This policy explains what information the Somerton Tamale Festival app collects, how it is used, and the choices you have. It covers the app on iOS and Android. The app is developed by Andres Gandara ("we", "us").
summary
- You can browse the festival schedule, vendors, map, sponsors, and announcements without an account.
- The Android app has no accounts and does not collect personal information.
- On iOS, signing in is optional. It is only needed to post photos, comment, like, or contact support from the app.
- We do not sell your information, and the app does not show ads.
information we collect
When you browse (iOS and Android)
The app downloads festival information, such as the schedule, vendors, and images, from Google Firebase. Like any internet service, Google's servers receive technical information needed to deliver that content, such as your IP address and basic device and app details.
Some settings are stored only on your device and are never sent to us. These include announcements you have dismissed, event reminders you have set, and when the app last asked whether you are enjoying it.
When you sign in (iOS only)
You can sign in with Apple. When you do, we receive and store:
- Your name, if you choose to share it with Apple's sign-in.
- Your email address. If you choose "Hide My Email", this is a private relay address from Apple.
- An account ID, the date you created your account, and when you last used the app.
You can change your name and email in the app's account settings.
Content you create (iOS only)
If you are signed in, we store the content you add:
- Posts: photos you upload and their captions.
- Comments you leave on posts.
- Likes on posts and on tamale vendors.
Posts, comments, and likes are shown to other signed-in users of the app, along with your name.
Support messages (iOS only)
If you contact support from the app, we store the name, email address, subject, and message you send so we can respond.
Diagnostics and usage (iOS only)
The iOS app uses Google Firebase Crashlytics and Google Analytics for Firebase:
- Crash reports include the app version, device model, operating system version, and technical details of the crash.
- Usage information includes things like app opens, session length, device type, operating system, and approximate region based on IP address. It is tied to a random app installation identifier, not to your name or email.
We use this only to find bugs and understand how the app is used. You can limit ad tracking and analytics through your device's privacy settings.
Notifications
On iOS, the app may ask permission to send notifications. If you allow it, Firebase Cloud Messaging assigns your device a notification token so we can send festival updates. Event reminders you set are scheduled on your device. You can turn notifications off at any time in your device settings.
Camera and photos (iOS only)
The app asks for camera access only when you choose to take a photo for a post. It asks for permission to add photos to your library only when you choose to save one. We do not access your photo library otherwise.
What we do not collect
The app does not collect your precise location, contacts, payment information, or browsing activity in other apps.
how we use information
We use the information above to:
- Run the app and show festival content.
- Let signed-in users post, comment, and like, and show that activity to other users.
- Respond to support messages.
- Send notifications you have allowed.
- Fix crashes and improve the app.
- Moderate content and keep the community safe, for example by hiding posts or restricting accounts that break the rules.
how information is shared
We do not sell or rent your personal information, and we do not share it for advertising.
Information is shared only:
- With other app users: your name, posts, comments, and likes are visible to other signed-in users.
- With service providers: the app is built on Google Firebase, which stores data and provides sign-in, notifications, crash reporting, and analytics on our behalf. Sign in with Apple is provided by Apple. These providers handle data under their own privacy terms:
- When required by law: if needed to comply with a legal obligation, or to protect the rights and safety of users or others.
how long we keep information
- Account information, posts, comments, and likes are kept until you delete them or delete your account.
- Support messages are kept as long as needed to resolve your request.
- Crash reports and analytics data are kept for the periods set by Google Firebase.
deleting your account and data
On iOS, you can delete your account from Settings, then Account, then Delete Account in the app. You can also email us at me@andygandara.com from the address on your account.
When your account is deleted, we delete your account information, posts, comments, likes, and support messages. Copies may remain in backups for a short period before they are removed.
The Android app has no accounts, so there is nothing to delete. Uninstalling the app removes the settings stored on your device.
children's privacy
The app is meant for a general audience and is not directed to children under 13. Children under 13 should not create an account, post, or comment. If you believe a child under 13 has given us personal information, contact us and we will delete it.
your rights
Depending on where you live, you may have the right to access, correct, delete, or receive a copy of your personal information, or to object to how it is used. To make a request, email us at me@andygandara.com. We will respond within the time required by law.
California residents: we do not sell or share personal information as those terms are defined under California law.
security
Data is sent over encrypted connections and stored with Google Firebase, which protects it with industry-standard security. No method of storage or transmission is completely secure, but we work to protect your information.
where data is stored
Data is stored and processed in the United States by Google Firebase. If you use the app from outside the United States, your information will be transferred to the United States.
changes to this policy
We may update this policy as the app changes. We will post the new version on this page and update the effective date above. For significant changes, we may also let you know in the app.
contact
Questions about this policy or your information:
Andres Gandara
Email: me@andygandara.com