At a Glance
Core Functionality
Precise and approximate location sharing within approved family groups. No advertising or profiling.
Data Safety
All network requests use HTTPS/TLS. Firebase data is encrypted at rest. Devices store only the minimum information required for the app to work.
User Controls
Pause or resume sharing, clear histories, leave a family group, revoke permissions, or contact support for data deletion.
Sharing
No selling of personal data. Location is visible only to authorized family members and trusted infrastructure providers (Firebase, Google Maps).
Scope
This policy applies to the Family Finder Android app (package name com.home22.famliyfinder) and the services we operate for it, including Firebase Cloud Firestore, Firebase Cloud Messaging, and Google Maps SDK. It does not cover third-party websites or apps you access separately.
Data We Collect
We only collect the data needed to deliver the service and keep it reliable. The table below outlines each category, purpose, storage approach, and user controls.
| Category | Fields | Purpose | Storage & Retention | User Controls |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Location Data | GPS/network latitude & longitude, altitude, speed, heading, accuracy, timestamp, source channel (foreground, background, WorkManager, Firebase), family group ID. | Enable real-time sharing, respond to location requests, generate history, and improve reliability alerts. | Stored in Firebase Cloud Firestore collections (family_groups, location_requests, location_responses) for up to 30 days with automatic cleanup jobs; device SharedPreferences retain the last 24 hours by default (configurable 1–365 days) and up to 30 days of history; all transmission is over HTTPS/TLS. |
Pause sharing from the home screen; toggle foreground/background sharing in Settings; clear history per contact or globally; leaving the group or uninstalling stops uploads. |
| Family Group & Members | Group ID, join code, hashed device identifier (android_brand_model_hash format), device nickname, user nickname, Firebase device token, join time, status. |
Authorize members, route notifications, maintain group security, and synchronize presence. | Firebase Cloud Firestore (family_groups/<groupId>/members). Removed immediately when a device leaves the group or is manually deleted; inactive records are cleared by maintenance tasks. |
Manage members or leave the group in-app; reinstalling the app generates a new device ID. |
| Family Contacts | Contact name and phone number entered by you, internal contact ID. | Quick selection for location requests and for number matching. | Stored only in device SharedPreferences. Optional export to a user-selected JSON file; never uploaded. | Add, edit, delete, or clear contacts from the in-app manager; remove exported files manually. |
| Device & App Info | Hashed device fingerprint (brand + model), OS version, language/region, app version, notification status, WorkManager counters. | Ensure compatibility, create stable device IDs, provide localized UX, keep background tasks reliable, and prevent abuse. | Cached in SharedPreferences; key fields (device ID, locale, notification token) sync to Firebase for routing. Deletion occurs when the device ID is reset, the group is left, or the app uninstalled. No advertising ID is used. | View or reset device ID, edit nicknames, and adjust notification settings via the privacy & permissions center. |
| Operations & Support | Crash stacks, error logs, diagnostic events (without precise location), and support messages you submit. | Troubleshoot issues, respond to support requests, and improve stability. | Firebase Crashlytics/Analytics are disabled by default (guarded in manifest). Support materials kept only while assisting you, then deleted within 90 days. | Sharing diagnostic logs is optional; you may request deletion of support tickets at any time. |
Note: We do not collect government IDs, financial data, or your device contact list/media library.
How We Use Data
- Deliver core features: real-time sharing, history, group management, notifications, multi-language UI.
- Improve reliability: adjust service mode (foreground service, WorkManager, Firebase) based on task telemetry and device info.
- Security and abuse prevention: detect abnormal request rates, invalid tokens, or suspected fraud and take action.
- Customer support: analyze logs with your consent to reproduce issues and provide help.
- Legal compliance: fulfill lawful obligations or respond to valid legal requests while minimizing disclosure.
We do not sell personal data, perform ad targeting, or merge your information with third-party marketing databases.
Permissions
| Permission | Purpose | Optionality & Controls |
|---|---|---|
| ACCESS_FINE_LOCATION, ACCESS_COARSE_LOCATION, ACCESS_BACKGROUND_LOCATION | Obtain precise/approximate location for sharing, history, and heartbeat updates. | Foreground location is core. Background location is requested via a dedicated rationale screen; you may choose "While in use" or switch off background sharing later. |
| FOREGROUND_SERVICE, FOREGROUND_SERVICE_LOCATION | Run a persistent notification while continuous tracking is active. | Required for reliable background updates. The notification always includes a stop action. |
| POST_NOTIFICATIONS (Android 13+) | Show foreground-service status and location request prompts. | You may decline notifications; the app continues to function but without alerts. Manageable in system settings. |
| RECEIVE_BOOT_COMPLETED, WAKE_LOCK, REQUEST_IGNORE_BATTERY_OPTIMIZATIONS | Resume sharing after reboot if requested, briefly wake the device for scheduled pushes, guide you through battery optimization exceptions. | They do not access personal data. Options are off by default and require your action to enable. |
| INTERNET, ACCESS_NETWORK_STATE | Sync with Firebase and adapt behavior to connectivity state. | Essential network permissions; not used for tracking. |
Your Choices & Rights
- Access & copies: Review recent locations inside the app. Contact support to request an export of server-side records; we respond within 30 days.
- Correction: Edit nicknames, device names, and contacts in-app. Ask support to correct any server data.
- Deletion: Clear local history, leave a group, uninstall the app, or request full deletion via support.
- Permission management: Use system settings or the in-app privacy center to revoke granted permissions.
- Portability: Export contacts as JSON. Contact support for additional exports.
We honor requests under applicable privacy laws (e.g., GDPR, CCPA, PIPL). Identity verification may be required.
Storage & Retention
- Firebase (
location_requests,location_responses) entries are removed within 30 days; group membership docs are deleted when you leave or after 30 days of inactivity. - Local "received locations" default to 24-hour retention (configurable 1–365 days). Location history is capped at 30 days. Contacts and preferences persist until you delete them or uninstall.
- Diagnostic logs and support materials are removed within 90 days after resolution unless law allows or requires longer retention.
- When data is no longer necessary or you withdraw consent, we delete or anonymize it.
Security
- All communication between the app and services uses HTTPS/TLS; Firebase encrypts data at rest.
- Device IDs are derived from brand/model hashes; IMEI, SIM, and advertising IDs are not collected.
- APIs enforce rate limits, validation, and tiered logging to prevent abuse.
- Only authorized team members have access, following least-privilege principles with audit trails.
- We routinely review permissions, dependencies, and third-party SDKs for privacy impact.
No online service can guarantee absolute security. We will notify you of security incidents as required by law.
International Transfers
Firebase operates on multi-region infrastructure (primarily the United States and European Union). Using the app means you consent to data transfers outside your country. We rely on Google’s data processing terms and Standard Contractual Clauses to protect such transfers.
Children
Family Finder helps families coordinate but is not directed to children under 13. Account creators should be adult guardians and obtain consent before inviting minors. If we learn that we collected data from a child without guardian approval, we will delete it promptly.
Policy Updates
We will update this policy when features or laws change. Major updates appear as in-app notices or changelog entries. Continued use of the app after the effective date constitutes acceptance.
Data Deletion Request
How to request deletion of your data:
- Send an email to: famliyfinder.home22@gmail.com
- Email subject: Family Finder - Data Deletion Request
- Email content must include:
- Your family group ID
- Specific data types you want deleted
- Confirmation of deletion request
Data Types That Will Be Deleted
- Location history records
- Family member contact information
- Device identifiers and push tokens
- App settings and preferences
Processing Time
We will process your deletion request within 7 days of receipt. Once deleted, your data cannot be recovered.
Contact Us
If you have privacy questions, complaints, or requests, reach us at:
- Email: famliyfinder.home22@gmail.com
- Support Team: Family Finder Development Team
Please include your name, contact details, request type, and relevant family group information so we can verify your identity and respond promptly.