Privacy Policy for BuyVault

Information We Collect

BuyVault collects minimal data to provide its core functionality and improve app performance through analytics.

1. Purchase Data

• All purchase records, item names, prices, shop names, and notes are stored locally on your device.
• This data is never sent to our servers or shared with third parties.
• You have full control over your data at all times.

2. Photos & Media

• Photos of receipts and products are stored locally on your device.
• Camera access is used only when you choose to take a photo within the app.
• Gallery access allows you to select existing photos for attachments.

3. Location Data (Optional)

• Location tagging is an optional premium feature.
• Location data is stored locally on your device with each purchase entry.
• We do not track your location in the background or share it with anyone.

4. Usage & Device Data (Analytics)

• We use Google Analytics for Firebase to understand how users interact with our app.
• Device Information: We collect device model, OS version, and anonymous device identifiers for usage statistics.
• App Activity: We track which screens are viewed and how features are used (e.g., adding an item).
• No Personal Content: We never collect or view your purchase details, photos, or personal notes.

5. Newsletter Subscription (Optional)

• If you voluntarily subscribe to our newsletter, we collect your email address.
• This is used solely to send you updates, tips, and feature announcements about the app.
• You can unsubscribe at any time. We do not sell your email to third parties.

Third-Party Service Providers

We use the following third-party services which may collect information used to identify your device:

• Google Analytics for Firebase: To analyze app usage and user engagement.
• Google Sign-In: For optional Google Drive backup authentication.
• Google Drive API: For optional cloud backup functionality (premium).

Permissions We Use and Why

• CAMERA: To capture photos of receipts and products.
• READ_EXTERNAL_STORAGE / WRITE_EXTERNAL_STORAGE: To save and access photos and backup files.
• ACCESS_FINE_LOCATION / ACCESS_COARSE_LOCATION: Optional, for location tagging feature (premium).
• INTERNET / ACCESS_NETWORK_STATE: Required for Google Drive backup and analytics.
• POST_NOTIFICATIONS: For future warranty reminders (coming soon).
• RECEIVE_BOOT_COMPLETED: To restore notification alarms after device restart.
• USE_BIOMETRIC: For optional app lock with fingerprint/face recognition.

We strictly use these permissions only for their intended purpose.

How We Use Your Data

• To store and organize your purchase records locally.
• To track warranty periods (automatic alerts coming soon).
• To backup your data to Google Drive (if you choose to enable this).
• To analyze app usage trends and improve user experience.
• To identify and fix technical issues (bugs and crashes).
• To send you newsletter updates (only if you explicitly opt-in).

We do NOT:

• View or access your purchase records, photos, or notes
• Sell any data to third parties
• Share personal information with advertisers
• Track your location without your permission

Data Storage & Security

• Local Storage: All your purchases, photos, and notes are stored on your device using secure local storage.
• No Backend Server: We do not operate servers that store your personal content.
• Cloud Backup (Optional): If you enable Google Drive backup, your data is encrypted and stored in your personal Google Drive account.
• Biometric Lock: You can protect app access with fingerprint or face recognition.
• Uninstalling the app permanently deletes all locally stored data.

Data Sharing

We do not sell your personal data. We share anonymous usage data with our analytics provider, Google (Firebase), to help us understand how the app is used and to improve stability. This data cannot be used to identify you personally.

If you enable Google Drive backup, your data is stored in your personal Google account, not on our servers.

Children's Privacy

BuyVault does not knowingly collect personal data from children under 13. The app is designed for general audiences and is safe for users of all ages. We do not require account creation or collect identifiable information.

Data Retention

Your purchase data remains on your device as long as the app is installed. Uninstalling the app permanently deletes all stored data from the device. If you use Google Drive backup, that data remains in your Google account until you delete it.

Your Rights

• Access: All your data is stored locally and accessible within the app.
• Delete: You can delete individual items or all data from within the app.
• Export: You can export your data as a ZIP backup file at any time.
• Opt-out: Analytics data is anonymized, but you can limit device tracking through your device settings.

Policy Updates

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Changes will be published within the Play Store listing or reflected in app updates. Continued use of the app after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.