Legal

Privacy Policy

How Firewood Friends collects, uses, and protects personal information.

Last Updated: March 23, 2026

1. Introduction

Welcome to Firewood Friends ("we," "our," or "us"). We respect your privacy and are committed to protecting your personal data. This privacy policy explains how we collect, use, and safeguard your information when you use our mobile application or website.

2. Information We Collect

2.1 Information You Provide

• Account Information: Email address, username, and profile details
• Listing Information: Photos, descriptions, and location data for wood offerings
• Communications: Messages sent through our in-app chat feature

2.2 Automatically Collected Information

• Location Data: GPS coordinates when you post listings or set alert zones (with your permission)
• Device Information: Device type, operating system, and app usage data
• Analytics: App performance and usage statistics via Firebase Analytics, plus website traffic analytics via Google Analytics 4 if you accept analytics cookies on our website
• Aggregated Location Analytics: De-identified, grouped alert-zone trends used for owner reporting (no personally identifiable location map is shown)

3. How We Use Your Information

We use your information to:

• Enable you to post and find wood listings
• Facilitate communication between users
• Send location-based notifications for new listings in your alert zone
• Improve and maintain the app's functionality
• Prevent fraud and ensure user safety

4. Location Privacy

Guest Users: Location data is obfuscated by approximately 220-550 meters to protect privacy until you create an account.

Registered Users: Precise locations are displayed to facilitate efficient wood collection.

For internal reporting, we may use aggregated alert-zone groups with minimum user-count thresholds so individual users are not identifiable.

You control location sharing through your device settings and can revoke access at any time.

5. Data Sharing

We do not sell your personal data. We may share information:

• With Other Users: Your publicly posted listings, photos, and approximate location
• Service Providers: Firebase (Google) for authentication, database, and hosting services, and Google Analytics for website traffic measurement when you consent
• Legal Requirements: When required by law or to protect rights and safety

6. Data Security

We use industry-standard security measures including:

• Encrypted data transmission (HTTPS/SSL)
• Firebase Authentication with secure password hashing
• Firestore Security Rules to protect user data
• Regular security audits and updates

7. Your Rights

You have the right to:

• Access your personal data
• Request correction of your data
• Opt-out of notifications
• Delete your account at any time

7.1 How to Delete Your Account

Direct account deletion page: firewoodfriends.app/account-deletion.html

You can delete your account anytime through the app:

1. Open the app and navigate to your Profile screen
2. Scroll to the bottom and tap "Delete My Account"
3. Choose your preferred deletion method:
   • Anonymize: Your personal information (name, email, photos) will be permanently deleted. Your listings and messages will remain visible as "Deleted User" to help the community and support our research to improve the app.
   • Delete Everything: Your account and all data you've contributed will be permanently deleted, including listings, photos, and messages.
4. Confirm your choice to complete the deletion

If you're unable to access the app (for example, lost device or app malfunction), you may request account deletion by emailing support@firewoodfriends.app with:

• Your registered email address
• Subject line: "Account Deletion Request"
• Your preferred deletion method (Anonymize or Delete Everything)

We will process your request within 30 days.

Important: Account deletion is permanent and cannot be undone. Uninstalling the app does not delete your account.

8. Children's Privacy

Our app is not intended for users under 13 years of age. We do not knowingly collect information from children.

9. Third-Party Services

We use the following third-party services:

• Firebase (Google): Authentication, database, storage, and analytics
• Google Analytics: Website analytics and traffic measurement, only after you opt in to analytics cookies on the website
• Google Sign-In: Optional authentication method
• OpenStreetMap: Map display (no personal data shared)

10. Changes to This Policy

We may update this privacy policy from time to time. We will notify you of significant changes through the app or via email.

11. Contact Us

If you have questions about this privacy policy or your data, contact us at:

Email: support@firewoodfriends.app
Company: Itomic Digital Pty Ltd
Facebook: www.facebook.com/firewoodfriends