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Privacy Policy
Effective date: March 2, 2026
Artedex ("we", "our", "the app") respects your privacy. This policy explains what data we collect, why we collect it, and how we handle it. By using Artedex you agree to the practices described below.
1. Data We Collect
We collect only the data necessary to provide the core features of the app:
- Location data (while you use the app) — Your GPS coordinates are used to show nearby public art on the map and to enable AR-guided navigation to art pieces. Location access is required for core functionality.
- Photos — When you photograph an art piece to add it to your collection, the photo is uploaded to our servers and stored in your account. You choose when to take and upload each photo.
- Email address and username — Collected during account registration or provided by third-party sign-in services (Apple, Google) for authentication and account identification purposes.
- User identifiers — When you sign in with Apple or Google, we receive a provider-specific identifier used solely to link your account. We do not access your contacts, calendar, or any other data from these services.
- Crash data — Anonymous crash reports and diagnostic information are collected automatically to help us identify and fix bugs. This data is not linked to your identity.
2. How We Use Your Data
- Location — Processed in real time to display nearby art pieces and provide navigation. We do not build location history profiles or track your movements over time.
- Photos — Associated with your personal collection and displayed only to you within the app.
- Email — Used for login authentication, password resets, and essential service communications. We do not send marketing emails.
- User identifiers — Used exclusively to authenticate your account and link sign-in providers. We do not use these identifiers for tracking or advertising.
- Crash data — Used to diagnose technical issues, improve app stability, and fix bugs.
3. Sign In with Apple and Google
Artedex supports signing in with your Apple ID or Google account. When you use these services:
- We receive only your email address and a provider-specific identifier. We do not access your name, contacts, photos, or any other data from Apple or Google.
- If you already have an Artedex account with the same email address, the social sign-in will be linked to your existing account automatically.
- You can unlink or delete your account at any time from within the app (see Section 6).
4. Data Storage and Security
Your account data is stored on secured infrastructure hosted by DigitalOcean. Photos are stored on Amazon Web Services (AWS S3). All data is transmitted over encrypted connections (HTTPS/TLS). Passwords are cryptographically hashed using industry-standard algorithms and are never stored in plain text.
5. Third-Party Services
We do not sell, rent, or share your personal data with any third parties for advertising or marketing purposes. The app uses the following third-party services:
6. Data Retention and Deletion
Your data is retained for as long as your account remains active. You can delete your account and all associated data directly from the app in Settings > Delete Account. Account deletion is immediate and permanent, including all photos and collection data.
If you signed in with Apple, we will also revoke our access to your Apple credentials upon account deletion, as required by Apple's guidelines.
You may also request account deletion by emailing artedex@ankycheng.com.
7. Children's Privacy
Artedex is not directed at children under the age of 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If you believe a child under 13 has provided us with personal data, please contact us so we can delete it.
8. Your Rights
You have the right to:
- Access the personal data we hold about you
- Request correction of inaccurate data
- Request deletion of your data and account (via the app or by email)
- Withdraw consent for location access at any time through your device settings (note: this will limit app functionality)
9. Changes to This Policy
We may update this privacy policy from time to time. Any changes will be posted on this page with an updated effective date. Continued use of the app after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.
10. Contact Us
For privacy questions, data access requests, or account deletion requests:
Email: artedex@ankycheng.com
Developer: An-Kai Cheng