Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

EarBuddy ("we," "our," or "us") is committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you use our Android application for Bluetooth audio device management ("the App").

Please read this Privacy Policy carefully. By using the App, you agree to the collection and use of information in accordance with this policy. If you do not agree with the terms of this Privacy Policy, please do not use the App.

2. Information We Collect

2.1 Information Collected Automatically

When you use our App, we automatically collect certain information about your device, including:

• Device Information: Device model, operating system version, unique device identifiers
• Bluetooth Information: Names and identifiers of paired Bluetooth devices (stored locally only)
• App Usage Data: Feature usage statistics, app performance data, crash reports

2.2 Data Collected by Firebase Services

We use Google Firebase services to improve app performance and stability. Firebase automatically collects:

• Crashlytics: Crash reports, stack traces, and device state information at the time of crashes
• Performance Monitoring: App startup time, network request performance, screen rendering metrics
• Analytics: App usage patterns, feature engagement, user sessions, and retention data
• Instance IDs: Installation-specific identifiers for app installations

This data is transmitted to Google's servers and processed according to Google's Privacy Policy .

2.3 Information You Provide

We collect information you provide directly to us, such as:

• Contact information when you reach out for support
• Feedback and correspondence you send to us
• Device priority preferences and settings within the App

2.4 Permissions We Request

The App requires the following permissions to function properly:

• Bluetooth Access: To detect, connect, and manage Bluetooth audio devices
• Bluetooth Admin: To change Bluetooth settings and manage connections
• Notification Access: To display the persistent service notification
• Boot Completed: To start the service automatically after device restart
• Battery Optimization Exemption: To ensure consistent background operation

3. How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect to:

• Provide and maintain the App's core functionality
• Manage automatic Bluetooth audio routing based on your preferences
• Improve and optimize the App's performance
• Respond to your comments, questions, and support requests
• Send you technical notices and support messages
• Monitor and analyze app crashes and performance issues through Firebase
• Understand usage patterns to improve features and user experience
• Comply with legal obligations

4. Data Storage and Security

4.1 Local Data Storage

Your personal preferences and settings are stored locally on your device. This includes:

• Device priority lists
• Bluetooth device information and preferences
• App settings and configurations

4.2 Firebase Data Storage

Analytics and performance data collected by Firebase is stored on Google's secure servers. This data is:

• Encrypted in transit and at rest
• Retained according to Firebase's data retention policies
• Processed in accordance with Google's security standards
• Anonymized or pseudonymized where possible

4.3 Security Measures

We implement appropriate technical and organizational security measures to protect your information against unauthorized access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction.

5. Data Sharing and Disclosure

5.1 Third-Party Service Providers

We share certain data with the following service providers to operate and improve the App:

• Google Firebase: For crash reporting, performance monitoring, and analytics

These service providers are bound by their own privacy policies and are prohibited from using your data for any purpose other than providing services to us.

5.2 Other Disclosures

We do not sell, trade, or rent your personal information to third parties. We may disclose your information only in the following situations:

• To comply with applicable laws, regulations, or legal processes
• To protect the rights, property, or safety of EarBuddy, our users, or others
• With your explicit consent

6. Your Rights

6.1 Under GDPR (for European Users)

If you are a resident of the European Economic Area, you have the following rights:

• Right to access your personal data
• Right to rectification of inaccurate data
• Right to erasure ("right to be forgotten")
• Right to restrict processing
• Right to data portability
• Right to object to processing

6.2 Under CCPA (for California Residents)

If you are a California resident, you have the right to:

• Know what personal information is collected, used, shared, or sold
• Delete your personal information
• Opt-out of the sale of personal information (Note: We do not sell personal information)
• Non-discrimination for exercising your privacy rights

6.3 Opting Out of Analytics

You can opt-out of Firebase Analytics data collection by disabling analytics collection in the App's settings. This will prevent the collection of usage analytics while still allowing crash reporting for app stability.

7. Children's Privacy

Our App is not intended for children under 13 years of age. 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.

8. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update our Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of any changes by updating the "Last Updated" date at the top of this Privacy Policy. You are advised to review this Privacy Policy periodically for any changes.

9. Contact Us

If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy or our privacy practices, please contact us at:

10. Legal Basis for Processing (GDPR)

For users in the European Economic Area, we process personal data based on the following legal grounds:

• Contract Performance: To provide the App's services you requested
• Legitimate Interests: To improve our App and provide customer support
• Legal Compliance: To comply with applicable laws and regulations
• Consent: Where you have given us explicit consent to process your data