Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

StatusBuddy Technologies ("we", "our", "us") operates the Status Buddy mobile application (available on the Google Play Store) and the website www.statusbuddyapp.com (collectively, the "Service"). This Privacy Policy describes how we collect, use, and protect your personal information when you use our Service.

By using the Status Buddy app or website, you agree to the collection and use of information in accordance with this policy. If you do not agree, please discontinue use of the Service.

2. Information We Collect

We collect the following categories of information:

2.1 Information You Provide Directly

• Phone Number: We collect your mobile phone number when you register or log in to the app via OTP (One-Time Password) verification.
• Profile Information: Display name, profile picture (optional), religion preference (optional), and state/region (optional) that you provide during onboarding to personalise your content.
• Communications: Messages you send us via email or our contact form.

2.2 Information Collected Automatically

• Device Information: Device model, operating system version, unique device identifiers, and mobile network information.
• Usage Data: Information about how you interact with the app, including screens viewed, features used, content downloaded, and session duration.
• Analytics Data: Crash reports and performance data to help us improve the app. This data is aggregated and anonymised.
• IP Address: Collected automatically when you use our website or backend services.

2.3 Payment Information

Payments for Pro subscriptions are processed exclusively through Google Play Billing. We do not collect, store, or have access to your payment card details, bank account numbers, UPI IDs, or any other payment credentials. All payment processing is handled entirely by Google. Please refer to Google's Privacy Policy for details on how they handle your payment data.

We receive only a confirmation of purchase status (active/inactive) from Google Play, which we use to manage your subscription access.

3. How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect to:

• Verify your identity and authenticate you via OTP login.
• Provide, personalise, and improve the Status Buddy app and its features.
• Manage your Pro subscription and grant access to premium content.
• Deliver curated WhatsApp and Instagram status content relevant to your preferences (language, religion, festivals, etc.).
• Send service-related notifications such as subscription renewal reminders and app updates.
• Analyse usage patterns to fix bugs, improve performance, and develop new features.
• Respond to your support requests and queries.
• Comply with our legal obligations under Indian law.
• Detect, prevent, and address fraud or technical issues.

We do not sell, rent, or share your personal data with third parties for advertising or marketing purposes.

4. App Permissions

The Status Buddy app may request the following permissions on your Android device:

• Internet Access: Required to log in, load content, and sync your subscription status.
• Read/Write External Storage (Android 9 and below): Required to save downloaded status images and videos to your device gallery.
• Media Library Access (Android 10+): Required to save status content to your device.
• Camera (Optional): Required only if you choose to take a profile photo within the app.
• Notifications: To send you reminders about new content packs and subscription renewals. You may disable this in your device settings at any time.

All permissions are used solely for the stated purpose and are never used to collect data beyond what is described in this policy.

5. Data Storage & Third-Party Services

We use the following trusted third-party services to operate our app:

• Supabase (Database & Authentication): Your phone number, profile information, and subscription status are securely stored in Supabase's cloud database, hosted on AWS servers. Supabase is SOC 2 compliant. Supabase Privacy Policy →
• Google Play Billing: All in-app subscription payments are processed by Google. We do not handle any payment data directly. Google Privacy Policy →
• Expo / React Native (App Framework): Used to build and deliver the app. May collect anonymised crash and performance data.

6. Data Retention

We retain your personal data for as long as your account is active or as necessary to provide the Service. If you delete your account, we will delete your personal data within 30 days, except where we are required to retain it for legal, accounting, or fraud prevention purposes (typically up to 7 years for financial records under Indian law).

7. Data Security

We implement industry-standard technical and organisational security measures including encrypted data transmission (HTTPS/TLS), database-level Row Level Security (RLS), and access controls to protect your personal data. However, no method of data transmission over the internet is 100% secure. We encourage you to use a secure network and keep your device protected.

8. Children's Privacy

The Status Buddy app is not directed to children under the age of 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If you believe a child has provided us with personal data, please contact us at support@statusbuddyapp.com and we will promptly delete such data.

9. Your Rights

As a user, you have the right to:

• Access: Request a copy of the personal data we hold about you.
• Correction: Update or correct your profile information directly within the app at any time.
• Deletion: Delete your account and all associated data. You can do this from the Profile → Settings → Delete Account option in the app, or by emailing us.
• Data Portability: Request an export of your personal data in a machine-readable format.
• Opt-Out of Notifications: Disable push notifications at any time from your device settings.

To exercise any of these rights, please contact us at support@statusbuddyapp.com. We will respond within 30 days.

10. Account Deletion

You may permanently delete your Status Buddy account and all associated data at any time:

• In-App: Go to Profile → Settings → Delete Account and confirm deletion.
• By Email: Send a deletion request to support@statusbuddyapp.com from your registered email or include your registered phone number.

Upon deletion, your account data, profile, and subscription status will be permanently removed from our systems within 30 days. Note: If you have an active Google Play subscription, you must also cancel it separately via the Google Play Store to stop future billing.

11. Links to Third-Party Sites

Our app and website may contain links to third-party services such as Google Play, Instagram, and WhatsApp. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of these services. We encourage you to review their respective privacy policies.

12. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices or legal requirements. We will notify you of significant changes by updating the "Last updated" date at the top of this page. For material changes, we will also display an in-app notification. Continued use of the Service after changes are posted constitutes your acceptance of the revised policy.

13. Grievance Officer (India)

In accordance with the Information Technology Act, 2000, and the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021, the details of the Grievance Officer are provided below:

• Name: Aditya Dubey
• Organisation: StatusBuddy Technologies
• Email: support@statusbuddyapp.com
• Response Time: Within 30 days of receipt of grievance

14. Contact Us

For any privacy-related questions, concerns, or requests, please contact:
StatusBuddy Technologies
Email: support@statusbuddyapp.com
Website: www.statusbuddyapp.com
Support Hours: Monday – Saturday, 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM IST