Privacy Policy for Find My Train

Introduction

Find My Train ("we", "our", or "us") is committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, and safeguard your information when you use our mobile application.

Information We Collect

Location Data: When you use the "I'm inside train" feature, we collect your GPS location data to provide real-time train tracking. If battery optimization is disabled and notification permission is allowed, location updates will continue to run in the background (when minimized) to maintain active live tracking notifications. This location data is:

• Only collected when you explicitly enable the feature
• Used temporarily for position calculation
• Not stored permanently on our servers
• Automatically deleted after processing
• Retained for maximum 24 hours for service optimization
• Easily stopped at any time by tapping the "Stop" button directly inside the persistent notification

Device Information: We collect limited device information including:

• Anonymous user ID (randomly generated on first app use)
• Device type and operating system version
• App version and performance metrics
• App usage analytics (screen views, feature usage, search queries)
• Crash reports and error logs for app improvement

Analytics Data: We collect anonymized usage analytics to improve app performance:

• Screen views and navigation patterns
• Feature usage statistics (search, train selection)
• App performance metrics and crash reports
• Search query patterns (anonymized)
• User engagement metrics

Cached Data: We store train schedules and route information locally on your device for offline access.

Live Chat Messages: If you use the in-app chat features, we collect and store usernames/handles, user IDs, message texts, and timestamps. This data is transmitted to our servers and is visible to all users of the app chat. Messages are stored temporarily on the server and are automatically deleted after no more than 10 hours. You can report problematic messages and block other users; blocking filters out all past and future messages from that user ID locally on your device.

Device Permissions

• Location Permission: Required only for the "I'm inside train" feature. You can grant or deny this permission at any time through your device settings.
• Notification Permission: Required to display real-time live train tracking status and updates in your notifications drawer.
• Battery Optimization (Ignore): Optional. Allows the app to keep sharing and showing your train's live location in notifications when minimized by preventing the OS from terminating background activity.
• Internet Access: Required to fetch train schedules and send location updates.
• Network State: Used to detect online/offline status for better user experience.

All permissions are used solely for their stated purposes and you maintain full control over them.

How We Use Your Information

Location Data:

• To determine your train's current position
• To provide accurate real-time tracking
• To improve service accuracy

Device Information:

• To ensure app compatibility and performance
• To provide technical support when needed
• To improve app stability across different devices

Analytics Data:

• To understand user behavior and improve app features
• To identify and fix performance issues
• To optimize user experience based on usage patterns
• To measure app effectiveness and feature adoption

Data Retention

• Location Data: Processed in real-time and retained for maximum 24 hours for service optimization, then permanently deleted.
• Analytics Data: Anonymized usage data retained for up to 14 months to analyze trends and improve app performance.
• Cached Train Data: Stored locally on your device until you clear app data or reinstall the app.
• User ID: A random identifier generated once and stored locally on your device only - never shared with third parties.
• Crash Reports: Retained for 90 days to identify and fix issues, then automatically deleted.

No personal identifiers are retained on our servers.

Data Storage and Security

• GPS location data is processed in real-time and not stored permanently
• All analytics data is anonymized and cannot be traced back to individual users
• No personal identifiers (names, phone numbers, emails) are collected or stored
• Train route and schedule data is cached locally on your device for offline access
• We implement appropriate security measures to protect your data
• Data transmission is secured using standard encryption protocols

Legal Basis for Processing

• Consent: When you enable location tracking, you provide explicit consent
• Legitimate Interest: For app analytics and performance improvements
• Service Provision: To provide the core train tracking functionality

You can withdraw consent at any time by disabling location tracking in the app.

International Data Transfers

Our app is designed primarily for Bangladesh Railway users. However, if you access our app from other countries:

• Data may be processed on servers located in different countries
• We ensure appropriate safeguards are in place for international transfers
• All data remains anonymized regardless of processing location

Data Sharing

We do not sell, trade, or rent your personal information to third parties. Limited data sharing occurs with:

• Our backend servers (temporary location data for train tracking, and user-generated live chat messages)
• Ad partners (anonymous device identifiers are shared with Google AdMob and Meta Audience Network for bidding/ad monetization)

Your Rights and Controls

• Location Tracking: You can enable or disable location tracking at any time in app settings
• Background Updates: When tracking is active, the app automatically pauses location updates when minimized to preserve battery, unless you have explicitly allowed notifications and disabled battery optimization (Battery Limit Free).
• Notification Control: You can tap the "Stop" action button inside the tracking notification to instantly turn off location sharing and dismiss the notification.
• Data Clearing: You can clear cached train data by reinstalling the app
• Ad Personalization: You can opt out of personalized ads through your device's ad settings
• Account Deletion: Since no personal accounts are created, simply uninstalling the app removes all local data

Note: Analytics data is automatically anonymized and cannot be linked back to individual users, ensuring your privacy is always protected.

Third-Party Services

This app uses the following third-party services:

• Google Play Services: For enhanced location accuracy on Android devices (Privacy Policy)
• Firebase Analytics: For app usage analytics and crash reporting. Data is anonymized and aggregated (Privacy Policy)
• Google Mobile Ads / AdMob: For displaying relevant advertisements to support app development (Privacy Policy)
• Meta Audience Network: Bidding ad network source used via AdMob mediation to serve relevant advertisements (Privacy Policy)

All third-party services comply with their respective privacy policies and data protection standards.

Children's Privacy

Our app does not knowingly collect or solicit personal information from children under 13. If we become aware that we have collected personal information from a child under 13, we will delete that information immediately.

Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify users of any material changes by:

• Updating the "Last updated" date at the top of this policy
• Providing in-app notifications for significant changes
• Requiring renewed consent for any changes affecting location data collection

Contact Information

If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy or our data practices, please contact us through:

• The app's built-in feedback feature
• Our support channels within the app
• The issue reporting system in app settings

We are committed to addressing privacy concerns promptly and will respond to privacy-related inquiries within 7-14 business days.