Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

Welcome to AralMate (“we,” “our,” or “us”). We are committed to protecting your personal information and your right to privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, and safeguard your data when you use our mobile application and website.

2. Information We Collect

We collect the minimum amount of data necessary to provide our educational services:

• Account Information: Name, email address, and profile photo (if provided) when you register via Google Sign-In or email.
• Usage Data: Quiz history, scores, streaks, XP, learning progress, and generated content.
• Payment Data: Transaction records processed securely through PayMongo. We do not store your credit card or financial details on our servers.
• Device Information: Device type, operating system version, and general location (country/region) for analytics and service improvement.

3. Device Permissions (Android Specifics)

To provide specific features like “Jeepney Mode” (Offline Access), AralMate requests the following permissions:

• Storage (Read/Write): Required to save quizzes and study materials to your device so you can review without an internet connection.
• Network State: Required to detect if you are offline and automatically switch the app to local storage mode.
• Notifications: Optional. Used to send study reminders and streak alerts. You can revoke this permission in your device settings at any time.

4. How We Use Your Information

We use your data for the following purposes:

• To provide and personalize the educational experience.
• To generate AI-powered quizzes tailored to your grade level and subjects.
• To track your learning progress, streaks, and achievements.
• To process payments and manage Premium subscriptions.
• To send important service notifications (e.g., account verification, policy updates).
• To improve the Service through anonymized analytics.

5. Third-Party Services & Advertising

We share data with trusted third-party service providers to help us operate our app. Each service has its own privacy policy.

• Firebase (Google): For secure authentication, database storage, and hosting.
• Google Gemini AI: To generate educational content and explanations. Note: AI-generated content is reviewed periodically, but users should verify critical information.
• PayMongo: For processing secure payments.
• Vercel: For web application hosting.

Google AdMob (Advertising):

• Family Policy Compliance: We enforce strict ad filtering to ensure that no inappropriate ads (gambling, adult content, violence, drugs) are shown to students.
• If a user is identified as under the age of consent, we serve only non-personalized ads suitable for general audiences.

6. Data Storage & Security

Your data is stored securely using Google Firebase (Firestore, Authentication, Cloud Storage) with industry-standard encryption (SSL/TLS). We implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect your personal information against unauthorized access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction.

7. Children's Privacy

AralMate is an educational tool designed for students, including those under 18.

• We do not knowingly collect personal data from children under 13 without verifiable parental consent.
• If we discover that a child under 13 has provided us with personal information without parental consent, we will delete such information from our servers immediately.
• Parents or guardians may contact us to review or request the deletion of their child's data.

8. Account Deletion (Your Rights)

In compliance with Google Play Store policies and the Data Privacy Act of 2012 (RA 10173), you have the right to delete your account and all associated data at any time.

How to Delete Your Data:

• In-App: Go to Settings > Profile > Delete Account.
• Web Request: If you cannot access the app, you may request deletion by visiting our contact page or by emailing us.

Effect of Deletion: Upon request, your data (including quiz history, streaks, and personal identifiers) is permanently removed from our active servers within 30 days, except where retention is required by law (e.g., transaction records for tax purposes).

9. Cookies & Local Storage

We use cookies for authentication sessions and local storage for offline quiz functionality. You can manage cookie preferences in your browser settings, but disabling them may affect critical features like “Jeepney Mode.”

10. Your Rights (RA 10173)

Under the Philippine Data Privacy Act of 2012, you have the right to:

• Access your personal data.
• Request correction of inaccurate data.
• Object to the processing of your data.
• Lodge a complaint with the National Privacy Commission (NPC) if you believe your rights have been violated.

11. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy periodically. We will notify users of significant changes through the Service or via email. Continued use of the Service after such changes constitutes your acceptance of the new terms.

12. Contact Us

For privacy-related questions, data deletion requests, or concerns, please contact us.