Effective Date: 1st January 2025

Riphah International University ("Riphah", "we", "our", or "us") is committed to protecting your privacy in accordance with applicable laws of Pakistan, particularly the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act, 2016 (PECA). This Privacy Policy describes how we collect, use, store, and protect personal information gathered through our official website (https://www.riphah.edu.pk/).

By accessing or using our website, you consent to the collection and use of your information as described in this Privacy Policy.

1. Legal Framework

This policy is governed by:

• Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act, 2016 (PECA)
• Relevant sections of the Pakistan Telecommunication (Re-organization) Act, 1996
• Other applicable data protection standards recognized in Pakistan

2. Information We Collect

a. Personally Identifiable Information (PII)

We may collect personal data that includes but is not limited to:

• Full name
• Contact details (email, phone number)
• CNIC or passport number (when legally required)
• Academic background
• Uploaded documents for admissions or inquiries

b. Non-Personal Information

Collected via cookies, analytics tools, or web logs:

• IP address
• Browser type
• Device identifiers
• Usage data and clickstream behavior

3. Purpose of Data Collection

We collect and use your information only for lawful purposes, including:

• Responding to academic or administrative queries
• Processing admissions and enrollment
• Providing digital academic resources
• Website analytics and service improvement
• Ensuring cybersecurity and compliance with PECA
• Fulfilling legal obligations

4. Consent and User Rights

Under PECA and fair information principles:

• Your consent is required before collecting or processing personal data (except where legally exempted)
• You have the right to request:
  • Access to your data
  • Correction of inaccurate data
  • Deletion of your data (unless legally retained)
• To exercise these rights, contact us.

5. Data Sharing and Disclosure

We do not sell or lease your personal information. We may share data:

• With authorized university personnel
• With regulatory or law enforcement authorities when legally mandated under PECA
• With third-party service providers under strict data protection agreements

6. Data Retention

We retain personal data only as long as necessary to fulfill its intended purpose or as required by law. Data no longer needed is securely deleted or anonymized.

7. Cookies and Tracking

Our website uses cookies for functionality and performance analysis. By using our site, you agree to the placement of cookies unless you disable them through your browser settings.

8. Data Security Measures

We implement robust security protocols in line with PECA to prevent unauthorized access, data breaches, or cyber attacks, including:

• Encryption of sensitive data
• Firewalls and access controls
• Regular system audits

However, no online system can be guaranteed 100% secure.

9. Third-Party Websites

Our website may include links to external sites not governed by this policy. We are not responsible for their data practices and encourage you to review their privacy policies.

10. Children’s Data

Our online services are not intended for individuals under the age of 13. We do not knowingly collect data from minors without parental or guardian consent.

11. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy periodically. Any changes will be posted on this page with the updated "Effective Date". Continued use of the website indicates acceptance of the revised terms.

12. Contact Information

For questions, complaints, or data-related inquiries, please contact us.