PRIVACY POLICY

Last Updated: August 2025

Infovotecast ("we," "us," or "our") is committed to protecting your privacy worldwide. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you use our mobile application operated by Infovotecast.

1. INFORMATION WE COLLECT

1.1 Personal Information You Provide:

• Phone number (for SMS verification)
• Email address (if provided through Apple ID, optional)
• Username
• Profile picture (optional)
• Posts and content you share
• Follow relationships and categories you create

1.2 Information Collected Automatically:

• Device information (model, operating system, version)
• App usage analytics (through Firebase Analytics)
• Crash reports and error logs (through Firebase Crashlytics)
• IP address and general location information
• App interaction data and usage patterns

1.3 Information from Third Parties:

• Apple ID information
• Firebase Authentication data

2. HOW WE USE YOUR INFORMATION

We use the collected information to:

• Provide and maintain our services
• Authenticate your account through SMS verification
• Enable social features (following, posts, categories)
• Improve app performance and fix bugs
• Analyze usage patterns to enhance user experience
• Send service-related notifications (when push notifications are implemented)
• Comply with legal obligations
• Detect and prevent fraud or abuse

3. LEGAL BASIS FOR PROCESSING

We process your personal data based on:

• Contract Performance: Providing app services you've requested
• Legitimate Interests: App improvement, security, and fraud prevention
• Consent: Where explicitly requested (e.g., marketing communications)
• Legal Compliance: Meeting regulatory requirements

4. DATA STORAGE AND SECURITY

4.1 Storage Location:

• Your data is stored on Firebase servers located in Europe (eur3 region)
• SMS verification is handled through Firebase Authentication
• User content is stored in Firebase Firestore database

4.2 Security Measures:

• Industry-standard encryption in transit and at rest
• Firebase security protocols and access controls
• Regular security monitoring and updates
• Access controls and authentication measures

4.3 Data Retention:

• Account data: Retained while your account is active
• Authentication data: Retained for account security purposes
• Analytics data: Retained according to Firebase Analytics policies (up to 26 months)
• All personal data is permanently deleted when you delete your account

5. DATA SHARING AND DISCLOSURE

5.1 We may share your information with:

• Firebase/Google: Our service provider for authentication, database, and analytics
• Third-party SMS providers: Through Firebase for verification
• Future advertising partners: When advertising features are implemented (with consent)
• Legal authorities: When required by law or to protect rights and safety

5.2 We do NOT sell your personal information to third parties.

5.3 International Transfers:

• Data may be transferred to countries outside your residence
• We ensure appropriate safeguards through Firebase's global infrastructure
• EU residents: Transfers comply with GDPR adequacy decisions and standard contractual clauses

6. YOUR PRIVACY RIGHTS

Depending on your location, you may have the following rights:

6.1 All Users:

• Access to your personal data
• Correction of inaccurate data
• Account deletion and data removal
• Portability of your data

6.2 EU/EEA Residents (GDPR):

• Right to be forgotten (erasure)
• Right to restrict processing
• Right to object to processing
• Right to withdraw consent
• Right to lodge complaints with supervisory authorities

6.3 California Residents (CCPA):

• Right to know what personal information is collected
• Right to delete personal information
• Right to opt-out of sale (we don't sell data)
• Right to non-discrimination

6.4 UK Residents:

Rights similar to GDPR under UK data protection laws

To exercise these rights, contact us at: aykut.oner@infovotecast.com

7. PERMISSIONS AND ACCESS

7.1 Camera/Photo Library:

• Used solely for profile picture uploads
• Photos are only accessed when you explicitly choose to upload
• We do not scan or analyze your photo library

7.2 Phone Number:

• Used exclusively for SMS authentication via Firebase
• Stored securely for account verification purposes
• Not shared with third parties except Firebase

7.3 Future Permissions (when implemented):

• Push notifications: Service-related updates (with your consent)
• Advertising ID: Personalized advertising (with your explicit consent)

8. CHILDREN'S PRIVACY

• Our app is not directed to children under 13 (or 16 in the EU).
• We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under these ages.
• If we discover such collection, we will delete the information promptly.
• Parents/guardians can contact us to review, delete, or refuse further collection of their child's information.

9. ANALYTICS AND TRACKING

9.1 Firebase Analytics:

• Collects anonymized usage data for app improvement
• Tracks performance metrics and user engagement
• You can opt-out through your device settings

9.2 Firebase Crashlytics:

• Automatically collects crash reports for debugging
• Data is anonymized and used solely for technical improvements
• Essential for maintaining app stability

10. ADVERTISING (Future Implementation)

• Personalized ads will require explicit consent
• You can opt-out of targeted advertising
• Third-party advertising partners will have their own privacy policies
• Advertising ID collection will be clearly disclosed

11. COOKIES AND SIMILAR TECHNOLOGIES

While our mobile app doesn't use traditional cookies, we use similar technologies:

• Local storage for app preferences
• Analytics identifiers for usage tracking
• Authentication tokens for account security

12. DATA BREACH NOTIFICATION

• In case of a data breach: We will assess the risk and notify authorities as required by applicable laws
• Affected users will be informed without undue delay
• We will take immediate steps to contain and remedy the breach

13. INTERNATIONAL COMPLIANCE

• GDPR (European Union)
• CCPA (California, USA)
• PIPEDA (Canada)
• Privacy Act (Australia)
• LGPD (Brazil)
• And other applicable regional privacy regulations

14. CHANGES TO THIS PRIVACY POLICY

• We will update the "Last Updated" date for material changes
• We will notify users through the app or email (where possible)
• For significant changes, we may seek renewed consent

15. CONTACT INFORMATION

Data Controller: Infovotecast

General Inquiries: aykut.oner@infovotecast.com

Privacy Requests: aykut.oner@infovotecast.com

Reports: report@infovotecast.com

16. GOVERNING LAW AND JURISDICTION

This Privacy Policy is governed by the laws of Turkey. However, your local privacy rights will be respected regardless of governing law.

By using Infovotecast, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to this Privacy Policy.