1. Information We Collect
1.1 Location Information
Maharashtra Fort Guide requires location access to provide essential functionalities:
- Real-time GPS Location: To display your current position on interactive maps
- Navigation Services: To provide turn-by-turn directions to heritage sites
- Distance Calculations: To show distances to nearby forts, caves, and waterfalls
- Emergency Location Sharing: To share your precise location during SOS emergencies
- Weather Services: To provide location-specific weather forecasts for trekking
- Nearby Attractions: To recommend heritage sites based on your current location
1.2 Device and App Information
We collect minimal device information to ensure app compatibility and performance:
- Device model, manufacturer, and operating system version
- App version and installation date
- Language and region preferences
- Network connectivity status (WiFi/Mobile data)
- Screen resolution and device capabilities
- App crash reports and error logs (anonymized)
1.3 Emergency and Safety Data
For our SOS and emergency features (stored locally on your device):
- Emergency contact names and phone numbers
- Medical information and allergies (if provided)
- Emergency preferences and notification settings
- Location history during emergency activations
1.4 Usage Analytics
We collect anonymized usage data to improve app performance:
- Features used and frequency of use
- Popular heritage sites and routes
- App performance metrics and loading times
- Search queries and filter preferences
- User interface interactions and navigation patterns
2. How We Use Your Information
🗺️ Core Navigation
Provide accurate directions, calculate distances, and show your location on heritage site maps.
🆘 Emergency Services
Enable SOS features, share location with emergency contacts, and provide safety protocols.
🌤️ Weather Integration
Deliver location-specific weather forecasts and trekking condition recommendations.
📍 Personalized Recommendations
Suggest nearby heritage sites, optimal visit times, and personalized content.
2.1 Essential App Functionality
- Heritage Site Navigation: Provide precise directions to 100+ forts, caves, and waterfalls
- Interactive Maps: Display your location on detailed OpenStreetMap layers
- Safety and Emergency: Enable one-touch SOS alerts and location sharing
- Weather Forecasting: Deliver real-time weather data for trek planning
- Offline Functionality: Cache essential data for offline access
- Multilingual Support: Provide content in English and Marathi
2.2 App Enhancement and Development
- Analyze usage patterns to improve user experience
- Identify and fix bugs, crashes, and performance issues
- Develop new features based on user behavior and feedback
- Optimize app performance and reduce battery consumption
- Enhance accuracy of heritage site information and directions
3. Data Storage and Security
3.1 Local Device Storage
Most of your sensitive data is stored securely on your device:
- Emergency Contacts: Encrypted local storage for contact information
- App Preferences: Settings, language choices, and customizations
- Heritage Site Data: Downloaded information for offline access
- Search History: Recent searches and favorite locations
- Map Cache: Downloaded map tiles for offline navigation
3.2 Security Measures
We implement comprehensive security protocols:
- Data Encryption: All sensitive data is encrypted using AES-256 encryption
- Secure Transmission: HTTPS/TLS protocols for all network communications
- Minimal Data Collection: We collect only data essential for app functionality
- Regular Security Updates: Timely updates to address security vulnerabilities
- Access Controls: Strict internal access controls to protect user data
- Data Anonymization: Personal identifiers removed from analytics data
4. Third-Party Services
4.1 Advertising Services (Google AdMob)
We use Google AdMob to display relevant advertisements:
- AdMob may collect device advertising identifiers for ad personalization
- Ads are displayed in non-intrusive locations within the app
- You can opt-out of personalized advertising in your device settings
- Ad revenue helps us maintain and improve the app for free
- We do not share personal information with advertisers
4.2 Weather Data Providers
We integrate with weather services to provide accurate forecasts:
- Location coordinates are shared with weather APIs for relevant forecasts
- No personal information beyond general location is transmitted
- Weather data is used only for app functionality
- Multiple weather sources ensure accuracy and reliability
4.3 Mapping and Location Services
We use OpenStreetMap and Google Play Services for mapping:
- Location data is used for map rendering and navigation
- OpenStreetMap provides detailed heritage site maps
- Google Play Services enable location-based features
- These services operate under their respective privacy policies
5. Data Sharing and Disclosure
We do NOT sell, trade, or share your personal information with third parties except in the following limited circumstances:
🆘 Emergency Situations
Location data shared with your designated emergency contacts during SOS activation only.
⚖️ Legal Requirements
When required by law, court order, or to protect user safety and prevent illegal activities.
🔧 Service Providers
With trusted partners who help operate our app (weather services, maps, analytics).
📊 Anonymous Analytics
Aggregated, anonymized data may be shared for research and app improvement purposes.
6. Your Rights and Choices
6.1 Location Permissions
- Permission Control: Grant or revoke location permissions in device settings
- Precision Level: Choose between precise and approximate location sharing
- Background Location: Control whether app can access location when not in use
- Location History: View and delete location history within the app
6.2 Data Management Rights
- Access Your Data: View all stored data within app settings
- Data Export: Export your emergency contacts and preferences
- Data Deletion: Clear app data or uninstall to remove all local data
- Data Portability: Transfer your data to another app or service
- Data Correction: Update or correct inaccurate information
6.3 Advertising and Marketing Choices
- Opt-out of personalized ads in your device's advertising settings
- Use "Limit Ad Tracking" (iOS) or "Opt out of Ads Personalization" (Android)
- Reset your advertising identifier to limit tracking
- Contact us to opt-out of any promotional communications
7. Children's Privacy
Maharashtra Fort Guide is designed for educational and heritage exploration purposes, suitable for all ages including families with children. However:
- We do not specifically target or market to children under 13
- We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13
- Parents can use family controls to manage their children's app usage
- If we discover we have collected information from a child under 13, we will delete it immediately
- Parents can contact us to review, update, or delete their child's information
8. International Users and Data Transfers
Maharashtra Fort Guide welcomes users from around the world:
- If you use our app from outside India, your data may be transferred to and processed in India
- We ensure adequate data protection regardless of your location
- For EU users, we comply with GDPR requirements and data protection standards
- Cross-border data transfers are secured with appropriate safeguards
- You have the right to object to data transfers that don't meet your local privacy standards
9. Policy Updates and Changes
We may update this Privacy Policy periodically to reflect changes in our practices or legal requirements:
- Notification Methods: In-app notifications, email alerts, and updated policy version
- Material Changes: Significant changes will be prominently announced
- Continued Use: Using the app after updates indicates acceptance of new terms
- Version History: Previous policy versions available upon request
- Review Periods: Regular policy reviews to ensure continued relevance
10. Offline Functionality and Data Access
Maharashtra Fort Guide is designed to work seamlessly offline:
- Cached Data: Heritage site information remains accessible without internet
- Emergency Features: SOS and emergency contacts function offline
- Map Data: Downloaded maps available for offline navigation
- No Data Transmission: No personal data is transmitted when offline
- Sync on Reconnection: Data synchronizes when internet connection is restored
Contact Us & Data Protection
For any questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy, your personal data, or our data practices, please contact us:
AlphaApps Software Pvt Limited
App Development & Heritage Technology
For GDPR and privacy concerns
Same email: mahesh.j.saka@gmail.com
GDPR, CCPA, and Indian IT Act compliance
Data subject rights and requests
🌐 Available Support: Privacy inquiries, data access requests, account deletion, GDPR compliance, security concerns, and general app support.
11. Legal Basis for Data Processing (GDPR)
For users in the European Union, our legal basis for processing personal data includes:
- Legitimate Interest: Providing core app functionality, navigation, and heritage information
- Consent: Location access, personalized features, and optional data sharing
- Vital Interests: Emergency SOS features to protect your safety and well-being
- Contractual Necessity: Delivering the app services you've requested
- Legal Obligation: Compliance with applicable laws and regulations
12. Data Retention and Deletion
We retain your data only as long as necessary for the purposes outlined in this policy:
- Location Data: Not stored permanently; used only during active app sessions
- Usage Analytics: Anonymized data retained for up to 2 years for improvement purposes
- Emergency Contacts: Stored locally until you remove them or uninstall the app
- Crash Reports: Retained for 90 days for debugging and stability improvements
- Account Data: Deleted within 30 days of account closure or app uninstallation
- Marketing Data: Removed immediately upon opt-out request