Last updated Dec 2024

Privacy Policy

Pawtect (“we,” “us,” or “our”) respects your privacy and is committed to protecting your personal information. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you use the Pawtect mobile application (“App”), which is currently available in the United States.

By accessing or using the App, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to this Privacy Policy. If you do not agree, please discontinue use of the App.


1.0 Information We Collect

1.1 Personal Information

We collect personal information you provide during account creation or when updating your profile. This may include:

  • First and last name
  • Gender
  • Age (18+ required for lawful adult use in the United States)
  • City, country, and general location details
  • Photos (e.g., profile pictures)
  • Email address (if provided for account verification or communication)

1.2 Location Data

With your explicit consent, we collect real-time location information through your device’s operating system. You may choose to allow this “once,” “while using the App,” or not at all. You can disable location tracking in your device settings, though certain features (like displaying nearby hazards) may be limited if you do so.

1.3 Hazard Data and User-Generated Content

Users can submit hazard reports, which may include descriptions, photos, and location details of hazards. We also collect user votes or reactions to hazards. Hazard data is user-generated content and may be visible to other users within the App.

1.4 Usage Data

We automatically collect non-personal usage information, such as:

  • Device type, model, and operating system version
  • App usage patterns, including features accessed and usage duration


2.0 How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect to:

  • Provide core App functionalities (e.g., displaying hazard markers on a map relevant to your location).
  • Maintain, authenticate, and secure user accounts.
  • Personalize and improve your user experience.
  • Analyze usage data to enhance and refine the App’s features, performance, and reliability.
  • Manage hazard data, including periodic clean-ups (approximately every 2-3 months) to remove outdated or repeatedly flagged hazards.

No Marketing Without Consent: We will not use your personal information for marketing or promotional purposes without your explicit consent.


3.0 Data Storage and Retention

3.1 Data Storage

  • Personal and authentication data are stored in secure databases (e.g., Firebase for authentication, MongoDB for user profiles and hazards) with industry-standard encryption in transit.
  • Hazard data and user votes are also stored securely.

3.2 Retention Periods

  • Personal information is retained as long as your account remains active.
  • Hazard data is retained until it’s removed during periodic maintenance or due to inactivity.
  • Tokens and session data are cached and refreshed periodically. Logging out or not refreshing tokens leads to the expiration of session data.

3.3 Data Deletion

You can request deletion of your account and personal data by contacting us at supportpawtect@sikiyo.com. Once the deletion request is processed, your account and associated data will be permanently removed from our systems.

If you wish to remove specific user-generated content, you can delete hazards you have submitted (if applicable).


4.0 Disclosure of Your Information

We do not sell or rent your personal information. We may disclose your data:

  • Service Providers: With trusted third-party providers (e.g., Firebase, MongoDB) that assist in operating the App, subject to strict confidentiality agreements.
  • Legal Compliance: To comply with applicable laws, regulations, or legal processes.
  • Business Transfers: In the event of a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets, your information may be transferred to the successor entity under similar privacy protections.


5.0 Security Measures

We take reasonable measures to protect your data:

  • Encryption in transit (e.g., SSL/TLS).
  • Restricted access: Only authenticated users with valid credentials can access their data.
  • Regular reviews of server and database configurations to maintain integrity and prevent unauthorized access.

No method of transmission or storage is completely secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.


6.0 User Rights and Choices

  • Access and Updates: You may review and update your personal information (e.g., name, photos) through your profile in the App.
  • Location Settings: Adjust your device’s location permissions at any time. Disabling location may limit certain functionalities.
  • Account Deletion Requests: You may request permanent removal of your personal data and account by emailing supportpawtect@sikiyo.com.


7.0 Children’s Privacy

The App is not intended for individuals under the age of 18. We do not knowingly collect personal information from individuals under 18. If we discover that someone under 18 has provided us with personal information, we will take steps to delete it as soon as possible.


8.0 No Warranty and Limitation of Liability

No Warranty: The App is provided “as is” and “as available,” without warranties of any kind, express or implied. We do not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any hazard data or user-generated content.

Limitation of Liability: To the fullest extent permitted by law, we disclaim liability for indirect, incidental, consequential, or special damages arising out of or in connection with this Privacy Policy, the App, or your use thereof. Your decisions and actions based on the information in the App are solely your responsibility.


9.0 Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Any changes will become effective upon posting the revised version within the App. Your continued use of the App after the posting of changes indicates your acceptance of those changes.


10.0 Contact Us

If you have questions or concerns about this Privacy Policy, please contact us at: Email: supportpawtect@sikiyo.com


By using Pawtect, you acknowledge that you have read and understood this Privacy Policy and agree to its terms.