Privacy Policy

Last Updated: 14 July 2026

Peterite Connect is the professional networking platform of the Old Boys’ Union (OBU) of St. Peter’s College, Colombo. This Privacy Policy explains what information we collect when you register, why we collect it, how it is used and protected, and what rights you have over it.

By submitting the Peterite Connect registration form, you acknowledge that you have read and understood this policy.

Information We Collect

When you register for Peterite Connect, we collect the following information:

  • OBU Number – your Old Boys’ Union membership/identification number.
  • Name – your first and last name.
  • Email Address – used to contact you and to verify your identity.
  • Mobile Number – used to verify your identity and, where you consent, to add you to industry-relevant WhatsApp groups.
  • Industry / Sector – the professional sector you select on the form.
  • Verification Information – whether your email and mobile number have been verified, the verification method used (SMS or WhatsApp), and, for overseas numbers, the one-time WhatsApp verification code generated for your submission.
  • Technical Information – your IP address, browser user agent, and the date and time of submission, recorded automatically for security and fraud-prevention purposes.

How We Use Your Information

Information submitted through the registration form is collected and used solely for the purpose of processing Peterite Connect registrations and administering the professional alumni network. Specifically, we use your information to:

  • Verify your identity and your ownership of the email address and mobile number you submit.
  • Review and approve (or, where necessary, decline) your registration.
  • Organise members into relevant groups, such as industry-specific WhatsApp groups, where you have given consent.
  • Communicate with you about your registration status.
  • Maintain the security, integrity, and proper administration of the platform.

We do not use your information for advertising, and we do not sell your information to anyone.

Email Verification

To confirm that you own the email address you submit, we send a 6-digit one-time verification code to that address. The code expires after a short period and can only be used a limited number of times before a new one must be requested. Your registration cannot be completed until your email address has been successfully verified.

Mobile Verification

SMS OTP (Sri Lankan Numbers)

For Sri Lankan (+94) mobile numbers, we send a 6-digit one-time verification code by SMS. Entering this code confirms that you have access to the mobile number submitted.

WhatsApp Verification (Overseas Numbers)

For mobile numbers outside Sri Lanka, we generate a unique verification code and ask you to send it, via WhatsApp, to our provider’s WhatsApp number. This code is used only to verify that you have access to and control of the mobile number you submitted – it is not used for any other purpose. An authorised OBU administrator manually confirms receipt of this message before your registration is fully approved.

Data Storage

Registration details are stored in a dedicated, secure database table on our hosting infrastructure. Verification codes and their status are held only temporarily, for as long as needed to complete the verification step, and are automatically discarded shortly after they expire or once your registration is confirmed. Only fully verified registrations are permanently recorded – incomplete or abandoned registration attempts are never stored.

Who Can Access Your Information

Registration details are reviewed only by authorised Old Boys’ Union administrators, via a dedicated, permission-controlled administrative area. In the course of operating the platform, limited information also passes through the following service providers acting on our behalf, solely to deliver the functionality described above:

  • Our email delivery provider, to send verification codes and confirmation emails.
  • Our SMS gateway provider, to deliver SMS verification codes to Sri Lankan mobile numbers.
  • WhatsApp, when you choose to send your overseas verification code via that platform.

These providers process information only to the extent necessary to deliver the relevant message and do not use it for their own independent purposes.

Data Retention

We retain your registration information for as long as your membership in the professional network remains active, or for as long as necessary to fulfil the purposes described in this policy. If you would like your information reviewed, updated, or removed, please contact us using the details below.

Sharing of Information

We do not sell, rent, or otherwise share your personal information with third parties for marketing purposes. Your information is only disclosed:

  • To the service providers listed above, solely to operate the platform’s verification and communication features.
  • Where required by law, regulation, or a valid legal request.
  • Where necessary to protect the rights, property, or safety of the Old Boys’ Union, Peterite Connect, or our members.

Cookies and Google Analytics

This site uses Google Analytics to understand how visitors use the registration page, such as page views and progress through the registration steps. Google Analytics may set cookies or use similar technologies in your browser to distinguish visitors anonymously. This data is aggregated and does not identify you personally. You can learn more about how Google handles this information in Google’s Privacy Policy.

The CMS may also set a small number of standard functional cookies necessary for the website to operate correctly. These do not track you across other websites.

Your Rights

You have the right to:

  • Request a copy of the personal information we hold about you.
  • Request correction of any inaccurate or incomplete information.
  • Request deletion of your information, subject to any legal or administrative requirement that we retain it.
  • Withdraw any consent you have given (for example, consent to be added to WhatsApp groups) at any time.
  • Ask us any questions about how your information is collected, used, or protected.

Contact Information

If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy, or would like to exercise any of the rights described above, please contact the OBU Secretariat at secretary@stpetersobu.com.

Policy Updates

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices or for other operational, legal, or regulatory reasons. Any changes will be published on this page. We encourage you to review this page periodically to stay informed about how we protect your information.