Privacy Policy

This Privacy Policy explains how Votcen ("we", "our", or "us") collects, uses, and protects your information when you use the Votcen mobile application (the "App").

1. Information We Collect

Account Information

• Phone number (used for account verification and security)
• User identifier generated by Firebase Authentication

Location Data

The App may request access to your device's GPS location in order to:

• Show nearby voting centers
• Provide location-based voting information

Location access is optional but some features may not function without it.

Usage & Analytics Data

We collect anonymized or aggregated usage data such as:

• Feature usage
• Search queries
• Interactions with candidate profiles
• App navigation events
• Device type, OS version, and app version

Push Notification Data

• Device push token
• Notification interaction data

2. How We Use Your Information

• Account Security: To verify your identity and protect your account.
• Service Functionality: To provide voting information, nearby polling places, and app features.
• Service Improvement: To analyze trends, improve features, and enhance user experience.
• App Stability & Security: To monitor errors, prevent abuse, and maintain system integrity.

3. Third-Party Services

The App uses trusted third-party services that may collect data on our behalf:

• Firebase Authentication – account login and identity verification
• Firebase Analytics – usage statistics and app performance
• Firebase Cloud Messaging – push notifications

These providers may collect device identifiers, usage data, and technical information according to their own privacy policies.

4. Data Sharing

We do not sell your personal data.

We may share:

• Anonymized or aggregated analytics data
• Technical data with service providers necessary to operate the App
• Information if required by law or to protect users and the platform

5. Data Storage & Security

• Sensitive credentials are stored securely using encrypted device storage.
• Authentication and account data are handled through Firebase secure infrastructure.
• We take reasonable steps to protect user data from unauthorized access.

6. Data Retention

We retain your data only as long as necessary to:

• Provide the App services
• Maintain your account
• Comply with legal obligations

You may request account deletion at any time.

7. Your Rights

• Request access to your personal data
• Request correction or deletion
• Withdraw consent for data processing
• Disable location permissions at the device level

8. Children’s Privacy

The App is not intended for users under 18 years of age. We do not knowingly collect data from children.

9. Third-Party Links

The App may link to external websites such as official election resources. We are not responsible for their privacy practices.

10. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Continued use of the App after updates constitutes acceptance of the revised policy.

11. Contact Us

If you have questions about this Privacy Policy, contact us at:

Email: support@votcen.com