Privacy Policy

This Privacy Policy describes how Destination Compass ("we," "us," or "our") collects, uses, and protects your information when you use our mobile application (the "App"). We are committed to protecting your privacy and being transparent about our data practices.

1. Information We Collect

1.1 Location Information

Our app accesses your device's location and orientation sensors to provide compass functionality. We do not store, transmit, or retain your location data. Location information is processed locally on your device only to display accurate bearing and direction information.

1.2 Crash Reports and Diagnostics

We collect crash logs and diagnostic information through Firebase Crashlytics to help us identify and fix bugs, improve app stability, and enhance user experience. This information may include:

• Device model and operating system version
• App version and crash stack traces
• Performance metrics and error logs
• Anonymous usage patterns and app interactions

1.3 Usage Analytics

We use Google Analytics to understand how users interact with our app. This helps us improve features and user experience. Analytics data includes:

• App usage patterns and feature usage
• Session duration and frequency
• Device information (model, OS version, screen resolution)
• Anonymous user behavior and navigation patterns

1.4 Advertising Information

We display advertisements through Google AdMob. AdMob may collect and use certain information to provide personalized ads. This may include:

• Advertising identifier (IDFA/GAID)
• Device information and preferences
• Ad interaction data
• General location (country/region level)

2. How We Use Your Information

We use the collected information for the following purposes:

• Core Functionality: To provide accurate compass and navigation features
• App Improvement: To identify and fix bugs, crashes, and performance issues
• Analytics: To understand usage patterns and improve user experience
• Advertising: To display relevant advertisements that support our free app
• Compliance: To comply with legal obligations and protect user safety

3. Data Sharing and Third Parties

We work with trusted third-party services to provide our app functionality:

These services have their own privacy policies and data protection measures. We encourage you to review their policies:

• Firebase Privacy Policy
• Google Privacy Policy
• AdMob Privacy Policy

4. Data Security

We implement appropriate security measures to protect your information:

• Data transmission is encrypted using industry-standard protocols
• We follow Google's security best practices for mobile apps
• Access to data is limited to necessary personnel and systems
• Regular security assessments and updates

5. Data Retention

We retain information only as long as necessary:

• Location Data: Not stored or retained
• Crash Reports: Retained for up to 90 days for debugging purposes
• Analytics Data: Retained according to Google Analytics retention settings (typically 14 months)
• Advertising Data: Managed by Google AdMob according to their retention policies

6. Your Rights and Choices

You have the following rights regarding your information:

6.1 Advertising Controls

• Opt out of personalized ads in your device settings (Android: Settings > Google > Ads)
• Reset your advertising ID to limit ad tracking
• Use system-level ad blocking if supported by your device

6.2 Analytics Controls

• Analytics data is collected anonymously and cannot be tied to individual users
• You may opt out of analytics tracking through your device settings

6.3 App Permissions

• You can revoke location permissions in your device settings
• Note: Revoking location permission will prevent the compass from functioning properly

7. Children's Privacy

Our app is available for users of all ages, including children under 13. We are committed to protecting children's privacy and comply with the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA).

7.1 Information Collection from Children

We do not knowingly collect, use, or disclose personal information from children under 13. Our app:

• Does not store or transmit location data
• Only collects anonymous crash reports and usage analytics
• Does not require account creation or personal information
• Uses minimal permissions necessary for compass functionality

7.2 Advertising and Children

Advertising displayed in our app complies with COPPA requirements:

• We do not serve behavioral advertising to users under 13
• Ads are contextual and not based on personal information
• We use Google AdMob's child-directed treatment settings

7.3 Parental Rights

Parents have the right to:

• Review any personal information collected from their child (none in our case)
• Request deletion of their child's information
• Refuse to allow further collection of their child's information

If you believe we have collected information from a child under 13, please contact us immediately at cadeda.apps@gmail.com.

8. International Users

Our app is available globally. If you are located outside the United States, please note that your information may be transferred to and processed in the United States, where privacy laws may differ from those in your country.

9. Changes to This Privacy Policy

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

• Posting the new Privacy Policy in the app
• Updating the "Last updated" date
• Sending notifications through the app if significant changes are made

Your continued use of the app after changes constitutes acceptance of the new Privacy Policy.

10. Legal Basis for Processing (GDPR)

For users in the European Union, our legal basis for processing your information includes:

• Legitimate Interest: For analytics and app improvement
• Consent: For personalized advertising (where required)
• Contractual Necessity: For providing core app functionality
• Legal Obligation: For compliance with applicable laws

11. Acknowledgments

By using Destination Compass, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to this Privacy Policy. You also acknowledge that you understand how your information is collected, used, and shared as described herein.