Last updated: May 1, 2026

Privacy Policy

This Privacy Policy explains how FootPrints (“we”, “our”, or “us”) collects, uses, shares, and protects information about you when you use our website at footprints.websiteand our iOS application (collectively, the “Service”). By using FootPrints, you agree to this policy.

1. Information We Collect

1.1 Account Information

When you register, we collect your name, email address, and a securely hashed password (or your Google account ID if you sign in with Google). This information is required to create and maintain your account.

1.2 Location Data

FootPrints is a location-based service. We collect precise GPS coordinates when you:

Pin a new memory on the map
Use the “Go to my location” button in the app
Grant background location permission for proximity notifications

Location data is stored as latitude and longitude coordinates associated with your memories. We do not track your location continuously without your explicit action.

1.3 User-Generated Content

We store the photos, titles, dates, and captions you attach to memories, as well as any couple-pairing codes and partner relationships you create. Photos are stored securely on Google Firebase Storage.

1.4 Device and Usage Information

We automatically collect certain technical information such as your device type, browser version, operating system, IP address, pages visited, and interaction timestamps. This helps us diagnose issues and improve the Service.

1.5 Cookies and Similar Technologies

We use cookies and localStorage to keep you signed in, remember your preferences (such as theme and cookie consent), and understand how the Service is used. See Section 6 for details.

2. How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect to:

Create and manage your account and authenticate you securely
Display your memories on a personalised map
Sync your memories with your connected partner
Send proximity notifications when you are near a shared memory (only with your permission)
Respond to support requests and feedback
Detect fraud, abuse, and security incidents
Comply with legal obligations
Improve and develop the Service

We do not sell your personal data to any third party. We do not use your data for advertising profiling.

3. Sharing Your Information

3.1 Your Partner

Memories you mark as “shared” are visible to the person you are coupled with in the app. Private memories are visible only to you.

3.2 Service Providers

We use the following sub-processors to operate the Service:

Google Firebase (Authentication, Firestore database, Storage) — your data is stored in Google's infrastructure under Google's applicable data processing terms.
Google Maps Platform — used to render the map and reverse-geocode memory locations.
Vercel — hosts the web application.

Each provider is contractually obligated to protect your data and may only process it for the purposes we specify.

3.3 Legal Requirements

We may disclose your information if required by law, court order, or governmental authority, or if we believe in good faith that disclosure is necessary to prevent harm or protect rights.

4. Data Retention and Deletion

We retain your account data for as long as your account is active. You may delete your account and all associated data at any time from the Profile → Settings section of the app. Upon deletion, your data is permanently removed from our systems within 30 days, except where we are required to retain it for legal reasons.

Individual memories can be deleted at any time from within the app. Deleted memories are removed from the database immediately and from backup systems within 30 days.

5. Your Rights

Depending on where you live, you may have rights regarding your personal data, including:

Access: Request a copy of the data we hold about you.
Correction: Request that we correct inaccurate data.
Deletion: Request that we delete your data (see Section 4).
Portability: Request your data in a machine-readable format.
Restriction: Request that we stop processing your data in certain ways.
Objection: Object to processing based on legitimate interests.

To exercise any of these rights, contact us at privacy@footprints.website. We will respond within 30 days.

6. Cookies

We use the following types of cookies and local storage:

Name	Purpose	Category
Firebase Auth token	Keeps you signed in securely	Strictly Necessary
fp_cookies	Remembers your cookie consent choice	Strictly Necessary
fp_loc_explained	Remembers whether location permission was explained	Functional
fp_notified_*	Prevents duplicate proximity notifications	Functional
Google Maps cookies	Required for map rendering	Functional

You can choose “Necessary Only” in our cookie banner to decline non-essential cookies, or manage cookies through your browser settings. Note that disabling certain cookies may affect functionality.

7. Children's Privacy

FootPrints is not directed to children under the age of 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If you believe a child under 13 has provided us with personal information, please contact us and we will delete it immediately.

8. Security

We implement industry-standard security measures including encrypted data transmission (TLS), Firebase's security rules to control data access, and authentication best practices. However, no method of transmission over the internet is 100% secure. In the event of a data breach that affects your rights, we will notify you as required by applicable law.

9. International Transfers

FootPrints is operated from India. Your data may be stored and processed in the United States and other countries where Google Firebase and Vercel maintain infrastructure. By using the Service, you consent to the transfer of your information to countries that may have different data protection laws than your country of residence.

10. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of material changes by updating the “Last updated” date at the top of this page and, where appropriate, by sending an email to the address associated with your account. Continued use of the Service after changes take effect constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.

11. Contact Us

If you have any questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or your personal data, please contact us:

FootPrints

Email: privacy@footprints.website

Website: footprints.website