Privacy Policy

Introduction

Welcome to Astrophy ("we," "our," or "us"). This Privacy Policy describes how we collect, use, and protect your information when you use our mobile application and web platform (collectively, the "Service"). We are committed to protecting your privacy and ensuring transparency about our data practices.

Information We Collect

Information You Provide Directly

• Account Email: If you choose to sign in (optional), we collect your email address to create your account, sync your progress across devices, and send a one-time sign-in code. Most of the app works without signing in.
• Bookmarks: Articles and facts you save within the app
• Language Preferences: Your selected language for the interface
• App Settings: Your customization preferences
• Light Pollution Measurements: Data from your light pollution measurements including:
  • Brightness readings and Bortle scale classifications
  • Location data (if you choose to enable it)
  • Measurement notes and observations
  • Image analysis results and quality assessments

Information Automatically Collected

We use Firebase Analytics (a Google service) to understand how the app is used and to improve it. This includes:

• Usage Data: Screens viewed and in-app actions (e.g. courses opened, quizzes taken, articles read)
• Device Information: Device model, operating system version, app version, and screen resolution
• Diagnostics: Crash reports and performance metrics (e.g. API response times)
• Identifiers: An app-generated user ID; if you sign in, analytics events are associated with your account
• API Usage: Requests made to our backend services for functionality

This analytics data is processed by Google as our service provider. It is not used for advertising and is not used to track you across other apps or websites.

Information We Do NOT Collect

• Advertising identifiers (IDFA) — the app shows no ads and does no ad targeting
• Data that tracks you across other companies' apps or websites
• Microphone, contacts, calendar, or personal files
• Payment information
• Phone number or contact details beyond an optional sign-in email

How We Use Your Information

We use the collected information to:

• Provide and maintain the Service's functionality
• Remember your bookmarks and preferences
• Store and sync your light pollution measurements
• Generate personal statistics and trends
• Improve app performance and user experience
• Fix bugs and technical issues
• Understand usage patterns to enhance features
• Provide community features (with your explicit consent)

Light Pollution Data

Data Storage

• Local Storage: Measurements are stored locally on your device as primary backup
• Cloud Storage: Measurements are synced to our secure backend for cross-device access
• User Isolation: Your data is associated with a per-user ID. Until you sign in, this ID is anonymous; after sign-in it is linked to your account email

Location Data

• Precise (GPS) location is only collected if you grant permission and choose to attach it to a light pollution measurement
• Location is used solely to record where a measurement was taken and to provide location-based insights
• You can disable location access at any time in device settings
• Measurements work fully without location data

Community Features

• You can choose to share exceptional measurements with the community
• Shared measurements are anonymized and contain no personal information
• Sharing is entirely optional and controlled by you
• You can withdraw shared measurements at any time

Data Storage and Security

• Encryption: All data transmission is encrypted using industry-standard protocols
• Secure Storage: Backend data is stored in secure, encrypted databases
• Access Controls: Strict access controls limit who can access your data
• Regular Backups: Data is regularly backed up to prevent loss
• No Third-Party Access: We do not sell or share your personal data with third parties for advertising

Third-Party Services

Content Sources

The app displays content from external sources including:

• NASA (nasa.gov)
• European Space Agency (ESA)
• Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)
• Other space agencies and scientific organizations

These sources have their own privacy policies and we are not responsible for their data practices.

Analytics Services

• Firebase Analytics (Google): Usage analytics, performance, and crash reporting to help us improve the app
• When you are signed in, analytics events are associated with your account; otherwise they are tied only to an app-generated ID
• Google processes this data as our service provider under its own terms; it is not used for advertising or cross-app tracking

Your Rights and Choices

You have the right to:

• Access: Request access to your personal data
• Correction: Correct any inaccurate personal data
• Deletion: Delete your account and all associated data
• Portability: Export your measurement data
• Limit linkage: Use the app without signing in to keep analytics tied only to an anonymous ID
• Control Sharing: Control which measurements are shared with the community

Data Retention

• Bookmarks and preferences are stored until you delete them or uninstall the app
• Light pollution measurements are stored until you choose to delete them
• Analytics data is retained by Google per Firebase's standard retention settings
• You can delete your account in the app (Profile → Delete Account); this permanently removes your profile, progress, quiz history, and measurements from our servers

Children's Privacy

The app is designed to be educational and suitable for all ages. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If you believe we have inadvertently collected such information, please contact us immediately.

International Users

The app is designed for global use. Data processing complies with:

• GDPR: European Union General Data Protection Regulation
• CCPA: California Consumer Privacy Act
• Other applicable privacy laws in your jurisdiction

Changes to This Privacy 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
• Providing notice within the app
• Publishing the updated policy on our website
• For significant changes, sending direct notifications

Compliance Statement

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