Privacy Policy

This privacy policy applies to both - app and web app

This page describes the collection, use and disclosure of your personal information by CodeKaaru [us/we/our] and third-party services used in the app. By choosing to use our app, you agree to the collection and use of information in relation to this policy.

Information collection and use

• Data collected by us [Hush-Hush: Secret Santa] which is required for the product functionality

  We use Firebase Database solution to store data collected by us. This database server is located in the US.

  • Anonymous user id

    Users of Hush-Hush: Secret Santa (web and app) are not required to create any accounts. However to map user data such as wishlist and groups to users, each user is assigned a random anonymous identifier which are known as anonymous accounts. If the user uninstalls or clears all the app data of the app from mobile settings, a new anonymous identifier is assigned to the user when they install or use the app again and the data that the user previously entered in the app can no longer be traced to that user. Thus these accounts are anonymous.

    We use Firebase Authentication Service which provides a server to create and maintain such accounts. Periodically, we initiate an automatic deletion of accounts from the server if the user is inactive for more than a month and isn't present in any of the groups. After initiating deletion, the data is removed from Firebase's live and backup systems within 180 days. We detect and collect online/offline status of these accounts to aid us in determining inactive status of users.

  • Groups

    Groups created in the app have details such as group name, celebration date, budget, these are stored in our database. Along with this, any participant data (name and wishlist) which is added in the group by web user or app user gets stored in our database. Here, name is stored in plain text and wishlist is stored in encrypted format (not end-to-end encrypted) in our database. Wishlist has fields such as wishes and notes. Users are responsible for any data they share in these fields as these are generic fields.

    This data is subject to deletion anytime after 365 days from the date of creation of the data. Since this is a free app, to maximize server space, this deletion process is performed at our end. In other words, this data may not be permanently stored in our database. Additionally, users who have created groups (group admins) can choose to delete individual participant data or the whole group.

  • Wishlists and Giftees in app

    The app has three tabs out of which two are wishlists and giftees. Data present in these two tabs are stored in the user's device and are not sent to us. The wishlists created in the wishlist tab are stored in the user's device only. The giftees list is populated by extracting giftee information from groups (from our server), these giftees then are stored in the user's device. Users can delete wishlists and giftees anytime.

• Data collected by third-party services

  We use few third-party services listed below that may collect certain information. The type of information collected by these third-party services, their practices and instructions on how to opt-out of certain options is given below.

  Our privacy policy does not apply to third-party services used by us. Thus, we advise you to consult the respective Privacy Policies of these third-party services for more detailed information.

  • Firebase Analytics

    We use analytics services offered by Google LLC to collect app usage data such as region location, device name, Android system version, app settings, user preferences, and other statistics to help improve your user experience.

    You can find more information on data usage by Google LLC here: Safeguarding your data - Analytics

  • Firebase Crashlytics

    We use crash reporting services offered by Google LLC. Crashlytics helps collecting, analyzing and organizing app crash reports. In a case of an app crash, Crashlytics transmits certain technical information to us. This data may include information such as your device model, operating system version, the configuration of the app when utilizing the application, the time and date of the crash, and other statistics. This data is used by us to identify issues in our app and remedy them thereby providing you a more stable app.

  • Google AdMob

    AdMob is a mobile advertising company which is a subsidiary of Google LLC. We use advertisements to support our app.

    Google may use the advertising ID from the device on which the ad is serving to generate interests and demographics (for example, 'sports enthusiasts'). Interests, demographics, and other data may be used to serve better personalized ads.

    Additional details can be found here: How Google uses information

    To complement personalized advertising, Ads Settings lets users view and edit their interests and demographics. Some users may choose to opt out of personalized ads. These settings can be found here: Ad Settings

Cookies

Cookies are files with a small amount of data that are commonly used as anonymous unique identifiers. These are sent to your browser from the websites that you visit and are stored on your device’s internal memory. This Service does not use these “cookies” explicitly. However, the app may use third party code and libraries that use “cookies” to collect information and improve their services. You have the option to either accept or refuse these cookies and know when a cookie is being sent to your device. If you choose to refuse our cookies, you may not be able to use some portions of this Service.

Links to Other Sites

Our app's "App info" section contains links to other sites as part of giving attribution to them. Additionally, the wishlists created by users can contain links or any other data which is not under our control. If you click on a third-party link, you will be directed to that site. Note that these third-party sites are not operated by us. We have no control over and assume no responsibility for the content, privacy policies, or practices of any third-party services or user data.

Children’s privacy

Our service does not address anyone under the age of 13. Minors may only download and use the app when accompanied by an adult.

Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update our privacy policy from time to time. If significant changes have been made, we will inform you via the app or as a part of the app update log so that you can review the changes.

Contact Us

For any queries regarding our privacy policy, you can contact us at codekaaru@gmail.com.