Policy

The complete legal and platform policy suite of EXPERTCONECT NETWORK PRIVATE LIMITED, governing professional discovery, onboarding, engagement and marketplace conduct on ExpertConect.

Policy 01 — Terms of Use

PUBLIC USER AGREEMENT

These Terms and Conditions (“Terms”) are issued by and govern your access to and use of the services provided by EXPERTCONECT NETWORK PRIVATE LIMITED, a company duly incorporated and regulated by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) under the Companies Act, 2013 bearing Corporate Identity Number (CIN): U63120GJ2026PTC182469, and having its registered office at Shop No. 24, Arihant Complex, Udhna, Surat, Surat City, Gujarat, India, 394210 (hereinafter referred to as the “Company”, “we”, “us” or “our”). The Company is registered with the ROC Ahmedabad, Ministry of Corporate Affairs, Government of India. By accessing or using our website, platform, products, services, applications, or any other facilities offered by the Company, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agreed to be bound by these Terms, together with our Privacy Policy and any other policies or guidelines made available by the Company from time to time.

Definitions

  • “ExpertConect”, “Platform”, “we”, “us” or “our” means the digital platform operated by EXPERTCONECT NETWORK PRIVATE LIMITED, including its website, mobile interfaces, APIs, communication channels and related services.
  • “Client” means a person or organisation using the Platform to identify, communicate with, obtain information from, consult, or engage an eligible Professional or Firm.
  • “Professional” means a natural person registered or applying to register on ExpertConect in a professional capacity, including a Chartered Accountant (CA), Company Secretary (CS), Cost and Management Accountant (CMA), and any other category specifically enabled by ExpertConect after regulatory review.
  • “Firm” means a professional practice entity or other eligible organisation registered or applying to register on ExpertConect.
  • “Professional Body” means the statutory, regulatory or professional body governing the relevant Professional, including ICAI, ICSI and ICMAI, as applicable.
  • “Reserved/Exclusive Service” means a service, certification, attestation, assurance, representation or other professional activity whose performance, solicitation, advertisement, listing or aggregation is restricted or reserved by law or a Professional Body.
  • “Non-Exclusive Service” means a professional or advisory service that is not exclusively reserved to the relevant profession, subject always to applicable professional rules.
  • “Regulatory Mode” means the Platform configuration that determines whether a profession-service combination may be public, information-only, searchable, matched, consultation-enabled, workspace-only, payment-enabled or disabled.
  • “Content” means profile information, service descriptions, documents, messages, reviews, comments, AI-assisted text and any other material submitted, generated, displayed or transmitted through the Platform.

1. Acceptance and binding agreement

  • These Terms govern access to and use of ExpertConect. By creating an account, submitting information, clicking an acceptance control, or using the Platform after the Terms are presented, the user agrees to be bound by them.
  • If a user acts for an organisation, the user represents that they have authority to bind that organisation.
  • Role-specific Client, Professional and Firm terms apply in addition to these Terms; the more specific terms prevail for that subject.

2. Eligibility

  • Users must be at least 18 years old and legally capable of entering contracts.
  • Professional accounts are available only to persons satisfying profession, membership, practice-status and Platform eligibility criteria.
  • ExpertConect may refuse, restrict, suspend or terminate registration where identity, authority or professional eligibility cannot be reasonably verified.

3. Nature of ExpertConect

  • ExpertConect is a technology-enabled professional discovery, information, routing and engagement-workspace platform. It is not itself a CA firm, CS firm, CMA firm, auditor, law firm or Professional Body unless separately stated.
  • ExpertConect does not guarantee a Professional is suitable for a particular matter or that any desired outcome will occur.
  • Professional advice and responsibility remain with the engaged Professional/Firm.

4. Accounts and security

  • Users must provide accurate/current information and protect passwords, OTPs, devices and access credentials.
  • Suspected compromise must be reported promptly.
  • ExpertConect may require re-verification, MFA or additional information where risk or compliance requires.

5. Platform features and regulatory gating

  • Features may differ by profession, service, jurisdiction, user type and regulatory status.
  • A service may be information-only even if a Professional declares capability.
  • ExpertConect may disable public profiles, search, matching, reviews, fees, payments or contact disclosure where law/Professional Body guidance requires.
  • No user has a right to ranking, traffic, lead volume or any particular feature.

6. Listings and verification

  • Verification indicates only the scope expressly stated by the badge/status and is not an endorsement or guarantee of quality.
  • Users should independently assess scope, competence, conflicts, independence, fees and engagement terms.
  • ExpertConect may periodically reverify credentials and suspend profiles pending clarification.

7. User content and conduct

  • Users are responsible for Content they submit and must have lawful rights/permissions.
  • Users may not upload false credentials, unlawful/confidential third-party information without authority, malware, scraped databases, impersonation material or content prohibited by Platform rules.
  • Messages/documents may be reviewed only as necessary for safety, legal compliance, complaint handling, fraud prevention and operations, subject to the Privacy Policy.

8. Engagements

  • Unless ExpertConect expressly acts as contracting principal for an identified service, the professional engagement is between Client and Professional/Firm.
  • Scope, deliverables, dependencies, deadlines, professional fees, taxes and termination should be confirmed in writing before substantive work.
  • Platform proposal/document/milestone tools do not make ExpertConect responsible for professional work product.

9. Fees/payments/refunds

  • Platform fees will be disclosed before charging.
  • Professional fees may be payable directly to the Professional/Firm where required by regulatory configuration.
  • Refunds/cancellations follow the Payments Policy and engagement-specific terms.

10. Third-party services

  • ExpertConect may integrate payment gateways, OTP, cloud, analytics, AI and communication providers.
  • Third parties may have separate terms/privacy practices; ExpertConect is not responsible for unrelated third-party services merely because they are linked.

11. Intellectual property

  • Platform software, taxonomy, interface, trademarks, designs and proprietary content are owned/licensed by EXPERTCONECT NETWORK PRIVATE LIMITED.
  • Users receive only a limited, revocable, non-exclusive right to use the Platform.

12. Suspension and termination

  • ExpertConect may suspend/terminate for material breach, fraud, security risk, professional ineligibility, regulatory requirement, repeated complaints, non-payment or unlawful use.
  • Immediate action may be taken where needed to protect users, evidence, security or legal compliance.
  • Accrued obligations, legal holds and survival clauses remain effective.

13. Disclaimers

  • The Platform is provided on an 'as available' basis to the extent permitted by law.
  • ExpertConect does not warrant uninterrupted availability, minimum Professional supply, filing acceptance, tax outcomes, audit conclusions, regulator decisions, business results or lead volume.
  • Platform content is not professional advice unless expressly provided by an identified authorised Professional under a separate engagement.

14. Limitation of liability

  • To the maximum extent permitted by law, ExpertConect will not be liable for indirect, incidental, consequential, special or punitive losses or losses caused by a Professional's independent acts/omissions.
  • Counsel must insert the final lawful monetary cap.
  • Nothing excludes liability or consumer rights that cannot legally be excluded.

15. Indemnity

  • To the extent permitted by law, users must indemnify ExpertConect against third-party claims arising from unlawful Content, fraudulent conduct, infringement, unauthorised disclosure, professional misconduct or material breach, subject to consumer law.

16. Complaints and grievances

  • Complaints may be sent to admin@expertconect.com.
  • ExpertConect will follow applicable grievance timelines and its Grievance Policy.
  • Statutory consumer/regulatory remedies remain unaffected.

17. Changes

  • Terms may be updated for legal, security, product or operational reasons; material changes will be communicated reasonably.
  • Fresh consent will be obtained where legally required rather than assumed through silence.

18. Governing law/disputes

  • These Terms are governed by Indian law.
  • Subject to mandatory statutory forums, courts at Surat have jurisdiction.
  • If arbitration is adopted, counsel must insert a complete compliant clause.

Reference notes

Policy 02 — Privacy Policy

PUBLIC PRIVACY NOTICE

These Privacy Policy (“Privacy Policy”) are issued by and govern your access to and use of the services provided by EXPERTCONECT NETWORK PRIVATE LIMITED, a company duly incorporated and regulated by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) under the Companies Act, 2013 bearing Corporate Identity Number (CIN): U63120GJ2026PTC182469, and having its registered office at Shop No. 24, Arihant Complex, Udhna, Surat, Surat City, Gujarat, India, 394210 (hereinafter referred to as the “Company”, “we”, “us” or “our”). The Company is registered with the ROC Ahmedabad, Ministry of Corporate Affairs, Government of India. By accessing or using our website, platform, products, services, applications, or any other facilities offered by the Company, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agreed to be bound by these Terms, together with our Privacy Policy and any other policies or guidelines made available by the Company from time to time.

Definitions

  • “ExpertConect”, “Platform”, “we”, “us” or “our” means the digital platform operated by EXPERTCONECT NETWORK PRIVATE LIMITED, including its website, mobile interfaces, APIs, communication channels and related services.
  • “Client” means a person or organisation using the Platform to identify, communicate with, obtain information from, consult, or engage an eligible Professional or Firm.
  • “Professional” means a natural person registered or applying to register on ExpertConect in a professional capacity, including a Chartered Accountant (CA), Company Secretary (CS), Cost and Management Accountant (CMA), and any other category specifically enabled by ExpertConect after regulatory review.
  • “Firm” means a professional practice entity or other eligible organisation registered or applying to register on ExpertConect.
  • “Professional Body” means the statutory, regulatory or professional body governing the relevant Professional, including ICAI, ICSI and ICMAI, as applicable.
  • “Reserved/Exclusive Service” means a service, certification, attestation, assurance, representation or other professional activity whose performance, solicitation, advertisement, listing or aggregation is restricted or reserved by law or a Professional Body.
  • “Non-Exclusive Service” means a professional or advisory service that is not exclusively reserved to the relevant profession, subject always to applicable professional rules.
  • “Regulatory Mode” means the Platform configuration that determines whether a profession-service combination may be public, information-only, searchable, matched, consultation-enabled, workspace-only, payment-enabled or disabled.
  • “Content” means profile information, service descriptions, documents, messages, reviews, comments, AI-assisted text and any other material submitted, generated, displayed or transmitted through the Platform.

1. Scope and role

  • This Privacy Policy explains how EXPERTCONECT NETWORK PRIVATE LIMITED processes personal data in connection with ExpertConect.
  • ExpertConect may act as Data Fiduciary/controller for accounts, profiles, verification, marketplace, communication and analytics data and may act as processor/service provider for limited workspace data.
  • Professionals may have separate independent privacy/confidentiality duties for Client information.

2. Personal data collected

  • Identity/contact: name, email, mobile, account identifiers, organisation/firm details.
  • Professional: profession, membership/registration number, Professional Body, COP/practice status, expertise, services, experience, languages, education, firm/team info and photo.
  • Verification: credential documents, verification notes/status and evidence from official/professional sources.
  • Location: PIN, city/locality, district, state and optional office/practice address.
  • Workspace: requirements, proposals, consultation info, messages, tasks, documents and support communications.
  • Transaction: invoices, Platform fees, payment status, refunds and limited payment metadata.
  • Technical: IP, browser/device, security logs, session IDs and cookie/analytics data.
  • Marketing/consent: opt-in source, text/version, preferences, campaign/referral attribution and withdrawal records.
  • AI: prompts, structured profile fields sent to AI, generated output, feedback and safety logs where applicable.

3. Purposes

  • Create/secure accounts; verify contact channels and professional credentials.
  • Build profiles and apply profession/service eligibility rules.
  • Provide search, information, matching, consultation, proposal and workspace features where permitted.
  • Process charges/refunds; prevent fraud/abuse; operate support/grievance/takedown.
  • Send transactional communications and permitted marketing.
  • Measure onboarding/performance; comply with legal/Professional Body requirements.
  • Improve taxonomy/search/matching using aggregated/de-identified or appropriately governed data.

4. Lawful processing

  • ExpertConect will process personal data only where a lawful basis exists under applicable Indian law.
  • Where consent is used, notice should be specific, informed, plain-language and withdrawal should be comparably easy.
  • Processing necessary for requested services should be limited to what is necessary.

5. Professional/public-source data

  • ExpertConect may consult official/lawfully accessible professional sources to verify factual credentials.
  • Public availability does not automatically mean ExpertConect will republish data as an active commercial profile.
  • Any unclaimed/basic records should be distinguished from claimed/verified profiles and follow legal/regulatory review.

6. Consent and preferences

  • Consent records should include source, time, text/version, purpose and withdrawal.
  • Marketing consent should be separated from mandatory account/verification processing where appropriate.
  • Withdrawing marketing consent should not remove unrelated core services.

7. Sharing

  • With Professionals/Firms or Clients when the user intentionally enters a permitted consultation/engagement flow.
  • With processors: cloud, OTP, email, WhatsApp/business messaging, support, analytics, payments, verification and AI vendors under appropriate controls.
  • With regulators, courts, law enforcement or Professional Bodies where legally required or necessary for credential/complaint review.
  • In lawful business transfers subject to appropriate safeguards.

8. International processing/transfers

  • Some processors may host/access data outside India. ExpertConect will comply with applicable transfer restrictions and safeguards.
  • Users should not assume all data remains only in India unless a specific service says so.

9. Security

  • Reasonable safeguards include access control, encryption/equivalent protection where appropriate, private credential storage, monitoring/logging, backups and processor controls.
  • Credential documents are private by default and limited to authorised roles.
  • No security system is guaranteed infallible.

10. Retention

  • Data is retained only as long as needed for purposes, legal duties, disputes, fraud/security and professional-regulatory requirements.
  • Detailed periods are maintained in the Retention Policy.
  • Data should be erased/anonymised when the purpose is no longer served and no lawful retention need remains.

11. Rights

  • Subject to applicable law and phased commencement, users may request information about processing, correction/completion/updating, erasure, grievance redressal and nomination where applicable.
  • Verification-critical fields may require review rather than instant publication.
  • Requests may require identity verification and may be limited by lawful retention/security/third-party rights.

12. Children

  • ExpertConect is not intended for persons under 18 and does not knowingly onboard minors as Professionals or contracting Clients.
  • Minor accounts may be restricted/deleted subject to lawful retention.

13. Cookies/analytics

  • Necessary and optional technologies are governed by the Cookie Policy.
  • Where consent is required, non-essential tracking should not activate before valid preference/consent.

14. AI processing

  • AI features follow the AI Policy.
  • ExpertConect should minimise personal data sent to AI providers, avoid unnecessary credential/client documents and preserve human review.

15. Personal data breaches

  • ExpertConect maintains incident response and will provide notices required by applicable law.
  • DPDP Rules contemplate notice to affected Data Principals and the Data Protection Board when the relevant provisions commence.
  • Suspected account compromise should be reported to admin@expertconect.com.

16. Contact

  • Privacy: admin@expertconect.com
  • Support: admin@expertconect.com
  • Grievance Office Namer: Aasthaben Jitendrabhai RupaparaDesignation: DirectorEmail Address: admin@expertconect.comRegistered Address: Shop No. 24, Arihant Complex, Udhna, Surat, Surat City, Gujarat, India, 394210

17. Changes

  • Material changes will be dated and notified where appropriate.
  • Consent will be refreshed where required rather than presumed.

Reference notes

Policy 03 — Cookie & Tracking Policy

PUBLIC PRIVACY POLICY

Definitions

  • “ExpertConect”, “Platform”, “we”, “us” or “our” means the digital platform operated by EXPERTCONECT NETWORK PRIVATE LIMITED, including its website, mobile interfaces, APIs, communication channels and related services.
  • “Client” means a person or organisation using the Platform to identify, communicate with, obtain information from, consult, or engage an eligible Professional or Firm.
  • “Professional” means a natural person registered or applying to register on ExpertConect in a professional capacity, including a Chartered Accountant (CA), Company Secretary (CS), Cost and Management Accountant (CMA), and any other category specifically enabled by ExpertConect after regulatory review.
  • “Firm” means a professional practice entity or other eligible organisation registered or applying to register on ExpertConect.
  • “Professional Body” means the statutory, regulatory or professional body governing the relevant Professional, including ICAI, ICSI and ICMAI, as applicable.
  • “Reserved/Exclusive Service” means a service, certification, attestation, assurance, representation or other professional activity whose performance, solicitation, advertisement, listing or aggregation is restricted or reserved by law or a Professional Body.
  • “Non-Exclusive Service” means a professional or advisory service that is not exclusively reserved to the relevant profession, subject always to applicable professional rules.
  • “Regulatory Mode” means the Platform configuration that determines whether a profession-service combination may be public, information-only, searchable, matched, consultation-enabled, workspace-only, payment-enabled or disabled.
  • “Content” means profile information, service descriptions, documents, messages, reviews, comments, AI-assisted text and any other material submitted, generated, displayed or transmitted through the Platform.

1. Purpose

  • Explains cookies, SDKs, local storage, pixels and similar technologies used by ExpertConect.

2. Categories

  • Strictly necessary: authentication, security, session management and required preferences.
  • Functional: optional language/filter/onboarding settings.
  • Analytics: traffic, funnels, errors and product usage.
  • Marketing/attribution: campaign/referral measurement where enabled and lawfully consented.
  • Fraud/security: suspicious sessions, bots and abuse.

3. Consent

  • Necessary technologies may operate where required to provide/secure the service.
  • Non-essential analytics/marketing technologies should be controlled by a preference mechanism where consent is required.
  • No pre-ticked or deceptive consent controls; withdrawal should be comparably easy.

4. Third parties

  • Before publication, insert an accurate vendor table identifying provider, purpose, identifiers, duration and vendor privacy link.

5. Retention/expiry

  • Session identifiers expire after session or defined security window.
  • Persistent cookies use the shortest reasonable duration.
  • Marketing identifiers follow the Data Retention Policy.

6. Browser controls

  • Users may block/delete cookies, although some functions may be impaired.

7. No dark patterns

  • No false urgency, confirm shaming, hidden rejection, misleading colours, forced action or intentionally obstructed preference controls.

8. Contact

  • Questions: admin@expertconect.com

Reference notes

Policy 04 — Client / Customer Terms

CONTRACTUAL TERMS - CLIENTS

Definitions

  • “ExpertConect”, “Platform”, “we”, “us” or “our” means the digital platform operated by EXPERTCONECT NETWORK PRIVATE LIMITED, including its website, mobile interfaces, APIs, communication channels and related services.
  • “Client” means a person or organisation using the Platform to identify, communicate with, obtain information from, consult, or engage an eligible Professional or Firm.
  • “Professional” means a natural person registered or applying to register on ExpertConect in a professional capacity, including a Chartered Accountant (CA), Company Secretary (CS), Cost and Management Accountant (CMA), and any other category specifically enabled by ExpertConect after regulatory review.
  • “Firm” means a professional practice entity or other eligible organisation registered or applying to register on ExpertConect.
  • “Professional Body” means the statutory, regulatory or professional body governing the relevant Professional, including ICAI, ICSI and ICMAI, as applicable.
  • “Reserved/Exclusive Service” means a service, certification, attestation, assurance, representation or other professional activity whose performance, solicitation, advertisement, listing or aggregation is restricted or reserved by law or a Professional Body.
  • “Non-Exclusive Service” means a professional or advisory service that is not exclusively reserved to the relevant profession, subject always to applicable professional rules.
  • “Regulatory Mode” means the Platform configuration that determines whether a profession-service combination may be public, information-only, searchable, matched, consultation-enabled, workspace-only, payment-enabled or disabled.
  • “Content” means profile information, service descriptions, documents, messages, reviews, comments, AI-assisted text and any other material submitted, generated, displayed or transmitted through the Platform.

1. Scope

  • Applies when a Client uses ExpertConect to identify, contact, consult or engage a Professional/Firm or use an engagement workspace.

2. Client responsibilities

  • Provide accurate requirement/entity/jurisdiction/deadline/document information.
  • Do not conceal material facts or ask Professionals to perform unlawful/unethical work.
  • Do not upload confidential/personal third-party data without authority.
  • Review scope, fees, deliverables, exclusions and dependencies before engagement.

3. No automatic professional advice

  • Search results, service descriptions, Need Finder classifications, AI suggestions and match explanations are informational/routing aids, not advice from ExpertConect.
  • Client decides whether to obtain independent advice and whom to appoint.

4. Professional selection

  • Where choice is enabled, ExpertConect may present limited eligible options using disclosed relevance factors.
  • Client should independently evaluate credentials, conflicts, independence, experience, scope and fee.

5. Consultations

  • Availability is subject to Professional confirmation.
  • Cancellation/no-show rules must be shown before booking.
  • A consultation alone does not create a continuing engagement unless separately agreed.

6. Proposals/engagement

  • Proposal should identify Professional/Firm, scope, deliverables, timeline, dependencies, fees/taxes and exclusions.
  • Reserved work must be undertaken only by eligible Professionals.
  • ExpertConect may block/reroute a request that cannot be lawfully intermediated.

7. Documents/deadlines

  • Clients remain responsible for timely accurate documents and approvals.
  • Platform reminders do not transfer statutory responsibility.
  • Clients should retain copies of important filings/certificates/deliverables.

8. Fees/refunds

  • Platform and Professional fees are separate unless expressly combined.
  • Where ExpertConect does not collect Professional fees, fee disputes are primarily between Client and Professional, subject to support assistance.
  • Refunds follow the Payments Policy.

9. Complaints

  • Client may raise Platform, Professional-conduct, payment or service-delivery complaints via the Grievance mechanism.
  • Necessary complaint information may be shared with the affected Professional/Firm or authority subject to privacy law.

10. Consumer rights

  • Nothing limits mandatory rights under consumer/e-commerce or other non-waivable law.

Reference notes

Policy 05 — Professional Participation Agreement

CONTRACTUAL TERMS - PROFESSIONALS

Definitions

  • “ExpertConect”, “Platform”, “we”, “us” or “our” means the digital platform operated by EXPERTCONECT NETWORK PRIVATE LIMITED, including its website, mobile interfaces, APIs, communication channels and related services.
  • “Client” means a person or organisation using the Platform to identify, communicate with, obtain information from, consult, or engage an eligible Professional or Firm.
  • “Professional” means a natural person registered or applying to register on ExpertConect in a professional capacity, including a Chartered Accountant (CA), Company Secretary (CS), Cost and Management Accountant (CMA), and any other category specifically enabled by ExpertConect after regulatory review.
  • “Firm” means a professional practice entity or other eligible organisation registered or applying to register on ExpertConect.
  • “Professional Body” means the statutory, regulatory or professional body governing the relevant Professional, including ICAI, ICSI and ICMAI, as applicable.
  • “Reserved/Exclusive Service” means a service, certification, attestation, assurance, representation or other professional activity whose performance, solicitation, advertisement, listing or aggregation is restricted or reserved by law or a Professional Body.
  • “Non-Exclusive Service” means a professional or advisory service that is not exclusively reserved to the relevant profession, subject always to applicable professional rules.
  • “Regulatory Mode” means the Platform configuration that determines whether a profession-service combination may be public, information-only, searchable, matched, consultation-enabled, workspace-only, payment-enabled or disabled.
  • “Content” means profile information, service descriptions, documents, messages, reviews, comments, AI-assisted text and any other material submitted, generated, displayed or transmitted through the Platform.

1. Eligibility and representations

  • Professional confirms profession, membership, COP/practice status and firm information are accurate/current.
  • Material changes must be reported immediately.
  • ExpertConect may require reverification and suspend affected services pending review.

2. No guarantee of work

  • Registration does not guarantee enquiries, income, ranking, traffic, visibility or exclusivity.
  • Founding/early recognition does not create higher-ranking rights.

3. Professional-body compliance

  • Professional remains responsible for ICAI/ICSI/ICMAI and all applicable laws/standards.
  • Professional must not use ExpertConect to solicit, advertise, list, accept or perform work in a prohibited manner.
  • ExpertConect may impose stricter controls where interpretation is uncertain.

4. Capability vs marketplace eligibility

  • Selecting a capability records capability only; it does not guarantee public listing/routing.
  • Each service is governed by Regulatory Mode.
  • Professional must not circumvent restricted modes via profile text, messages or external links.

5. Profile standards

  • Content must be factual/current/substantiable.
  • No unsupported best/top/No.1/cheapest/guaranteed/specialist/expert claims where not permitted.
  • Client names, assignments, testimonials and outcomes require lawful/professional permission.

6. Client acceptance/conflicts

  • Before accepting work, Professional must perform required conflict, independence, eligibility, competence and capacity checks.
  • Platform matching does not replace those checks.
  • Professional must decline/withdraw/escalate where required.

7. Professional engagement

  • Professional is responsible for advice, work product, filings, certifications, attestations and professional standards.
  • Scope/fees/deadlines/client dependencies/record duties/termination should be documented.
  • Professional may not portray ExpertConect as employer/partner/guarantor absent a separate agreement.

8. Fees/commercial terms

  • Professional fees follow configured payment route and professional rules.
  • No percentage commission from restricted professional fees unless specifically approved.
  • Separate platform technology/subscription/verification fees may be disclosed.
  • Professional is responsible for own taxes/invoices.

9. Confidentiality/data

  • Protect Client information and use only for permitted purposes.
  • No scraping/reselling/reusing Client data for unrelated marketing.
  • Independent data-fiduciary/controller obligations remain with the Professional where applicable.

10. Communications/off-platform conduct

  • Comply with any in-platform communication stage rules.
  • Do not use Platform contact details for unrelated mass marketing.
  • Do not bypass Platform blocks for disabled/restricted services.

11. Reviews/complaints

  • Responses must be factual/respectful and preserve Client confidentiality.
  • ExpertConect may investigate and request evidence or notify authorities/Professional Bodies when required.
  • Repeated serious substantiated complaints may lead to suspension.

12. Content licence

  • Professional grants a limited licence to host/display/format profile content for Platform operation.
  • Professional retains ownership and may request correction/removal subject to legal retention.

13. Suspension/termination

  • Immediate suspension may occur for false credentials, inactive status, fraud, prohibited solicitation, confidentiality breach or orders.
  • Where appropriate, notice/reasons/review will be provided.
  • Termination does not prevent lawful complaint handling or evidence retention.

14. Independent status

  • Professional is independent, not an employee/agent/partner/franchisee solely by registration.
  • Professional controls judgment and remains accountable to Client/Professional Body.

Reference notes

Policy 06 — Firm Participation Agreement

CONTRACTUAL TERMS - FIRMS

Definitions

  • “ExpertConect”, “Platform”, “we”, “us” or “our” means the digital platform operated by EXPERTCONECT NETWORK PRIVATE LIMITED, including its website, mobile interfaces, APIs, communication channels and related services.
  • “Client” means a person or organisation using the Platform to identify, communicate with, obtain information from, consult, or engage an eligible Professional or Firm.
  • “Professional” means a natural person registered or applying to register on ExpertConect in a professional capacity, including a Chartered Accountant (CA), Company Secretary (CS), Cost and Management Accountant (CMA), and any other category specifically enabled by ExpertConect after regulatory review.
  • “Firm” means a professional practice entity or other eligible organisation registered or applying to register on ExpertConect.
  • “Professional Body” means the statutory, regulatory or professional body governing the relevant Professional, including ICAI, ICSI and ICMAI, as applicable.
  • “Reserved/Exclusive Service” means a service, certification, attestation, assurance, representation or other professional activity whose performance, solicitation, advertisement, listing or aggregation is restricted or reserved by law or a Professional Body.
  • “Non-Exclusive Service” means a professional or advisory service that is not exclusively reserved to the relevant profession, subject always to applicable professional rules.
  • “Regulatory Mode” means the Platform configuration that determines whether a profession-service combination may be public, information-only, searchable, matched, consultation-enabled, workspace-only, payment-enabled or disabled.
  • “Content” means profile information, service descriptions, documents, messages, reviews, comments, AI-assisted text and any other material submitted, generated, displayed or transmitted through the Platform.

1. Authority and eligibility

  • Firm registrant represents authority to bind the Firm.
  • Firm must be an eligible practice entity under relevant Professional Body rules.
  • ExpertConect may require registration/constitution/branch/partner verification.

2. Team accounts

  • Firm admins may invite members under role permissions.
  • Each Professional relevant to reserved work/public profile must complete required individual verification.
  • Firm must promptly remove access for departed/unauthorised users.

3. Professional-body restrictions

  • Firm must comply with advertising, aggregator, solicitation, certification/attestation and firm-name rules.
  • Mixed-profession services may use the strictest applicable Regulatory Mode until resolved.
  • ICMAI restrictions for aggregator-facilitated certification/attestation services must be respected.

4. Firm profile content

  • Firm must substantiate offices, partners, practice areas, industries and claims.
  • No unverified size/ranking/success-rate claim.
  • No Professional Body logo/emblem without authorisation.

5. Assignment/supervision

  • Firm ensures work is assigned to legally/professionally permitted personnel and appropriately supervised.
  • ExpertConect tools do not transfer responsibility for signing authority or quality control.

6. Data/confidentiality

  • Need-to-know access is required.
  • Firm is responsible for personnel, devices, downloads and onward disclosures.

7. Commercial terms

  • Firm fees and Platform fees follow configured terms and professional rules.
  • Firm issues required invoices/tax documents for Professional fees.

8. Suspension/termination

  • ExpertConect may suspend Firm/branches/members/services where eligibility or conduct is in question.
  • Individual Professional profiles may be separately suspended.

Reference notes

Policy 07 — Professional Verification & Credential Policy

PUBLIC + OPERATIONS POLICY

Definitions

  • “ExpertConect”, “Platform”, “we”, “us” or “our” means the digital platform operated by EXPERTCONECT NETWORK PRIVATE LIMITED, including its website, mobile interfaces, APIs, communication channels and related services.
  • “Client” means a person or organisation using the Platform to identify, communicate with, obtain information from, consult, or engage an eligible Professional or Firm.
  • “Professional” means a natural person registered or applying to register on ExpertConect in a professional capacity, including a Chartered Accountant (CA), Company Secretary (CS), Cost and Management Accountant (CMA), and any other category specifically enabled by ExpertConect after regulatory review.
  • “Firm” means a professional practice entity or other eligible organisation registered or applying to register on ExpertConect.
  • “Professional Body” means the statutory, regulatory or professional body governing the relevant Professional, including ICAI, ICSI and ICMAI, as applicable.
  • “Reserved/Exclusive Service” means a service, certification, attestation, assurance, representation or other professional activity whose performance, solicitation, advertisement, listing or aggregation is restricted or reserved by law or a Professional Body.
  • “Non-Exclusive Service” means a professional or advisory service that is not exclusively reserved to the relevant profession, subject always to applicable professional rules.
  • “Regulatory Mode” means the Platform configuration that determines whether a profession-service combination may be public, information-only, searchable, matched, consultation-enabled, workspace-only, payment-enabled or disabled.
  • “Content” means profile information, service descriptions, documents, messages, reviews, comments, AI-assisted text and any other material submitted, generated, displayed or transmitted through the Platform.

1. Purpose

  • Defines what ExpertConect verification means and how credentials are reviewed.

2. Verification levels

  • Contact Verified - email/mobile ownership.
  • Identity Reviewed - identity evidence where required.
  • Professional Credential Verified - membership/registration checked.
  • Practice/COP Status Verified - practice authorisation checked where applicable.
  • Firm Verified - firm identity/constitution reviewed.
  • Reverification Required - update/new evidence needed.

3. Accepted sources

  • Official Professional Body portals/registers/certificates/written confirmations.
  • Professional-uploaded documents.
  • Government/regulator records and lawful registries.
  • Direct clarification from Professional/Firm.
  • Approved verification providers.

4. Scope disclaimer

  • Badge confirms only stated attributes.
  • Verification is not a guarantee of competence, quality, independence, ethics, availability or future status.

5. Document handling

  • Credential files private by default.
  • Role-limited access.
  • File type/size/security validation.
  • Retain verification result/source rather than unnecessary full documents where feasible.

6. Reverification triggers

  • Expiry/scheduled recheck; profile changes; complaint/discrepancy; Professional Body status change; fraud/security signal; quality-control sample.

7. Failure/discrepancy

  • Minor mismatch -> Action Required.
  • Material mismatch -> suspend public profile/affected services.
  • Suspected forgery/impersonation -> immediate restriction/evidence preservation/escalation.
  • Report misconduct/fraud where legally required or appropriate.

8. Review

  • Professional may request review and provide evidence.
  • Material disputes should receive second-reviewer assessment where practicable.

9. Audit log

  • Record reviewer/date/source/fields/result/recheck date/change reason.
  • Protect logs from unauthorised modification.

Reference notes

Policy 08 — Listing, Search, Matching, Ranking & Regulatory Compliance Policy

PUBLIC + PRODUCT GOVERNANCE POLICY

Definitions

  • “ExpertConect”, “Platform”, “we”, “us” or “our” means the digital platform operated by EXPERTCONECT NETWORK PRIVATE LIMITED, including its website, mobile interfaces, APIs, communication channels and related services.
  • “Client” means a person or organisation using the Platform to identify, communicate with, obtain information from, consult, or engage an eligible Professional or Firm.
  • “Professional” means a natural person registered or applying to register on ExpertConect in a professional capacity, including a Chartered Accountant (CA), Company Secretary (CS), Cost and Management Accountant (CMA), and any other category specifically enabled by ExpertConect after regulatory review.
  • “Firm” means a professional practice entity or other eligible organisation registered or applying to register on ExpertConect.
  • “Professional Body” means the statutory, regulatory or professional body governing the relevant Professional, including ICAI, ICSI and ICMAI, as applicable.
  • “Reserved/Exclusive Service” means a service, certification, attestation, assurance, representation or other professional activity whose performance, solicitation, advertisement, listing or aggregation is restricted or reserved by law or a Professional Body.
  • “Non-Exclusive Service” means a professional or advisory service that is not exclusively reserved to the relevant profession, subject always to applicable professional rules.
  • “Regulatory Mode” means the Platform configuration that determines whether a profession-service combination may be public, information-only, searchable, matched, consultation-enabled, workspace-only, payment-enabled or disabled.
  • “Content” means profile information, service descriptions, documents, messages, reviews, comments, AI-assisted text and any other material submitted, generated, displayed or transmitted through the Platform.

1. Core principle

  • Declared capability is not permission for public listing, ranking, matching, pricing or payment.
  • When uncertain, ExpertConect defaults to the more restrictive mode.

2. Regulatory Modes

  • PUBLIC_DISCOVERY; NEUTRAL_MATCHING; ASSISTED_ROUTING; INFORMATION_ONLY; WORKSPACE_ONLY; DISABLED.

3. CA-specific default

  • ICAI August 2026 guidance states online application-based aggregator listing is not permissible for services exclusively reserved for CAs, while non-exclusive services are not restricted by that specific aggregator position.
  • Reserved/exclusive CA modes should default away from public aggregator listing/matching unless counsel confirms a permitted structure.
  • Non-exclusive CA services may be considered for factual listing subject to the Code of Ethics and Platform controls.

4. CS-specific default

  • PCS remain subject to statutory misconduct provisions and ICSI advertising/practice guidelines restricting solicitation and professional advertising except as permitted.
  • ExpertConect will not enable prohibited solicitation, misleading attainments or impermissible designations.
  • CS modes must be reviewed separately rather than copied from CA/CMA.

5. CMA-specific default

  • ICMAI advertising guidelines published April 2026 restrict firm association with aggregator platforms facilitating certification/attestation assignments.
  • Certification/attestation CMA flows should default away from standard public matching.
  • Other services remain subject to applicable ICMAI advertising/association rules.

6. Search parameters

  • Factual parameters may include profession, verified status, service eligibility, city/remote, language, industry, availability and response history.
  • No 'best/top' label merely from search position.
  • Exclude suspended, expired or regulatory-ineligible options.

7. Matching

  • Default to a small number of eligible options rather than broad broadcast.
  • Fit explanations should be factual and non-endorsement.
  • No algorithm can override a regulatory block.

8. Ranking/differentiated treatment

  • If ranking exists, main parameters and material differentiated treatment must be documented/disclosed where required.
  • Paid sponsorship must not be disguised as neutral ranking.
  • Paid prominence for regulated Professionals stays disabled until specific clearance.

9. Reviews/ratings

  • Public reviews only where profession/service rules permit.
  • Prefer verified interaction/engagement eligibility.
  • Ratings are not regulator certification.

10. Change control

  • Every rule stores profession, service ID, mode, effective date, basis, approver, version and audit history.
  • Rule changes require compliance approval and regression testing.
  • Kill switches must exist by profession/service/feature.

Reference notes

Policy 09 — Professional Conduct, Independence & Conflict of Interest Policy

PROFESSIONAL GOVERNANCE POLICY

Definitions

  • “ExpertConect”, “Platform”, “we”, “us” or “our” means the digital platform operated by EXPERTCONECT NETWORK PRIVATE LIMITED, including its website, mobile interfaces, APIs, communication channels and related services.
  • “Client” means a person or organisation using the Platform to identify, communicate with, obtain information from, consult, or engage an eligible Professional or Firm.
  • “Professional” means a natural person registered or applying to register on ExpertConect in a professional capacity, including a Chartered Accountant (CA), Company Secretary (CS), Cost and Management Accountant (CMA), and any other category specifically enabled by ExpertConect after regulatory review.
  • “Firm” means a professional practice entity or other eligible organisation registered or applying to register on ExpertConect.
  • “Professional Body” means the statutory, regulatory or professional body governing the relevant Professional, including ICAI, ICSI and ICMAI, as applicable.
  • “Reserved/Exclusive Service” means a service, certification, attestation, assurance, representation or other professional activity whose performance, solicitation, advertisement, listing or aggregation is restricted or reserved by law or a Professional Body.
  • “Non-Exclusive Service” means a professional or advisory service that is not exclusively reserved to the relevant profession, subject always to applicable professional rules.
  • “Regulatory Mode” means the Platform configuration that determines whether a profession-service combination may be public, information-only, searchable, matched, consultation-enabled, workspace-only, payment-enabled or disabled.
  • “Content” means profile information, service descriptions, documents, messages, reviews, comments, AI-assisted text and any other material submitted, generated, displayed or transmitted through the Platform.

1. Purpose

  • ExpertConect routing/workflow does not replace professional judgment, independence or conflict procedures.

2. Professional obligations

  • Maintain competence, integrity, objectivity, confidentiality and professional standards.
  • Accept only lawful work within competence/capacity.
  • Maintain mandatory peer review, quality control, COP and other eligibility.

3. Conflict checks

  • Identify Client, related parties, counterparties and engagement type sufficiently to perform required checks.
  • Platform fields do not certify absence of conflicts.
  • Limit conflict-sensitive information before confidentiality arrangements.

4. Independence

  • Professionals/Firms must perform/document required independence assessment for audit/assurance/certification/attestation.
  • Platform incentives must not compromise judgment.
  • ExpertConect may block modes where commercial structure creates independence/fee-sharing concern.

5. Referral/fee sharing

  • No referral fee/commission/revenue share where prohibited.
  • Ambassador/referral programmes must be separately reviewed and separated from prohibited professional fee-sharing.

6. Gifts/inducements

  • No improper inducements to Clients, Platform staff or Professionals to obtain work/ranking.
  • Platform staff must not accept undisclosed benefits for verification/routing.

7. Escalation

  • Report concerns to
  • ExpertConect may pause an opportunity/profile during review.

Reference notes

Policy 10 — Acceptable Use & Prohibited Conduct Policy

PUBLIC PLATFORM RULES

Definitions

  • “ExpertConect”, “Platform”, “we”, “us” or “our” means the digital platform operated by EXPERTCONECT NETWORK PRIVATE LIMITED, including its website, mobile interfaces, APIs, communication channels and related services.
  • “Client” means a person or organisation using the Platform to identify, communicate with, obtain information from, consult, or engage an eligible Professional or Firm.
  • “Professional” means a natural person registered or applying to register on ExpertConect in a professional capacity, including a Chartered Accountant (CA), Company Secretary (CS), Cost and Management Accountant (CMA), and any other category specifically enabled by ExpertConect after regulatory review.
  • “Firm” means a professional practice entity or other eligible organisation registered or applying to register on ExpertConect.
  • “Professional Body” means the statutory, regulatory or professional body governing the relevant Professional, including ICAI, ICSI and ICMAI, as applicable.
  • “Reserved/Exclusive Service” means a service, certification, attestation, assurance, representation or other professional activity whose performance, solicitation, advertisement, listing or aggregation is restricted or reserved by law or a Professional Body.
  • “Non-Exclusive Service” means a professional or advisory service that is not exclusively reserved to the relevant profession, subject always to applicable professional rules.
  • “Regulatory Mode” means the Platform configuration that determines whether a profession-service combination may be public, information-only, searchable, matched, consultation-enabled, workspace-only, payment-enabled or disabled.
  • “Content” means profile information, service descriptions, documents, messages, reviews, comments, AI-assisted text and any other material submitted, generated, displayed or transmitted through the Platform.

1. General rule

  • Use ExpertConect only for lawful, professional and Platform-authorised purposes.

2. Identity/credential abuse

  • Impersonation; fake accounts; forged certificates; false membership/COP; unauthorised firm representation.
  • Account sharing or use of another person's account.
  • False employment/partnership/office/qualification/experience/client/award/regulator claims.

3. Prohibited content

  • Unlawful, defamatory, obscene, exploitative, invasive-of-privacy, discriminatory, threatening, harassing, infringing, fraudulent or knowingly misleading content.
  • Malware, phishing, credential harvesting, scraping or unauthorised automated access.
  • Third-party confidential/personal data without authority.
  • AI/deepfake content used to impersonate/deceive/fabricate evidence.

4. Marketplace abuse

  • Lead scraping/resale; unsolicited marketing; bid/review manipulation; fake urgency/scarcity.
  • Circumventing Regulatory Mode blocks.
  • Using Platform information to facilitate disabled reserved work through prohibited flows.

5. Security abuse

  • Unauthorised access, exploitation, rate-limit bypass, destructive reverse engineering, denial-of-service or interference.
  • Vulnerability testing without permission except under approved disclosure rules.

6. Enforcement

  • ExpertConect may remove content, limit features, require verification, suspend accounts, preserve evidence or report conduct.
  • Severity, intent, recurrence, harm and professional obligations may be considered.

Reference notes

Policy 11 — Profile, Content, Reviews & Ratings Policy

PUBLIC CONTENT POLICY

Definitions

  • “ExpertConect”, “Platform”, “we”, “us” or “our” means the digital platform operated by EXPERTCONECT NETWORK PRIVATE LIMITED, including its website, mobile interfaces, APIs, communication channels and related services.
  • “Client” means a person or organisation using the Platform to identify, communicate with, obtain information from, consult, or engage an eligible Professional or Firm.
  • “Professional” means a natural person registered or applying to register on ExpertConect in a professional capacity, including a Chartered Accountant (CA), Company Secretary (CS), Cost and Management Accountant (CMA), and any other category specifically enabled by ExpertConect after regulatory review.
  • “Firm” means a professional practice entity or other eligible organisation registered or applying to register on ExpertConect.
  • “Professional Body” means the statutory, regulatory or professional body governing the relevant Professional, including ICAI, ICSI and ICMAI, as applicable.
  • “Reserved/Exclusive Service” means a service, certification, attestation, assurance, representation or other professional activity whose performance, solicitation, advertisement, listing or aggregation is restricted or reserved by law or a Professional Body.
  • “Non-Exclusive Service” means a professional or advisory service that is not exclusively reserved to the relevant profession, subject always to applicable professional rules.
  • “Regulatory Mode” means the Platform configuration that determines whether a profession-service combination may be public, information-only, searchable, matched, consultation-enabled, workspace-only, payment-enabled or disabled.
  • “Content” means profile information, service descriptions, documents, messages, reviews, comments, AI-assisted text and any other material submitted, generated, displayed or transmitted through the Platform.

1. Profile standard

  • Content must be accurate, factual, current and substantiable.
  • ExpertConect may standardise wording/taxonomy without changing substantive meaning.

2. Restricted claims

  • No unsupported best/top/No.1/leading/cheapest/guaranteed/100% success claims.
  • Expert/specialist/designations must comply with Professional Body rules.
  • No unauthorised Professional Body logo/seal/emblem.

3. Client names/case work

  • Client names, assignments, testimonials, results or case studies require permission and professional-rule compliance.
  • No disclosure of confidential/privileged/tax/financial/personal data for marketing.

4. Review eligibility

  • Where reviews are enabled, require genuine Platform interaction/engagement where practicable.
  • Employees/relatives/competitors may not submit misleading reviews.
  • 'Verified interaction' does not mean every factual statement in a review is independently proven.

5. Review content

  • Reviews must not disclose confidential documents/personal IDs, harass, threaten or state baseless defamatory allegations as fact.
  • Professional responses must preserve confidentiality.

6. Moderation

  • Remove policy-violating/fake/unrelated reviews or those subject to valid legal orders.
  • Do not remove a review merely because it is negative.
  • Log material moderation decisions.

7. Ratings/ranking

  • Ratings are not Professional Body or regulator certification.
  • Public aggregate scores only where legally/professionally permitted and statistically meaningful.
  • Paid placement must be clearly distinguished if enabled.

Reference notes

Policy 12 — AI Features & Synthetic Content Policy

PUBLIC AI POLICY

Definitions

  • “ExpertConect”, “Platform”, “we”, “us” or “our” means the digital platform operated by EXPERTCONECT NETWORK PRIVATE LIMITED, including its website, mobile interfaces, APIs, communication channels and related services.
  • “Client” means a person or organisation using the Platform to identify, communicate with, obtain information from, consult, or engage an eligible Professional or Firm.
  • “Professional” means a natural person registered or applying to register on ExpertConect in a professional capacity, including a Chartered Accountant (CA), Company Secretary (CS), Cost and Management Accountant (CMA), and any other category specifically enabled by ExpertConect after regulatory review.
  • “Firm” means a professional practice entity or other eligible organisation registered or applying to register on ExpertConect.
  • “Professional Body” means the statutory, regulatory or professional body governing the relevant Professional, including ICAI, ICSI and ICMAI, as applicable.
  • “Reserved/Exclusive Service” means a service, certification, attestation, assurance, representation or other professional activity whose performance, solicitation, advertisement, listing or aggregation is restricted or reserved by law or a Professional Body.
  • “Non-Exclusive Service” means a professional or advisory service that is not exclusively reserved to the relevant profession, subject always to applicable professional rules.
  • “Regulatory Mode” means the Platform configuration that determines whether a profession-service combination may be public, information-only, searchable, matched, consultation-enabled, workspace-only, payment-enabled or disabled.
  • “Content” means profile information, service descriptions, documents, messages, reviews, comments, AI-assisted text and any other material submitted, generated, displayed or transmitted through the Platform.

1. Scope

  • Applies to AI-assisted search, Need Finder, classification, bio generation, summaries, support automation, recommendations and synthetic content.

2. Assistive, not professional advice

  • AI outputs may be incomplete/incorrect and are informational unless an identified Professional adopts them under engagement.
  • AI does not replace professional judgment, certification or statutory responsibility.
  • Professional advice needs an eligible human Professional.

3. Permitted uses

  • Classify stated needs into taxonomy; draft factual bio from supplied fields; summarise authorised workflows; suggest missing information; assist support/moderation with escalation.

4. Prohibited uses

  • Invent credentials, experience, clients, awards, outcomes or expertise.
  • Forge certificates/signatures/seals/regulator communications.
  • Issue professional opinions/audit conclusions/certifications in ExpertConect's name.
  • Make final material adverse eligibility decisions solely via opaque AI without appropriate review.

5. Data minimisation

  • Send only data necessary for the AI task.
  • Do not send raw credential/government-ID/bank/client confidential files to general-purpose AI unless specifically approved.
  • Use server-side credentials and approved processors.

6. Human review

  • Professionals review AI-generated profile content before publication.
  • Material verification/moderation/regulatory routing output receives human review.
  • Users can edit/reject output.

7. Synthetic content disclosure

  • Where applicable IT Rules require declaration/labelling/metadata/identifiers for synthetic audio/visual/audio-visual content, ExpertConect will implement them.
  • Users may not remove legally required labels or impersonate others with AI.

8. Provider governance

  • AI providers undergo vendor/privacy/security review.
  • Material model changes require regression testing.
  • Audit logs should be proportionate and avoid unnecessary personal-data retention.

9. Feedback/incidents

  • Report harmful/inaccurate output to admin@expertconect.com
  • AI features may be disabled immediately for material legal/professional/security risk.

Reference notes

Policy 13 — Payments, Fees, Cancellations, Refunds & Chargebacks Policy

PUBLIC COMMERCIAL POLICY

Definitions

  • “ExpertConect”, “Platform”, “we”, “us” or “our” means the digital platform operated by EXPERTCONECT NETWORK PRIVATE LIMITED, including its website, mobile interfaces, APIs, communication channels and related services.
  • “Client” means a person or organisation using the Platform to identify, communicate with, obtain information from, consult, or engage an eligible Professional or Firm.
  • “Professional” means a natural person registered or applying to register on ExpertConect in a professional capacity, including a Chartered Accountant (CA), Company Secretary (CS), Cost and Management Accountant (CMA), and any other category specifically enabled by ExpertConect after regulatory review.
  • “Firm” means a professional practice entity or other eligible organisation registered or applying to register on ExpertConect.
  • “Professional Body” means the statutory, regulatory or professional body governing the relevant Professional, including ICAI, ICSI and ICMAI, as applicable.
  • “Reserved/Exclusive Service” means a service, certification, attestation, assurance, representation or other professional activity whose performance, solicitation, advertisement, listing or aggregation is restricted or reserved by law or a Professional Body.
  • “Non-Exclusive Service” means a professional or advisory service that is not exclusively reserved to the relevant profession, subject always to applicable professional rules.
  • “Regulatory Mode” means the Platform configuration that determines whether a profession-service combination may be public, information-only, searchable, matched, consultation-enabled, workspace-only, payment-enabled or disabled.
  • “Content” means profile information, service descriptions, documents, messages, reviews, comments, AI-assisted text and any other material submitted, generated, displayed or transmitted through the Platform.

1. Scope

  • Applies to Platform charges, subscriptions, consultation fees and any Professional fees processed through a permitted ExpertConect flow.

2. Fee separation

  • Platform fees and Professional fees should be separately identified.
  • Professional fees may be paid directly where regulatory configuration requires.
  • No percentage share of restricted professional fees unless specifically approved.

3. Price disclosure

  • Mandatory fees/taxes/payment timing disclosed before confirmation.
  • No pre-ticked add-ons, hidden subscriptions, drip pricing or undisclosed mandatory charges.
  • Promotional pricing must state eligibility/duration/after-promotion terms.

4. Processing

  • Payments may be processed by any regulated payment gateway.
  • Payment provider terms may apply.
  • Prefer payment tokens/status rather than storing full credentials.

5. Cancellation

  • Eligibility depends on service start, reserved time and engagement terms displayed before payment.
  • No cancellation charge inconsistent with consumer/e-commerce law.
  • If Platform/Professional cancels, remedy/refund must be stated.

6. Refunds

  • Accepted refunds return to original method where practicable within reasonable/payment-network timelines.
  • Non-refundable Platform fees only where clearly disclosed and legally permitted.
  • Professional-fee refunds depend on engagement stage/work performed and mandatory consumer rights.

7. No-show/reschedule

  • Rules shown at booking; reciprocal obligations apply when Professional fails to attend/cancels.

8. Subscriptions

  • Auto-renewal requires clear disclosure/authorisation/easy cancellation.
  • No subscription trap.
  • Renewal notices where required/good practice.

9. Chargebacks

  • Users may contact support before chargeback without limiting rights.
  • Transaction evidence may be provided to payment provider.
  • Fraudulent/repeated abuse may cause restrictions.

10. Tax

  • GST/TDS/withholding/invoice responsibility depends on transaction structure.
  • Final tax clauses must be reviewed before launch.

Reference notes

Policy 14 — Grievance Redressal & Customer Support Policy

PUBLIC GRIEVANCE POLICY

Definitions

  • “ExpertConect”, “Platform”, “we”, “us” or “our” means the digital platform operated by EXPERTCONECT NETWORK PRIVATE LIMITED, including its website, mobile interfaces, APIs, communication channels and related services.
  • “Client” means a person or organisation using the Platform to identify, communicate with, obtain information from, consult, or engage an eligible Professional or Firm.
  • “Professional” means a natural person registered or applying to register on ExpertConect in a professional capacity, including a Chartered Accountant (CA), Company Secretary (CS), Cost and Management Accountant (CMA), and any other category specifically enabled by ExpertConect after regulatory review.
  • “Firm” means a professional practice entity or other eligible organisation registered or applying to register on ExpertConect.
  • “Professional Body” means the statutory, regulatory or professional body governing the relevant Professional, including ICAI, ICSI and ICMAI, as applicable.
  • “Reserved/Exclusive Service” means a service, certification, attestation, assurance, representation or other professional activity whose performance, solicitation, advertisement, listing or aggregation is restricted or reserved by law or a Professional Body.
  • “Non-Exclusive Service” means a professional or advisory service that is not exclusively reserved to the relevant profession, subject always to applicable professional rules.
  • “Regulatory Mode” means the Platform configuration that determines whether a profession-service combination may be public, information-only, searchable, matched, consultation-enabled, workspace-only, payment-enabled or disabled.
  • “Content” means profile information, service descriptions, documents, messages, reviews, comments, AI-assisted text and any other material submitted, generated, displayed or transmitted through the Platform.

1. Channels

  • Support: admin@expertconect.com
  • Grievance Office Namer: Aasthaben Jitendrabhai RupaparaDesignation: DirectorEmail Address: admin@expertconect.comRegistered Address: Shop No. 24, Arihant Complex, Udhna, Surat, Surat City, Gujarat, India, 394210

2. Categories

  • Account/security; verification/profile; professional conduct; service/engagement; payment/refund; privacy; content/review/takedown; unlawful/safety; AI; accessibility.

3. Timelines

  • Assign a ticket/reference number.
  • Where IT intermediary rules apply, follow statutory acknowledgement/resolution timelines; the updated 2026 framework includes 24-hour acknowledgement and seven-day general resolution, subject to special cases.
  • Where E-Commerce Rules apply, acknowledge consumer complaint within 48 hours and redress within one month.
  • Operationally apply the shorter applicable deadline where multiple regimes overlap.

4. Urgent escalation

  • Account compromise, credential fraud, active impersonation, unlawful disclosure, serious threats and valid urgent legal orders are escalated immediately.

5. Investigation

  • May request evidence and share necessary complaint details with affected user/Professional/processor/authority.
  • Minimise access to confidential professional documents.
  • No retaliation against complainants.

6. Decision/remedies

  • Possible outcomes include correction, refund decision, removal, warning, reverification, suspension, restriction, termination, referral to Professional Body/authority or no action.
  • Provide reasonable reasons where lawful/appropriate.

7. Appeal/external remedies

  • Internal review.
  • Statutory appeal/consumer/regulator/Professional Body remedies remain available.

8. Records

  • Maintain ticket, timestamps, evidence, reviewer, decision and remedial action per Retention Policy.

Reference notes

Policy 15 — Data Retention, Erasure & Account Closure Policy

PUBLIC + INTERNAL DATA GOVERNANCE

Definitions

  • “ExpertConect”, “Platform”, “we”, “us” or “our” means the digital platform operated by EXPERTCONECT NETWORK PRIVATE LIMITED, including its website, mobile interfaces, APIs, communication channels and related services.
  • “Client” means a person or organisation using the Platform to identify, communicate with, obtain information from, consult, or engage an eligible Professional or Firm.
  • “Professional” means a natural person registered or applying to register on ExpertConect in a professional capacity, including a Chartered Accountant (CA), Company Secretary (CS), Cost and Management Accountant (CMA), and any other category specifically enabled by ExpertConect after regulatory review.
  • “Firm” means a professional practice entity or other eligible organisation registered or applying to register on ExpertConect.
  • “Professional Body” means the statutory, regulatory or professional body governing the relevant Professional, including ICAI, ICSI and ICMAI, as applicable.
  • “Reserved/Exclusive Service” means a service, certification, attestation, assurance, representation or other professional activity whose performance, solicitation, advertisement, listing or aggregation is restricted or reserved by law or a Professional Body.
  • “Non-Exclusive Service” means a professional or advisory service that is not exclusively reserved to the relevant profession, subject always to applicable professional rules.
  • “Regulatory Mode” means the Platform configuration that determines whether a profession-service combination may be public, information-only, searchable, matched, consultation-enabled, workspace-only, payment-enabled or disabled.
  • “Content” means profile information, service descriptions, documents, messages, reviews, comments, AI-assisted text and any other material submitted, generated, displayed or transmitted through the Platform.

1. Principles

  • Retain only as long as necessary for stated purposes, legal duties, disputes, security, fraud prevention and professional-regulatory requirements.
  • Prefer deletion/anonymisation/aggregation when identifiable data is no longer needed.
  • Legal holds override ordinary deletion.

2. Default schedule - counsel to finalise

  • Unsubmitted onboarding drafts: target deletion/anonymisation after 90 days inactivity.
  • Rejected/abandoned verification documents: target deletion within 180 days after final decision, retaining minimal fraud/audit metadata as needed.
  • Active account/profile: retain while active and as necessary for the relationship.
  • Closed account audit/consent/security metadata: retain for a limited counsel-approved post-closure period.
  • Credential evidence: retain only as necessary for verification/reverification/complaints; prefer result/source over full document.
  • Security/access logs: retain at least applicable minimum; DPDP Rules include a one-year security-log/data retention safeguard when relevant provisions commence.
  • Payment/invoice/tax records: retain for legally required tax/accounting periods.
  • Complaint/takedown records: retain through resolution and appropriate limitation/regulatory period.
  • Marketing consent/opt-out evidence: retain enough to prove preference and suppress unwanted contact.

3. Account closure

  • User may request closure.
  • Closure stops ordinary use and removes public visibility unless retention is required.
  • Active engagements/unpaid amounts/fraud investigations/legal holds/complaints may delay complete deletion.

4. Erasure requests

  • Verify requester identity.
  • Erase where law requires and no lawful retention remains.
  • Backups may delete through secure rotation provided restored data remains subject to deletion controls.

5. Professional deactivation

  • Public deactivation does not necessarily erase verification/audit history.
  • Professional may pause availability without deleting account.
  • Inactive Professional Body status may disable public features.

6. Anonymisation

  • Aggregated/de-identified analytics may be retained if individuals are no longer identifiable.
  • Re-identification is prohibited except for security/validation needs.

Reference notes

Policy 16 — Information Security & Personal Data Breach Response Policy

INTERNAL SECURITY POLICY - PUBLIC SUMMARY MAY BE PUBLISHED

Definitions

  • “ExpertConect”, “Platform”, “we”, “us” or “our” means the digital platform operated by EXPERTCONECT NETWORK PRIVATE LIMITED, including its website, mobile interfaces, APIs, communication channels and related services.
  • “Client” means a person or organisation using the Platform to identify, communicate with, obtain information from, consult, or engage an eligible Professional or Firm.
  • “Professional” means a natural person registered or applying to register on ExpertConect in a professional capacity, including a Chartered Accountant (CA), Company Secretary (CS), Cost and Management Accountant (CMA), and any other category specifically enabled by ExpertConect after regulatory review.
  • “Firm” means a professional practice entity or other eligible organisation registered or applying to register on ExpertConect.
  • “Professional Body” means the statutory, regulatory or professional body governing the relevant Professional, including ICAI, ICSI and ICMAI, as applicable.
  • “Reserved/Exclusive Service” means a service, certification, attestation, assurance, representation or other professional activity whose performance, solicitation, advertisement, listing or aggregation is restricted or reserved by law or a Professional Body.
  • “Non-Exclusive Service” means a professional or advisory service that is not exclusively reserved to the relevant profession, subject always to applicable professional rules.
  • “Regulatory Mode” means the Platform configuration that determines whether a profession-service combination may be public, information-only, searchable, matched, consultation-enabled, workspace-only, payment-enabled or disabled.
  • “Content” means profile information, service descriptions, documents, messages, reviews, comments, AI-assisted text and any other material submitted, generated, displayed or transmitted through the Platform.

1. Objectives

  • Protect confidentiality, integrity, availability, authenticity and accountability of Platform systems and data.

2. Minimum safeguards

  • Encryption in transit; protection at rest for sensitive repositories; RBAC/least privilege; MFA for privileged accounts; secrets management.
  • Logging/monitoring; backups/recovery; secure development/dependency management; vendor controls; file validation; periodic access reviews; prompt offboarding.

3. Credential controls

  • Private object storage; short-lived authorised links; no public indexing; access logging; minimise retention.

4. Incident classification

  • Security event; Security incident; Personal data breach; Critical incident.

5. Response lifecycle

  • Detect/triage; contain; preserve evidence; assess impact; eradicate root cause; recover/monitor; notify as required; post-incident review.

6. DPDP breach readiness

  • When relevant DPDP provisions commence, implement affected-Data-Principal and Data Protection Board notices.
  • Rules contemplate prompt affected-user notice and detailed Board reporting, including further information within 72 hours unless extended.
  • Build tooling now to support those timelines.

7. Responsible disclosure

  • Report vulnerabilities to admin@expertconect.com.
  • No destructive testing, privacy invasion, social engineering or exfiltration authorisation.
  • A separate vulnerability disclosure policy may be published.

8. Testing/governance

  • Risk-based scans/penetration testing; remediation SLAs; management reporting of material incidents/overdue risk.

Reference notes

Policy 17 — Communications, Marketing, SMS & WhatsApp Consent Policy

PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS POLICY

Definitions

  • “ExpertConect”, “Platform”, “we”, “us” or “our” means the digital platform operated by EXPERTCONECT NETWORK PRIVATE LIMITED, including its website, mobile interfaces, APIs, communication channels and related services.
  • “Client” means a person or organisation using the Platform to identify, communicate with, obtain information from, consult, or engage an eligible Professional or Firm.
  • “Professional” means a natural person registered or applying to register on ExpertConect in a professional capacity, including a Chartered Accountant (CA), Company Secretary (CS), Cost and Management Accountant (CMA), and any other category specifically enabled by ExpertConect after regulatory review.
  • “Firm” means a professional practice entity or other eligible organisation registered or applying to register on ExpertConect.
  • “Professional Body” means the statutory, regulatory or professional body governing the relevant Professional, including ICAI, ICSI and ICMAI, as applicable.
  • “Reserved/Exclusive Service” means a service, certification, attestation, assurance, representation or other professional activity whose performance, solicitation, advertisement, listing or aggregation is restricted or reserved by law or a Professional Body.
  • “Non-Exclusive Service” means a professional or advisory service that is not exclusively reserved to the relevant profession, subject always to applicable professional rules.
  • “Regulatory Mode” means the Platform configuration that determines whether a profession-service combination may be public, information-only, searchable, matched, consultation-enabled, workspace-only, payment-enabled or disabled.
  • “Content” means profile information, service descriptions, documents, messages, reviews, comments, AI-assisted text and any other material submitted, generated, displayed or transmitted through the Platform.

1. Categories

  • Transactional/security; service/onboarding; regulatory/contractual; marketing/promotional.

2. Consent/lawful messaging

  • Marketing consent should be recorded separately where required.
  • Possessing contact details is not blanket permission for unrestricted promotion.
  • Maintain source, purpose, timestamp, template/version and withdrawal evidence.

3. TRAI compliance

  • Commercial voice/SMS must use compliant Principal Entity/sender processes, headers/templates and preference/consent mechanisms where applicable.
  • No uncontrolled bulk promotion from personal numbers.
  • Robocalling/auto-dialer use requires separate review.

4. WhatsApp

  • Follow WhatsApp Business Platform rules and lawful consent/expectation principles.
  • Preferred onboarding: user requests/initiates WhatsApp, then ExpertConect sends verification/resume link.
  • Avoid spam, nagging and fake urgency.

5. Email

  • Accurate sender/subject, identify ExpertConect, provide opt-out for marketing.
  • Transactional messages may continue despite marketing opt-out when necessary.

6. Frequency

  • Reasonable frequency; stop after refusal/opt-out; no confirm-shaming/fake scarcity.

7. Withdrawal

  • Users may unsubscribe or contact support.
  • Process promptly and retain suppression evidence.

8. Referrals

  • Prefer referrer-shared links or permission before direct outreach.
  • Referral benefits must not become prohibited professional fee-sharing/ranking.

Reference notes

Policy 18 — Notice, Takedown, Illegal Content & Intermediary Due Diligence Policy

PUBLIC INTERMEDIARY / CONTENT ENFORCEMENT POLICY

Definitions

  • “ExpertConect”, “Platform”, “we”, “us” or “our” means the digital platform operated by EXPERTCONECT NETWORK PRIVATE LIMITED, including its website, mobile interfaces, APIs, communication channels and related services.
  • “Client” means a person or organisation using the Platform to identify, communicate with, obtain information from, consult, or engage an eligible Professional or Firm.
  • “Professional” means a natural person registered or applying to register on ExpertConect in a professional capacity, including a Chartered Accountant (CA), Company Secretary (CS), Cost and Management Accountant (CMA), and any other category specifically enabled by ExpertConect after regulatory review.
  • “Firm” means a professional practice entity or other eligible organisation registered or applying to register on ExpertConect.
  • “Professional Body” means the statutory, regulatory or professional body governing the relevant Professional, including ICAI, ICSI and ICMAI, as applicable.
  • “Reserved/Exclusive Service” means a service, certification, attestation, assurance, representation or other professional activity whose performance, solicitation, advertisement, listing or aggregation is restricted or reserved by law or a Professional Body.
  • “Non-Exclusive Service” means a professional or advisory service that is not exclusively reserved to the relevant profession, subject always to applicable professional rules.
  • “Regulatory Mode” means the Platform configuration that determines whether a profession-service combination may be public, information-only, searchable, matched, consultation-enabled, workspace-only, payment-enabled or disabled.
  • “Content” means profile information, service descriptions, documents, messages, reviews, comments, AI-assisted text and any other material submitted, generated, displayed or transmitted through the Platform.

1. Purpose

  • Where ExpertConect acts as intermediary for user Content, this policy supports IT Act/IT Rules due diligence.
  • Users must comply with published Platform rules, privacy policy and user agreement.

2. Reporting

  • Report violations: admin@expertconect.com
  • Provide URL/profile/message reference, complainant details, legal basis, evidence and requested action.
  • Urgent legal orders: admin@expertconect.com

3. Prohibited categories

  • Content without rights; defamatory/obscene/exploitative/privacy-invasive/discriminatory/harassing/fraudulent/unlawful material.
  • Impersonation, forged credentials, malicious code, unlawful-act facilitation.
  • Court/government-prohibited content.
  • Synthetic content violating applicable IT Rules or used for unlawful impersonation/deception.

4. Assessment

  • May request clarification, preserve evidence, restrict visibility during review or act immediately in urgent cases.
  • Consider law, valid orders, user rights, Professional Body rules and Platform policies.

5. Timelines

  • Grievances follow applicable IT Rules timelines.
  • Special categories/valid orders may require faster action.
  • Urgent privacy/impersonation/forgery/security reports use internal escalation.

6. Synthetic information

  • Where applicable, require declaration and labels/metadata/identifiers under 2026 IT Rules.
  • Users may not remove legally required labels.

7. Appeal/restoration

  • Users may request review unless law/order prevents it.
  • Restored Content may still remain restricted by professional-regulatory mode.

8. Legal requests

  • Assess validity/scope; authorised personnel only; disclose only what is legally required.

Reference notes

Policy 19 — Intellectual Property, Brand & Content Licence Policy

PUBLIC IP POLICY

Definitions

  • “ExpertConect”, “Platform”, “we”, “us” or “our” means the digital platform operated by EXPERTCONECT NETWORK PRIVATE LIMITED, including its website, mobile interfaces, APIs, communication channels and related services.
  • “Client” means a person or organisation using the Platform to identify, communicate with, obtain information from, consult, or engage an eligible Professional or Firm.
  • “Professional” means a natural person registered or applying to register on ExpertConect in a professional capacity, including a Chartered Accountant (CA), Company Secretary (CS), Cost and Management Accountant (CMA), and any other category specifically enabled by ExpertConect after regulatory review.
  • “Firm” means a professional practice entity or other eligible organisation registered or applying to register on ExpertConect.
  • “Professional Body” means the statutory, regulatory or professional body governing the relevant Professional, including ICAI, ICSI and ICMAI, as applicable.
  • “Reserved/Exclusive Service” means a service, certification, attestation, assurance, representation or other professional activity whose performance, solicitation, advertisement, listing or aggregation is restricted or reserved by law or a Professional Body.
  • “Non-Exclusive Service” means a professional or advisory service that is not exclusively reserved to the relevant profession, subject always to applicable professional rules.
  • “Regulatory Mode” means the Platform configuration that determines whether a profession-service combination may be public, information-only, searchable, matched, consultation-enabled, workspace-only, payment-enabled or disabled.
  • “Content” means profile information, service descriptions, documents, messages, reviews, comments, AI-assisted text and any other material submitted, generated, displayed or transmitted through the Platform.

1. ExpertConect property

  • Software, interface, taxonomy, documentation, designs, logos, marks and original content are owned/licensed by EXPERTCONECT NETWORK PRIVATE LIMITED.

2. User content ownership/licence

  • Users retain ownership of original Content they lawfully own.
  • Users grant ExpertConect a non-exclusive worldwide royalty-free licence during the relationship to host, reproduce, format, display, transmit and back up Content as necessary to operate/security/improve the Platform.
  • Licence ends on deletion except backups/legal records/content already lawfully shared in engagements.

3. Profile content

  • ExpertConect may standardise formatting/taxonomy/excerpts without creating false claims.
  • Professional is responsible for permissions to photos/logos/client references/third-party materials.

4. Professional Body marks

  • Body names may be used factually to identify issuing body where permitted.
  • Logos/emblems must not be used without authorisation.
  • Verification must not imply Professional Body endorsement of ExpertConect.

5. ExpertConect brand

  • Professionals may factually say 'Profile on ExpertConect' subject to brand rules.
  • No implication of agency/employment/partnership/certification/exclusive endorsement.
  • Founding badges follow written brand guidelines.

6. Infringement notices

  • IP complaints identify protected work/mark, allegedly infringing content, authority/ownership, contact info and good-faith basis.
  • ExpertConect may restrict disputed content and seek counter-information.

Reference notes

Policy 20 — Accessibility, Inclusion & Non-Discrimination Statement

PUBLIC ACCESSIBILITY STATEMENT

Definitions

  • “ExpertConect”, “Platform”, “we”, “us” or “our” means the digital platform operated by EXPERTCONECT NETWORK PRIVATE LIMITED, including its website, mobile interfaces, APIs, communication channels and related services.
  • “Client” means a person or organisation using the Platform to identify, communicate with, obtain information from, consult, or engage an eligible Professional or Firm.
  • “Professional” means a natural person registered or applying to register on ExpertConect in a professional capacity, including a Chartered Accountant (CA), Company Secretary (CS), Cost and Management Accountant (CMA), and any other category specifically enabled by ExpertConect after regulatory review.
  • “Firm” means a professional practice entity or other eligible organisation registered or applying to register on ExpertConect.
  • “Professional Body” means the statutory, regulatory or professional body governing the relevant Professional, including ICAI, ICSI and ICMAI, as applicable.
  • “Reserved/Exclusive Service” means a service, certification, attestation, assurance, representation or other professional activity whose performance, solicitation, advertisement, listing or aggregation is restricted or reserved by law or a Professional Body.
  • “Non-Exclusive Service” means a professional or advisory service that is not exclusively reserved to the relevant profession, subject always to applicable professional rules.
  • “Regulatory Mode” means the Platform configuration that determines whether a profession-service combination may be public, information-only, searchable, matched, consultation-enabled, workspace-only, payment-enabled or disabled.
  • “Content” means profile information, service descriptions, documents, messages, reviews, comments, AI-assisted text and any other material submitted, generated, displayed or transmitted through the Platform.

1. Commitment

  • ExpertConect aims for an accessible, respectful and inclusive experience.

2. Design principles

  • Keyboard-accessible core flows; meaningful labels/focus/errors; sufficient contrast; responsive layouts; appropriate alt text; do not rely on colour alone.

3. Professional discovery

  • Protected/personal characteristics should not be hidden discriminatory ranking factors absent lawful justified use.
  • Focus matching on professional eligibility, service fit, location/remote, language, availability and legitimate criteria.

4. Non-discrimination

  • No unlawful harassment/discrimination.
  • Professional refusal must be based on law, ethics, conflicts, competence or legitimate capacity.

5. Support

  • Report barriers/request assistance through admin@expertconect.com
  • Material defects blocking registration/payment/security receive priority.

Reference notes

Policy 21 — Marketplace Disclaimer & Professional Services Notice

PUBLIC LEGAL NOTICE

Definitions

  • “ExpertConect”, “Platform”, “we”, “us” or “our” means the digital platform operated by EXPERTCONECT NETWORK PRIVATE LIMITED, including its website, mobile interfaces, APIs, communication channels and related services.
  • “Client” means a person or organisation using the Platform to identify, communicate with, obtain information from, consult, or engage an eligible Professional or Firm.
  • “Professional” means a natural person registered or applying to register on ExpertConect in a professional capacity, including a Chartered Accountant (CA), Company Secretary (CS), Cost and Management Accountant (CMA), and any other category specifically enabled by ExpertConect after regulatory review.
  • “Firm” means a professional practice entity or other eligible organisation registered or applying to register on ExpertConect.
  • “Professional Body” means the statutory, regulatory or professional body governing the relevant Professional, including ICAI, ICSI and ICMAI, as applicable.
  • “Reserved/Exclusive Service” means a service, certification, attestation, assurance, representation or other professional activity whose performance, solicitation, advertisement, listing or aggregation is restricted or reserved by law or a Professional Body.
  • “Non-Exclusive Service” means a professional or advisory service that is not exclusively reserved to the relevant profession, subject always to applicable professional rules.
  • “Regulatory Mode” means the Platform configuration that determines whether a profession-service combination may be public, information-only, searchable, matched, consultation-enabled, workspace-only, payment-enabled or disabled.
  • “Content” means profile information, service descriptions, documents, messages, reviews, comments, AI-assisted text and any other material submitted, generated, displayed or transmitted through the Platform.

1. Platform role

  • ExpertConect is a technology platform, not automatically the adviser/auditor/certifier/tax practitioner/company secretary for a user's matter.
  • Profiles/search are not endorsement or warranty.

2. Information is not advice

  • Articles, descriptions, AI outputs, taxonomies and checklists are general information unless supplied/adopted by an identified engaged Professional.

3. Verification

  • Verification is limited to stated fields and point-in-time evidence.
  • Status can change; users/Professionals must report material changes.

4. Regulatory restrictions

  • Some services cannot be publicly listed/matched/advertised/priced/intermediated like ordinary marketplace services.
  • Restrictions do not imply the Professional cannot lawfully perform the service independently.

5. No outcome guarantee

  • No guarantee of tax saving, regulator approval, filing acceptance, audit result, litigation/funding/valuation/compliance result, lead volume or income.

6. Engagement responsibility

  • Engagement depends on independent scope, fee, conflicts, independence, Client duties and Professional Body standards.

Reference notes

Policy 22 — Vendor & Data Processor Management Standard

INTERNAL GOVERNANCE STANDARD

Definitions

  • “ExpertConect”, “Platform”, “we”, “us” or “our” means the digital platform operated by EXPERTCONECT NETWORK PRIVATE LIMITED, including its website, mobile interfaces, APIs, communication channels and related services.
  • “Client” means a person or organisation using the Platform to identify, communicate with, obtain information from, consult, or engage an eligible Professional or Firm.
  • “Professional” means a natural person registered or applying to register on ExpertConect in a professional capacity, including a Chartered Accountant (CA), Company Secretary (CS), Cost and Management Accountant (CMA), and any other category specifically enabled by ExpertConect after regulatory review.
  • “Firm” means a professional practice entity or other eligible organisation registered or applying to register on ExpertConect.
  • “Professional Body” means the statutory, regulatory or professional body governing the relevant Professional, including ICAI, ICSI and ICMAI, as applicable.
  • “Reserved/Exclusive Service” means a service, certification, attestation, assurance, representation or other professional activity whose performance, solicitation, advertisement, listing or aggregation is restricted or reserved by law or a Professional Body.
  • “Non-Exclusive Service” means a professional or advisory service that is not exclusively reserved to the relevant profession, subject always to applicable professional rules.
  • “Regulatory Mode” means the Platform configuration that determines whether a profession-service combination may be public, information-only, searchable, matched, consultation-enabled, workspace-only, payment-enabled or disabled.
  • “Content” means profile information, service descriptions, documents, messages, reviews, comments, AI-assisted text and any other material submitted, generated, displayed or transmitted through the Platform.

1. Scope

  • Applies to cloud, hosting, OTP, email, WhatsApp, CRM, analytics, payment, AI, verification, support and vendors accessing ExpertConect data.

2. Pre-contract due diligence

  • Identity/criticality; security controls/assurance; data categories/locations/subprocessors; retention/deletion; auth/access; continuity; privacy terms; user-right support; AI training/use.

3. Contract requirements

  • Processing purpose/instructions; confidentiality; security; rapid incident notification; subprocessors; return/deletion; audit/assurance; international compliance; no independent marketing use.

4. Risk tiers

  • Critical - auth/core DB/payment/credential storage.
  • High - AI with user data, verification, communications/CRM.
  • Medium - analytics/support with limited personal data.
  • Low - no personal/confidential data.

5. Monitoring

  • Annual/risk-based review; material-change review; incident/SLA/subprocessor tracking; disable integration/rotate secrets on termination.

Reference notes