Account Deletion Policy

This Account Deletion Policy outlines the process for users of the Verto application (“Verto,” “the App”) to request the deletion of their accounts and what happens to their data when an account is deleted. Verto is developed by the Center for Digital Governance and Agentic Innovation (CDGAI), powered by CECOS University of IT and Emerging Sciences, Peshawar, Pakistan.

We are committed to providing users control over their personal data. If you no longer wish to use Verto, you have the right to request permanent deletion of your account and associated personal data, subject to the terms outlined in this policy.

Please read this document in conjunction with our Privacy Policy, which provides further details about how we collect, use, and protect your information.

Any registered user of Verto may request the deletion of their account. This includes:

• Students and faculty of CECOS University
• Researchers and research participants
• Policy professionals and external collaborators
• Event participants, trainees, and workshop attendees
• Any other individual who has created an account on Verto

Users can request account deletion via the following methods:

3.1 In-App Deletion

3.2 Email Request

You can send an email request to: cdgai@cecos.edu.pk

Include the following details:

• Full name as registered on Verto.
• Email address associated with your Verto account.
• Clear statement requesting account deletion (e.g., “I request the permanent deletion of my Verto account.”).

For security, the email must be sent from your registered email. If you can't access the registered email, you may need to provide additional proof of identity.

3.3 Written Request

Alternatively, send a written request to:

The written request should include your full name, registered email, and a signed statement requesting deletion.

4.1 Acknowledgement

Once we receive your deletion request, we will acknowledge it within seven (7) working days via email or in-app notification.

4.2 Verification

To ensure the request is legitimate, we will verify your identity. This may involve:

• Confirming your registered email address.
• Sending a verification code to your registered email or phone number.
• Requesting additional identification if the request comes from an alternative channel.

4.3 Processing Period

The deletion will be processed within thirty (30) calendar days after identity verification. During this period:

• Your account will be deactivated and no longer accessible.
• Your profile will be removed from public view, including leaderboards.
• You will be unable to log in or use the App's features.

4.4 Grace Period

Upon permanent deletion, the following data will be removed from our active systems:

Certain data may be retained for legitimate legal, research, or operational reasons:

6.1 Anonymized and Aggregated Data

Anonymized or aggregated data, which cannot be linked to your identity, may be retained for research, analytics, or system improvement.

6.2 Research Data

Research data collected during your participation in studies or data collection activities may be retained in anonymized form per:

• The research project's ethics approval and retention requirements.
• CECOS University's data retention policies.
• Applicable academic standards, requiring retention for at least five (5) years after project completion.

6.3 Translation Contributions

Contributions, such as translations, may be retained in anonymized form within the research corpus. Identifying information will be disassociated from these contributions.

6.4 Legal and Compliance Records

Certain records may be retained to comply with applicable laws, regulations, or court orders. These may include records necessary for:

• Responding to legal claims.
• Complying with audit or regulatory requirements.
• Fulfilling obligations under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act 2016 (PECA).

6.5 Backup Systems

Your data may remain in encrypted backup systems for a limited time after deletion, usually ninety (90) calendar days. These backups are overwritten automatically during routine cycles.

Once your account is permanently deleted:

If your Verto account was linked to third-party services (e.g., social login), deletion will not affect those third-party accounts.

For minors (under 18), a parent or legal guardian may request account deletion. The parent/guardian must provide:

• Proof of relationship (e.g., guardianship documents).
• Minor's account details.

We will process such requests with the same care as other deletion requests.

We reserve the right to deactivate and delete inactive accounts. Prior to deactivation:

• We will notify you via email thirty (30) calendar days before deactivation.
• If no action is taken, the account will be deactivated and deleted according to this policy.

Before deletion, you can request a copy of your personal data in a machine-readable format:

• Navigate to Settings > Account > Download My Data, or
• Email us at cdgai@cecos.edu.pk requesting data export.

This policy may be updated periodically. When changes are made:

• The updated policy will be posted on the App and website.
• The “Last Updated” date will be revised.
• Significant changes will be communicated through email or App notifications.

Your continued use of Verto constitutes acceptance of any changes.

For questions or assistance with the deletion process, contact: