1. Introduction

This Privacy Policy (“Policy”) explains your rights in relation to your User Information and describes how we collect, use, store, transfer, disclose, and safeguard such information when you use the ONEST Reference Apps. It also explains how relevant Job Providers may access your information when you apply for job opportunities through the ONEST Reference Apps.

By accessing or using the ONEST Reference Apps, and by providing your information, you consent to its collection, use, and disclosure by us and, where applicable, by the relevant Job Providers in accordance with this Policy, the Terms of Use, and the policies and guidelines of the ONEST Reference Apps as updated from time to time. Once your information is shared with a Job Provider, it will be handled in accordance with that Job Provider’s on privacy practices, for which we are not responsible.

If you do not agree with the terms of this Policy, please do not access or use the ONEST Reference Apps.

This Policy shall be read in conjunction with the Terms of Use . Defined terms used but not defined herein shall have the meaning ascribed to them in the Terms of Use.

2. Rights of Users

1. Right to fair, transparent and lawful collection of your User Information on the ONEST Reference Apps.
2. Right to be informed about the ways in which your User Information that is collected on the ONEST Reference Apps will be used.
3. Right to receive all the information you need to provide informed consent before collection of your User Information on the ONEST Reference Apps and sharing of the same with relevant Job Providers.
4. Right to revoke such consent.
5. Right to privacy and confidentiality regarding your User Information.
6. Right to proper use of your User Information by Job Providers for specified and legitimate purposes related to your use of the ONEST Reference Apps.
7. Right to keep your User Information accurate and up to date.
8. Right to secure collection, handling and storage of your User Information.
9. Right to protection from unauthorised or unlawful use of your User Information.
10. Right to view and access the ONEST Reference Apps’s privacy policy.

3. Responsibilities of Job Providers

1. To respect the privacy and data protection rights of Users.
2. To ensure the security of and use of User Information (especially any personal information) shared by Job Seekers is limited solely to the uses and purposes mentioned here.
3. To use User Information solely for the purposes permitted under the Terms of Use and this Policy, and in compliance with applicable laws and policies , including the Information Technology (Reasonable Security Practices and Procedures and Sensitive Personal Data or Information) Rules, 2011 and the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023 and rules framed thereunder. Job Providers are responsible and liable for ensuring such compliant use, and for any loss or damage arising from failure to adhere to this obligation.
4. To ensure their communication (if any) with Job Seekers is explicitly limited and relevant to the purpose of their usage of the ONEST Reference Apps and meets the Appropriateness standards set out in the Terms of Use and policies of the ONEST Reference Apps.
5. To ensure that Content on the ONEST Reference Apps is not used for any of the Prohibited Uses set out in the Terms of Use.

4. What User Information is Collected on the ONEST Reference Apps?

a. If you are simply browsing the ONEST Reference Apps, we collect the same basic information that most websites or platforms collect through the use of standard internet technologies, such as cookies. This may include anonymous usage information such as your country of origin, device type, language selected, pages viewed, buttons clicked, and the date and time of this activity. Such information is collected and analysed in a de-identified or aggregated manner and does not personally identify you.

b. We do not collect personal or sensitive personal data or information unless you voluntarily choose to provide it to us. This will happen when you register on the ONEST Reference Apps, create or update a profile, post or apply to a job opportunity, or otherwise submit your details through the ONEST Reference Apps.

c. For Job Providers: If you choose to register as a Job Provider, create a profile, or post a job opportunity, you may provide:

For Job Providers:

A. Registration Information

B. Profile Information (Who I am)

C & D. Job Posting & Application Requirements

For Job Seekers:

A. Registration Information

B. Profile Information (Who I am)

C. Skills & Experience (What I have)

D. Job Preferences (What I want)

e. Use of Digital Wallets:

The ONEST Reference Apps allow you to import verified information from Government authorised digital wallet services such as DigiLocker. This is entirely optional. Any data retrieved from such authorised digital wallets will be shared with the Reference Apps only with your explicit consent through the digital wallet interface. You retain the right to decline the use of such digital wallets or to limit which data fields are shared. Currently, only name, age and educational qualifications are auto-populated as verified and non-editable; additional fields may be enabled in the future, subject to your consent. While the collection and sharing of such data is subject to the DigiLocker Privacy Policy or such other privacy policy maintained by the digital wallet service provider, once data is imported, its use and handling within the ONEST Reference Apps will be governed by this Policy, the Terms of Use, and any other guidelines made available through the ONEST Reference Apps from time to time.

f. Use of QR Code Scanner:

The ONEST Reference Apps include a QR code scanner that enables Job Seekers to import credential data directly into their profiles. These QR codes are generated through Mark Studio, a product of Dhiway Networks Private Limited, and made available to Users free of cost until March 2026. Use of this feature is optional. The scanner cannot read ordinary QR codes; it only processes credential QR codes created in a specific format by Mark Studio (or other approved digital attestation services). Any data retrieved via QR codes may be used to populate fields such as highest educational qualification, institute name, certifications, or skill scores. The credential data is verified and attested by an ecosystem partner which could include Job Seeker Organisation or a third party. The use of Mark Studio is governed by the Mark Studio Privacy Policy. Once imported, the use and handling of the data within the ONEST Reference Apps will be governed by this Policy, the Terms of Use, and any other guidelines made available through the Reference Apps from time to time.

Note: EkStep does not independently verify credential data and is not responsible for its accuracy.

g. Children as Registered Users:

1. Children under 18 years of age are neither required to nor encouraged to provide their personal information directly.
2. The ONEST Reference Apps collect a User’s year of birth to determine whether they are below 18 years of age. Where a User is identified as a minor (under 18 years), the ONEST Reference Apps require the full name and mobile number or email address of a parent or legal guardian. A one-time password (OTP) is then sent to that mobile number or email address to obtain verifiable consent before the account is created. The account will be set up only upon successful verification, and the parent or guardian will be responsible for reviewing, managing, and supervising the child’s use of the ONEST Reference Apps.
3. Children under 18 years are not permitted to create accounts or share personal information through the AI-powered voice bot, which is intended solely for use by adults. If any personal information belonging to a minor is inadvertently collected by the AI-powered bot or through any other unintended means, we will delete such information on a best-efforts basis as soon as it is identified.
4. We encourage parents and guardians to review, update, or request deletion of their ward’s information at any time through the app interface or by contacting the support channels provided in this Policy.

h. User Representations:

You represent that the information you provide on the ONEST Reference Apps is accurate, current, and complete, and that you have all necessary rights, permissions, and consents to provide such information. By providing such information, and by its subsequent collection, storage, usage, transfer, access, or processing in accordance with this Policy and the Terms of Use, you confirm that no third-party rights, contracts, laws, or court orders are violated.

5. Who has access to User information?

1. The information you provide will be stored and guarded by EkStep Foundation; Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. We are not responsible for any personal information or sensitive personal data or information collected by other platforms, websites, third-party services, or external links or content linked on the ONEST Reference Apps. Such third parties or content creators are bound by the respective data protection laws applicable to them and should have their own terms of use and privacy policy documents.
2. We will not publish or disclose your information without your prior consent, unless: (i) required by law; (ii) you have consented to disclosure; or (iii) disclosure is necessary to provide services to you.

c. We will share your User Information as follows:

• With Job Providers: When a Job Seeker applies to a role, their User Information is shared with that Job Provider. Passwords or account authentication credentials are not shared with Job Providers.
• With Job Seekers: When Job Providers post job opportunities, relevant User Information is made available to all Users of the Reference Apps. Passwords or account authentication credentials are not shared with Users.
• With our service providers and partners: For hosting, analytics, verification, communications, and other support services, with appropriate confidentiality and security safeguards.
• For legal purposes: If required by applicable law, regulation, or legal process, or to protect the rights, property, and safety of EkStep, Users, or others.
• Business or organisational transfers: If EkStep undergoes restructuring, merger, or transfer of functions, User information may form part of the transferred assets.

d. Your information is only accessible outside of the ONEST Reference Apps when it is necessary to offer the service, comply with law, or with your permission.

6. What is User Information Used For?

We process your information only when necessary and for lawful purposes connected with the operation of the ONEST Reference Apps. In addition to the purposes listed in the tables above, the broad uses include:

• Account creation and profile management: to register you on the ONEST Reference Apps, create and update your profile, and provide a personalised experience.
• Verification and compliance: to validate the authenticity of accounts created and to comply with applicable laws and regulations.
• Recruitment and job applications: to enable Job Providers to post and manage job opportunities, and Job Seekers to apply for job opportunities, including facilitating communication between Job Providers and Job Seekers.
• Discoverability and hyperlocal hiring: For Job Providers: the job opportunity you post may be displayed as a blue dot on a map, visible to Job Seekers through the ONEST Reference Apps. For Job Seekers: your location data may be used to display your profile as a blue dot on a map, visible only to the relevant Job Provider who has posted a job you apply for, through the ONEST Reference Apps. If you create a profile without applying to any job, your location will only be visible to you and not to others. This feature enables hyperlocal hiring and helps connect Job Providers and Job Seekers in the same locality.
• ONEST Reference Apps functionality and improvement: to operate, maintain, and improve the features, content discovery, search, and recommendation functions of the ONEST Reference Apps.
• Security and fraud prevention: to detect and prevent misuse, fraudulent activity, multiple accounts, or activity that violates the Terms of Use or applicable law.
• Communication and support: to contact you with important information relating to your account, job applications, or the operation of the ONEST Reference Apps, and to respond to feedback, complaints, or support queries.
• Research and reporting: to generate de-identified and aggregated reports and analytics about the usage of the ONEST Reference Apps, in order to improve offerings over time.
• Other lawful purposes: for any other use that is disclosed to you at the time of collection, or otherwise permitted by applicable law.

We may engage third-party service providers (e.g., for hosting, analytics, communications, technical support) to facilitate or outsource certain operations of the ONEST Reference Apps. These service providers are bound by confidentiality and data protection obligations and may use your information only for the specific purpose for which it is provided. If we wish to use your information for a new purpose not covered by this Policy, we will provide you with a notice before such processing, and where required, seek your consent.

Prohibited Uses (Your information will not be used for):

• Sale, rental, or other commercial exploitation of your information;
• Advertising or marketing unrelated to the ONEST Reference Apps;
• Unsolicited phone calls, messages, or other communications not connected to recruitment or your use of the ONEST Reference Apps;
• Building a personal profile for non-recruitment purposes;
• Any prohibited purposes set out in the Terms of Use; or
• Any purpose not disclosed in this Policy or otherwise permitted by law.

Job Provider Use of User Information:

Job Providers are independently responsible for any User Information they access through the ONEST Reference Apps. They must use such information only for recruitment purposes, and in compliance with applicable laws (including labour and data protection laws). Misuse or unauthorised use by Job Providers is a violation of the Terms of Use and may result in suspension, termination, or legal action. By using the ONEST Reference Apps, you acknowledge and agree that the collection, storage, and processing of your information is for lawful purposes connected with the operation of the ONEST Reference Apps and provision of services, and that such information is necessary for enabling your participation in recruitment-related activities on the ONEST Reference Apps.

7. How is User Information stored?

We adopt reasonable and appropriate security practices and procedures in accordance with Indian laws currently in force, including the Information Technology (Reasonable Security Practices and Procedures and Sensitive Personal Data or Information) Rules, 2011. These measures include administrative, physical, and technical safeguards to protect your personal information.

Your User Information, including personal information and any sensitive personal data or information, is securely stored primarily in electronic form on Google cloud Platform (GCP) with servers located in India. Certain data may also be stored in physical form where necessary.

We engage third-party service providers to store and process data. These providers are contractually bound to implement industry-standard security measures and to use your data only for the purposes specified by us.

We employ a combination of measures, including network and infrastructure security, encryption, access controls, and manual procedures, to protect your information against loss, misuse, unauthorized access, disclosure, alteration, or destruction. While we strive to protect your User Information, no system or method of transmission over the Internet is completely secure. Accordingly, we cannot guarantee the absolute security of your information during transmission to the ONEST Reference Apps. Once received, however, we implement reasonable procedures and security features to prevent unauthorized access, consistent with applicable Indian law.

If you believe your User Information has been compromised or accessed without authorization, please contact us immediately at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

8. How long is User Information stored?

Your information will not be retained for a period more than necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined in this Policy, unless a longer retention period is required by law or for directly related legitimate purposes.

When information is no longer required, we will either delete it securely or anonymise it so that it no longer identifies you.

Pilot Data Retention and Transfer

Your User Information will be retained on our servers for the duration of the ONEST pilot managed by us. Once the pilot concludes, an organisation — such as a government body, institution, or trusted third party — may scale or continue this initiative.

In such an event, your User Information will only be transferred to that organisation with your explicit consent, which will be requested and captured directly through the ONEST Reference Apps or via other secure communication channels.

If you choose not to provide such consent, your User Information will not be transferred and will instead be securely deleted in accordance with our data retention practices.

Deletion and Other Policies

9. How can you request Deletion of your information?

10. What are the system permissions required by the Reference Apps?

• Camera: Your system Camera will only be used if you want to scan QR codes to import your information into the ONEST Reference Apps.
• Access to Files and Documents: To allow you to upload résumés, certificates, or other Content when creating your profile or applying for jobs.
• Device Storage (download functionality): To enable you to download job-related information, application confirmations, or other Content from the ONEST Reference Apps.

11. Cookies: How are they used? What types of cookies are used? How to manage your cookies?

12. Information we are not responsible for

The ONEST Reference Apps may contain content, webpages, cookies, files, software, data, or links to other websites that are created, hosted, or maintained by third parties. These third parties may have the ability to collect, store, or use your User Information independently of the ONEST Reference Apps. EkStep Foundation and its technology support providers are not responsible for any data or information collected, stored, or used by such third parties, even where their services are accessible through or in connection with the ONEST Reference Apps. If you access the ONEST Reference Apps through a third-party service (including, for example, a web browser extension, QR code scanner, or other external tool), the collection and use of your data by such third parties is outside the control of EkStep. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of third-party websites or services linked on the ONEST Reference Apps. You are encouraged to review the privacy policies of such third parties before sharing any information with them.

13. Compliance with laws and law enforcement

EkStep and its technology support providers cooperate with governments and law enforcement agencies or any third party by any order under law for the time being in force to enforce and comply with the law. Any information about you will be disclosed to the government or law enforcement officials or private parties as, in the sole discretion of EkStep, if it believes necessary or appropriate to respond to claims and legal process, to protect their property and rights or a third party, to protect the safety of the public or any person, or to prevent or stop any illegal, unethical or legally actionable activity. Your information or data may also be provided to various tax authorities upon any demand or request from them. You acknowledge that the ONEST Reference Apps can be accessed from anywhere in the world and it will have users from all over the world and therefore governments, judiciaries or law enforcement authorities in various parts of the world may have or assume jurisdiction over the ONEST Reference Apps and the ONEST Reference Apps may be subject to the laws, rules, regulations and judgments of various countries, states, municipalities or provinces where it may not have a direct presence to store, process, collect, use or keep your information or data. You acknowledge that government or law enforcement authorities in the countries where your data or information is stored may have the right to decrypt, collect, monitor or access your data or information, which actions are completely out of the control of EkStep and its technology support providers. EkStep and its technology support providers do not take any responsibility for such actions.

14. Changes to this Privacy Policy

We reserve the right to modify this Policy at any time, so please review it frequently. If a material change is made to the practices regarding your User Information, you will be notified, by means of a notice on the ONEST Reference Apps.

15. Complaints

We take our responsibility towards ensuring the privacy and security of your User Information very seriously. If you have any concerns or questions regarding this Policy, feel free to contact us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with a copy to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.