Privacy Policy for Afriscout (Google Play Store Submission)

1. Introduction

Global Communities (“Afriscout”, “we”, “us”, or “our”) respects your privacy and is committed to protecting it through our compliance with this Privacy Policy (“Policy”). This Policy describes how we collect, use, maintain, protect, and disclose your information when you use the Afriscout mobile application (“App”).

2. Developer Information and Contact

Developer: Global Communities

Headquarters Address:
Global Communities
8601 Georgia Avenue Suite 300
Silver Spring MD 20910 USA
Ph: (301) 587-4700

San Diego Address:
Global Communities
5151 Murphy Canyon Rd, Suite 320
San Diego CA 92123 USA
Ph: (858) 279-9690

Contact Email: [Insert your privacy contact email here]

3. Types of Data Collected

• Personal Identifiable Information (PII): Name, phone number, and other identifiers you provide.
• Location Data: Precise and approximate location (via GPS, network, or device sensors) for app functionality.
• Device Information: Device model, OS version, and network state.
• Photos/Media/Files: Access to camera and storage for uploading images relevant to app features.
• App Usage Data: Analytics and crash reports (via Firebase Analytics and Crashlytics).
• Authentication Data: For login and account management (via Firebase Auth).
• Push Notification Tokens: For sending notifications (via Firebase Messaging).

4. How We Use Your Data

• To provide and improve app functionality and user experience.
• To enable core features such as location-based services, messaging, and reporting.
• For authentication and account management.
• To send notifications and updates.
• For analytics, troubleshooting, and app performance monitoring.
• To comply with legal obligations and protect against fraud or misuse.

5. Data Sharing and Third Parties

• Service Providers: Such as Google Firebase (Analytics, Messaging, Auth), Google Maps, and other cloud services strictly for app functionality.
• Legal or Regulatory Authorities: If required by law or to protect rights, property, or safety.
• No Sale of Data: We do not sell your personal or sensitive data to third parties.

6. Permissions and User Consent

• Location: To provide location-based features.
• Camera and Storage: To allow users to take and upload photos.
• Internet and Network State: For connectivity and data synchronization.
• Notifications: To send important updates.

You may revoke permissions at any time via your device settings. Some features may not function without certain permissions.

7. Data Security

• Data transmission over secure protocols (HTTPS).
• Access controls and authentication.
• Regular security reviews and updates.

8. Data Retention and Deletion

We retain your data only as long as necessary for the purposes described above or as required by law.

If you create an account, you may request deletion of your account and associated data via the app or by contacting us at the address above.

Upon account deletion, all associated data will be deleted unless retention is required for legal, security, or regulatory reasons.

9. Children's Privacy

Afriscout does not knowingly collect personal data from children under 13. If you believe a child has provided us with personal information, please contact us so we can take appropriate action.

10. International Data Transfers

Your data may be processed and stored in countries outside your own. We ensure appropriate safeguards are in place for such transfers.

11. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Policy from time to time. We will notify you of any material changes via the app or other appropriate means. Your continued use of the app after changes indicates your acceptance of the updated Policy.

12. Your Rights

Depending on your jurisdiction, you may have rights to access, correct, delete, or restrict the use of your personal data. Please contact us to exercise these rights.

13. Contact Us

For any questions or concerns about this Privacy Policy or your data, please contact us at:

Email: [Insert your privacy contact email here]

Mail: See addresses above

Last Modified: April 21, 2022

Engineering and Compliance Notes

• Permissions Used: INTERNET, WRITE_EXTERNAL_STORAGE, POST_NOTIFICATIONS, ACCESS_FINE_LOCATION, ACCESS_COARSE_LOCATION, CAMERA, ACCESS_NETWORK_STATE.
• Third-Party SDKs: Google Firebase (Analytics, Messaging, Auth), Google Maps, Picasso, Retrofit, OkHttp, Dagger Hilt, Room.
• Data Safety: All data is transmitted securely; no data is sold; data is only shared with service providers for app functionality.
• Account Deletion: If the app allows account creation, users must be able to request deletion both in-app and via a web resource.
• Children's Data: If the app targets children, ensure compliance with COPPA and Google Play Families Policy.