Privacy Policy

Last updated: August 2026

Chowk ("we", "our", "the app") is a labour marketplace connecting daily-wage workers with contractors in Andhra Pradesh, India. This policy explains what data we collect, how we use it, and your rights.

1. Data We Collect

• Phone number — used as your identity to log in and receive job alerts via SMS and WhatsApp.
• Name — displayed to contractors or workers you interact with.
• Location (GPS) — collected only when you tap "Verify Location" or "Find Workers". Used to match you with nearby jobs or workers. Never tracked in the background.
• Skills, experience, daily rate — worker profile information shared with contractors when you apply for a job.
• Device token — used to send push notifications for job updates. Not shared with third parties.
• WhatsApp messages — processed to handle commands (JOBS, YES, STOP) via Meta's WhatsApp Business API. Message content is not stored beyond what is needed to process your request.

2. How We Use Your Data

• Match workers with nearby job postings.
• Notify workers of new jobs and contractors of confirmed workers.
• Send daily availability checks to workers via WhatsApp (7 AM IST).
• Allow contractors to find available workers by skill and location.

3. Data Sharing

We do not sell your data. We share data only with:

• Meta (WhatsApp) — to deliver WhatsApp messages via the Business API.
• Twilio — to send OTP verification SMS.
• Expo — to deliver push notifications.
• Other users — your name and phone number are shared with a contractor when you confirm a job, and vice versa.

4. Data Retention

Your data is retained while your account is active. You can delete your account at any time from the app (Profile → Delete Account), which permanently removes all your data within 24 hours.

5. Your Rights

• Access or correct your data via the Profile screen.
• Delete your account in-app (Profile → Delete Account).
• Opt out of WhatsApp alerts by sending STOP to our WhatsApp number.
• Contact us at balamurali999cl@gmail.com for any data requests.

6. Security

All data is transmitted over HTTPS. Phone numbers are verified via OTP before account creation. Location data is stored encrypted at rest.

7. Children

Chowk is not intended for users under 18. We do not knowingly collect data from minors.

8. Changes

We may update this policy. Continued use of the app after changes constitutes acceptance.

For questions: balamurali999cl@gmail.com
Chowk · Andhra Pradesh, India