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Privacy Policy

Effective date: March 12, 2026 · Last updated: March 12, 2026

BlessYou ("we", "our", or "us") operates the BlessYou mobile application (the "App"). This Privacy Policy explains what information we collect, how we use it, and the choices you have. Please read it carefully before using the App.

1. Information We Collect

a) Location data

The App requests access to your device's precise location while the App is in use. We use your location to determine which other users are nearby so they can receive sneeze notifications and so you can receive theirs. We store your approximate location as a geohash (a short alphanumeric string encoding a geographic area) along with your latitude and longitude in our database. We do not build a history of your movements; your stored location is overwritten each time it is updated.

b) Anonymous account identifier

When you first open the App, we automatically sign you in anonymously using Firebase Authentication. This creates a random user ID (UID) that is used solely to associate your sneezes and blessings with you within the App. No email address, phone number, or other personally identifying information is required or collected as part of this process.

c) Display name (optional)

You may choose to enter a display name during onboarding. If provided, this name is stored in our database and shown to other users when you bless their sneeze. It is entirely optional and can be any name or nickname you choose.

d) Device push token (FCM token)

We collect your Firebase Cloud Messaging (FCM) token in order to send you push notifications when someone nearby sneezes or blesses you. This token is stored in our database and associated with your anonymous user ID. It is rotated periodically by the device and updated accordingly.

e) Sneeze and blessing events

When you tap the sneeze button, we record a sneeze document containing your anonymous user ID, the geohash and coordinates of your location at the time of the sneeze, and a timestamp. Sneeze records expire automatically 10 minutes after creation and are periodically purged from our database. When you bless someone's sneeze, we record a blessing document containing your anonymous user ID and optional display name.

f) Usage and diagnostic data

We use Firebase (provided by Google) for our backend infrastructure. Firebase may automatically collect certain technical information such as device type, operating system version, app version, crash reports, and performance data. This data is collected in accordance with Google's Privacy Policy.

2. How We Use Your Information

To deliver core App functionality: broadcasting sneezes to nearby users and routing bless-you responses back to the sneezer.
To send push notifications about nearby sneezes and incoming blessings.
To associate your activity (sneezes, blessings, display name) with your anonymous account within the App.
To maintain the security and integrity of the App and remove stale or expired data.

We do not use your data for advertising, profiling, or any purpose beyond operating the App.

3. How We Share Your Information

We do not sell, rent, or trade your information to third parties. Your data may be shared only in the following limited circumstances:

With other App users: Your display name (if set) is visible to users who receive a blessing from you. Your precise location is never directly exposed to other users; proximity is determined server-side.
With Firebase / Google: Our backend runs on Google Firebase (Firestore, Firebase Auth, Firebase Cloud Messaging, Cloud Functions). Data is stored and processed on Google's infrastructure in accordance with Google's terms and privacy policies.
If required by law: We may disclose information if required to do so by law or in response to valid legal process.

4. Data Retention

Sneeze records expire 10 minutes after creation and are deleted within 24 hours by an automated cleanup process.
Blessing records are deleted when their parent sneeze document is deleted.
User records (anonymous UID, geohash, FCM token, optional display name) are retained for as long as the App is in use. You can request deletion at any time by contacting us (see Section 8).

5. Location Data — Additional Details

The App accesses your location only while the App is open (foreground use) and periodically refreshes it in the background via a timer, not continuous GPS streaming, in order to preserve battery life. We request the minimum location precision necessary for proximity matching. You can revoke location permission at any time through your device settings; doing so will prevent core App functionality from working.

6. Children's Privacy

BlessYou is not directed at children under the age of 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If you believe a child under 13 has provided us with information, please contact us and we will delete it promptly.

7. Security

We use industry-standard measures to protect your data, including Firebase's built-in security rules and encrypted connections (HTTPS / TLS). However, no method of transmission over the internet is 100% secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.

8. Your Rights and Choices

Location: You can revoke location permission at any time in your device settings.
Notifications: You can disable push notifications at any time in your device settings or within the App's Settings screen.
Display name: You can change or remove your display name at any time in the App's Settings screen.
Account deletion: To request deletion of your account and all associated data, email us at hello@rood.systems. We will process your request within 30 days.

9. Third-Party Services

The App uses the following third-party services, each governed by their own privacy policies:

Google Firebase — authentication, database, push notifications, cloud functions
Google Play Services — app distribution and device services

10. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. When we do, we will update the "Last updated" date at the top of this page. Continued use of the App after any changes constitutes your acceptance of the revised policy. We encourage you to review this page periodically.

11. Contact Us

If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy or wish to exercise your data rights, please contact us at:

📧 hello@rood.systems

This policy applies to the BlessYou Android app. iOS support is not yet available.