Privacy Policy for Steps4Dogs App

Effective date: May 22, 2025

1. Introduction

• 1.1. We respect your privacy and are committed to protecting your personal data.
• 1.2. This Privacy Policy explains what information we collect, why we collect it, and how it is used in the Steps4Dogs mobile app.

2. What data do we collect and why?

• 2.1. Email address – used for account creation, login, and technical communication.
• 2.2. Password – required for email-based registration. Stored securely and encrypted using Firebase Authentication.
• 2.3. Activity data – such as number of steps, distance, walk duration, and GPS location (only collected during active walks). This data is used to generate statistics and rankings.
• 2.4. Dog profile – includes name, breed, gender, age, and avatar image. Uploaded avatars are publicly visible in the app (e.g., TOP 10 rankings).
• 2.5. Firebase Analytics – we may collect anonymized usage statistics to help improve the app experience and stability.

3. Visibility of user data

• 3.1. Dog name and avatar may be visible to others in public rankings.
• 3.2. Uploading inappropriate content (e.g. nudity, hate speech, offensive language) is strictly prohibited.
• 3.3. Accounts violating these rules may be blocked or deleted without warning.

4. Data storage

• 4.1. All data is securely stored using Firebase (Google), which meets high data protection standards.
• 4.2. We do not sell or share your personal data with third parties. Data access is limited to systems necessary to run the app.

5. Subscriptions and payments

• 5.1. Steps4Dogs uses a subscription model – monthly or yearly.
• 5.2. A 7-day free trial is available after registration.
• 5.3. Payments are handled exclusively by Google Play and Apple App Store. We do not have access to your payment details.

6. Your rights (GDPR)

• 6.1. You have the right to:
  – access your data,
  – correct your data,
  – delete your data ("right to be forgotten"),
  – restrict processing,
  – transfer your data.
• 6.2. To exercise these rights, please contact us at: [load email support]

7. Account deletion

• 7.1. You can delete your account directly within the app.
• 7.2. All associated data will be permanently deleted after account removal.

8. Contact

• 8.1. For questions about privacy or personal data:
  Email: [load email support]
  Website: https://steps4dogs.com

9. Changes to this Privacy Policy

• 9.1. This policy may be updated. All changes will be published in the app and on our website.

10. Acceptance

• 10.1. By using the Steps4Dogs app, you confirm that you have read, understood, and accepted this Privacy Policy.