Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

This Privacy Policy explains how our Lost and Found mobile application ("App", "we", "us", "our", or "Service") collects, uses, discloses, and safeguards your information when you use our mobile application.

We are committed to protecting your privacy and ensuring you understand our practices regarding your personal data. Please read this Privacy Policy carefully. If you do not agree with our policies and practices, please do not use our App.

2. Information We Collect

2.1 Information You Provide Directly

User Account Information:

• Email address
• Full name
• Phone number
• User-generated profile information

Lost and Found Item Information:

• Item descriptions and names
• Item categories
• Location information (text descriptions of where items were found or lost)
• Date found or lost
• Item images/photographs
• Contact information for item claims
• Reward amounts and currency

Communication Data:

• Messages you send through the in-app messaging system
• Claim messages and dispute information

Images:

• Photographs of lost or found items that you upload to the App

2.2 Information Collected Automatically

Camera Permission:

• Our App requests camera access to allow you to photograph items
• We only access your camera when you explicitly choose to take a photo
• We do not access your camera in the background or without your interaction

Device Information:

• Device type and model
• Operating system version
• App version
• Unique device identifiers

Usage Information:

• Features you access and interactions with the App
• Search queries
• Items you view, claim, or report
• Time and date of your activities

Location Information:

• We do NOT collect precise GPS location data
• Location information is only collected when you manually enter text descriptions of locations
• We do NOT access your device's location services without your explicit consent

3. How We Use Your Information

We use the collected information for the following purposes:

• Service Provision: To provide and maintain the App's core functionality of connecting lost items with their owners
• User Authentication: To create and manage your account and verify your identity
• Item Matching: To help match lost items with potential owners through searches and claims
• Communication: To enable communication between users regarding item claims and recovery
• Customer Support: To respond to your inquiries and provide technical support
• Service Improvement: To understand how users interact with the App and improve features
• Security: To detect, prevent, and address fraud, abuse, and security issues
• Compliance: To comply with legal obligations and enforce our terms of service

4. How We Share Your Information

4.1 User-to-User Sharing

When you report a lost or found item, the following information is visible to other users:

• Item name, description, and category
• Location where the item was found/lost
• Date the item was found/lost
• Item photograph
• Contact information (if provided)

Users who claim items will see your contact information to facilitate item recovery.

4.2 Service Providers

We may share your information with third-party service providers who assist in operating our App and providing services to you, including:

• Cloud storage providers (for data hosting and backup)
• Authentication providers
• Analytics services
• Customer support platforms

These service providers are contractually obligated to use your information only as necessary to provide services to us and maintain confidentiality.

4.3 Legal Requirements

We may disclose your information if required by law or when we reasonably believe in good faith that disclosure is necessary to:

• Comply with applicable laws, regulations, or legal processes
• Enforce our Terms of Service and other agreements
• Protect the safety, rights, and property of our users or the public

4.4 No Sale of Data

We do not sell, trade, or rent your personal information to third parties. We do not share your personal information for marketing purposes.

5. Data Security

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

Security Measures Include:

• Encrypted transmission of data (HTTPS/TLS)
• Secure password authentication
• Role-based access controls
• Regular security assessments
• Secure data storage practices

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

6. Data Retention

We retain your personal information for as long as necessary to provide the App's services and fulfill the purposes outlined in this Privacy Policy.

Retention Timeline:

• User account information: Retained while your account is active, deleted 90 days after account closure
• Item listings: Retained for 12 months unless marked as resolved, then deleted 30 days later
• Communication records: Retained for 12 months
• Images: Retained for the duration of the item listing, then deleted
• Device information and usage logs: Retained for 30 days

You may request deletion of your data at any time, subject to legal retention requirements.

7. Your Privacy Rights

7.1 Access and Portability

You have the right to access your personal information and receive a copy of your data in a portable format.

7.2 Correction and Deletion

You can update or correct your personal information through your account settings. You may request deletion of your account and associated data at any time.

7.3 Opt-Out

You may opt out of non-essential communications by adjusting your notification preferences in the App settings.

7.4 Camera Permissions

You can revoke camera permission at any time through your device's settings. This will prevent the App from accessing your camera.

8. 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 we become aware that we have collected information from a child under 13, we will promptly delete such information and terminate the child's account.

For users between 13-18 years of age, we provide additional privacy protections and recommend parental supervision.

9. Third-Party Links

The App may contain links to third-party websites and services. This Privacy Policy does not apply to these external sites, and we are not responsible for their privacy practices. We encourage you to review the privacy policies of any third-party services before providing your information.

10. International Data Transfers

Your information may be transferred to, stored in, and processed in countries other than your country of residence, which may have different data protection laws. By using the App, you consent to the transfer of your information to countries outside your country of residence, which may provide a different level of data protection.

11. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices, technology, legal requirements, or other factors. We will notify you of any material changes by posting the new Privacy Policy in the App and updating the "Last Updated" date.

Your continued use of the App after any changes constitute your acceptance of the updated Privacy Policy.

12. Contact Us

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

13. Legal Basis for Processing

We process your information on the following legal bases:

• Consent: Where you have provided explicit consent for specific uses
• Contract Performance: To perform our obligations under the Terms of Service
• Legal Obligation: To comply with applicable laws and regulations
• Legitimate Interests: To improve our services and maintain security
• Vital Interests: To protect the safety and well-being of our users

14. Data Subject Rights (GDPR/Similar Regulations)

If you are in a jurisdiction with specific privacy regulations, you may have additional 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
• Right to lodge a complaint with a supervisory authority

To exercise any of these rights, please contact us using the information in Section 12.

15. California Privacy Rights (CCPA)

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

• Know what personal information is collected, used, shared, or sold
• Delete personal information collected from you
• Opt-out of the sale or sharing of your personal information
• Non-discrimination for exercising your rights

To submit a verifiable consumer request, please contact us using the information in Section 12.

16. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

Our App may use cookies, local storage, and similar tracking technologies to:

• Remember your preferences
• Understand App usage patterns
• Maintain your session
• Improve user experience

You can control cookie settings through your device settings, though this may affect App functionality.