Privacy Policy

Effective Date: June 23, 2026

Thank you for using Locate Guard (the "App"). The App is operated by CodeJoy ("we," "us," or "our").

Location information can be sensitive. This Privacy Policy explains what information may be processed when you use Locate Guard, why it is needed, how it is protected, and what controls are available to you.

1. App Purpose and Intended Use

Locate Guard is a consent-based location sharing app designed for families, friends, and trusted people. The App helps users connect through an invitation process and share location only after permission and consent are provided.

Locate Guard is not designed for secret tracking, hidden monitoring, or spying. We do not provide silent surveillance functionality, and users can stop sharing or adjust permissions at any time.

2. Information We Collect

To provide location sharing, invitation, notification, and technical support features, we may process the categories of information described below.

2.1 Location Information

With user permission, Locate Guard may collect and process location information such as:

• Precise geographic coordinates;
• Location signals derived from GPS, Wi-Fi, and cellular networks;
• The time when location data is updated;
• Sharing status related to an approved location connection.

If background location access is enabled, Locate Guard may continue receiving location updates while the App is in the background, the screen is off, or the device is locked. This helps approved location sharing work as expected.

2.2 Invitation and Connection Information

To create consent-based connections, we may process information related to invite codes, accepted invitations, sharing status, and the trusted people connected through the App.

2.3 Device and Technical Information

For reliability, security, troubleshooting, and basic functionality, we may collect technical information including:

• Device type or model;
• Operating system version;
• Installed App version;
• IP address;
• Network connection status;
• Anonymous or pseudonymous device identifiers;
• Crash reports, performance records, and error diagnostics.

2.4 Information We Do Not Actively Collect

Unless we clearly explain otherwise and obtain any required permission, Locate Guard does not actively collect:

• Text message content;
• Call logs;
• Device audio recordings;
• Camera footage;
• Photo library content;
• Browsing history;
• Private social or chat messages;
• Government ID details or similar sensitive identity details.

3. Consent, Controls, and Notifications

Locate Guard collects, uses, or shares device location only after the user grants permission and enables the related feature.

When location sharing is used:

• Location access must first be allowed through system permissions or App settings;
• A connection must be created through an invite process;
• The invited user must enter or accept the invite code before sharing begins;
• Users can pause, disconnect, or stop sharing from within the App at any time;
• Users can turn off location or background location access in device settings;
• Users may receive system notifications, in-app notices, or other clear reminders related to sharing status;
• If sharing or permissions are disabled, real-time location and related features may stop working properly.

We do not conceal location sharing status from users.

4. How We Use Information

We use information only as reasonably needed to provide, maintain, and improve Locate Guard, including to:

• Create and manage invite-code connections;
• Show current location to approved people;
• Display sharing status and connection status;
• Send sharing-related notifications and reminders;
• Improve location accuracy and App reliability;
• Investigate crashes, lag, location errors, or unusual battery use;
• Protect against misuse, unauthorized access, or privacy-infringing activity;
• Meet legal, regulatory, and app store policy obligations.

We do not use precise location data for user profiling, credit scoring, or commercial uses unrelated to consent-based location sharing.

5. Background Location

Background location helps approved location sharing continue when the App is not actively open.

If background location is authorized, the App may collect location updates in situations such as:

• When the App is not actively open on screen;
• When the screen is turned off;
• When the device is locked;
• When a shared location needs to be refreshed.

You can disable location or background location permissions through the App or device settings at any time. If you do, real-time location sharing may be unavailable or incomplete.

6. Information Sharing and Third-Party Services

We do not sell or rent location data.

To provide the App, we may use third-party service providers for limited purposes, including:

• Map display;
• Supplemental location services;
• Crash reporting and performance diagnostics;
• Push notifications;
• Cloud hosting, data storage, and security operations.

We expect these providers to process information only as needed for their services and to use reasonable security protections.

We may disclose information if required by law, to protect rights and safety, to investigate misuse, or in connection with a business transfer, subject to applicable legal requirements.

7. Data Storage and Retention

We keep information only for as long as it is needed for the relevant feature, service operation, or legal requirement, applying data minimization principles.

• Location sharing records may be stored locally or on servers in a pseudonymous form;
• Crash and diagnostic records are used to troubleshoot issues and improve stability;
• When information is no longer required for the purposes in this Policy, we will delete it or anonymize it.

Users may remove relevant data through App features, by clearing App data, by uninstalling the App, or by contacting us. Records stored locally on the device may be deleted when App data is cleared or the App is uninstalled.

8. Information Security

We use reasonable technical and organizational safeguards to protect information, including:

• Encrypted transmission for data in transit;
• Access controls for information handling;
• Limiting collection that is not related to location sharing;
• Additional safeguards for sensitive information;
• Ongoing improvements to privacy and security practices.

No electronic transmission or storage system is completely secure. Even so, we will continue to protect information using reasonable measures.

9. User Choices and Controls

You can manage permissions and data in several ways, including:

• Pausing or ending location sharing in the App;
• Disconnecting from trusted people;
• Turning location permission on or off in system settings;
• Turning background location permission on or off in system settings;
• Managing notification permission in system settings;
• Clearing App cache or App data;
• Uninstalling the App;
• Contacting us to request access, correction, or deletion of relevant data.

Some core features may not work correctly after related permissions are disabled.

10. Lawful and Compliant Use

Users must use Locate Guard lawfully, transparently, and with respect for privacy.

You may not use the App to:

• Collect or share another person's location without authorization;
• Install the App secretly, operate it silently, or avoid system permission prompts;
• Harass, threaten, control, harm, stalk, or spy on any person;
• Violate laws, third-party rights, or app store policies.

If we determine or reasonably suspect that the App is being misused for illegal or privacy-infringing purposes, we may limit, suspend, or terminate the relevant service access.

11. Cross-Border Processing

Depending on where you are located, where our servers are deployed, and where service providers operate, information may be processed outside your country or region. Where applicable, we will use reasonable safeguards consistent with relevant laws and regulations.

12. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy to reflect changes in App features, legal requirements, regulations, or app store policies. Updated versions may be shown in the App, on our website, or through other reasonable channels.

If we make material changes, we will provide a more noticeable notice when reasonably possible.

13. Contact Us

If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or how location data is processed, please contact us at:

• Developer: CodeJoy
• Email: admin@codejoys.net