Privacy Policy for SplitChores

Effective Date: January 15, 2025

1. Introduction

SplitChores ("we," "our," or "us") respects your privacy and is committed to protecting your personal information. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, share, and protect your information when you use our mobile application.

2. Information We Collect

2.1 Information You Provide

• Account Information: Email address, name, profile picture (optional)
• Task Data: Tasks you create, assign, complete, and their details
• Group Information: Group names, member invitations, group settings
• Communication: Messages and notifications within groups
• Feedback: Support requests, bug reports, and app feedback

2.2 Information Automatically Collected

• Device Information: Device type, operating system, app version
• Usage Data: Features used, time spent in app, interaction patterns
• Technical Data: Crash reports, error logs, performance metrics
• Local Storage: App preferences, offline data, cached content

2.3 Information We Do NOT Collect

• We do not access your contacts, photos, or other apps
• We do not collect location data
• We do not record audio or video
• We do not access your camera or microphone without permission

3. How We Use Your Information

• Create and manage your account
• Sync tasks and data across your devices
• Enable group collaboration and task sharing
• Send notifications about task updates and reminders
• Provide customer support and respond to inquiries

4. How We Share Your Information

4.1 With Group Members

• Task information is shared with group members you invite
• Group activity and progress is visible to all group members
• Your name and profile picture are visible to group members

4.2 With Third-Party Service Providers

• Firebase Services: Authentication, database, and push notifications
• Analytics: Aggregated usage data to improve the app
• Cloud Storage: Secure data storage and synchronization

4.3 We Do NOT Sell Your Data

• We never sell your personal information to third parties
• We do not share your data for advertising purposes
• We do not use your data for marketing to other companies

4.4 Legal Requirements

• We may disclose information if required by law
• To protect our rights, property, or safety
• To prevent fraud or security threats
• To enforce our Terms of Service

5. Your Privacy Rights

• View Your Data: Access all your personal data through the app
• Update Information: Edit your profile and account information
• Download Data: Request a copy of your data
• Delete Account: Permanently delete your account and data

6. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

6.1 How We Use Cookies

Like many apps and websites, we use tracking technologies such as cookies, web beacons, and similar technologies to:

• Remember your preferences and settings
• Analyze app usage and improve our services
• Provide security and prevent fraud
• Understand how users interact with our features

6.2 Third-Party Analytics

We may use third-party analytics services to help us understand app usage. These services may collect information about your device and usage patterns in accordance with their own privacy policies.

6.3 Your Choices

• Device Settings: You can control tracking through your device settings
• App Settings: You can opt out of analytics in the app's privacy settings
• Do Not Track: We respect Do Not Track signals where technically feasible

7. Data Storage and Security

7.1 Where Your Data is Stored

• Data is stored securely in cloud servers
• Local data is stored on your device
• We use industry-standard encryption for data transmission
• SplitChores is available in India, Canada, and the United States

7.2 Security Measures

• All data transmission is encrypted (HTTPS/TLS)
• User passwords are securely hashed
• Regular security audits and updates
• Access controls and monitoring systems

7.3 Data Retention

• Account data: Kept while your account is active, permanently deleted when you delete your account
• Task data: Active tasks kept indefinitely, deleted tasks marked as inactive but retained for sync purposes
• Group data: Active groups kept indefinitely, deleted groups marked as inactive but retained for sync purposes
• Activity logs: Task completion and group activities kept indefinitely for historical reference
• Usage analytics: Aggregated data kept for 2 years maximum
• Support communications: Kept for 3 years maximum

8. Marketing and Communications

8.1 Types of Communications

• Transactional: Account updates, security alerts, password resets (cannot opt out)
• Notifications: Task reminders, group activity updates (can control in settings)
• Marketing: New features, tips, newsletters (can opt out)

8.2 Your Communication Preferences

• Email Settings: Manage email preferences in your account settings
• Push Notifications: Control through your device settings
• Unsubscribe: Use unsubscribe links in marketing emails

9. Data Breach Notification

In the event of a data breach that may affect your personal information:

• Notification: We will notify affected users via email or in-app notification
• Timeline: Notifications will be sent without unreasonable delay
• Information: We will provide details about what happened and steps we're taking
• Recommendations: We will advise on steps you can take to protect yourself

10. Your Data Rights

10.1 What You Can Do

• Update Information: Correct or update your account information
• Delete Account: Permanently delete your account and data
• Control Communications: Manage email and notification preferences

10.2 How to Manage Your Data

• In-App: Use the "Privacy & Data" section in Settings
• Email: Contact us at splitchores.connect@gmail.com
• Response Time: We will respond to requests within 30 days

11. Third-Party Integrations

SplitChores may integrate with third-party services to enhance functionality:

• Optional Integrations: All third-party integrations are optional and require your consent
• Data Sharing: We only share necessary data to provide the requested functionality
• Third-Party Policies: Integrated services have their own privacy policies
• User Control: You can disconnect integrations at any time

11.1 Future Integrations

We may add integrations with services like Google, Apple, or other productivity tools. Any new integrations will be clearly disclosed and require your explicit consent.

12. Children's Privacy

• SplitChores is not intended for children under 13
• We do not knowingly collect data from children under 13
• If we discover we have collected such data, we will delete it immediately
• Parents can contact us to request deletion of their child's data

13. Changes to This Policy

• We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time
• We will notify you of significant changes through the app
• Continued use after changes means you accept the updated policy
• Previous versions are available upon request

14. Contact Us

If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or your data:

• Email: splitchores.connect@gmail.com
• Website: https://splitchores.com
• In-App: Use the "Privacy & Data" section in Settings

15. Compliance

This Privacy Policy complies with:

• Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA) - Canada
• California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) - USA
• Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) - USA
• Information Technology Act, 2000 - India
• Apple App Store Guidelines
• Google Play Store Requirements