1. Information We Collect

We collect only the information necessary to operate and improve the app.

Account Information:
- Email address (if you create an account)
- Username (Human username)
- Profile information you choose to provide
- Account identifier (Firebase Authentication ID)

User-Generated Content:
- Tales you post
- Rescue stories you submit
- Images you upload
- Trivia participation history
- Rescue listing claim submissions and related information

Usage Data:
- General app usage patterns
- Feature interactions
- Timestamps of activity

Analytics are tied to an anonymous app instance and are not linked to your user account.

Device Information:
- Device type
- Operating system
- App version

Location Data:
We only access location data if you grant permission. Location is used solely to show nearby content and improve local search results. You may disable location permissions at any time in your device settings.

2. How We Use Your Information

We use your information to:
- Provide and maintain the app
- Enable account functionality
- Display and manage Tales and rescue stories
- Allow users to claim and manage rescue listings (premium feature)
- Improve features and performance
- Monitor app stability and usage trends
- Respond to user inquiries

We do not use your information for cross-app behavioral advertising.

3. Analytics

We use standard analytics tools to understand general app usage and improve functionality.

- Analytics are tied to an anonymous app instance.
- Analytics are not linked to your email, username, or account ID.
- We do not perform device fingerprinting.
- We do not track users across other apps or websites.

Analytics data is used strictly for internal improvement and performance monitoring.

4. Advertising

The app does not currently engage in cross-app behavioral advertising.

If third-party advertising is introduced in the future:
- Ads will be contextual, not behaviorally targeted.
- Ads will not be based on your off-app activity.
- No personal data will be sold.
- No cross-app tracking will occur without proper consent.
- AppTrackingTransparency permission will be requested if ever required.

5. Sharing Your Information

We do not sell your personal information.

We may share limited data with service providers (such as Firebase) solely to operate the app. These providers are contractually obligated to keep information confidential and use it only to provide services on our behalf.

We do not share data for third-party marketing purposes.

6. Data Security

We use industry-standard security measures to protect your information, including secure authentication and encrypted data storage. However, no system can guarantee 100% security.

7. Children’s Privacy

The app is not directed to children under 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If we learn that we have collected such information, we will delete it promptly.

8. Your Choices and Account Deletion

You have control over your data within the app.

You may:
- Update your account information inside the app.
- Revoke location permissions in your device settings.
- Manage your subscription through Apple’s App Store settings.
- Delete your data directly within the app.

In-App Data Deletion:

Delete Shelter Stories:
Allows you to delete previously submitted rescue stories and associated uploaded images. Related records and images are permanently removed or anonymized where applicable.

Delete My Information (Full Account Deletion):
Permanently deletes your account and all associated personal data, including:
- Authentication account
- Profile data
- Username records
- Trivia history
- Submitted Tales
- Rescue listing claims
- Uploaded images stored in cloud storage

Deletion is immediate, irreversible, and does not require contacting customer service. After deletion, no personally identifiable information remains in our systems.

9. Data Retention

We retain personal information only as long as your account remains active or as needed to provide services. Upon account deletion, all associated personal data is permanently removed.

10. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. If we make material changes, we will post the updated policy within the app. Continued use of the app after updates constitutes acceptance of the revised policy.

11. Contact Us

If you have questions about this Privacy Policy, please contact us at support@titothetripod.com.