Privacy Policy for Shepherd

Effective Date: July 6, 2025

1. Introduction

Welcome to Shepherd! This Privacy Policy explains how MARCUS GUNN ("we," "us," or "our") collects, uses, discloses, and protects your information when you use the Shepherd mobile application (the "Service"). Your privacy is of utmost importance to us.

By using the Service, you agree to the collection and use of information in accordance with this policy.

2. Information We Collect

We collect information to provide and improve our Service to you.

a. Data You Provide

  • Anonymous User ID: When you begin using the app, you are signed in anonymously through Firebase Authentication. We associate all your app data with this anonymous ID.
  • Username: You have the option to set a username, which is linked to your anonymous ID.
  • Limit Configuration: We collect the details of the screen time limits you create, including names, descriptions, time allowances, and the apps, categories, or websites you choose to include.

b. Data We Collect Automatically

  • Usage and Analytics Data: We collect analytics data to understand how our Service is used, which helps us improve the product. This may include information about features you use and your interactions within the app. This is done in a way that does not personally identify you.
  • Crash Reporting: We use Sentry to collect crash reports and diagnostic information to identify and fix issues within the app. This helps us maintain a stable and reliable service.
  • Purchase History: We collect information related to your subscription status and in-app purchase history to manage your access to paid features.

3. How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect for the following purposes:

  • To Provide and Maintain the Service: To operate the core functionalities of the app, such as setting, monitoring, and enforcing screen time limits.
  • To Enable Shepherd Functionality: To allow an invited "Shepherd" to view, manage, and lock your screen time limits as you have authorized.
  • To Improve the Service: We use aggregated and anonymized analytics data to understand user behavior, identify popular features, and make improvements to the app experience.
  • To Provide Customer Support: To respond to your requests for assistance and resolve issues.
  • For Security and Fraud Prevention: To protect the integrity of our Service and prevent abuse.
  • For Marketing: We may use high-level, aggregated statistics (e.g., total number of users) for marketing purposes. We will never use your individual, personal data for marketing.

4. How We Share Your Information

Your information is shared in the following limited circumstances:

a. With Your Shepherd

When you invite a Shepherd, they can see certain information about your limits to help you with your screen time goals. To be clear, a Shepherd can see:

  • The name, description, and icon you set for each limit.
  • The time duration and block duration for each limit.
  • The number of apps, categories, and websites associated with each limit.

A Shepherd cannot see:

  • The specific names of the apps, websites, or categories you have chosen to limit. Your privacy in this regard is paramount.

b. With Third-Party Service Providers

We use trusted third-party services to help us operate our app. These providers have access to your information only to perform these tasks on our behalf and are obligated not to disclose or use it for any other purpose.

  • Firebase (a Google company): We use Firebase for anonymous authentication, database hosting (Firestore), and cloud functions. You can find Google's Privacy Policy here: https://policies.google.com/privacy
  • RevenueCat: We use RevenueCat to manage subscriptions and in-app purchases. You can view RevenueCat's Privacy Policy here: https://www.revenuecat.com/privacy/
  • Sentry: We use Sentry for crash reporting and performance monitoring to help us identify and fix bugs. Sentry's Privacy Policy is available here: https://sentry.io/privacy/

5. Data Security

We are committed to protecting your data. Since user accounts are anonymous by design, your personal identity is not directly linked to your app usage data in our systems. We implement and maintain reasonable security measures to protect the information we store from unauthorized access, use, or disclosure. Data is encrypted both in transit and at rest.

6. Data Retention and Deletion

Because your account is anonymous, the data associated with your anonymous user ID is not directly tied to your real-world identity. If you delete the Shepherd app from your device, you lose access to the anonymous ID and the associated data. The anonymous data will remain on our servers.

You have the right to request the complete deletion of all data associated with your anonymous user ID. To do so, please contact us at m_gunny31@outlook.com, and we will process your request.

7. Children's Privacy

The Shepherd app is not intended for or directed at children under the age of 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If we become aware that we have collected information from a child without verification of parental consent, we will take steps to remove that information from our servers.

8. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update our Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of any changes by posting the new Privacy Policy on this page. You are advised to review this Privacy Policy periodically for any changes.

9. Contact Us

If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy, please contact us at: m_gunny31@outlook.com