Cookies Policy

01 Introduction & Scope

This Cookies Policy applies to fotophactory.in ("Site"), operated by Foto Phactory, a wedding photography and cinematography studio based in Patna, Bihar. It explains what cookies and similar technologies (such as pixels, tags, and local storage) are, why we use them, and how you can control them.

This policy should be read alongside our Privacy Policy and Terms & Conditions. By continuing to browse the Site after setting your cookie preferences, you agree to the use of cookies as described here.

02 What Are Cookies?

Cookies are small text files placed on your device by a website you visit. They help the site remember your actions and preferences (such as login, language, or consent choices) over a period of time, so you do not have to re-enter them each time you return or move between pages.

Similar technologies covered by this policy include web beacons, pixel tags, SDKs used by embedded players, and browser local storage, which we refer to collectively as "cookies" for simplicity.

03 Types of Cookies We Use

Strictly Necessary Cookies

These cookies are essential for the Site to function, such as enabling secure page navigation, load balancing, and remembering your cookie consent preference. The Site cannot function properly without them, and they do not require consent.

Performance & Analytics Cookies

These cookies help us understand how visitors interact with the Site, including pages visited, time spent, and traffic sources, so we can improve content and user experience. We use tools such as Google Analytics for this purpose.

Functionality Cookies

These cookies remember choices you make, such as preferred package filters or previously viewed galleries, to provide a more personalised experience on return visits.

Targeting & Advertising Cookies

These cookies are set by us or our advertising partners, such as Meta and Google Ads, to build a profile of your interests and show relevant wedding photography and cinematography promotions on other sites. They also help measure the effectiveness of our ad campaigns.

04 Cookies Used On This Site

The table below lists indicative cookies that may be set when you browse fotophactory.in. Exact cookies in use can vary as we update our tools, and this list is reviewed periodically.

05 Third-Party Services & Embeds

Some pages on our Site embed content or scripts from third-party platforms, each of which may set their own cookies in accordance with their own privacy policies. These currently include:

• Google Analytics — website traffic and behaviour insights.
• Google Ads — measuring and optimising ad campaigns.
• Meta (Facebook/Instagram) Pixel — measuring and optimising social ad campaigns.
• YouTube embeds — playing wedding films and highlight reels directly on our pages.
• WhatsApp Business chat widget — enabling direct enquiries via WhatsApp.

We do not control these third-party cookies directly. We encourage you to review each provider's own cookie and privacy policy for details on how they process your data.

06 Legal Basis & Indian Compliance

This Cookies Policy is framed in accordance with applicable Indian law, including:

• The Information Technology Act, 2000, and the rules made thereunder;
• The Information Technology (Reasonable Security Practices and Procedures and Sensitive Personal Data or Information) Rules, 2011, governing the collection and handling of personal information; and
• The Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023, which governs the processing of digital personal data, including data collected through cookies where it can identify you.

Strictly necessary cookies are used on the basis of legitimate interest in operating a functional website. Analytics, functionality, and advertising cookies are used only where you have given your consent through our cookie banner or browser settings.

07 Your Consent & Choices

When you first visit fotophactory.in, a cookie banner allows you to accept all cookies, reject non-essential cookies, or customise your preference by category. Your choice is stored so you are not repeatedly prompted on the same device and browser.

You can change your preference at any time by clearing your cookie preference in your browser, which will trigger the consent banner again on your next visit, or by using the browser-level controls described below.

Consent-based cookie data (analytics and advertising categories) is retained for a maximum of 24 months from collection, or until you withdraw consent, whichever is earlier. Strictly necessary cookies are retained only for the duration needed for the session or function they support.

08 Your Rights as a Data Principal

Under the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023, if cookie data can identify you, you are treated as a "Data Principal" and Foto Phactory as a "Data Fiduciary." You have the right to:

• Access a summary of the personal data we hold and how it is processed via cookies;
• Correct or update inaccurate or incomplete data linked to your cookie profile;
• Erasure of your data, subject to any legal retention requirements;
• Withdraw consent for analytics and advertising cookies at any time, as easily as it was given;
• Nominate another individual to exercise these rights on your behalf in the event of death or incapacity; and
• Grievance redressal, including the right to file a complaint with the Data Protection Board of India if you are not satisfied with our response.

To exercise any of these rights, please reach out using the contact details in Section 15 below.

09 Cross-Border Data Transfer

Some of our third-party service providers, such as Google and Meta, process cookie-derived data on servers located outside India. Such transfers are made in a manner consistent with the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023, which permits transfer of personal data outside India except to countries specifically restricted by the Central Government from time to time.

We take reasonable steps to ensure that any third party processing your data, in India or abroad, maintains appropriate security safeguards.

10 How to Manage or Disable Cookies

In addition to our on-site consent banner, most browsers let you manage cookies directly through their settings, including blocking cookies entirely, blocking third-party cookies only, or deleting existing cookies:

• Google Chrome: Settings → Privacy and Security → Cookies and other site data.
• Safari: Preferences → Privacy → Manage Website Data.
• Mozilla Firefox: Settings → Privacy & Security → Cookies and Site Data.
• Microsoft Edge: Settings → Cookies and site permissions.

Please note that disabling certain cookies, particularly strictly necessary ones, may affect how parts of the Site function, such as chat widgets or gallery video playback.

11 Do Not Track Signals

Some browsers offer a "Do Not Track" (DNT) signal. As there is currently no uniform industry standard for recognising and responding to DNT signals, our Site does not currently respond differently based on DNT settings. You can still manage cookies through the methods described above.

12 Children's Privacy & Age of Consent

Under the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023, a "child" is any individual under the age of 18. Our Site is intended for individuals who are able to enter into a booking arrangement under Indian law and is not directed at children.

We do not knowingly enable non-essential (analytics or advertising) cookies for users who identify as children, and we do not knowingly process children's personal data through cookies without verifiable parental or guardian consent. If you believe a child has provided personal data to us through the Site, please contact us using the details in Section 15 so we can take appropriate action.

13 Grievance Redressal

In accordance with the Information Technology Act, 2000, the Information Technology (Reasonable Security Practices and Procedures and Sensitive Personal Data or Information) Rules, 2011, and the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023, we have appointed a Grievance Officer to address concerns regarding this Cookies Policy and related data practices:

• Grievance Officer: Sashi Roy, Founder, Foto Phactory
• Email: grievance@fotophactory.in
• Phone: +91 70504 78772
• Address: Foto Phactory, Patna, Bihar, India

We aim to acknowledge grievances within 48 hours and resolve them within 30 days. If you remain unsatisfied with our response, you may escalate the matter to the Data Protection Board of India under the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023.

14 Changes to This Policy

We may update this Cookies Policy from time to time to reflect changes in the cookies and technologies we use, or in applicable law. The updated version will be published on this page with a revised "Last Updated" date, and continued use of the Site after such changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.

16 Frequently Asked Questions