Privacy Policy

Last Updated: March 19, 2026
Effective Date: March 19, 2026 Website: sankar.studio

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1. Introduction

This Privacy Policy describes how Sankar Balasubramanian ("I," "me," or "my") collects, uses, and protects information when you visit my personal portfolio website at sankar.studio (the "Site"). This policy is governed by the laws of India, including the Information Technology Act, 2000 and the Information Technology (Reasonable Security Practices and Procedures and Sensitive Personal Data or Information) Rules, 2011.

By using this Site, you consent to the practices described in this Privacy Policy. If you do not agree with this policy, please do not use the Site.

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2. Information I Collect

2.1 Information You Provide

• Contact Form: When you use the contact form, your message opens your default email client. No data is transmitted to or stored on my servers. The form does not collect, process, or retain any personal information on the Site.

• Email Correspondence: If you choose to email me directly (e.g., at sankarb@iisc.ac.in), I will have access to the information you include in your email. I use this solely to respond to your inquiry and do not share it with third parties unless required by law.

2.2 Information Collected Automatically

• Google Analytics (GA4): The Site uses Google Analytics 4 (Measurement ID: G-N6NYPXTY0C) to collect anonymized usage data including: pages visited, time spent on pages, scroll depth, button and card interactions (project card clicks, modal opens/closes, filter and search usage, navigation clicks), external link clicks, CV downloads, chat interactions (open/close, message counts), audio player usage, theme changes, and general engagement metrics. Google Analytics also collects approximate geographic location (country/city level), device type, browser, operating system, screen resolution, and referral source. This data is aggregated and anonymized — it does not personally identify you.

• Theme Preference: The Site may store your theme preference (light/dark/system) in your browser's local storage. This is used only to improve your experience and is not transmitted to any server. You can clear this at any time through your browser settings.

• SankarAI Chat: The SankarAI assistant feature sends your conversation messages to third-party AI APIs to generate responses. These conversations are not stored on my servers or by me. However, the API providers may process your messages according to their respective privacy policies. I recommend refraining from sharing sensitive personal information in chat.

2.3 Information I Do Not Collect

I do not collect:

• Account or login credentials (the Site does not require registration)
• Payment or financial information
• Precise geolocation data
• Biometric data
• Health or medical information

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3. How I Use Your Information

I use the information described above only for:

• Responding to your inquiries sent via email
• Improving your experience on the Site (e.g., theme preference)
• Providing the SankarAI chat functionality (via third-party APIs)
• Complying with applicable laws and legal process

I do not sell, rent, or trade your personal information to third parties.

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4. Third-Party Services

The Site may use or link to third-party services:

I do not control these third parties. Please review their privacy policies for details on how they handle your data.

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5. Cookies and Local Storage

• Cookies: The Site uses cookies set by Google Analytics 4 to distinguish users, track session information, and measure engagement patterns. These are first-party and third-party cookies used solely for analytics purposes. You can opt out of Google Analytics tracking by installing the Google Analytics Opt-out Browser Add-on. I do not use advertising cookies.

• Local Storage: Your theme preference may be stored in browser local storage. This is optional and improves usability. You can disable or clear it in your browser settings.

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6. Data Retention

• Email correspondence: Retained only as long as necessary to address your inquiry and for legitimate record-keeping purposes.

• Analytics data: Google Analytics retains aggregated, anonymized usage data for up to 14 months. Individual session data is not personally identifiable.

• Local storage data: Stored on your device until you clear it.

• SankarAI conversations: Not stored by me. Any retention is governed by the AI API provider's policies.

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7. Data Security

I implement reasonable technical and organizational measures to protect your information. However, no method of transmission over the Internet or electronic storage is 100% secure. I cannot guarantee absolute security.

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8. Your Rights Under Indian Law

Under the Information Technology Act, 2000 and related rules, you may have the right to:

• Access: Request information about what personal data I hold about you
• Correction: Request correction of inaccurate or incomplete data
• Withdrawal of consent: Withdraw consent where processing is based on consent
• Grievance redressal: Lodge a complaint with the relevant authority

To exercise these rights, contact me at sankarb@iisc.ac.in.

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9. Children's Privacy

The Site is not directed at children under 18. I do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If you believe a child has provided me with personal information, please contact me and I will take steps to delete it.

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10. International Transfers

If you access the Site from outside India, your information may be transferred to and processed in India or other countries where service providers operate. By using the Site, you consent to such transfer.

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11. Changes to This Privacy Policy

I may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. The "Last Updated" date at the top will reflect the most recent changes. Continued use of the Site after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy. I encourage you to review this page periodically.

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12. Contact Me

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

Sankar Balasubramanian
Email: sankarb@iisc.ac.in
Website: sankar.studio

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This Privacy Policy is provided for informational purposes and does not constitute legal advice. You may wish to consult a legal professional for advice specific to your situation.