Privacy Policy
Effective Date: March 30, 2025 | Last Updated: March 30, 2025
Pingcart ("we", "our", "us") is a Shopify application that enables merchants to send automated WhatsApp messages to their customers. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and protect information when you use our application. By installing or using Pingcart, you agree to this Privacy Policy.
Pingcart acts as a data processor on behalf of merchants, who are the data controllers of customer data.
Merchants are responsible for ensuring their own compliance with applicable privacy laws.
1. Scope
This Privacy Policy applies to:
- Merchants who install and use the Pingcart Shopify application
- Customer data processed by Pingcart on behalf of merchants
- Visitors to our website and support channels
2. Information We Collect
2.1 Merchant Information
- Shopify store details (domain, account ID, store configuration)
- App configuration settings and usage data
- Billing and subscription information (processed via Shopify Billing API)
2.2 Customer Data (Processed on Behalf of Merchants)
- Name and contact details
- Phone number (for WhatsApp messaging)
- Order details, cart contents, and transaction history
- Communication preferences and opt-in/opt-out status
2.3 WhatsApp / Messaging Data
- WhatsApp Business Account details provided by merchants
- Message delivery status and logs
- Template usage and message performance metrics
2.4 Technical Data
- IP addresses
- Device and browser information
- Application usage logs and error reports
- Cookies and session identifiers (see Section 9 — Cookies)
3. How We Use Information
We use collected data strictly for the following purposes:
- To provide WhatsApp messaging automation services to merchants
- To send transactional notifications (e.g., order confirmations, abandoned cart reminders, shipping updates)
- To enable communication between merchants and their customers based on merchant configuration
- To provide aggregated, anonymised analytics and reporting dashboards to merchants
- To maintain, secure, troubleshoot, and improve our services
- To comply with applicable legal obligations
3.1 Legal Basis
We process personal data based on legitimate interest, contractual necessity, and user consent where applicable. Pingcart does not have a direct relationship with end customers and processes data only on behalf of merchants.
We do not use customer data for advertising, profiling, or any purpose beyond what is described above.
4. WhatsApp Data Usage & Compliance
Pingcart processes WhatsApp data solely to deliver messaging services on behalf of merchants. We comply with the WhatsApp Business API Terms of Service and Meta's Platform Policies.
- We do not sell personal data to any third party
- We do not use WhatsApp data for advertising or user profiling
- We process only the minimum data necessary to deliver and track messages
Pingcart does not access or read the content of personal WhatsApp messages beyond what is necessary to deliver and track messages via the WhatsApp Business API.
Important: Merchants are solely responsible for obtaining valid opt-in consent from their customers before Pingcart sends any WhatsApp messages. Pingcart will not send messages to customers who have not consented through the merchant's configured opt-in flow. Merchants must comply with all applicable WhatsApp Business Policy requirements regarding customer consent.
5. User Consent and Communication
Pingcart does not independently collect consent from customers. Customer communication preferences are managed by the merchant and/or Shopify.
- Customers opt in to receive WhatsApp communications through the merchant's own store or opt-in flow
- Customers may opt out at any time by messaging STOP or by contacting the merchant directly
- Merchants are responsible for honouring all opt-out requests promptly
- Pingcart delivers messages only based on store activity and merchant configuration
6. Data Sharing
We do not sell, trade, or rent personal data. We only share data in the following limited circumstances:
| Recipient | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Meta (WhatsApp) | To deliver messages via the WhatsApp Business API |
| Shopify | Shopify acts as an independent data controller for data collected through their platform, governed by Shopify's own Privacy Policy |
| Cloud Infrastructure Providers | Trusted providers (e.g., AWS, Google Cloud) for secure hosting and storage |
| Legal Authorities | When required by law, court order, or valid legal process |
7. Data Retention
We retain data only as long as necessary for the purposes described in this policy:
- Merchant account data: Retained for the duration of the active app installation
- Customer data and message logs: Retained for up to 90 days from the date of collection, unless a shorter period is required by applicable law
- Analytics data: Retained in aggregated, anonymised form for up to 24 months
- Technical logs: Retained for up to 30 days for security and debugging purposes
Upon uninstallation of Pingcart, merchant data will be permanently deleted within 30 days. Merchants may request deletion of their data at any time by contacting us at sales@pingcart.in or through the in-app disconnect request option. We will process all verified deletion requests in accordance with applicable laws.
End customers should contact the respective merchant directly for any data deletion requests, as Pingcart acts only as a data processor on behalf of merchants.
8. Data Security
We implement industry-standard security practices to protect data against unauthorised access, disclosure, or loss:
- Encryption in transit using HTTPS/TLS for all data exchanges
- Encrypted storage with controlled, role-based access
- Continuous monitoring and logging for unauthorised or suspicious activity
- Regular security assessments and vulnerability reviews
In the event of a data breach that poses a risk to your rights and freedoms, we will notify affected parties and, where required by law (e.g., GDPR Article 33), the relevant supervisory authority within 72 hours of becoming aware of the breach.
9. Cookies and Tracking Technologies
Pingcart uses cookies and similar tracking technologies on our admin dashboard and website. These include:
- Session cookies: Required for authentication and to maintain your logged-in state
- Preference cookies: To remember your settings and configuration within the app
- Analytics cookies: To understand how the app is used and improve our services (data collected is aggregated and anonymised)
You may manage cookie preferences through your browser settings. Note that disabling certain cookies may affect the functionality of the Pingcart dashboard.
10. Your Rights
Depending on your location, you may have rights under applicable privacy laws, including GDPR (EU/UK) and CCPA (California). These may include the right to:
- Access: Request a copy of personal data we hold about you
- Rectification: Request correction of inaccurate or incomplete data
- Erasure: Request deletion of your personal data (subject to legal obligations)
- Restriction: Request that we limit how we process your data
- Data Portability: Receive your data in a structured, machine-readable format
- Objection: Object to certain types of processing
- Withdraw Consent: Withdraw any consent you have previously given
To exercise any of these rights, contact us at: sales@pingcart.in. We will respond to all verified requests.
11. Data Processing Agreement (DPA)
As a data processor under GDPR, Pingcart is prepared to enter into a formal Data Processing Agreement with merchants who require one for their GDPR compliance obligations.
Merchants who require a DPA may request one by contacting: sales@pingcart.in
12. International Data Transfers
Your data may be processed in countries outside your home jurisdiction. Where data is transferred internationally, we take reasonable steps to ensure appropriate safeguards are in place, including:
- Standard Contractual Clauses (SCCs) for transfers from the EU/UK
- Reliance on service providers that maintain appropriate certifications (e.g., ISO 27001, SOC 2)
13. Children's Privacy
Pingcart is not directed to or intended for use by individuals under the age of 16 (or 13 where applicable under local law, such as COPPA in the United States). We do not knowingly collect personal data from children. If we become aware that we have inadvertently collected data from a child, we will delete it promptly.
14. Third-Party Services
Pingcart integrates with the following third-party services, each of which is governed by its own privacy policy:
- Shopify — Platform and store data. See: shopify.com/legal/privacy
- Meta (WhatsApp) — Messaging delivery. See: facebook.com/privacy/policy
- Cloud Infrastructure Providers (e.g., AWS, Google Cloud)
We are not responsible for the privacy practices of these third parties and encourage you to review their respective policies.
15. Changes to This Privacy Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices or for operational, legal, or regulatory reasons. When we make material changes, we will notify you via:
- Email to the registered merchant address
- An in-app alert within the Pingcart dashboard
The "Last Updated" date at the top of this policy will always reflect the most recent revision. Continued use of Pingcart after changes take effect constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.
16. Contact Us
If you have any questions, requests, or concerns regarding this Privacy Policy or how we handle your data, please contact us:
Pingcart
Email: sales@pingcart.in
For DPA requests, data deletion, or rights inquiries, please use the subject line:
"Privacy Request – [Your Store Name]"