Privacy Policy

Information We Collect

Account Information

When you create a Ping account, we collect:

• Email address - For account authentication and important notifications
• Username - Your display name shown to other users
• Profile photo - Optional, you can add or remove this anytime

Location Data

We use your device's location to:

• Show nearby bus stops on the map
• Allow you to add new bus stops at your current location
• Display your position on the map when you're using the app
• Improve the accuracy of bus stop locations

Content You Create

When you contribute to the Ping community, we store:

• Bus stop information - Names, locations, and route numbers
• Photos - Pictures you upload to help identify bus stops
• Routes - Bus routes you add or edit
• Comments and edits - Your contributions to existing information

Usage Data

To improve Ping and fix issues, we collect anonymous data about:

• App crashes and technical errors
• Features you use most often
• Device type and operating system version
• App performance metrics

How We Use Your Information

Data Storage & Security

Where Your Data Lives

Your information is securely stored using industry-leading platforms:

• Supabase Encrypted cloud database for all app data
• Firebase Secure push notification delivery (optional)
• Your Device Temporary cache for offline viewing

Security Measures

We protect your data with:

• End-to-end encryption for all data transmission
• Secure authentication using industry-standard protocols
• Row-level security in our database
• Regular security audits and monitoring
• Automatic security updates to stay protected

What Information is Public?

Visible to All Users:

• Your username and profile photo
• Bus stops you've added to the map
• Photos you've uploaded
• Your karma score and earned badges
• Routes and edits you've contributed

Always Private:

• Your email address
• Your exact real-time location
• Your device information
• Your personal settings and preferences

Third-Party Services

Ping uses the following trusted services to function:

Your Rights & Control

You Have Full Control

At any time, you can:

• View - Access all data associated with your account
• Edit - Update your profile, username, or photo
• Delete - Remove your contributions or entire account
• Export - Request a copy of all your data
• Opt-out - Disable notifications or location access

Account Deletion

You can delete your account through the app settings. When you delete your account:

• Your email and personal information are permanently removed
• Your photos are deleted within 30 days
• Your bus stop contributions remain anonymized (credited as "Anonymous User")
• This action cannot be undone

Children's Privacy

Push Notifications

If you enable push notifications, we may send you:

• Badge achievements - When you unlock new badges
• Nearby updates - When bus stops near you are updated
• Important announcements - Critical app updates or issues

You can disable notifications anytime in your device settings.

Policy Updates

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. When we do, we'll:

• Post the updated policy in the app
• Update the "Last Updated" date at the top
• Notify you of major changes via push notification
• Email you about significant changes (for important updates)

Your continued use of Ping after updates means you accept the new policy.

Data Retention

We keep your data only as long as necessary:

• Active accounts: Data retained while account is active
• Personal info after deletion: Removed immediately
• Photos after deletion: Deleted within 30 days
• Anonymized contributions: Retained for community benefit
• System caches: Cleared within 90 days

International Users

Ping is available worldwide. Your data may be transferred to and stored in different countries to provide you with the best service. By using Ping, you consent to this transfer.