Privacy Policy - Pocket Panchang

1. Introduction

Welcome to Pocket Panchang ("we," "our," or "us"). This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you use our Vedic astrology companion application and website (collectively, the "Service").

2. Information We Collect

2.1 Location Data (Optional)

We may request access to your device's location to provide:

• Accurate local sunrise and sunset times
• Precise regional Panchang calculations
• Time zone-specific planetary hours (Hora)
• Location-based festival and observance dates

Note: Location access is entirely optional. You can use the app by manually entering your city or coordinates.

2.2 Analytics Data (TelemetryDeck)

We use TelemetryDeck to collect anonymous usage analytics including:

• App crashes and performance metrics
• Feature usage statistics
• Device type and operating system version
• App version and session duration

TelemetryDeck is designed with privacy in mind and does not track individual users or create user profiles.

2.3 Advertising Data (Google AdMob)

We display advertisements through Google AdMob, which may collect:

• Device identifiers for ad serving
• General location (country/region level)
• Ad interaction data
• Device and network information

You can opt out of personalized advertising through your device's ad settings.

2.4 Technical Data (Appwrite Backend)

Our Appwrite backend may automatically collect:

• IP addresses (for rate limiting and security)
• Request timestamps and response codes
• Error logs and crash reports

3. How We Use Your Information

3.1 Core Service Delivery

• Calculate accurate Vedic calendar information
• Provide precise timing for spiritual practices
• Display relevant regional festivals and observances
• Generate personalized Panchang data based on location

3.2 Service Improvement

• Analyze app performance and fix technical issues
• Understand which features are most useful to users
• Improve calculation accuracy and app stability
• Plan new features based on usage patterns

3.3 Advertising

• Display relevant advertisements to support the free app
• Measure ad performance and effectiveness

4. Information Sharing and Disclosure

We do not sell or share personal information since we don't collect personal profiles. However, data may be shared with:

4.1 Third-Party Service Providers

• Appwrite: Backend hosting and data processing
• TelemetryDeck: Privacy-focused analytics processing
• Google AdMob: Advertisement serving and measurement

4.2 Legal Requirements

We may disclose information if required by law or to:

• Comply with legal processes or government requests
• Protect our rights and prevent fraud or abuse
• Ensure user safety and security

5. Third-Party Privacy Policies

5.1 Google AdMob

Our app displays ads through Google AdMob. Please review Google's privacy policy at https://policies.google.com/privacy

5.2 TelemetryDeck

We use TelemetryDeck for privacy-focused analytics. Review their privacy policy at https://telemetrydeck.com/privacy

5.3 Appwrite

Our backend infrastructure is powered by Appwrite. Review their privacy policy at https://appwrite.io/privacy

6. Data Security

We implement security measures to protect your information:

• Secure HTTPS connections for all data transmission
• Limited data collection and anonymous analytics
• Regular security updates and monitoring
• No storage of personal identifying information

7. Data Retention

Since we don't maintain user accounts:

• Location data is used only for immediate calculations and not stored
• Analytics data is anonymized and aggregated
• Technical logs are retained for security and debugging purposes
• Ad-related data is managed by Google AdMob per their policies

8. Your Privacy Rights

8.1 Location Control

• Disable location services through device settings
• Manually enter your city instead of using GPS
• Use the app without any location data

8.2 Advertising Control

• Since we don't use IDFA or personal advertising identifiers, ads are not personalized
• Ads are served based on general app content and basic device information
• You can use ad-blocking software (where permitted)
• Contact us if you have concerns about advertising practices

8.3 Analytics

• TelemetryDeck data is anonymous by design
• Contact us if you have concerns about analytics collection

9. Children's Privacy

Our Service is not directed to children under 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. Since we don't maintain user accounts, we cannot identify the age of our users.

10. Updates to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy periodically. Changes will be posted on our website and within the app. Continued use of the Service after changes indicates acceptance of the updated policy.

12. Consent

By using our Service, you consent to the collection and use of information as described in this Privacy Policy. Since our app doesn't require accounts or track users individually, your privacy is protected by design.