Privacy Policy

Effective Date: 2025-06-29

Last Updated: 2025-06-29

Your privacy is important to us. This Privacy Policy explains how VeganAid ("we", "our", or "us") collects, uses, and protects your personal information when you use our mobile application ("App"). This policy complies with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and other applicable privacy laws.

Important: We only collect analytics data with your explicit consent. You can withdraw consent at any time through the App's settings.

Information We Collect

Data Collected With Your Consent

Analytics Data (Optional): Only when you explicitly consent, we collect anonymous usage data through Firebase Analytics, including:

• App Usage: Pages viewed, features used, and time spent in the app
• Search Queries: Products and ingredients you search for (used to improve our database)
• Performance Data: App crashes, loading times, and error reports
• Device Information: Operating system version, app version, device type (anonymized)

Account Information (Optional)

If you choose to create an account through Google or Apple Sign-In:

• Authentication Token: Secure token from Google/Apple for login purposes
• Email Address: From your Google/Apple account (used for account identification)
• Username: Your chosen display name
• Comments and Ratings: Content you post about products

Local Data (Stored on Your Device)

The following data is stored locally on your device and never transmitted to our servers:

• Search History: Your previous product searches
• App Preferences: Settings, theme choices, language preferences
• Scanned Products: History of products you've scanned or viewed
• Consent Preferences: Your analytics consent choices

How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect for various purposes, including:

• Improve App Performance: We use the collected data to improve our App’s performance, features, and user experience.
• Analytics: We use Firebase Analytics to analyze user interactions with the App. This helps us understand user behavior and preferences to enhance the App’s functionality.
• Communication: We may use your contact information to respond to your inquiries, provide customer support, or send you important updates and notifications related to the App.

Data Sharing and Third Parties

We do not sell your personal information. We only share data in the following limited circumstances:

• Google Analytics: Anonymous usage data (only with your consent) is processed by Google under their privacy policy
• Authentication Providers: Google and Apple for sign-in services (only if you choose to create an account)
• Service Providers: Trusted partners who help us operate the app under strict data protection agreements
• Legal Requirements: When required by law or to protect our rights and users' safety

International Transfers: Some of our service providers (like Google) may process data outside the European Economic Area. We ensure appropriate safeguards are in place.

Your Rights Under GDPR

If you are located in the European Economic Area (EEA), you have the following rights regarding your personal data:

• Right of Access: Request a copy of the personal data we hold about you
• Right to Rectification: Request correction of inaccurate or incomplete data
• Right to Erasure: Request deletion of your personal data ("right to be forgotten")
• Right to Restrict Processing: Request limitation of how we process your data
• Right to Data Portability: Request your data in a portable format
• Right to Object: Object to processing based on legitimate interests
• Right to Withdraw Consent: Withdraw consent for analytics at any time through app settings

To exercise these rights, contact us at [email protected]. We will respond within 30 days.

Consent Management

You have full control over analytics data collection:

• Initial Consent: We ask for your consent when you first use the app
• Manage Consent: Change your preferences anytime in Settings > Privacy & Analytics
• Withdraw Consent: Disable analytics collection at any time without affecting app functionality
• Granular Control: Choose what types of data you're comfortable sharing

Data Retention

We retain your data only as long as necessary:

• Analytics Data: Automatically deleted after 26 months (Google Analytics default)
• Account Data: Retained until you delete your account
• Local Data: Stored on your device until you delete the app or clear data

Your Choices

You can control your data in several ways:

• Analytics: Enable or disable through Settings > Privacy & Analytics
• Account: Use the app without creating an account to minimize data collection
• Local Data: Clear your search history and preferences through the app settings
• Notifications: Manage notification permissions through your device settings

Security

We implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect your personal data:

• Encryption: Data is encrypted in transit and at rest
• Access Controls: Limited access to personal data on a need-to-know basis
• Regular Updates: Security measures are regularly reviewed and updated
• Data Minimization: We collect only the data necessary for app functionality

However, no method of transmission over the internet or electronic storage is 100% secure. While we strive to protect your data, we cannot guarantee absolute security.

Legal Basis for Processing (GDPR)

We process your personal data based on the following legal grounds:

• Consent: For analytics data collection (Article 6(1)(a) GDPR)
• Legitimate Interest: For app functionality and security (Article 6(1)(f) GDPR)
• Contract Performance: For account services when you sign up (Article 6(1)(b) GDPR)

How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect for the following purposes:

• App Functionality: To provide core features like product lookups and user accounts
• Performance Improvement: To analyze app performance and fix bugs (only with consent)
• User Experience: To understand how users interact with the app and improve features (only with consent)
• Customer Support: To respond to your inquiries and provide assistance
• Security: To protect against fraud and ensure app security

Children's Privacy

Our app is not directed to children under 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If you are a parent or guardian and believe your child has provided us with personal information, please contact us to have the data removed.

California Privacy Rights

If you are a California resident, you have additional rights under the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), including the right to know, delete, and opt-out of the sale of personal information. We do not sell personal information.

Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices or applicable laws. When we make changes:

• We will update the "Last Updated" date at the top of this policy
• For significant changes, we will notify you through the app or email
• Your continued use of the app after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy

We encourage you to review this policy periodically.

Contact Us

If you have any questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or your personal data, please contact us:

• Email: [email protected]
• Subject Line: "Privacy Policy Inquiry" for faster response
• Response Time: We aim to respond within 72 hours

For GDPR-related requests, please include "GDPR Request" in your subject line and specify which right you wish to exercise.

Supervisory Authority

If you are located in the EEA and have concerns about our data processing that we cannot resolve, you have the right to lodge a complaint with your local data protection supervisory authority.