary, SVF may establish written arrangements concerning data access, confidentiality, security, retention and permitted use.

15. Training and Awareness

SVF may provide appropriate guidance or training to personnel whose responsibilities involve handling personal data. The purpose of such training is to ensure that people working with SVF understand their responsibilities and recognise common data-security risks.

17. Data Principal Requests and Grievances

Requests for access, correction, completion, updating, erasure, withdrawal of consent or other applicable privacy rights should be directed to the SVF Data Protection Contact. SVF may verify identity before acting on a request and will respond in accordance with applicable law and its internal procedures.

18. Data Processor Management

Where an external person or organisation processes personal data on behalf of SVF, SVF will identify the permitted purpose and scope of processing and, where appropriate, establish written arrangements covering confidentiality, security, access, retention, deletion, breach reporting and permitted use. Processors should not use SVF personal data for unrelated purposes unless separately authorised by law or agreement.

19. Personal Data Breach Management

Suspected or actual personal data breaches must be reported promptly to the designated SVF Data Protection Contact. SVF will assess the nature and extent of the incident, take reasonable containment and remedial measures, preserve appropriate records, and make notifications where required by applicable law. Personnel must cooperate with incident-response procedures and must not conceal a suspected breach.

20. Purpose-Based Retention and Erasure

SVF will maintain retention periods appropriate to different categories of personal data. Personal data should be erased, anonymised or securely disposed of when the specified purpose is no longer being served, unless retention is required or permitted by law, required for a legitimate legal or accounting obligation, or justified by a lawful archival or research requirement. Where a Data Principal withdraws consent, SVF will cease processing based on that consent within a reasonable period unless another lawful basis or legal requirement permits or requires continued processing.

21. Security Measures

SVF will implement reasonable technical and organisational measures appropriate to the nature and risks of processing. Depending on the circumstances, these may include access controls, authentication, password protection, secure storage, encryption where appropriate, device security, backups, logging, secure transfer, confidentiality controls, staff awareness and secure deletion.

22. Records and Accountability

SVF may maintain appropriate records of processing activities, notices, consent where applicable, requests, grievances, incidents, data-sharing arrangements and retention decisions to the extent necessary for lawful administration, accountability and compliance.

23. Children's Data

Where SVF processes children's personal data, the responsible programme or research team must consult the Privacy Policy and applicable legal requirements before collection. Appropriate age-related safeguards, parental or lawful-guardian consent where required, restricted access and purpose limitation must be applied.

24. Data Protection in Partnerships

Where personal data is processed in collaboration with universities, research institutions, government bodies, international organisations, civil-society organisations or other partners, the parties should establish clear responsibilities for collection, access, use, security, retention, disclosure and deletion.

25. Training and Awareness

SVF may provide appropriate guidance or training to personnel whose responsibilities involve handling personal data. Personnel should understand confidentiality, data minimisation, secure handling, breach reporting, rights requests and the prohibition on unauthorized use or disclosure.

26. Review of the Policy

SVF will review this Policy periodically and may update it when there are significant changes to:

SVF's activities;
Technology;
Data-handling practices;
Organisational structure; or
Applicable law.

StratVision Forum (SVF)
Email: info@stratvisionforum.org.in

AI Assistant & Fair Usage Policy (FUP)

StratVision Forum (SVF)
Last updated: [21/09/2026]

Ask SVF – AI Assistant is an AI-powered service provided by StratVision Forum (SVF) to assist users with information, research, strategic affairs, international relations, public policy, and other areas covered by SVF.

AI Service Provider: Ask SVF may use third-party AI infrastructure, including the Groq API, to process user queries and generate responses.

Personal & Sensitive Information: Users are strongly advised not to enter or share sensitive or confidential information through Ask SVF, including credit card or debit card details, banking information, passwords, authentication credentials, government identification numbers, personal addresses, or other highly sensitive personal information.

User Responsibility: Users are responsible for exercising caution and discretion when providing information to the AI Assistant. StratVision Forum does not request payment-card details, passwords, or other sensitive credentials through Ask SVF and should not be held responsible for information voluntarily submitted by users in violation of these guidelines, except where liability cannot lawfully be excluded.

Third-Party Processing: As Ask SVF may use third-party AI services such as Groq, information submitted through the Assistant may be processed by such service providers in accordance with their applicable terms and privacy practices. Users should review the relevant third-party policies before submitting information.

Usage Limits: To ensure fair and reliable access, each user/device may be subject to a maximum of 5 queries every 3 minutes.

FUP Cooldown: Exceeding the applicable rate limit may activate a temporary 3-minute cooldown before additional queries can be submitted.

Prohibited Conduct: Users must not use Ask SVF for:

Automated scraping, bulk extraction, or excessive automated requests.
Attempts to bypass, disable, or manipulate usage limits.
System-prompt or system-injection attacks intended to alter the Assistant's intended operation.
Attempts to obtain confidential, restricted, or unauthorized information.
Malicious, unlawful, abusive, or fraudulent activities.
Queries that are substantially unrelated to the intended scope of Ask SVF.

Accuracy Disclaimer: AI-generated responses may contain errors, omissions, or outdated information. Ask SVF should be used as an informational and research-support tool, not as a substitute for professional, legal, financial, medical, security, or other expert advice.

Right to Restrict Access: SVF reserves the right to restrict, suspend, or terminate access to Ask SVF where there is evidence of abuse, misuse, excessive usage, security threats, or violation of this policy.

Use Ask SVF Wisely: By using Ask SVF, you acknowledge that AI systems and third-party infrastructure may be involved in processing your queries. Do not submit information that you would not be comfortable sharing with an AI service or third-party technology provider.

StratVision Forum (SVF)
Email: [info@stratvisionforum.org.in]