Privacy Policy

Effective Date: January 19, 2025

The Buddy Beacon, LLC ("we," "our," or "us") operates the Buddy Beacon mobile application (the "App"). This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you use our App.

By using the App, you agree to the collection and use of information in accordance with this policy.

## 1. Information We Collect

### Account Information

When you create an account, we collect:


    - **Email address** - Used for account authentication and communication

    - **Display name** - Shown to other users in your groups

    - **Profile photo** - Optional, displayed in your profile and groups



### Location Information

With your explicit permission, we collect precise location data to enable the core functionality of the App - sharing your location with group members. This includes:


    - **Real-time GPS coordinates** - Shared with group members when location sharing is enabled

    - **Background location** - When enabled, allows continuous location sharing even when the app is not in the foreground



    **Your Control:** You can enable or disable location sharing at any time through the App. Location sharing is opt-in and requires your explicit action to start.


### Group Data

When you create or join groups, we store:


    - Group membership information

    - Group names and descriptions

    - Group chat messages you send

    - Invite codes you create or use

    - Group wallpaper images (optional)



### Device Information

We collect device information to provide push notifications and improve app performance:


    - Device type and operating system

    - Push notification tokens

    - App crash reports and performance data



## 2. How We Use Your Information

We use your information to:


    - Provide and maintain the App's location-sharing features

    - Display your location to group members (only when you enable sharing)

    - Enable group chat communication between members

    - Send push notifications about group activity

    - Authenticate your account and maintain security

    - Improve and optimize the App

    - Respond to your support requests



## 3. Third-Party Services

We use the following third-party services:

### Firebase (Google)


    - **Authentication:** Secure account sign-in via email/password

    - **Cloud Firestore:** Database for user profiles, groups, and messages

    - **Realtime Database:** Real-time location data synchronization

    - **Cloud Storage:** Profile photos and group wallpapers


Firebase Privacy Policy: [https://firebase.google.com/support/privacy](https://firebase.google.com/support/privacy)

### Google Maps

We use Google Maps to display the map interface and show member locations. Google may collect usage data related to map interactions.

Google Privacy Policy: [https://policies.google.com/privacy](https://policies.google.com/privacy)

## 4. Information Sharing

### With Group Members

When you join a group and enable location sharing:


    - Your location is visible to other group members on the map

    - Your display name and profile photo are visible to group members

    - Messages you send in group chat are visible to all group members



    **Your Control:** You choose which groups to join and when to share your location. You can stop sharing at any time.


### With Third Parties

**We do not sell your personal information.** We share data only with:


    - Service providers necessary to operate the App (Firebase, Google Maps)

    - Law enforcement if required by law or to protect our rights



## 5. Data Retention


    
        | Data Type 
        | Retention Period 
    
    
        | Location data 
        | Only while actively sharing; overwritten with each update; deleted when sharing stops 
    
    
        | Account data 
        | Retained while your account is active 
    
    
        | Chat messages 
        | Retained while the group exists 
    
    
        | All data 
        | Permanently deleted when you delete your account 
    


## 6. Your Rights

You have the right to:


    - **Access** your personal data

    - **Correct** inaccurate data via your profile settings

    - **Delete** your account and all associated data at any time from the App

    - **Control** location sharing - enable or disable at any time

    - **Leave** any group at any time

    - **Export** your data (contact us for assistance)


To exercise these rights, use the in-app settings or contact us at [thebuddybeacon@gmail.com](mailto:thebuddybeacon@gmail.com).

## 7. Data Security

We implement appropriate security measures including:


    - Encryption of data in transit (HTTPS/TLS)

    - Secure authentication through Firebase

    - Access controls limiting who can access user data

    - Location data only shared with explicitly joined group members



## 8. Children's Privacy

The App is not intended for users under 13 years of age. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If you believe we have collected information from a child under 13, please contact us immediately.

## 9. International Data Transfers

Your information may be transferred to and processed in the United States where our service providers are located. By using the App, you consent to this transfer.

## 10. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of any changes by:


    - Posting the new Privacy Policy on this page

    - Updating the "Effective Date" at the top

    - Sending a notification for significant changes



## 11. Contact Us

If you have questions about this Privacy Policy, please contact us:


    **The Buddy Beacon, LLC**

    Email: [thebuddybeacon@gmail.com](mailto:thebuddybeacon@gmail.com)