Privacy Policy for MyBuddy

Last updated: January 13, 2026

MyBuddy is a location utility designed for privacy. We do not track you 24/7. We only access your location when a specific event occurs (like you pressing a button, a buddy requesting your location, or you arriving at a Place Alert).

1. Information We Collect

• Precise Location:
  • Permissions: ACCESS_FINE_LOCATION, ACCESS_BACKGROUND_LOCATION
  • Why: To determine your coordinates. Background access is required for "Place Alerts" and "Buddy Requests" so the app can detect arrival or reply to a request even when your phone is in your pocket.
• SMS (Send Only):
  • Permission: SEND_SMS
  • Why: To send text alerts to your contacts. We cannot read your incoming messages.
• Device Identifiers:
  • Why: We generate an anonymous token (FCM) to send silent notifications to your phone (e.g., to trigger a "Where are you?" check from a trusted Buddy).
• Contacts:
  • Permission: READ_CONTACTS
  • Why: To let you pick a phone number from your address book. We do not upload your contact list to our servers.

2. How We Share Information

• With Your Contacts: Location data is sent directly to the people you choose via SMS or Email.
• With Our Server: If you use "Place Alerts" or "Buddy Mode", your location snapshot is sent securely to our server so it can be relayed to your authorized contact.
• No Third Parties: Your location is never sold to advertisers or data brokers.

3. Data Deletion

You can delete your account and all associated data at any time via the "Manage Account" section on our website.

4. Contact Us

Questions? Email: apps@placemeguardian.com