PRIVACY POLICY
O.N.E. (Ocean of Naval Elites) 1996
Last Updated: August 2026
Effective Date: August 2026
1. Introduction
O.N.E. (Ocean of Naval Elites) 1996 (“O.N.E. 1996“, “Association“, “we“, “us” or “our“) respects the privacy of its members, prospective members, eligible family members, volunteers, donors, welfare applicants, website users and other individuals whose personal information may be provided to or collected by the Association.
O.N.E. 1996 is a Central/National-level welfare and social association established for eligible members of the 01/96 Batch of the Indian Navy and Indian Coast Guard, eligible family members and other approved categories in accordance with the Association’s Constitution and By-Laws.
The Association operates throughout India through its Central/National structure and its administrative Zones and State/Unit structures.
This Privacy Policy explains how personal data and information may be collected, used, stored, protected, disclosed and retained when you access or use the Association’s website, membership facilities, welfare-assistance facilities, contact forms, event facilities or other authorised online services.
This Policy should be read together with the Association’s Constitution and By-Laws and the Website Terms & Conditions.
2. Scope of This Privacy Policy
This Privacy Policy applies to personal data collected through:
- The official O.N.E. 1996 website;
- Online membership or registration forms;
- Member login and account facilities;
- Welfare assistance applications;
- Contact and enquiry forms;
- Event and reunion registrations;
- Newsletter or communication subscriptions;
- Voluntary contribution/donation facilities, where provided;
- Communications submitted to or received from the Association;
- Documents submitted electronically for membership or welfare purposes; and
- Other authorised digital services operated by or on behalf of the Association.
This Policy does not automatically govern third-party websites, applications, payment gateways, social-media platforms or other external services linked from the Association website. Such services may have their own privacy policies and terms.
3. Information We May Collect
Depending upon the service or facility used, the Association may collect the following categories of information.
3.1 Identity and Membership Information
This may include:
- Full name;
- Date of birth, where required;
- Service number;
- Rank, trade or branch;
- Batch information;
- Service and retirement details;
- Membership category;
- Membership number;
- Membership status;
- State/Unit;
- Zone;
- Information necessary to establish eligibility.
The Association’s By-Laws contemplate maintenance of appropriate membership records containing identification, service, contact and membership information.
3.2 Contact Information
We may collect:
- Postal address;
- State and city;
- Email address;
- Mobile/telephone number;
- Emergency contact information, where required;
- Communication preferences.
3.3 Family and Beneficiary Information
Where necessary for membership or welfare administration, we may collect information relating to:
- Spouse;
- Children or eligible wards;
- Parents or dependants;
- Nominees or beneficiaries; and
- Other persons whose details are necessary for a legitimate Association purpose.
Individuals providing information relating to another person should ensure that they are authorised to provide such information or otherwise have a lawful basis for doing so.
3.4 Welfare Assistance Information
For welfare applications, the Association may receive information concerning:
- Medical circumstances;
- Medical reports and prescriptions;
- Hospitalisation;
- Treatment and related expenses;
- Financial circumstances;
- Educational information;
- Marriage-related information;
- Death-related information;
- Supporting certificates;
- Bills, invoices and other documentary evidence;
- Bank/payment information necessary for authorised disbursement; and
- Other information reasonably necessary to assess a welfare request.
Such information will be handled with additional care because welfare applications may contain highly personal information.
3.5 Website and Technical Information
When you use the website, certain technical information may be collected automatically depending upon the website configuration and hosting environment, such as:
- IP address;
- Browser type;
- Device type;
- Operating system;
- Date and time of access;
- Pages visited;
- Referring website;
- Approximate technical/location information;
- Login activity;
- Security and error logs.
The Association will seek to limit such collection to what is reasonably necessary for website functionality, security, administration and legitimate purposes.
3.6 Communications
We may retain information contained in:
- Emails;
- Contact-form submissions;
- Membership correspondence;
- Welfare communications;
- Complaints or requests;
- Meeting/event communications; and
- Other official communications.
4. Information We Do Not Intentionally Seek
The Association does not intentionally request personal information that is unrelated to membership, welfare, administration, communication, security, legal compliance or another authorised Association purpose.
Users should not submit passwords, authentication credentials, financial-account passwords, or other confidential credentials through ordinary contact forms or email unless specifically instructed through an authorised and secure process.
5. Purpose of Collection and Processing
Personal data may be collected and processed for purposes including:
- Verifying membership eligibility;
- Processing membership applications;
- Maintaining the Membership Register;
- Issuing membership-related communications;
- Managing member accounts;
- Coordinating Zones and State/Unit activities;
- Organising reunions, meetings and events;
- Processing welfare-assistance applications;
- Verifying welfare claims and supporting documents;
- Assessing genuine hardship or emergency circumstances;
- Processing authorised welfare disbursements;
- Maintaining financial, accounting and audit records;
- Preventing fraud, impersonation and misuse;
- Protecting the website and Association systems;
- Responding to enquiries and requests;
- Sending authorised Association notices and communications;
- Conducting authorised charitable, humanitarian and community-welfare activities;
- Complying with applicable legal, regulatory and governmental requirements;
- Resolving disputes and protecting the Association’s legal interests; and
- Performing other purposes expressly authorised by the Association’s Constitution, By-Laws or applicable law.
6. Legal Basis for Processing
Depending on the circumstances and applicable law, the Association may process personal data on the basis of:
- Consent provided by the individual;
- Processing necessary for providing a service or facility requested by the individual;
- Compliance with applicable legal obligations;
- Legitimate and authorised administrative purposes of the Association, to the extent permitted by applicable law;
- Protection against fraud, misuse or security threats;
- Welfare and humanitarian purposes where permitted by law; or
- Other lawful grounds available under applicable Indian law.
Where consent is required by applicable law, the Association will seek consent in an appropriate manner and will not knowingly rely on consent obtained through misleading or unfair means.
7. Notice and Consent
Where personal data is collected directly from an individual, the Association will endeavour to provide appropriate information regarding:
- What personal data is being collected;
- The purpose for which it is being processed;
- The relevant service or activity;
- The manner in which the individual may contact the Association; and
- Applicable rights and choices.
Where processing is based on consent, the Association will seek consent in a manner appropriate to the nature of the processing.
The Digital Personal Data Protection framework requires notices to be clear and understandable and to provide an itemised description of personal data and the purposes for which it is processed. The Association intends to align its website notices and consent mechanisms accordingly as the relevant provisions become applicable.
8. Welfare and Sensitive Information
Welfare applications may contain information relating to medical conditions, financial hardship, educational circumstances, family circumstances or other highly personal matters.
Such information shall be accessed only by authorised persons who require it for legitimate purposes such as:
- Verification;
- Assessment;
- Welfare Screening Committee consideration;
- Recommendation;
- Approval;
- Disbursement;
- Record keeping;
- Audit; or
- Legal and regulatory requirements.
The Association shall endeavour to minimise unnecessary access and disclosure of such information.
The submission of supporting documents does not guarantee approval of welfare assistance. Welfare assistance remains subject to the Association’s By-Laws, verification, availability of funds and approval by the competent authority.
9. Membership Records
The Association may maintain membership records containing information necessary for administration and governance.
Such records may include:
- Member identification;
- Service details;
- Contact information;
- Membership category;
- State/Unit and Zone;
- Membership status;
- Relevant family/member information;
- Communication records; and
- Other information required under the Association’s Constitution, By-Laws or applicable law.
Access to membership records shall be restricted to authorised Association office-bearers, administrators or service providers where such access is necessary for authorised purposes.
10. Photographs, Videos and Association Events
The Association may photograph or record events, reunions, welfare programmes, social activities, charitable initiatives and other authorised Association activities.
Photographs or videos may be used for:
- Historical records;
- Association publications;
- Website content;
- Event reports;
- Newsletters;
- Social-media communication;
- Awareness activities; and
- Other legitimate Association purposes.
The Association’s website may provide individuals with a mechanism to raise concerns regarding publication of their photographs.
Where a person has a reasonable privacy concern relating to an identifiable photograph or recording, the Association may consider the request in accordance with applicable law, practical circumstances and the Association’s legitimate interests.
11. Cookies and Similar Technologies
The website may use cookies and similar technologies depending upon its technical configuration.
Cookies may be used for:
- Essential website functionality;
- Login/session management;
- Security;
- User preferences;
- Analytics;
- Performance monitoring; and
- Other authorised website functions.
Where applicable, non-essential cookies or similar technologies may be controlled through available browser or website settings.
Users may also configure their browser to reject or delete cookies. Certain website functions may not operate correctly if essential cookies are disabled.
12. Analytics
The website may use analytics services to understand website usage, performance and visitor behaviour.
Where third-party analytics services are used, information may be processed by those service providers in accordance with their own terms and privacy policies.
The Association should configure analytics tools, where technically possible, to minimise unnecessary collection of personal information.
13. Website Security
The Association recognises the importance of protecting personal data against unauthorised access, alteration, disclosure, misuse, loss or destruction.
Depending on the website’s technical environment, security measures may include:
- Access controls;
- Authentication mechanisms;
- Password protection;
- Encryption where appropriate;
- Secure website connections;
- Hosting-level security;
- Malware and security monitoring;
- Backup procedures;
- Administrative controls;
- Role-based access; and
- Security logging.
No electronic transmission or storage system can be guaranteed to be completely secure.
Accordingly, while the Association will endeavour to maintain reasonable and appropriate safeguards, it cannot guarantee absolute security of information transmitted through the Internet.
14. Passwords and Account Security
Members using online accounts are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of their login credentials.
Members should:
- Use strong passwords;
- Avoid sharing passwords;
- Avoid using the same password on multiple services;
- Log out from shared devices;
- Immediately report suspected unauthorised access; and
- Keep their contact information updated.
The Association will not normally request a member’s password through email, telephone or ordinary website communication.
15. Sharing and Disclosure of Personal Data
The Association does not ordinarily publish members’ personal information publicly.
Personal data may, where reasonably necessary and legally permitted, be disclosed to:
15.1 Authorised Association Personnel
Information may be shared with authorised office-bearers, committees, administrators, Zone representatives or State/Unit coordinators where necessary for Association functions.
15.2 Service Providers
Information may be processed by trusted service providers providing services such as:
- Website hosting;
- Cloud storage;
- Email;
- SMS/communication;
- Website security;
- Database management;
- IT support;
- Payment processing;
- Event management; or
- Other technology services.
Such providers should process information only for authorised purposes and subject to appropriate contractual or organisational safeguards.
15.3 Government and Regulatory Authorities
Information may be disclosed where required by:
- Applicable law;
- Court order;
- Government direction;
- Regulatory requirement;
- Law-enforcement request; or
- Other legally enforceable process.
15.4 Welfare Verification
Where necessary for legitimate welfare processing, relevant information may be shared with authorised persons or institutions for verification, assessment or processing.
Only information reasonably necessary for the relevant purpose should be shared.
16. State and Unit Structures
The Association’s State/Unit structures are administrative and representative structures operating under the Central/National Association.
They are not independent associations merely by virtue of their State/Unit designation.
Personal information may therefore be shared with an authorised State/Unit coordinator where reasonably necessary for:
- Member communication;
- Welfare coordination;
- Emergency assistance;
- Event administration;
- Membership coordination; or
- Other authorised Association activities.
State/Unit representatives are expected to maintain confidentiality and use information only for authorised Association purposes.
17. Third-Party Links
The website may contain links to third-party websites, applications, social-media platforms, payment services or other external resources.
The Association does not control the privacy practices of external websites.
Users should review the privacy policies and terms of those third parties before submitting personal information.
The Association is not responsible for the privacy practices, content, security or availability of third-party websites.
18. Payment Information
Where the website facilitates voluntary contributions, donations, event payments or other authorised payments, payment processing may be performed through a third-party payment gateway.
The Association should not ordinarily receive or store complete card numbers, CVV numbers, UPI PINs, banking passwords or similar authentication credentials.
Payment information may be processed directly by the relevant payment service provider in accordance with its privacy policy and security practices.
Users should never provide their UPI PIN, ATM PIN, internet-banking password, OTP or card security credentials to the Association through ordinary forms, telephone calls or email.
19. Data Retention
Personal data shall not be retained indefinitely without a purpose.
The Association may retain information for as long as reasonably necessary for:
- Membership administration;
- Welfare administration;
- Financial and accounting records;
- Audit;
- Historical Association records;
- Legal compliance;
- Dispute resolution;
- Fraud prevention;
- Security;
- Exercise or defence of legal claims; or
- Other legitimate Association purposes.
When information is no longer required and there is no legal or legitimate reason to retain it, the Association may securely delete, anonymise or otherwise dispose of it, subject to applicable law and practical requirements.
20. Accuracy of Information
Members and users are requested to provide accurate, complete and current information.
The Association may rely upon information submitted by the individual for membership, welfare and administrative purposes.
Users should promptly inform the Association if their relevant personal information changes.
21. Rights of Individuals
Subject to applicable law and any applicable conditions or exceptions, individuals may have rights concerning their personal data, including rights relating to:
- Access to information concerning processing;
- Correction of inaccurate or incomplete information;
- Updating information;
- Withdrawal of consent where processing is based on consent;
- Erasure/deletion where legally applicable;
- Grievance redressal; and
- Nomination or other rights recognised under applicable Indian data-protection law.
The exercise of a right may be subject to lawful exceptions, including circumstances where information must be retained to comply with legal obligations, maintain required records, protect rights, prevent fraud or fulfil other lawful purposes.
22. Withdrawal of Consent
Where processing is based on consent, an individual may request withdrawal of consent through the appropriate communication channel.
Withdrawal of consent will not necessarily affect processing that:
- Was lawfully completed before withdrawal;
- Is required by law;
- Is necessary for record keeping;
- Is necessary for legal claims or defence;
- Is otherwise permitted under applicable law.
Withdrawal of consent may also affect the Association’s ability to provide a particular service or facility where the relevant information is necessary for that service.
23. Correction and Updating of Information
If you believe that information maintained by the Association is inaccurate or incomplete, you may request correction or updating.
The Association may require reasonable verification before changing membership, service, financial or other important records.
24. Grievance Redressal
If you have a privacy-related concern, request or complaint, you may contact the Association through its official Contact page or designated privacy/grievance channel.
The Association will endeavour to review and respond to legitimate privacy-related requests within the period required by applicable law.
The Association may request sufficient information to verify the identity of the person making a request before disclosing, correcting or deleting personal information.
25. Data Breach and Security Incidents
In the event of a personal-data security incident, the Association will take reasonable steps appropriate to the nature and severity of the incident.
Where notification is required under applicable law, the Association shall follow the applicable statutory requirements and prescribed procedures.
Such measures may include:
- Containing the incident;
- Investigating the cause;
- Securing affected systems;
- Assessing affected information;
- Taking corrective measures;
- Notifying relevant authorities where required; and
- Notifying affected individuals where legally required.
26. Children’s Personal Data
The Association’s website is primarily intended for adults, members, eligible family members and other authorised users.
Where personal data relating to a child is required for an authorised Association purpose, such information should be provided only by or with the appropriate authority of the parent, lawful guardian or other person legally entitled to provide it.
The Association will comply with applicable requirements concerning children’s personal data.
27. Data of Persons Residing Outside India
The Association may have members or eligible participants residing outside India, as contemplated by its By-Laws.
Where personal data is received from or processed in relation to persons outside India, the Association will handle such information subject to applicable Indian law and, where applicable, other laws that legally apply to the particular processing activity.
Cross-border transfer or processing of personal data may occur where permitted by applicable law and necessary for an authorised purpose.
28. Data of Deceased Members
Association records may contain information concerning deceased members where necessary for:
- Membership records;
- Historical records;
- Welfare assistance;
- Family-benefit administration;
- Financial records;
- Legal requirements; or
- Other legitimate Association purposes.
Such information will be handled with due sensitivity and confidentiality.
29. Legal and Regulatory Compliance
The Association intends to operate its website and data-processing practices in accordance with applicable Indian laws and regulations.
The principal digital-data framework includes the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023 and the Digital Personal Data Protection Rules, 2025, together with other applicable laws and regulations.
The Association may modify its privacy practices as applicable provisions of law, rules, regulations, government notifications or regulatory requirements come into force.
The DPDP Rules, 2025 provide for phased commencement, with different provisions becoming effective at different times. Accordingly, this Policy should be read as applying to the Association’s current practices while allowing for implementation of additional statutory requirements as they become applicable.
30. Information Technology Act and Security Requirements
Where applicable to the Association or its service providers, the Association will take reasonable security measures consistent with applicable Indian information-technology and data-security requirements.
The Information Technology Act, 2000 and associated rules have historically provided a framework concerning protection and security of certain personal and sensitive information. The Association will review the applicability of such requirements alongside the DPDP framework and other applicable law.
31. Role of Service Providers
The Association may appoint or use technology and professional service providers for operating its website and administrative systems.
Such providers may include:
- Hosting companies;
- Cloud-storage providers;
- Website developers;
- IT administrators;
- Email providers;
- Security providers;
- Payment gateways;
- Communication providers;
- Backup providers; and
- Other authorised contractors.
The Association will endeavour to use appropriate contractual, technical and organisational measures to protect personal data handled by such providers.
32. No Sale of Personal Data
The Association does not intend to sell members’ or website visitors’ personal data to third parties for commercial purposes.
Personal data may nevertheless be processed by service providers where necessary to operate the website or provide an authorised Association service.
33. Direct Marketing and Communications
The Association may use contact information to send:
- Membership communications;
- Association notices;
- Welfare-related communications;
- Event and reunion information;
- Important administrative announcements;
- Newsletters, where subscribed;
- Updates relating to Association activities; and
- Other authorised communications.
Where applicable, users may request that non-essential communications be discontinued.
Important administrative, membership, security or legally required communications may continue where necessary.
34. Social Media
The Association may operate official social-media accounts or publish Association content on third-party platforms.
Interactions with such platforms may be governed by their respective privacy policies and terms.
Users should exercise caution before posting personal information publicly on social-media platforms.
35. Intellectual Property and Personal Information
Association photographs, historical records, publications, logos and other materials may contain references to members or Association activities.
Nothing in this Privacy Policy transfers ownership of the Association’s intellectual property.
Use of Association materials remains subject to the Website Terms & Conditions and applicable law.
36. Changes to This Privacy Policy
The Association may update this Privacy Policy from time to time due to:
- Changes in applicable law;
- Changes to the DPDP framework;
- Changes in Association procedures;
- Changes in website functionality;
- Introduction of new services;
- Changes in technology;
- Changes in third-party service providers; or
- Security and operational requirements.
The latest version will be published on the official website with the applicable “Last Updated” date.
Where required by law, material changes may be communicated through an appropriate notice or other legally prescribed mechanism.
37. Governing Framework
This Privacy Policy shall be interpreted together with:
- The Constitution and By-Laws of O.N.E. 1996;
- Website Terms & Conditions;
- Applicable Indian laws;
- Applicable rules and regulations;
- Government notifications and directions; and
- Other legally applicable requirements.
Nothing in this Privacy Policy is intended to override the Association’s registered Constitution/By-Laws or any mandatory requirement of law.
For Central-level Association matters, the By-Laws provide for jurisdiction at Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, subject to applicable territorial and pecuniary jurisdiction.
38. Registered Office
O.N.E. (Ocean of Naval Elites) 1996
1st Floor, D. No. 50-54-1,
TPT Colony, Seethammadhara,
Visakhapatnam – 530013,
Andhra Pradesh, India.
39. Privacy Contact
For privacy-related questions, requests concerning personal information, correction requests, consent withdrawal requests or privacy complaints, please use the Association’s official Contact page or the designated privacy/grievance contact mechanism published on the website.
Contact Categories
Membership & Registration
For membership applications, eligibility and membership records.
Welfare Assistance
For medical emergencies, education assistance, marriage assistance and other genuine hardship.
Events & Reunions
For reunion programmes, social gatherings and Association events.
Zonal / State Coordination
For connecting with the appropriate Zone or State/Unit.
General Enquiries
For general information concerning O.N.E. 1996.
40. Important User Notice
By submitting personal information through the website, users should ensure that the information supplied is accurate and that they have the necessary authority to provide information concerning another individual.
Where a website form requests personal information, the Association will endeavour to provide an appropriate notice describing the purpose for which the information is being collected.
Users should not submit unnecessary medical records, financial information, identity documents or other sensitive information through general enquiry forms.
Where welfare assistance requires supporting documentation, users should submit only documents reasonably required by the prescribed welfare-assistance procedure.
41. Website Contact Form
The Association’s website contact form may request information such as:
- Name;
- Service Number;
- Membership Category;
- State/Unit;
- Email;
- Mobile Number;
- Subject; and
- Message.
This information may be used to respond to the enquiry, verify membership where necessary, route the request to the appropriate Association function and maintain appropriate administrative records.
42. Acceptance and Acknowledgement
By using the website and voluntarily submitting personal information, you acknowledge that you have had an opportunity to read this Privacy Policy.
Where applicable law requires specific consent for processing, the Association will seek such consent through the relevant website form, notice or other appropriate mechanism.
Your continued use of website facilities after an updated Privacy Policy is published may be subject to the updated policy to the extent permitted by applicable law.
Privacy Commitment
O.N.E. 1996 believes that the trust built during service must extend to the way members’ personal information is handled.
Unity • Brotherhood • Integrity • Transparency • Accountability • Service
The Association will endeavour to collect only information reasonably required for its authorised purposes, use it responsibly, restrict unnecessary access, maintain appropriate safeguards and respect the rights available to individuals under applicable law.
© O.N.E. (Ocean of Naval Elites) 1996. All Rights Reserved.