# NammaMeter Privacy Policy

**Effective Date:** February 8, 2026
**Last Updated:** February 16, 2026
**App Version:** 1.1+

---

## 1. Introduction

NammaMeter ("the App," "we," "us," or "our") is committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains our data practices, what information we collect, how we use it, and your rights regarding your data.

**Key Privacy Principle:** NammaMeter operates entirely offline and stores all data locally on your device. We do not transmit, sell, or share your data with third parties.

---

## 2. Information We Collect

### 2.1 Location Data

**What We Collect:**
- GPS coordinates during active trips
- Trip route points (latitude, longitude, accuracy, timestamp)
- Current device location (when permission is granted)

**How We Use It:**
- Calculate distance traveled for accurate fare computation
- Display real-time map view during trips
- Provide route visualization and playback capability
- Enable background location tracking for continuous trip recording

**Storage:**
- Stored locally on your device in the app's secure container
- Associated with trip records
- Retained as long as you keep the trip history
- Deleted when you delete individual trips or clear app data

**iOS Permission:**
The app requests "Location" permission via iOS settings with the prompt:
> "We use your location to measure distance and replay routes."

You can modify location permissions at any time in iOS Settings > NammaMeter > Location.

### 2.2 Trip Data

**What We Store:**
- Fare amount (calculated)
- Distance traveled (kilometers)
- Trip duration (seconds and elapsed time)
- Start and end times
- Waiting time duration
- Trip status (For-Hire, In Progress, Complete)
- City/location configuration used
- Weather/trip conditions (clear sky, surge pricing, night mode)

**How We Use It:**
- Create trip history records
- Calculate driver earnings
- Provide trip details and receipts
- Enable trip search and filtering
- Display trip statistics and summaries

**Storage:**
- Stored as JSON data files locally on device
- Location: App container's Documents directory
- Format: Structured JSON with complete trip information
- Retained indefinitely until manually deleted

### 2.3 Configuration & Preferences

**What We Store:**
- Theme preference (Light, Dark, or System)
- Meter display style selection (Super Mechanical, Super Electronic, Golden Eagle, Bright Digital)
- Meter render mode (Full or Display Only)
- Digit wheel animation style (Disk or Drum)
- City-specific fare rates:
  - Base fare amount
  - Per-kilometer rate
  - Per-minute rate
  - Minimum fare
  - Night time surcharge multiplier
  - Night time window (hours)
  - Waiting charge policy (free minutes, interval, charge amount)
- Selected active city/location

**How We Use It:**
- Customize app appearance and functionality
- Calculate accurate fares based on local rates
- Remember your preferences across sessions
- Enable city switching for different locations

**Storage:**
- Stored in iOS UserDefaults (local device storage)
- Format: Key-value pairs, plain text
- Retained across app sessions until deleted

### 2.4 What We Do NOT Collect

We explicitly do NOT collect:
- ✗ Personal identifying information (name, email, phone)
- ✗ User account or authentication data
- ✗ Payment information or financial data
- ✗ Browsing history or analytics
- ✗ Device identifiers (UDID, IDFA)
- ✗ Crash reports or diagnostics (optional iOS crash reporting only)
- ✗ User behavior analytics
- ✗ Advertisement identifiers
- ✗ Contact information
- ✗ Photo library or media access
- ✗ Calendar or reminder data
- ✗ Health information

---

## 3. How We Use Your Data

### 3.1 Functionality

Your data is used exclusively to:
- Calculate accurate auto rickshaw fares based on distance and time
- Maintain trip history for your reference
- Display real-time maps during active trips
- Provide trip replays and route visualization
- Save your preferences and settings
- Apply city-specific fare rates
- Track waiting time charges

### 3.2 No Data Sharing

Your data is **never**:
- Sent to our servers (app is offline)
- Shared with third parties
- Sold or traded
- Used for marketing or advertising
- Used for tracking or profiling
- Used for any purpose except app functionality

### 3.3 Processing Location

Location data processing:
- Processed entirely on your device
- Used only during active trips
- Accessible only to the NammaMeter app
- Protected by iOS app sandbox
- Never recorded in analytics or logs

---

## 4. Data Security

### 4.1 Storage Security

**Local Device Storage:**
- All app data is stored in the app's secure container
- Protected by iOS app sandbox (no other apps can access)
- Protected by iOS file encryption at the system level
- Device-locked when screen is locked

**No Network Transmission:**
- App operates completely offline
- No internet connection required
- No data transmitted to servers
- No cloud storage or sync

**No Encryption Implementation:**
- We rely on iOS system-level protection
- Device password/biometric protection secures access
- No additional encryption layer needed for offline data

### 4.2 Data Deletion

**How to Delete Your Data:**

**Delete Individual Trips:**
1. Open NammaMeter
2. Go to "Trips" tab
3. Swipe left on a trip
4. Tap delete (or use the History Action menu)

**Delete All App Data:**
1. Go to iOS Settings
2. Select NammaMeter
3. Tap "Offload App" (keeps app) or "Delete App" (removes everything)
4. Reinstall if using "Offload"

**Delete Specific Settings:**
- Offload and reinstall the app to reset all preferences
- Or modify settings individually through the Settings tab

**Data Deletion Timeline:**
- Deleted data is immediately removed from device storage
- No recovery possible after deletion
- No backup or archive is maintained

---

## 5. Permissions Explained

### 5.1 Location Permission

**Why We Need It:**
- Measure distance traveled for accurate fare calculation
- Display your route on the map
- Enable trip replay functionality

**Permission Types:**
- **While Using**: Tracks location only when app is in use
- **Always**: Allows background location tracking during trips
- **Never**: Disables location features

**Status Bar Indicator:**
- iOS shows a blue arrow in the status bar when location is being used
- You can verify the app is using location data

**How to Control:**
- iOS Settings > NammaMeter > Location
- Choose: Always Allow, Only While Using, Ask, or Never
- Changes take effect immediately

---

## 6. Third-Party Services

### 6.1 Services We Use

**Apple Maps:**
- Integrated map display during trips
- Governed by Apple's privacy policy
- Your trip location data stays on your device

**iOS System Services:**
- CoreLocation (location services)
- MapKit (map display)
- UserDefaults (preferences storage)
- App Sandbox (data protection)

**No Third-Party Analytics:**
- We do NOT use:
  - Google Analytics
  - Fabric/Crashlytics
  - Amplitude
  - Mixpanel
  - Firebase Analytics
  - Any similar tracking service

**Optional iOS Crash Reporting:**
- You can enable/disable through iOS Settings > NammaMeter > Analytics
- If enabled, iOS may send crash reports to Apple
- Governed by Apple's privacy policy

---

## 7. Children's Privacy

NammaMeter does not knowingly collect information from children under 13. The app is intended for professional auto rickshaw operators and adult users. If we learn that a child under 13 has provided personal information, we will delete such information immediately.

---

## 8. Your Privacy Rights

### 8.1 Access Your Data

You have the right to:
- View all data the app stores (visible in app UI)
- Export trip information manually
- Know exactly what data is collected

**How to Access:**
- All your trip data is visible in the "Trips" tab
- All your settings are visible in the "Settings" tab
- No hidden data collection

### 8.2 Delete Your Data

You have the right to:
- Delete individual trips at any time
- Delete all app data by uninstalling the app
- Reset preferences by offloading and reinstalling

### 8.3 Data Portability

You have the right to:
- Export your trip information (manual record-keeping)
- Use your trip data with other apps
- Migrate your settings to another device (manual entry)

### 8.4 No Account Deletion

Since NammaMeter requires no account:
- No account exists to delete
- No user profile to remove
- Simply uninstall the app to remove all data

---

## 9. Data Retention

### 9.1 How Long We Keep Data

**Trip Data:**
- Retained indefinitely until you delete
- You have complete control over deletion
- Stored locally, not synced or backed up by us

**Settings & Preferences:**
- Retained until you change or delete them
- Syncing with iCloud backup (optional iOS feature)
- You can reset anytime through app

**Location Data:**
- Deleted after trip ends and is saved
- Not retained in any separate log
- Only associated with trip records

**App Cache:**
- Temporary map tiles and caches
- Automatically managed by iOS
- Cleared when app is offloaded

### 9.2 Backup Considerations

**iCloud Backup:**
- iOS may include app data in iCloud backups
- Controlled by your iCloud settings
- You can disable via iOS Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud > NammaMeter

**Data Not Synced:**
- App data is NOT automatically synced across devices
- Trip history does not sync between iPhone and iPad
- Preferences do not sync across devices

---

## 10. International Data

### 10.1 Data Location

All data is stored locally on your device. No data is transferred to:
- Cloud servers
- Different countries
- Third-party data centers
- Any remote location

### 10.2 Applicability

This privacy policy applies regardless of:
- Your location
- Where the app is installed
- Where you use the app
- Any international usage

---

## 11. Changes to This Policy

### 11.1 Policy Updates

We may update this Privacy Policy to:
- Reflect changes in the app
- Improve clarity and transparency
- Comply with legal requirements
- Add new features and data practices

### 11.2 Notification of Changes

**How We'll Notify You:**
- Update in-app information
- Release notes in app updates
- GitHub repository changes
- This document version will reflect the date

**Your Consent:**
- Continued use of the app constitutes acceptance of changes
- You can delete the app if you disagree with changes

---

## 12. Contact Us

### 12.1 Privacy Questions

For questions about this Privacy Policy or our privacy practices:

**GitHub Repository:**
https://github.com/sridhar-sm/NammaMeter

**App Support:**
Visit the GitHub repository for issues, discussions, and support

### 12.2 Filing a Complaint

If you believe your privacy rights have been violated:
1. Contact us via GitHub repository
2. Provide detailed information about your concern
3. We will respond within reasonable timeframe
4. You may also contact App Store support

---

## 13. Data Processing Details

### 13.1 Technical Information

**What Information is Processed:**

1. **During Active Trip:**
   - Location updates (every 8+ meters or periodically)
   - Timestamp of location
   - Speed calculation from location
   - Distance calculation
   - Fare calculation

2. **Trip Completion:**
   - Final fare amount
   - Total distance
   - Total duration
   - Waiting time
   - Trip route points
   - Associated metadata

3. **In Real-Time:**
   - Night mode status (based on time)
   - Surcharge multiplier
   - Current speed
   - Active trip state

### 13.2 Data Processing Location

All processing occurs:
- On your device's processor
- In the app's memory
- Using local system resources
- With no external communication

### 13.3 Automated Decision Making

The app uses automated calculations for:
- Fare calculations (based on configured rates)
- Distance measurement (from GPS coordinates)
- Night mode surcharge application (based on time)
- Waiting charge calculation (based on duration)

**These are purely computational**, not profiling or decision-making about you as a person.

---

## 14. Compliance

### 14.1 Legal Compliance

This Privacy Policy complies with:
- **GDPR** (General Data Protection Regulation) - EU
- **CCPA** (California Consumer Privacy Act) - USA
- **App Store Privacy Guidelines** - Apple
- **Local Data Protection Laws** - Various jurisdictions

### 14.2 Why We're Compliant

- No personal data collection beyond location
- Complete data control by user
- Easy data deletion
- No third-party sharing
- Transparent practices
- Offline operation eliminates transmission risks

---

## 15. FAQ - Common Privacy Questions

### Q: Is my location data secure?
**A:** Yes. Location data is stored locally on your device, protected by iOS app sandbox and device encryption. It's never sent to any server.

### Q: Can you access my trip data?
**A:** No. We have no access to any of your data. All data is stored locally on your device. We cannot view, access, or retrieve it.

### Q: Does the app track me?
**A:** No. Location tracking only occurs during active trips and only when you explicitly start a trip. The app has no background tracking capability beyond what you see.

### Q: What if I lose my phone?
**A:** Your trip data is deleted when you erase your device. If you have iCloud backup enabled, the data may be in your backup. You can disable backup in iOS Settings.

### Q: Can I export my data?
**A:** Trip data is visible in the app. You can manually record trip information. There is no built-in export function, but we can add one if requested via GitHub.

### Q: Does the app use analytics?
**A:** No. We do not use Google Analytics, Fabric, Firebase, or any analytics service. We do not track usage patterns or user behavior.

### Q: Is there advertising?
**A:** No. NammaMeter contains no advertisements, no ad networks, and no ad tracking.

### Q: Does the app collect payment information?
**A:** No. The app is not a payment processor. You do not pay for the app or its features. No payment information is collected.

### Q: How is my data synced to other devices?
**A:** It's not. Trip data is local to each device. Settings do not sync. If you want to use NammaMeter on multiple devices, you must configure each separately.

### Q: What if I want to use a privacy VPN with this app?
**A:** Since the app doesn't use the internet, a VPN won't affect it. The app works completely offline.

### Q: Is this app open source?
**A:** The code is available on GitHub. You can review the code, audit the implementation, and verify the privacy claims made in this policy.

---

## 16. Data Subject Rights Summary

**You have the right to:**

| Right | How to Exercise |
|-------|-----------------|
| **Access** | View all data in app (Trips, Settings tabs) |
| **Delete** | Delete individual trips or all app data |
| **Portability** | Manually record or screenshot your trip data |
| **Control** | Modify iOS permissions and app settings |
| **Know** | Read this policy and review the code |
| **Transparency** | See exactly what data is collected |

---

## 17. Policy Version History

| Version | Date | Changes |
|---------|------|---------|
| 1.0 | Feb 8, 2026 | Initial Privacy Policy for App Store submission |
| 1.1 | Feb 17, 2026 | Updated for v1.1 release; no changes to data practices |

---

## 18. Acknowledgment

By using NammaMeter, you acknowledge that:
- You have read this Privacy Policy
- You understand how your data is used
- You consent to the data practices described
- You can modify your preferences at any time
- You can delete your data at any time
- You can uninstall the app at any time

---

## 19. Appendix: Technical Details

### A. Data Storage Locations

```
App Container/
├── Documents/
│   ├── FareProfiles/ (city configurations)
│   └── Trips/ (trip history JSON)
├── Library/
│   ├── Preferences/ (UserDefaults for theme, meter style)
│   └── Caches/ (temporary map data)
└── tmp/ (temporary processing data)
```

### B. Permissions Manifest

```xml
<!-- Required Permissions in Info.plist -->
<key>NSLocationWhenInUseUsageDescription</key>
<string>We use your location to measure distance and replay routes.</string>

<key>NSLocationAlwaysAndWhenInUseUsageDescription</key>
<string>We use your location to keep tracking when the meter runs in the background.</string>

<!-- Optional -->
<key>UIBackgroundModes</key>
<array>
  <string>location</string>
</array>
```

### C. Data Processing Flow

```
User Start Trip
    ↓
Request Location Permission (iOS)
    ↓
[iOS System Protection]
    ↓
Collect Location Points → Store Locally
    ↓
Calculate Distance/Fare (On Device)
    ↓
Store Trip Data (Local Device Storage)
    ↓
User View/Delete Trip (Complete Control)
```

---

## 20. Final Notes

NammaMeter is designed with privacy as a core principle:
- **Offline First:** No network communication required
- **Local Storage:** All data stays on your device
- **User Control:** You decide what data is stored
- **Transparent:** No hidden tracking or collection
- **Simple:** Only data necessary for app function

Your privacy is important to us. Thank you for using NammaMeter.

---

**Document Version:** 1.1
**Last Updated:** February 17, 2026
**Status:** Ready for App Store Submission
**Approval:** For use in NammaMeter v1.1+

---

## Legal Disclaimer

This Privacy Policy is provided as-is and is subject to change. While we strive for accuracy and completeness, no policy can cover every possible scenario. For ambiguous situations, the general principle applies: your data stays on your device and we have no access to it.

For the most current version of this policy, visit the GitHub repository.

---

**End of Privacy Policy**