Privacy Policy

Introduction

Welcome to Emotion Buddy. We are committed to protecting your privacy and handling your data in an open and transparent manner. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, store, and protect your information when you use our mobile application.

By using Emotion Buddy, you agree to the collection and use of information in accordance with this policy.

1. Information We Collect

1.1 Account Information

When you create an account, we collect:

• Email address
• Name (optional)
• Password (encrypted)
• Profile preferences

1.2 Journal Data

As part of our core service, we collect and store:

• Journal entry text content
• Mood ratings and emotional data
• Timestamps of entries
• Uploaded photos and videos
• Voice recordings (audio notes)
• Entry metadata

1.3 Usage Data

We automatically collect:

• App interactions and feature usage
• Device information (type, OS version)
• Crash reports and error logs
• Performance metrics
• Analytics data (anonymized)

1.4 Information We Do NOT Collect

• Location data
• Contact lists
• Device identifiers for advertising
• Sensitive device sensors without permission

2. How We Use Your Information

2.1 To Provide Our Services

• Store and sync your journal entries across devices
• Generate mood analytics and emotional insights
• Process AI analysis of your journal entries
• Display your personal wellness dashboard
• Provide mood tracking and pattern recognition

2.2 To Improve Our App

• Analyze usage patterns (anonymized)
• Fix bugs and crashes
• Develop new features
• Enhance user experience
• Improve AI analysis accuracy

2.3 To Communicate With You

• Send important account notifications
• Provide customer support
• Notify about app updates
• Respond to your inquiries

3. How We Share Your Information

3.1 Third-Party Services

3.2 What We Never Share

4. Data Security

4.1 Security Measures

We implement industry-standard security practices:

• Encryption in Transit: All data transmitted using HTTPS/TLS
• Encryption at Rest: Data encrypted in our databases
• Secure Authentication: Password hashing with bcrypt
• Access Controls: Limited employee access to user data
• Regular Audits: Security assessments and penetration testing

4.2 Your Responsibility

• Choose a strong, unique password
• Keep your login credentials confidential
• Enable device security (PIN, biometric)
• Log out from shared devices
• Report suspicious activity immediately

5. Data Retention

5.1 Active Accounts

We retain your data for as long as your account is active and you continue to use our Service.

• Journal entries and mood data are stored indefinitely while your account is active
• Media files (photos, videos, audio) remain accessible as long as you maintain your account
• You can delete individual entries or media files at any time

5.2 Deleted Accounts

When you delete your account:

• Immediate deletion: All data is instantly removed from production databases
• 90-day backup retention: Encrypted backups are maintained for disaster recovery and automatically purged after 90 days

6. Your Rights

You have complete control over your data. We respect your privacy rights and make it easy to exercise them.

6.1 Right to Access

You can access all your data at any time through the app.

• View all journal entries, mood data, and insights anytime
• Access your profile information in Settings
• Request a copy of all data we have about you by emailing [email protected]

6.2 Right to Download (Data Portability)

Export your data in a machine-readable format for use elsewhere.

• Go to Profile → Settings → Export My Data
• Choose JSON or PDF format
• Receive download link via email within 24 hours
• Includes all journal entries, mood ratings, and metadata

6.3 Right to Delete

Permanently delete your account and all associated data.

• Delete individual entries anytime within the app
• Delete your entire account: Profile → Settings → Danger Zone → Delete Account
• Alternative: Email [email protected] with deletion request
• Data deletion is instant and permanent (90-day backup retention for disaster recovery)

Learn more: Data Deletion Instructions

7. Subscription & Cancellation

7.1 Canceling Your Subscription

You can cancel your Emotion Buddy Premium subscription at any time. The cancellation method depends on how you purchased your subscription.

7.2 Cancellation by Platform

7.3 Renewal & Refund Policy

• Your subscription automatically renews unless you cancel at least 24 hours before the end of your current subscription period
• If you cancel, your subscription remains active until the end of your current billing period
• You will not receive a refund or credit for any remaining days in your current subscription period, unless required by law
• You retain access to Premium features until the end of the paid period

For more information, visit our Support page or email us at [email protected]

8. Account Deletion

8.1 How to Delete Your Account

You can permanently delete your Emotion Buddy account at any time using our in-app deletion feature.

9. Children's Privacy

Emotion Buddy is intended for users aged 13 and older.

• We do not knowingly collect data from children under 13
• If we discover data from a child under 13, we will delete it immediately
• Parents/guardians can contact us to request deletion

For users aged 13-17: We recommend parental guidance when using mental health apps.

10. International Data Transfers

10.1 Data Location

• Our servers are located in the United States
• Your data may be transferred to, stored, and processed in the US

10.2 For European Users (GDPR)

If you are in the European Economic Area (EEA):

• We comply with GDPR requirements
• Data transfers use Standard Contractual Clauses
• You have additional rights under GDPR

10.3 For California Users (CCPA)

If you are a California resident:

• You have rights under the California Consumer Privacy Act
• You can request disclosure of data collection practices
• You can opt-out of data "sales" (we don't sell data)

11. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Changes will be effective when posted.

We will notify you of significant changes via:

• Email notification
• In-app alert
• Updated "Last Modified" date

12. Contact Us

If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or our data practices, please contact us:

We will respond to your inquiry within 30 days.