Privacy Policy for Find Again

1. INTRODUCTION

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

By using Find Again, you agree to the collection and use of information in accordance with this Privacy Policy.

2. INFORMATION WE COLLECT

2.1 Account Information

• Email address - Required for account creation and authentication
• Password - Encrypted and securely stored (we cannot see your password)

2.2 Content You Post

• Photos - Images of lost or found items that you upload
• Item descriptions - Text descriptions of items
• Location information - Location coordinates when you tag where an item was found
• Item categories - Categories you assign to items

2.3 Device Information

• Location data - Only collected when you explicitly grant permission and choose to tag a location
• Device information - Operating system and device type (for app functionality)

2.4 Automatically Collected Information

• Usage data and app interactions
• Crash reports and error logs (for app improvement)

3. HOW WE USE YOUR INFORMATION

We use the information we collect for the following purposes:

• To create and manage your user account
• To display items you post on the platform
• To help connect lost items with their owners
• To provide location-based features (showing items near you)
• To improve our app and user experience
• To communicate with you about your account (if necessary)
• To ensure app security and prevent fraud

4. PERMISSIONS AND THEIR USE

4.1 Camera Permission

Why we need it: To allow you to take photos of lost or found items directly within the app.

How we use it: Photos are only taken when you explicitly choose to use the camera feature. Photos are stored securely and only used within the app for listing items. You can also choose to upload photos from your gallery instead of using the camera.

4.2 Location Permission

Why we need it: To help you tag where items were found and to show you items near your location.

How we use it: Location is completely optional. We only access your location when you:

• Explicitly grant permission
• Choose to tag an item's location
• Request to see items near you

Location data is stored securely and only used to provide location-based features within the app.

4.3 Photo Library Permission

Why we need it: To allow you to select and upload photos from your device's photo library.

How we use it: Only accessed when you choose to upload a photo from your gallery. We only access photos you specifically select.

5. DATA STORAGE AND SECURITY

Your data is stored securely using Firebase (Google Cloud Platform):

• Photos are stored in Firebase Storage with encryption
• Account and item data are stored in Firebase Firestore
• All data transmission is encrypted using HTTPS
• We use industry-standard security measures to protect your information
• Authentication is handled securely through Firebase Authentication

While we strive to protect your personal information, no method of transmission over the Internet or electronic storage is 100% secure. We cannot guarantee absolute security, but we implement best practices to protect your data.

6. THIRD-PARTY SERVICES

We use the following third-party services:

6.1 Firebase (Google)

• Firebase Authentication - For user account management
• Firestore - For storing app data
• Firebase Storage - For storing photos
• Your use of Firebase services is subject to Google's Privacy Policy

6.2 Google Maps

• Google Maps Platform - For displaying maps and location features
• Subject to Google's Privacy Policy

7. DATA RETENTION

• Account information - Retained while your account is active
• Item listings - Automatically deleted after 30 days
• Photos - Deleted when items expire or you delete your account
• You can delete your account at any time, which will remove all your associated data

8. YOUR RIGHTS

You have the right to:

• Access your personal data
• Delete your account and associated data
• Correct inaccurate information
• Withdraw consent for data processing (by deleting your account)
• Opt-out of location tracking (by not granting location permission)

To exercise these rights, you can delete your account directly within the app, or contact us using the information provided below.

9. 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 so we can delete such information.

10. CHANGES TO THIS PRIVACY POLICY

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of any material changes by:

• Posting the new Privacy Policy in the app
• Updating the "Last updated" date at the top of this page

We encourage you to review this Privacy Policy periodically for any changes. Your continued use of the app after changes are posted constitutes acceptance of those changes.

11. CONTACT US

By using Find Again, you acknowledge that you have read and understood this Privacy Policy.