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StraySafe Privacy Policy
1. Introduction
This Privacy Policy explains how StraySafe ("we", "us", "our") collects, uses, processes, and protects your personal data when you use our mobile application. We are committed to protecting your privacy and complying with the Personal Data (Privacy) Ordinance (PDPO) of Hong Kong and Apple App Store guidelines.
By using StraySafe, you agree to the collection and use of information in accordance with this Privacy Policy. If you do not agree with this policy, please do not use our app.
Geographic Scope: StraySafe is currently primarily designed for users in Hong Kong SAR, China. Our privacy practices comply with Hong Kong's Personal Data (Privacy) Ordinance (PDPO). Users in other jurisdictions should be aware that different privacy laws may apply.
2. Data Controller Information
Data Controller: Cheng Chun Hei
Contact Email: straysafehelp@gmail.com
Response Time: We aim to respond to privacy inquiries within 48 hours
Jurisdiction: Hong Kong SAR, China
3. Legal Basis for Processing (PDPO Compliance)
We process your personal data based on:
- Consent: When you explicitly agree to data processing (e.g., analytics, personalized ads)
- Legitimate Interest: For app functionality, security, and service improvement
- Legal Obligation: When required by Hong Kong law or regulations
4. Personal Data We Collect
4.1 Account Information
- Name and email address when you create an account or sign in with Google/Apple
- Apple ID information when you sign in with Apple (data linking is required for all Apple Sign-In users)
- User ID generated by our system
- Authentication tokens for secure access
- Apple's "Hide My Email" addresses when using Apple Sign-In with email privacy
4.2 Device and Technical Information
- Device identifiers (iOS Identifier for Vendors, Android Advertising ID)
- Operating system and version
- App version and build information
- Crash logs and error reports for app stability
- Note: We do not directly collect IP addresses. However, our third-party services (Firebase, Google Analytics, AdMob) may collect IP addresses on their servers for their own security and analytics purposes
4.3 Location Data
- Current location when you use location features (e.g., "Locate Me" button, location picker in reports) after granting permission
- Location data attached to pet reports you create (required for effective pet rescue)
- Location services used for map functionality, nearby report suggestions, and distance calculations
- Privacy Settings Control: You can enable/disable location services through the app's Privacy Settings, which controls whether location tracking occurs
- Note: We do NOT automatically request location on app startup or continuously track your location. Location permission is requested only when you first use "Locate Me" button (user-initiated). Location features are controlled by both device permissions and in-app Privacy Settings.
4.4 Content You Create
- Pet reports including descriptions, photos, and location
- Forum posts and comments
- Photos uploaded for pet identification
- Contact information (optional) in pet reports
4.5 Usage and Analytics Data
- App usage patterns and feature interactions
- Screen views and navigation paths
- Search queries within the app
- Time spent in different app sections
- Error logs and performance metrics
4.6 Communication Data
- Support emails and correspondence
- Feedback and suggestions you provide
5. How We Use Your Personal Data
5.1 Core App Functionality
- Provide pet reporting and mapping services
- Enable user account creation and management
- Display your reports to other users for community assistance
- Provide community forum for animal welfare discussions
- Send push notifications about nearby pet reports (with consent)
- Facilitate communication between users
5.2 Service Improvement
- Analyze app usage to improve features and performance
- Fix bugs and technical issues
- Develop new features based on user needs
- Ensure app security and prevent misuse
5.3 Legal and Safety
- Comply with legal obligations under Hong Kong law
- Protect against fraud, abuse, and illegal activities
- Enforce our Terms of Service
- Respond to legal requests from authorities
6. Third-Party Services and Data Sharing
6.1 Firebase (Google Cloud Platform)
Purpose: Backend infrastructure, authentication, database, and file storage
Data Shared: Account information, app content, usage data
Location: Data stored in Google Cloud servers (may include servers outside Hong Kong)
Privacy Policy: https://firebase.google.com/support/privacy
6.2 Google Analytics for Firebase
Purpose: App usage analytics and performance monitoring
Data Shared: Anonymized usage data, device information
User Control: You can opt-out in Privacy Settings
Privacy Policy: https://policies.google.com/privacy
6.3 Google AdMob and App Tracking Transparency (ATT)
Purpose: Displaying advertisements to support the app
Data Shared: Device identifiers, usage patterns (only with explicit consent via App Tracking Transparency and Privacy Consent Screen)
App Tracking Transparency: iOS users will be prompted for tracking permission before any cross-app tracking occurs
Ad Types:
- Personalized ads: Based on your interests and cross-app activity (requires explicit consent in both Privacy Consent Screen and ATT prompt)
- Contextual ads: Related to pet care (default, no personal data or cross-app tracking used)
User Control: You can opt-out of personalized ads and tracking in Privacy Settings or iOS Settings
Privacy Policy: https://policies.google.com/privacy
6.4 Apple Maps (iOS)
Purpose: Location autocomplete and address search functionality
Data Shared: Search queries and location data for autocomplete suggestions
Privacy Policy: https://www.apple.com/privacy/
6.5 Apple Services (iOS only)
Purpose: App distribution, in-app purchases, push notifications, Apple Sign-In authentication
Data Shared: Purchase information, device tokens, Apple ID information (required for service functionality)
Apple Sign-In: When using Apple Sign-In, data linking is required to access core functionalities. You will be presented with a consent modal explaining this requirement before proceeding
Privacy Policy: https://www.apple.com/privacy/
7. Data Storage and Security
7.1 Data Storage Location
- Primary Storage: Firebase Cloud Firestore and Storage (Google Cloud Platform)
- Geographic Location: Data may be stored on servers located outside Hong Kong
- Backup: Automated backups maintained by Firebase
7.2 Security Measures
- Encryption: All data encrypted in transit and at rest using industry-standard protocols
- Access Control: Strict access controls and authentication
- Regular Security Reviews: Ongoing security assessments and updates
- Firebase Security Rules: Database access restricted by user authentication
7.3 Data Retention
- Account Data: Retained until you delete your account
- Pet Reports: Retained until you delete them or your account
- Analytics Data: Anonymized data retained for up to 26 months (automatically deleted by Google Analytics)
- Crash Logs: Retained for up to 90 days for debugging purposes (automatically deleted by Firebase)
- Support Communications: Email correspondence retained for up to 2 years for service improvement
8. Your Rights Under PDPO
8.1 Right to Access
You can request access to your personal data we hold. Contact us at straysafehelp@gmail.com with "Data Access Request" in the subject line.
8.2 Right to Correction
You can request correction of inaccurate personal data through:
- In-app account settings
- Contacting us directly
8.3 Right to Deletion
You can request deletion of your personal data by:
- Using the "Delete Account" feature in app settings
- Contacting us at straysafehelp@gmail.com
8.4 Right to Data Portability
You can request a copy of your data in a structured format by contacting us.
8.5 Right to Object
You can object to processing of your personal data for:
- Marketing purposes (opt-out in settings)
- Analytics (opt-out in Privacy Settings)
- Personalized advertising (opt-out in Privacy Settings)
8.6 Right to Withdraw Consent
You can withdraw consent at any time through:
- App Privacy Settings
- Device settings (for location, camera, photos)
- Contacting us directly
9. Consent Management
9.1 Explicit Consent Required For:
- Analytics data collection (Google Analytics via Privacy Consent Screen)
- App tracking and personalized advertising (App Tracking Transparency prompt and Privacy Consent Screen)
- Apple ID data linking (Apple Sign-In consent modal - required for service access)
- Location services (device permission, user-initiated, and in-app Privacy Settings control)
- Camera and photo access (device permission)
- Push notifications (device permission)
9.2 How to Manage Consent:
- In-App: Privacy Settings screen
- Device Level: iOS/Android Settings > StraySafe > Permissions
- Contact Us: straysafehelp@gmail.com for assistance
10. International Data Transfers
Your data may be transferred to and processed in countries outside Hong Kong, including:
- United States (Google/Firebase servers)
- Other Google Cloud regions as determined by Firebase
We ensure adequate protection through:
- Google's compliance with international data protection standards
- Contractual safeguards with service providers
- Your explicit consent to such transfers
11. Children's Privacy
StraySafe is not intended for children under 18 years of age. We do not knowingly collect personal data from children under 18. If you are a parent or guardian and believe your child has provided us with personal data, please contact us immediately at straysafehelp@gmail.com.
12. Advertising and Marketing
12.1 Advertising
- Free users see advertisements to support the app
- Premium users enjoy an ad-free experience
- Ad personalization requires explicit opt-in consent
- Default: Contextual ads related to pet care (no personal data used)
12.2 Marketing Communications
We do not send marketing emails or promotional communications unless you explicitly opt-in.
13. Data Breach Notification
In the event of a data breach, we will:
- Report to relevant Hong Kong authorities as required by PDPO
- Assess the risk level and impact on users
- Notify affected users only when required by law or when the breach poses significant risk to individuals
- Take immediate steps to secure the breach and prevent further unauthorized access
14. Third-Party Links
Our app may contain links to third-party websites or services. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of these external sites. We encourage you to review their privacy policies before providing any personal information.
15. Updates to This Privacy Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of material changes by:
- Posting the updated policy in the app
- Including notification in app store update descriptions
Changes become effective immediately upon posting. Your continued use of StraySafe constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.
16. Contact Information and Complaints
16.1 Privacy Inquiries
Email: straysafehelp@gmail.com
Subject Line: Privacy Policy Inquiry
Response Time: Within 48 hours
16.2 Data Protection Complaints
If you believe we have not handled your personal data properly, you can:
- Contact us directly at straysafehelp@gmail.com
- File a complaint with the Privacy Commissioner for Personal Data (Hong Kong)
16.3 Apple App Store Compliance
For App Store related privacy concerns, you may also contact Apple through their official channels.
Effective Date: July 18, 2025
This Privacy Policy is governed by the laws of Hong Kong SAR and complies with the Personal Data (Privacy) Ordinance (PDPO) and Apple App Store Review Guidelines.
By using StraySafe, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to this Privacy Policy.