Privacy Policy

# MapSathi — Privacy Policy **Effective date:** 05.10.2026 **Last updated:** 05.10.2026 **App:** MapSathi **Developer / Data Controller:** Sarfaraz Hussain **Contact:** sfzalig@gmail.com **Website:** https://mapsathi.pages.dev ## 1. Introduction MapSathi helps people share live location with people they choose, create groups, view location history, receive proximity notifications and use safety features such as SOS alerts and geofencing. This Privacy Policy explains what information MapSathi collects, why it is used, how it is shared, how long it is retained and what choices you have. By using MapSathi, you acknowledge this policy. Where applicable law requires consent, we will request it separately before processing that requires consent. ## 2. Information We Collect ### Account and authentication information When you create or access an account, we may process information provided through Google Sign-In or phone OTP, including your name, email address, phone number, profile information and authentication identifiers. ### Location information When you enable location sharing, MapSathi may process: - GPS latitude and longitude. - Location timestamps and update times. - Heading, speed and other location-related device readings, where available. - Foreground location while you use the app. - Background location while an enabled tracking feature is active. - Location history associated with your account. Background location is used to support location-sharing features when the app is not actively displayed. You can manage location permissions through your device settings and stop sharing through the app where available. ### Group and safety information We may process group names, invite codes, group membership, member profile information, location-sharing status, geofence events and SOS event details, including the location associated with an SOS event. ### Device, diagnostic and usage information Depending on enabled services, we may process device and app information, push notification tokens, crash reports, diagnostic logs, app interactions and analytics events. ### Advertising information If advertising is enabled, Google Mobile Ads and its advertising partners may process information such as advertising identifiers, ad interactions, approximate location or other signals permitted by your device settings and applicable consent choices. Google UMP is used to present applicable advertising privacy choices. ### Payment and subscription information If paid features are introduced, payment providers or app stores may process purchase information. MapSathi may receive purchase identifiers, product or subscription status, transaction status and related entitlement information. We do not intend to store full payment-card details in MapSathi. ## 3. How We Use Information We use information to: - Create and secure user accounts. - Display and share locations with group members according to your settings. - Provide background tracking and location history features. - Operate groups, invite codes, proximity alerts and geofencing. - Send push notifications and SOS-related alerts. - Provide maps, search, geocoding and route features. - Detect errors, prevent abuse, maintain security and improve reliability. - Measure app usage where analytics are enabled. - Display advertisements where enabled and permitted. - Manage subscriptions, payments, support requests and legal obligations. ## 4. How Location Sharing Works MapSathi is designed for intentional location sharing. Your location may be visible to members of groups you join, subject to the app's sharing controls and group permissions. Do not join a group or share your location unless you understand who can see it. Leaving a group or turning off sharing may stop future sharing, but information already seen, received or independently recorded by other members may not be recoverable by MapSathi. Location information can be inaccurate, delayed or unavailable due to device settings, network conditions, GPS limitations, battery restrictions or operating-system behaviour. ## 5. How Information Is Shared We may share information: - With members of groups you join, as required for the location-sharing features you use. - With service providers that support hosting, authentication, databases, maps, analytics, crash reporting, notifications, advertising and payments. - When required by law, legal process or a valid government request. - To protect users, investigate abuse, enforce our terms or protect the security of MapSathi. Service providers may process information under their own privacy policies and contractual obligations. We do not describe group location sharing as public broadcasting; it is intended for the groups and recipients selected through the app. ## 6. Third-Party Services Depending on the features enabled, MapSathi may use: - Supabase for authentication, database, realtime and hosting services. - Google Sign-In and Google Maps services where configured. - OpenStreetMap-based services, including Photon, Nominatim and OSRM. - Mapbox services where configured. - Expo push notification services. - Sentry for crash and error reporting. - PostHog for analytics. - Google Mobile Ads and Google UMP for advertising and consent. - Google Play or other authorised payment providers for purchases. These providers process information according to their own terms and privacy policies. ## 7. Data Retention We retain information only for as long as reasonably necessary for the purposes described in this policy, including providing the service, maintaining security, resolving disputes and meeting legal requirements. **Set and publish actual retention periods before release:** - Live location records: [retention period / deletion rule]. - Location history: [retention period]. - SOS records: [retention period]. - Account information: until account deletion, subject to lawful retention. - Diagnostic and analytics data: [retention period]. - Payment records: as required by the relevant provider and applicable law. ## 8. Your Choices and Rights Depending on your location and applicable law, you may be able to: - Access or correct account information. - Control location permissions through device settings. - Stop or limit location sharing through available app controls. - Leave groups. - Request account deletion and deletion of associated personal information. - Withdraw advertising consent or change advertising privacy choices through the in-app Privacy Options entry point, where required. - Exercise applicable data protection rights by contacting [Support email]. ## 9. Account and Data Deletion To request account deletion, use the in-app account deletion option if available, or contact [Support email] with the subject **Account Deletion Request**. We will verify the request and process deletion in accordance with applicable law. Some information may be retained where legally required, for security, fraud prevention, dispute resolution or legitimate record-keeping purposes. We will explain any applicable exceptions. ## 10. Children's Privacy MapSathi is not intended for children under [set your intended minimum age]. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children in violation of applicable law. If you believe a child has provided personal information, contact [Support email]. ## 11. Security We use reasonable technical and organisational measures to protect information. No online service or electronic storage system can be guaranteed to be completely secure. ## 12. International Processing Your information may be processed in countries other than the country where you live, depending on the locations of our service providers. Where required, appropriate safeguards will be used for international transfers. ## 13. Changes to This Policy We may update this policy when MapSathi's features, service providers or legal obligations change. We will update the effective date and provide additional notice where required. ## 14. Contact **MapSathi Privacy Contact** Developer / Controller: Sarfaraz Hussain Email: sfzalig@gmail.com Website: https://mapsathi.pages.dev