COmeter Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

Green Pole NGO ("we," "our," or "us") operates the COmeter mobile application (the "App") to provide air quality monitoring services in Georgia. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, and protect your personal information when you use our App.

2. Information We Collect

2.1 Personal Information

When you create an account, we may collect:

• Email address (for account creation and communication)
• Full name (for account personalization)
• Password (encrypted and stored securely)
• Authentication tokens (when using Google or Apple Sign-In)

2.2 Location Information

• Device location (when you grant permission) to provide location-based air quality data
• Saved locations (addresses or coordinates you manually add to monitor air quality)
• Location history (if you enable location tracking features)

2.3 Device and Usage Information

• Air quality monitoring devices (device IDs when you connect personal monitoring equipment)
• App usage data (features used, time spent in app)
• Device information (operating system, app version, device type)
• Error logs and crash reports (to improve app performance)

2.4 Air Quality Data

• Historical air quality readings from your monitored locations
• Personal air quality preferences and notification settings
• Calendar data related to air quality tracking

3. How We Use Your Information

We use your information to:

3.1 Provide Core Services

• Display real-time air quality data for your location
• Send personalized health recommendations based on air quality levels
• Manage your saved locations and monitoring devices
• Provide historical air quality trends and analytics

3.2 Improve User Experience

• Customize the app interface and content
• Send relevant notifications about air quality changes
• Provide multilingual support (English and Georgian)
• Remember your app preferences and settings

3.3 Safety and Communication

• Send emergency alerts during hazardous air quality conditions
• Provide location-specific health recommendations
• Communicate important updates about air quality monitoring
• Respond to your support requests

3.4 Research and Environmental Impact

• Contribute to environmental research and awareness (aggregated, anonymized data only)
• Improve air quality monitoring methodologies
• Support Green Pole NGO's environmental protection mission

4. Information Sharing and Disclosure

4.2 Limited Sharing

We may share information only in these circumstances:

Service Providers:

• Firebase (Google) for authentication and app analytics
• Cloud storage providers for data backup
• Air quality data providers for real-time monitoring information

Legal Requirements:

• When required by Georgian law or legal process
• To protect the rights, property, or safety of users or the public
• In case of emergency situations affecting public health

Aggregated Data:

• Anonymous, aggregated air quality statistics for environmental research
• Non-identifiable usage patterns to improve air quality monitoring

5. Data Security

5.1 Security Measures

• Encryption: All sensitive data is encrypted in transit and at rest
• Authentication: Secure login through Google, Apple, or encrypted email/password
• Access Controls: Limited access to personal data on a need-to-know basis
• Regular Updates: Security measures are regularly reviewed and updated

5.2 Data Retention

• Account Data: Retained while your account is active
• Location Data: Stored for up to 2 years for historical analysis
• Usage Data: Retained for 1 year for app improvement purposes
• Deleted Accounts: Personal data deleted within 30 days of account deletion

6. Your Rights and Choices

6.1 Access and Control

• View Data: Access all personal information we have about you
• Update Information: Modify your account details and preferences
• Location Settings: Enable/disable location services at any time
• Notifications: Control which alerts and updates you receive

6.2 Data Deletion

• Account Deletion: Permanently delete your account and associated data
• Selective Deletion: Remove specific locations or device connections
• Right to be Forgotten: Request complete removal of your data

6.3 Data Portability

• Export Data: Download your air quality history and account information
• Data Format: Receive data in commonly used, machine-readable formats

7. Location Services

7.1 Permission-Based

• Location access requires your explicit permission
• You can revoke location permissions through device settings
• The app functions with limited features if location is disabled

7.2 Location Usage

• Current Location: To show local air quality conditions
• Background Location: Only when app is in use (no constant tracking)
• Precise Location: Used for accurate air quality readings
• Location History: Optional feature that can be disabled

8. Children's Privacy

COmeter is not intended for children under 13 years old. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If you believe a child has provided personal information, please contact us immediately.

9. International Data Transfers

Your information may be transferred to and processed in countries other than Georgia for cloud storage and service provision. We ensure appropriate safeguards are in place for such transfers.

10. Third-Party Services

10.1 Authentication Providers

• Google Sign-In: Subject to Google's Privacy Policy
• Apple Sign-In: Subject to Apple's Privacy Policy
• Firebase: Subject to Google's Privacy Policy

10.2 Air Quality Data Sources

We integrate with various air quality monitoring networks and meteorological services. These integrations do not share your personal information.

11. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy to reflect changes in our practices or for legal, operational, or regulatory reasons. We will:

• Notify users of significant changes through the app
• Post the updated policy on our website
• Indicate the "Last Updated" date at the top of the policy

12. Compliance

This Privacy Policy complies with:

• Georgian Law on Personal Data Protection
• EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) principles
• International privacy best practices

13. Contact Us

If you have questions, concerns, or requests regarding your privacy or this policy:

For specific privacy requests, please include "COmeter Privacy Request" in your email subject line.