Security Architecture

Help from neighbours. Without giving up your privacy.

We built DeKarma from the ground up with strict layered privacy controls, task verification, and community accountability.

1. Stage-Gated Location Privacy

Your exact physical address is NEVER published on public feeds. We protect your whereabouts through four strict stages:

Stage 1: Public Broadcast Neighbours only see an approximate radius (e.g. "Within 500m in Rohini"). No house numbers, streets, or exact coordinates.
Stage 2: Offer & Acceptance When a helper offers to assist and you accept, coordinates remain locked and private.
Stage 3: "I'm on My Way" En-Route Gate Only after the helper taps "I'm on my way" do precise meeting directions activate to coordinate your meetup.
Stage 4: Post-Completion Teardown Once verified, all live tracking channels terminate immediately.

2. Authentic Member Verification

We believe in genuine community accountability. Here is what "Verified" means on DeKarma:

Phone & SMS Authentication Every user must verify their active mobile phone number via secure one-time password (OTP) before posting or accepting tasks.
Email Confirmation Account verification via confirmed email address for official service updates and account security.
Community Reputation Score Members build a visible trust score based solely on real in-person tasks verified by mutual neighbours.
Transparent Verification Scope Verification confirms authenticated contact details and community history. It does not constitute a criminal background check or government ID certification.

3. Dual Task Verification (QR & OTP)

To guarantee that help is genuinely delivered and received before any Karma changes hands:

  • On-Screen QR Scan: The requester displays a dynamic task QR code that the helper scans using their DeKarma app upon arrival.
  • 4-Digit Numeric OTP: If camera access is unavailable, the requester provides a secure 4-digit code to the helper to enter manually.
  • No Remote Falsification: Neither party can falsely mark a task completed from afar without the in-person handshake.

4. Karma Escrow Protection

Karma represents community contribution and must always remain fair:

  • Protected Escrow: When a request is posted, the required Karma credits are held in task escrow so the requester knows they are set aside.
  • Instant Cancellation Refund: If a task is cancelled or no helper is found, escrowed Karma returns instantly to the requester's balance.
  • Release Upon Handshake: Karma transfers only when both parties complete the QR/OTP verification in person.
Zero Tolerance Policy

Reporting, blocking, and member safety

Our community is founded on mutual dignity, respect, and neighbourly kindness. We enforce strict community guidelines:

Child Safety & Minor Protection (Zero Tolerance) We enforce an absolute zero-tolerance standard against child exploitation, CSAM/CSAE, grooming, and minor endangerment. Suspected violations lead to immediate permanent ban and direct referral to cybercrime law enforcement.
Read our Child Safety Policy & Incident Reporting Guidelines
Prohibited Activities Commercial soliciting, dangerous tasks, harassment, discrimination, requests for illegal items, and unauthorized disclosure of personal info result in immediate permanent account suspension.
One-Tap Reporting You can report any request or member directly in the app. Our moderation team acts on reports swiftly.
Instant User Blocking Blocking another member prevents them from ever seeing your requests or contacting you.

Emergency Protocol

In Case of Emergency DeKarma is NOT an emergency response system. If you or someone around you faces physical danger, severe crime, fire, or acute medical distress, contact local emergency services immediately:
National Emergency Number (India): 112 · Police: 100 · Medical: 108 / 102 · Fire: 101
Read Full Community Guidelines

Experience safe neighbourly mutual help

Join verified neighbours in your local community.

Download DeKarma on Google Play