1. Introduction

SecureTrips ("we," "our," or "us") is a personal travel safety application designed to help travelers document and track their journeys securely. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, store, and protect your information when you use the SecureTrips mobile application ("App").

By using SecureTrips, you agree to the collection and use of information as described in this policy.

2. Information We Collect

2.1 Account Information

• Google Account Data: When you sign in using Google OAuth, we receive your name, email address, and profile picture from your Google account. We do not receive or store your Google password.

2.2 Location Data

• GPS Coordinates: We collect precise location data (latitude, longitude, altitude, and accuracy) to track your trip trail and log check-ins.
• Background Location: With your permission, we collect location data even when the app is running in the background or your device is locked. This is essential for continuous trip tracking and safety monitoring.
• Location data is collected only during active trips and stops automatically when no trip is in progress.

2.3 Media

• Photos and Videos: When you use the camera or gallery features to document your trip, the captured media is stored locally on your device and may be synced to our servers for backup.
• Videos are automatically compressed before storage to optimize file size and performance.

2.4 Device Information

• Battery Level / Status: We monitor and record battery percentage alongside location logs to help monitor your device status during travel and ensure tracking continuity.
• Device Stats: Basic device metrics collected during trip logging for safety context.

2.5 Trip Data

• Trip Details: Start/end destinations, trip dates, travel notes, day logs, and check-in records.
• Timeline Entries: Photos, videos, notes, and automatic location check-ins associated with your trips.

3. How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect to:

• Track your journey in real-time for personal safety documentation
• Store trip history including routes, check-ins, photos, and notes
• Provide offline functionality by storing data locally on your device
• Sync data to our servers when connectivity is available for backup
• Display trip trails on maps showing your travel route
• Monitor trip activity through automatic distance-based check-ins

4. Data Storage

4.1 Local Storage

• Trip data, location logs, photos, and videos are stored locally on your device using SQLite database.
• Media files are stored in your app's private document directory.
• Your data remains accessible offline at all times.

4.2 Server Storage

• Data is synced to our secure servers for backup and cross-session access.
• Sync occurs automatically when an internet connection is available.
• All server communications use HTTPS encryption.

4.3 Data Retention

• Your data is retained as long as your account is active.
• You may request deletion of your account and all associated data at any time.
• Upon deletion request, all data is permanently removed within 30 days.

5. Data Sharing

6. Permissions

The App requests the following device permissions:

Permission	Purpose
Camera	Capture photos and videos for trip documentation
Location (Foreground)	Track your position during active trips
Location (Background)	Continuous trip tracking when the app is in the background or screen is locked
Battery Status	Read device battery levels to display device status and context during travel safety logging
Media / Storage	Access photos and videos from your gallery
Internet	Sync trip data to our servers
Foreground Service	Maintain background location tracking during active trips

7. Background Location Use

SecureTrips uses background location access to:

• Continuously track your trip route while your phone is locked or other apps are in use
• Record automatic check-ins based on distance traveled (approximately every 10 meters of movement)
• Ensure your safety trail is complete and uninterrupted

8. Data Security

We implement the following security measures to protect your data:

• All server communications use HTTPS/TLS encryption
• Authentication via Google OAuth 2.0 (industry-standard protocol)
• Local data stored in the app's private sandboxed storage
• Session tokens stored in secure device storage
• Media files stored in app-private directories inaccessible to other apps

9. Children's Privacy

SecureTrips is not intended for use by children under the age of 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If we become aware that we have inadvertently collected data from a child under 13, we will take immediate steps to delete such information.

10. Your Rights

You have the right to:

• Access — View all personal data stored in the app and on our servers
• Delete — Request deletion of your account and all associated data
• Export — Export your trip data for personal use
• Revoke Permissions — Disable any permission at any time through device settings
• Stop Tracking — End any active trip to immediately cease all background data collection

11. Third-Party Services

We integrate with the following third-party services:

• Google Sign-In — For authentication (Google Privacy Policy)
• OpenStreetMap / OSRM — For map display and route visualization (no personal data shared)

12. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of significant changes through the app or via email. Your continued use of the app after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.

We encourage you to review this page periodically for the latest information on our privacy practices.

13. Contact Us

If you have questions about this Privacy Policy, wish to exercise your data rights, or have concerns about how your data is handled, please contact us: