Dispute & Takedown Policy

1. Incorrect or outdated information

If you believe a listing contains incorrect details (wrong phone number, outdated hours, incorrect address, place permanently closed, etc.):

• Use the "Report" or "Suggest edit" option on the place listing page (if available), or
• Email us at [email protected] with the place name, link, and the correction needed.

We will review and update the listing within a reasonable timeframe, typically within 3–5 business days.

2. Ownership and claim disputes

If someone has claimed a listing for a business or place you own:

• Email us at [email protected] with proof of ownership (business registration, utility bill, or similar documentation matching the listed address).
• We will investigate and may suspend the existing claim while we verify ownership.
• If verified, we will transfer the claim to the rightful owner.

Fraudulent claims may result in permanent ban from the platform.

3. Trademark and business name complaints

If you believe a listing misuses your registered trademark, brand name, or logo:

• Email us at [email protected] with:
• Your name, contact details, and relationship to the trademark
• The trademark registration number (if applicable)
• A link to the listing in question
• A clear description of how your trademark is being misused

We will review the complaint and take appropriate action, which may include updating or removing the listing.

4. Defamation and harmful content

HelloBanaras does not host user-generated reviews at this time. However, if any content on our platform (descriptions, tags, or other metadata) is defamatory, misleading, or harmful:

• Contact us immediately at [email protected].
• Include the specific content, the listing URL, and the reason you consider it harmful.
• We will review and remove or correct the content promptly if the complaint is valid.

5. Copyright and data takedown

If you believe content on HelloBanaras infringes your copyright:

• Send a takedown notice to [email protected] including:
  • Your name and contact information
  • Identification of the copyrighted work
  • The URL of the infringing content on our platform
  • A statement that you have a good-faith belief the use is not authorised

We will review and respond within 5 business days. Content found to be infringing will be removed.

6. Claim verification process

To prevent fraudulent claims and ensure listing integrity, we verify ownership claims through:

• Email or phone verification — we send a code to the contact number or email associated with the business.
• Document verification — for contested claims, we may request business registration documents, GST certificate, or a utility bill matching the business address.
• On-site verification — in rare cases, we may conduct a check via trusted local contacts.

Claims are typically processed within 3–7 business days.

7. Removal of a listing

If you are the verified owner of a place and want your listing removed entirely from HelloBanaras:

• Email us at [email protected] from the email associated with your claim, requesting removal.
• We will remove the listing within 5 business days.

Note: place data sourced from open datasets (such as OpenStreetMap) may reappear in future data refreshes. In such cases, contact us and we will add a permanent suppression for your listing.

8. Appeals

If you disagree with our decision on a dispute or takedown request, you may reply to our response email with additional information or evidence. We will reconsider the decision within 10 business days.

Contact

For all disputes, takedown requests, and complaints:

• Email: [email protected]
• Or use our contact form

Please include: the place name or listing URL, your name and contact details, and a clear description of the issue with any supporting documentation.