Privacy Policy

Last Updated:

IMPORTANT: We do NOT use your data for artificial intelligence training, machine learning analysis, or any form of data analytics beyond what is necessary for the app to function. Your shopping lists and personal information remain private and are used solely for the purpose of providing you with shopping list management and collaboration features.

1. Introduction

Welcome to ShoppingList Star ("we," "our," or "us"). This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you use our mobile application. We are committed to protecting your privacy and ensuring the security of your personal data.

By using ShoppingList Star, you agree to the collection and use of information in accordance with this policy. If you do not agree with our policies and practices, please do not use our application.

2. Information We Collect

2.1 Authentication Information

We use Firebase Authentication to manage user accounts. Depending on your sign-in method, we may collect:

Google Sign-In: Your Google account email address and display name (if you choose to sign in with Google)
Email/Password: Your email address and a securely hashed password
Anonymous Authentication: A unique anonymous user identifier (no personal information required)

2.2 User Profile Information

When you create an account, we store the following information in Firebase Cloud Firestore:

Display name (as provided by you or derived from your email)
Profile photo URL (if you choose to upload one)
User preferences (app settings and customization options)
Shopping list order preferences
Account creation and last update timestamps

2.3 Shopping List Data

To provide our core functionality, we store:

Shopping list names
Grocery items (name, checked status, ranking)
List ownership information
Collaborator information (user IDs of people you share lists with)
Creation timestamps

2.4 Technical Information

We use Firebase App Check to verify the authenticity of requests and may collect:

Device information for security verification
App usage data necessary for Firebase services to function

2.5 Advertising

Our app uses Google Mobile Ads (AdMob) to display advertisements. AdMob may collect:

Device identifiers
Advertising identifiers
General location data (approximate)
App usage data related to ad interactions

For more information about how Google uses data for advertising, please visit: Google Privacy Policy

3. How We Use Your Information

Data Usage Purpose: All data collected is used exclusively for the following purposes:

Account Management: To create and manage your user account, authenticate your identity, and provide secure access to the app
Shopping List Functionality: To store, sync, and manage your shopping lists across your devices
Collaboration Features: To enable you to share shopping lists with other users and allow collaborators to view and edit shared lists
App Customization: To remember your preferences and settings
Security: To protect your account and data through Firebase App Check and authentication mechanisms
Service Improvement: To maintain and improve app functionality and performance

We DO NOT:

Use your data for artificial intelligence or machine learning training
Analyze your shopping patterns for marketing purposes
Share your shopping list data with third parties for analytics or advertising
Use your personal information for any purpose other than providing the shopping list service

4. Firebase Backend Services

Our application uses Google Firebase as its backend infrastructure. This includes:

4.1 Firebase Authentication

We use Firebase Authentication to securely manage user accounts. Your authentication credentials are stored and managed by Google Firebase according to their security standards. Firebase Authentication data is subject to Google's Privacy Policy: https://policies.google.com/privacy

4.2 Cloud Firestore

Your shopping lists, user profiles, and app data are stored in Firebase Cloud Firestore, a NoSQL database service provided by Google. This data is:

Encrypted in transit using SSL/TLS
Encrypted at rest
Protected by Firebase Security Rules that restrict access to authorized users only
Stored in Google Cloud infrastructure, subject to Google's data security practices

4.3 Firebase Cloud Functions

We use Firebase Cloud Functions to automatically manage user data:

User Creation: When you create an account, a Cloud Function automatically creates your user profile in Firestore
User Deletion: When you delete your account, a Cloud Function automatically removes all your shopping lists and user profile data

These functions run automatically and do not involve manual data processing or analysis.

4.4 Firebase App Check

We use Firebase App Check to protect our backend resources from abuse and ensure requests come from legitimate app instances. This service verifies app authenticity but does not collect personal information beyond what is necessary for verification.

5. Collaboration Features

How Collaboration Works:

Our app allows you to share shopping lists with other users through collaboration features:

Sharing Lists: You can add other users as collaborators to your shopping lists by their user ID
Collaborator Access: Collaborators can view and edit items in shared lists
Access Control: Only the list owner can add or remove collaborators, and only the owner can delete the list
Data Visibility: When you share a list, collaborators can see the list name and all items, but they cannot see your other lists or personal information

Important: When you add someone as a collaborator, they will have access to view and modify the shopping list. Please only share lists with people you trust. We are not responsible for actions taken by collaborators on shared lists.

6. Data Security

We take data security seriously and implement multiple layers of protection:

Firebase Security Rules: Access to your data is controlled by Firestore Security Rules that ensure only you (and authorized collaborators) can access your shopping lists
Authentication: All data access requires valid Firebase Authentication
Encryption: Data is encrypted both in transit and at rest
Access Control: Users can only read and modify their own data and lists they own or are invited to collaborate on

However, no method of transmission over the internet or electronic storage is 100% secure. While we strive to use commercially acceptable means to protect your data, we cannot guarantee absolute security.

7. Data Retention and Deletion

7.1 Active Accounts

We retain your data for as long as your account is active and you continue to use the service.

7.2 Account Deletion

When you delete your account:

All your shopping lists are automatically deleted
Your user profile is removed from Firestore
Your authentication account is deleted from Firebase Auth
You will be removed as a collaborator from any lists owned by others

Account deletion is permanent and cannot be undone. Please ensure you have backed up any important data before deleting your account.

7.3 Data Backup

Firebase automatically maintains backups of data for disaster recovery purposes. Deleted data may remain in backups for a limited period but is not accessible through the app.

8. Third-Party Services

8.1 Google Firebase

Our app relies on Google Firebase services. Your use of our app is also subject to Google's Privacy Policy: https://policies.google.com/privacy

8.2 Google Mobile Ads (AdMob)

We use Google Mobile Ads to display advertisements. AdMob's use of information is governed by Google's Privacy Policy. You can opt out of personalized ads through your device settings.

8.3 Third-Party Links

Our app may contain links to third-party websites or services. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of these external sites. We encourage you to review their privacy policies.

9. Children's Privacy

Our app is not intended for children under the age of 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If you are a parent or guardian and believe your child has provided us with personal information, please contact us immediately at [email protected]. If we become aware that we have collected personal information from a child under 13, we will take steps to delete such information.

10. Your Rights and Choices

You have the following rights regarding your personal data:

Access: You can access your data through the app at any time
Modification: You can update your profile information and preferences through the app settings
Deletion: You can delete your account at any time, which will permanently remove all your data
Data Export: You can view and export your shopping lists through the app interface
Opt-Out: You can opt out of personalized advertising through your device settings

11. International Data Transfers

Your information may be transferred to and maintained on computers located outside of your state, province, country, or other governmental jurisdiction where data protection laws may differ. By using our app, you consent to the transfer of your information to Google's servers, which may be located in various countries around the world.

12. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update our Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of any changes by posting the new Privacy Policy on this page and updating the "Last Updated" date. You are advised to review this Privacy Policy periodically for any changes.

13. Contact Us

If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy or our data practices, please contact us by email at: [email protected]

Summary: We use Firebase to securely store your shopping lists and enable collaboration features. Your data is used solely for app functionality and is never used for AI training, machine learning, or analytics beyond what is necessary for the app to work. Your privacy is important to us.