Privacy Policy

Last updated: August 5, 2025

This privacy policy governs your use of The Bored Soul mobile application ("App") created by Ahmed Gaber. The App is a personal guide designed to help users combat boredom through engaging solo activities, with a strong emphasis on offline functionality and personalized content.

1. The Data We Collect

a) Personal Data You Provide (Opt-in)

We collect personal data that you voluntarily provide when you create an account, which is optional for using the core features of the App. This may include:

• Email Address: Used for account creation, password recovery, and communicating important updates about the App.
• Name or Nickname: An optional field for personalization within the App.
• User Preferences: Information you provide during onboarding, such as your interests, "Boredom Profile," age range, and preferred language/region. This data is used to personalize the App's content and recommendations for you.

b) Anonymous and Non-Personal Data (Automatically Collected)

When you use the App, we automatically collect certain non-personal and anonymous data to improve our services. This data does not personally identify you and includes:

• Device Information: Device type, operating system version, and unique device identifiers.
• Usage Data: Information about how you interact with the App, such as the activities you start, complete, or skip, the features you use, and the duration of your sessions.
• Analytics Data: Anonymous aggregated data collected via third-party analytics services (e.g., Google Analytics for Firebase) to understand user behavior and app performance.
• IP Address: Used for a rough determination of geographic location for content localization and security purposes.
• Crash Reports: Technical information about crashes and bugs to help us fix issues.

c) Location Data (Opt-in for specific features)

The App does not collect precise GPS location data. We may ask for permission to access your device's general location (e.g., city-level from IP address) to provide features like weather-based activity suggestions. This feature is opt-in, and you can withdraw your consent at any time through your device's settings.

2. How We Use Your Data

We use the data we collect for the following purposes:

• To Provide and Personalize the Service: To deliver and personalize the App's core functionality, including the adaptive recommendation engine, the "Boredom Meter," and activity suggestions based on your preferences.
• To Operate and Improve the App: To analyze usage patterns, fix bugs, and develop new features to enhance your experience.
• For Communication: To send you push notifications (with your consent) about new content, reminders, or app updates. We may also use your email address (if provided) for essential service-related communications.
• For Monetization: To operate and optimize our monetization strategies, including displaying ads in the free version and processing premium subscription payments.
• For Security and Fraud Prevention: To protect the integrity and security of the App and our users.

3. Data Sharing and Disclosure

We do not sell or rent your personal data to third parties. We may share your data with:

• Third-Party Service Providers: We use trusted third-party services to help us operate the App, such as cloud hosting providers (e.g., Google Cloud), analytics platforms (e.g., Firebase), and ad networks (e.g., Google AdMob). These providers are bound by confidentiality agreements and are only given access to the data necessary to perform their services.
• Legal Compliance: We may disclose your data if required by law or in response to a valid legal request (e.g., a court order or subpoena).
• Business Transfers: In the event of a merger, acquisition, or sale of all or a portion of our assets, your data may be transferred to the new owner as part of the business assets.

4. Your Rights and Choices

You have several rights regarding your personal data:

• Access and Correction: You have the right to access and update your account information at any time through the App's settings.
• Data Deletion: You can request the deletion of your account and all associated personal data by contacting us. We will delete your data within a reasonable timeframe, retaining some anonymous data for analytics and a limited period for backup purposes.
• Opt-Out of Data Collection: You can opt-out of data collection by uninstalling the App. You can also disable push notifications and location services through your device's settings.
• Data Portability: You can request a copy of your personal data in a structured, machine-readable format.

5. Children's Privacy

The App offers a separate onboarding path for users under the age of 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13 without verifiable parental consent. If we become aware that we have collected data from a child under 13 without such consent, we will take immediate steps to delete that information.

6. Data Security

We take reasonable technical and organizational measures to protect your data from unauthorized access, loss, or misuse. These measures include:

• Encryption of data in transit and at rest
• Access controls and authentication mechanisms
• Regular security assessments and updates
• Staff training on privacy and security best practices

However, please be aware that no security system is completely impenetrable, and we cannot guarantee the absolute security of your information.

7. Data Retention

We retain your personal data only for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined in this privacy policy, unless a longer retention period is required or permitted by law. When we no longer need your personal data, we will securely delete or anonymize it.

8. International Data Transfers

Your information may be transferred to and maintained on servers located outside of your state, province, country, or other governmental jurisdiction where data protection laws may differ from those in your jurisdiction.

9. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this privacy policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices or for other operational, legal, or regulatory reasons. We will notify you of any material changes by:

• Posting the new policy in the App
• Sending you an email notification (if you have provided your email address)
• Displaying a prominent notice in the App

We encourage you to review this policy periodically to stay informed about how we protect your information.

10. Contact Us

By using The Bored Soul App, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to the collection and use of your information as described in this Privacy Policy.