Bright Start Privacy Policy 🔒

1. Contact Information

Controller / Developer Name: Gaurav Thapa
Email: brightstartapp@outlook.com
Mailing Address: 6 Rock Farm Ave, Telopea NSW 2117, Australia

2. Information We Collect

We collect both Personal Information and Non-Personal Information to provide and improve our Service.

A. Information You Provide Directly

• Account Data: Email address, gender, age range, preferences, and responses to onboarding questions.
• User Inputs: Mood logs, behavioral responses, and journaling entries.
• Support Requests: If you contact us, we may collect your name, email, and the content of your message.

B. Information We Collect Automatically

• Device Information: Device model, OS version, language, time zone, region settings.
• Usage Data: Session duration, feature interactions, navigation flow, app open frequency.
• Analytics Data: Aggregated or anonymized analytics via privacy-friendly tools (e.g., Expo or Sentry) that do not include personally identifiable information.

C. Information from Third-Party APIs

• Apple Screen Time API: Used only with your explicit consent to access app usage data on your device. Data remains on-device unless explicitly required to be stored for premium analytics.
• Google Vision API: Images processed through this API are used solely to detect environmental brightness levels (sunlight scanning). We do not store any captured or scanned images.
• WeatherAPI.com: Uses approximate location data (city or suburb level only) to deliver local sunrise/sunset time. We do not store or track precise geolocation.
• Apple HealthKit (if enabled): We do not access HealthKit unless you grant permission. If enabled, we may log your screen time or sleep category for enhanced analytics. No HealthKit data is shared externally.

3. How We Use Your Information

We use your data to:

• Provide and improve core functionality of Bright Start
• Enforce screen time locks and initiate sunlight scanning
• Display personalized messages and habit nudges
• Generate screen time analytics and user insights
• Monitor app stability, performance, and user engagement
• Deliver push notifications (if enabled)
• Respond to support requests

We do not use your data for advertising or tracking across other apps or services.

4. Data Storage and Retention

• Most data is processed locally on-device, especially app locks and sunlight scans.
• If you opt-in to cloud syncing or premium insights, minimal non-sensitive data may be stored securely using industry-standard cloud infrastructure.
• We retain personal data only for as long as needed to provide the Service or as required by law. Afterward, it is anonymized or securely deleted.

5. Third-Party Services

We use third-party services solely to support app functionality. All third-party services are vetted for privacy compliance.

We do not sell, share, or monetize your data with advertisers or data brokers.

6. Permissions Requested

Upon installation or first use, Bright Start may request the following permissions:

• Camera Access – To analyze sunlight levels for habit triggers. We never store images.
• Notification Access – To deliver motivational messages and nudges.
• Screen Time Access (Apple only) – To track app usage with your consent.
• Approximate Location – For time-of-day adjustments and weather syncing. GPS is not used.

All permissions are optional but may impact certain features if denied.

7. Your Rights and Choices

Depending on your region, you may have the following rights:

• Access & Portability: You can request a copy of the data we hold about you.
• Correction: You can correct inaccuracies in your information.
• Deletion: You may request that we delete your data (unless required for legal reasons).
• Withdraw Consent: You can revoke any permissions at any time through your device settings.
• Object or Restrict Processing: As permitted under applicable law.

To exercise these rights, contact us at brightstartapp@outlook.com.

8. Children's Privacy

Bright Start is not directed to children under the age of 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from anyone under this age. If we become aware that a child under 13 has provided us with information, we will delete it immediately. Parents or guardians who believe their child has submitted information can contact us to request removal.

9. Data Security

We implement appropriate technical and organizational safeguards to protect your information:

• Encrypted data transmission
• On-device data minimization
• Access control protocols
• Secure cloud infrastructure (if applicable)
• Routine vulnerability testing

No system is 100% secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security. By using the Service, you acknowledge and accept this risk.

10. Cross-Border Data Transfers

If you are located outside of Australia, please be aware that your data may be transferred to and processed in Australia or other jurisdictions where our service providers operate. We ensure such transfers are lawful and protect your rights under applicable data protection laws.

11. Do Not Track / Cookies

Bright Start does not:

• Use cookies (since we do not have a web-based login service);
• Track you across other apps or websites;
• Serve or allow any third-party advertising.

12. Analytics and User Insights

We may use anonymized and aggregated data to:

• Improve the Service
• Identify trends or usage patterns
• Understand feature engagement
• Guide feature development or UX improvements

We do not deanonymize such data or associate it with specific individuals.

13. Legal Compliance

We may disclose your information when:

• Required by law, regulation, subpoena, or legal process;
• Necessary to enforce our rights, Terms of Use, or other agreements;
• Required to investigate or prevent fraud, abuse, or harm.

We will notify you where possible before disclosing such information, unless legally prohibited.

14. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We reserve the right to update this Privacy Policy at any time. We will notify you of material changes via:

• In-app notifications
• Email (if provided)
• A notice on our website

Your continued use of the Service after updates indicates acceptance of the revised policy.

15. App Store Compliance Statement (Apple Specific)

Bright Start complies with Apple's App Store Review Guidelines and requires:

• User consent for all permissions
• Clear data usage disclosures
• No use of fingerprinting or device tracking
• No tracking across apps or websites owned by other companies

Bright Start does not use IDFA (Identifier for Advertisers) or collect advertising identifiers.

16. Contact Us

For privacy-related inquiries, data access requests, or to lodge a complaint:

Email: brightstartapp@outlook.com
Mailing Address: 6 Rock Farm Ave, Telopea NSW 2117, Australia

We will respond within 30 days for all legal or regulatory requests. You also have the right to lodge a complaint with your local data protection authority.