CALLER ID PRIVACY POLICY

1. Introduction

We at Caller ID: Trusted Call & SMS (“we,” “us,” or “our”) respect your privacy and are committed to safeguarding the personal data you entrust to us when using our application. This Privacy Policy explains:

• What types of personal and non-personal data we collect?
• How we process and protect your data,
• Your rights regarding your personal information, and
• How you can contact us regarding your privacy concerns.

We are dedicated to handling your personal information with transparency, accountability, and in compliance with applicable data protection laws to ensure a secure and trustworthy experience for all users. This policy also explicitly outlines how we collect and use your own phone number to provide caller identification and spam detection features, in full compliance with Google Play’s User Data policies.

2. Commitment to Privacy Protection

Your privacy is central to our values. We implement appropriate technical, administrative, and organizational safeguards to protect the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of your personal data. We encourage you to read this Privacy Policy carefully to understand our data practices. By using our application, you acknowledge that you have read and understood this policy.

3. Information We Collect

To deliver core functionalities and personalized features within Caller ID: Trusted Call & SMS, we collect information through:

• Data you provide directly, and
• Data collected automatically during your use of the app.

3.1 Information You Provide Voluntarily

When you interact with the application, register an account, or utilize its features, you may be requested to provide certain personal information. The specific information collected may depend on whether you use a personal or business profile and may include:

• Identity Information: Full legal name, used for account creation, verification, and for displaying your caller identity within the app.
• Contact Information: Email address (sign in with Google), used to deliver important updates, enable account recovery, and support verification processes.
• Phone Number: We collect your phone number directly from your device (using READ_PHONE_STATE or READ_PHONE_NUMBERS permissions) to identify your account, enable caller ID functionality, associate call logs, and improve detection accuracy. This number is also uploaded securely to our servers to assist in spam filtering and name verification services.
• Optional Profile Details (if provided by you):
  • Profile Photo (for personalization and in-app display),
  • Date of Birth (to confirm eligibility and enable birthday-based features),
  • Gender (to assist in demographic analysis and feature optimization),
  • Residential Address (for location-based features and regional service customization).

Providing this information is typically optional, but withholding certain details may limit the functionality or personalization features within the app.

4. Supplementary Data Collection from External Sources

To enhance the reliability and quality of our services within Caller ID: Trusted Call & SMS, we may incorporate additional data obtained lawfully from external parties. This process is conducted strictly within the boundaries of applicable data protection laws and with the intention of improving user verification, service delivery, and app stability.

4.1 Integration with External Authentication Providers

Users who opt to sign in via external authentication platforms (for example, Google Sign-In) enable us to receive limited account data necessary to establish and manage secure access. The types of information we may obtain with your explicit consent include:

• Basic profile details such as your name, email address, and profile image, and
• A platform-specific user identifier required for secure account linkage within our system.

This method streamlines access while ensuring account security and user identity verification without requiring redundant registrations.

4.2 Insights from Analytical and Partner Platforms

To better understand how our app is used and to proactively address operational issues, we utilize insights shared by authorized analytics services and partner platforms. These may encompass, but are not limited to:

• Generalized user engagement and interaction statistics,
• Device-level diagnostics and performance metrics, and
• Anonymized error and crash reports to facilitate timely resolution of technical issues.

This data is aggregated and does not directly identify individual users, ensuring your privacy while aiding us in optimizing your experience within the app.

4.3 Reference to Public Data Sources

Where legally allowed, we may access publicly available information—such as social media details or data from publicly listed directories—to:

• Confirm your identity when required,
• Enhance the precision of our caller identification features, and
• Enrich your profile data with additional contextual relevance to improve feature delivery.

This practice enables us to maintain accurate records and provide relevant caller-related insights while respecting your privacy and data security.

5. Data We Collect Automatically When You Use the App

Our application, Caller ID: Trusted Call & SMS, automatically collects certain technical and usage-related information in the background as part of its normal operation. This automated data collection is essential for maintaining app stability, ensuring functionality, and improving your experience without requiring you to enter this information manually.

5.1 Device and Network Details

When you use our app, we may automatically capture information related to your device and network environment, including:

• IP Address: Used for security monitoring, fraud detection, and approximate location purposes.
• Device Information: Such as device model, operating system, and version details to support app compatibility and performance.
• Display Specifications: Including screen size and resolution to deliver content appropriately across various devices.
• Locale and Time Zone: To adjust content delivery and time-sensitive features according to your region.
• Network Information: Including your mobile carrier and connection type (Wi-Fi, mobile data) for diagnosing connectivity issues.
• Advertising Identifiers: Such as Google Advertising ID (GAID) or Identifier for Advertisers (IDFA) to facilitate analytics and deliver relevant content or advertisements within legal boundaries.

5.2 Use of Cookies and Tracking Technologies

To maintain a seamless user experience, we may utilize cookies, software development kits (SDKs), and similar technologies for:

• Managing user sessions and retaining app preferences,
• Collecting diagnostic data to monitor and resolve crashes,
• Analyzing feature usage to improve app functionality,
• Supporting the delivery of personalized and contextually relevant content.

We deploy these technologies responsibly and in compliance with applicable data protection regulations. Where applicable, you have the option to manage or limit these tracking mechanisms through your device settings, including the ability to reset advertising identifiers or control tracking permissions within your device’s privacy settings.

6. How We Use Your Information

We process the personal and technical information collected through Caller ID: Trusted Call & SMS strictly for lawful purposes necessary to operate, maintain, and enhance our services in compliance with applicable data protection laws.

6.1 Enabling Core Services

We use your information to deliver essential app functionalities, including:

• Creating and managing your account,
• Authenticating your identity during login and feature use,
• Providing personalized access to caller ID and related features,
• Maintaining operational security and system stability.
• We use your phone number to uniquely identify your account, personalize caller identification, enhance spam protection, and enable cross-device syncing of your caller history. Your phone number is securely transmitted to our servers for these purposes and is not shared or sold.

6.2 Improving App Performance and Reliability

Collected data helps us analyze, diagnose, and enhance app performance by:

• Tracking feature usage to understand user interactions,
• Identifying and addressing bugs, crashes, and service interruptions,
• Conducting internal assessments to monitor and improve app stability.

These activities enable us to continually refine and strengthen the app experience for all users.

6.3 Personalization and Customized Experiences

We may use your preferences and interaction patterns to:

• Customize content and feature displays according to your usage,
• Offer caller insights and targeted feature recommendations,
• Serve interest-based advertisements, where legally permissible and in accordance with your choices.

This ensures the app remains relevant and aligned with your interests.

6.4 Communication and User Support

Your contact and device information may be used to:

• Send important service-related notifications, such as security alerts or policy updates,
• Respond to support requests and user inquiries,
• Share feature updates, in-app offers, or promotional communications, subject to your consent and applicable legal requirements.

All communications are managed in compliance with consumer protection laws and digital communication standards, respecting your preferences and privacy.

7. Your Consent to Data Processing

By creating an account, accessing the app through third-party login options, or using any features within Caller ID: Trusted Call & SMS, you acknowledge and agree to the collection, processing, and sharing of your personal data as described in this Privacy Policy. Your consent allows us to:

• Collect the data necessary for providing and improving our services,
• Use your information to deliver core functionalities and personalized features, and
• Share information with authorized service providers and partners as outlined in this policy.

Withdrawal of Consent

You may withdraw your consent at any time by:

• Contacting us directly through the contact details provided in this Privacy Policy, or
• Ceasing to use the application and deleting your account (where applicable).

Please be aware that withdrawing consent may limit or disable certain features and functionalities of the app that rely on your data to operate correctly.

8. Sharing Your Information

We respect your privacy and do not sell or lease your personal data to unrelated third parties. However, certain situations may require us to share your information to operate effectively, comply with the law, or provide features you request.

8.1 With Your Permission

Your data may be shared with external parties if you explicitly authorize us to do so, such as when:

• You opt to connect your account with third-party services,
• You enable features that require data sharing with external partners.

We ensure that such sharing is clear, informed, and based on your active choice.

8.2 Service Providers Acting on Our Behalf

To deliver and maintain the functionality of Caller ID: Trusted Call & SMS, we may engage trusted service providers who process data on our behalf under strict confidentiality agreements. These providers may assist with:

• Cloud hosting and secure data storage,
• Customer support and user assistance operations,
• Analytics and performance monitoring,
• Payment processing (if applicable).

These partners are obligated to handle your data solely for the purpose of providing their contracted services and in accordance with robust data protection standards.

8.3 Compliance with Legal Obligations

We may disclose your personal information when legally required, including to:

• Respond to court orders, subpoenas, or valid government requests,
• Comply with applicable laws and regulatory requirements,
• Prevent, detect, or investigate fraud, security threats, or illegal activities,
• Protect the safety, rights, or property of our users, our company, or others.

Disclosures in these scenarios are carefully assessed and limited to the minimum data necessary to meet legal obligations.

8.4 Business Transfers

If we are involved in a business restructuring, merger, acquisition, or sale of assets, your personal data may be transferred as part of that transaction. We will require any acquiring party to continue processing your information in line with the commitments outlined in this Privacy Policy.

8.5 Public Interactions and User-Shared Content

Certain parts of the app may allow you to share content publicly, such as comments, caller tags, or profile information. Please be aware that any information you share in these public areas may be visible to others and could be collected or used by third parties. We encourage you to exercise discretion when posting content in public sections of the app.

9. Your Privacy Rights

We respect your privacy and are committed to enabling you to exercise your rights over your personal data in accordance with applicable laws. Your rights may vary depending on your jurisdiction, including protections under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) for European residents and the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) for California residents.

Below is a clear overview of the rights you may exercise regarding your personal data:

9.1 Rights Available to All Users

All users of Caller ID: Trusted Call & SMS are entitled to:

• Access Your Data: Request to view the personal data we hold about you.
• Correct Your Data: Update or correct your personal information through your account settings or by contacting our support team.
• Delete Your Data: Request the removal of your personal data, subject to legal or operational retention requirements.
• Manage Communications: Opt out of receiving promotional emails and notifications by updating your preferences within the app or using unsubscribe links in our communications.
• Control App Permissions: Adjust privacy settings and permissions within the app to manage the information you share with us.

To request assistance with any of these rights, please contact us at cpo.appsquad@gmail.com

9.2 Additional Rights for Users in the European Economic Area (EEA)

If you are located in the EEA, you may exercise additional rights under the GDPR, including:

• Confirmation and Access: Request confirmation of whether we process your personal data and access that data.
• Correction: Rectify inaccurate or incomplete personal data.
• Erasure: Request the deletion of your personal data in specific circumstances.
• Restriction: Request limited processing of your data under certain conditions.
• Portability: Receive your personal data in a structured, commonly used, machine-readable format and transfer it to another data controller.
• Objection: Object to the processing of your personal data based on your specific situation, including objections to direct marketing.
• Human Review: Request human intervention in automated decision-making processes that significantly affect you.

To exercise your GDPR rights, please email cpo.appsquad@gmail.com

9.3 Additional Rights for California Residents

If you are a California resident, you have the following rights under the CCPA:

• Right to Know: Request details about the categories and specific pieces of personal data we collect, use, and disclose.
• Access Your Data: Request a copy of the personal data we hold about you.
• Delete Your Data: Request the deletion of your personal information, subject to legal exceptions.
• Opt-Out of Sale: Although we do not sell your personal data, you may formally request that your data not be sold.
• Non-Discrimination: Receive equal treatment and pricing regardless of your privacy choices.

To submit CCPA-related requests, please contact us at cpo.appsquad@gmail.com

How to Exercise Your Rights

To protect your privacy and maintain security, we may require verification of your identity before processing your request. We will respond to your request within the timeframe required by applicable law.

10. App Permissions and Their Purpose

To provide the core features of Caller ID our app requests the following permissions. We use them strictly to improve your experience, ensure app functionality, and protect your privacy.

10.1 Phone & Call Management

• READ_PHONE_STATE / READ_PHONE_NUMBERS / CALL_PHONE / ANSWER_PHONE_CALLS / MANAGE_OWN_CALLS / PROCESS_OUTGOING_CALLS / CONFIGURE_PHONE_ACCOUNT: Used to identify incoming/outgoing calls, display caller details, and manage calls within the app interface.
  READ_PHONE_STATE and READ_PHONE_NUMBERS permissions allow us to access your device’s own phone number. We use this data to identify your account, associate it with incoming/outgoing calls, and improve the accuracy of caller identification results. This number may be uploaded securely to our servers to support these core functions.

10.2 Call Log & Contacts

• READ_CALL_LOG / WRITE_CALL_LOG / READ_CONTACTS / WRITE_CONTACTS: Required to display call history, identify callers from your contact list, and allow manual or automatic blocking.

10.3 Messaging Access

• READ_SMS / SEND_SMS / WRITE_SMS / RECEIVE_SMS / RECEIVE_MMS: Used for spam SMS detection, viewing message history, sending SMS replies (when allowed), and managing conversations if set as the default messaging app.

10.4 Notifications & Alerts

• POST_NOTIFICATIONS / VIBRATE / SYSTEM_ALERT_WINDOW / DISABLE_KEYGUARD / WAKE_LOCK: Enables real-time alerts for calls, messages, and spam warnings. Overlay and full-screen call features enhance usability.

10.5 Network & Connectivity

• INTERNET / ACCESS_NETWORK_STATE / ACCESS_WIFI_STATE: Needed for real-time caller lookups, syncing contact-related data securely, updating spam databases, and serving relevant features.

10.6 Boot & Background Services

• RECEIVE_BOOT_COMPLETED: Ensures spam protection, call identification, and notification services resume after device restarts.

10.7 Blocked Number Management

• MANAGE_BLOCKED_NUMBERS: Allows you to block unwanted callers directly from the app.

10.8 System Settings

• WRITE_SETTINGS: Enables ringtone selection, display preferences, and other customizable user settings.

10.9 Permission

• READ_EXTERNAL_STORAGE / READ_MEDIA_IMAGES / READ_MEDIA_VIDEO: Used to allow users to select images or videos for personalizing caller screen themes, profile display, or sharing media within the app (if supported). This enables users to set custom visuals during incoming calls or identify their contacts more visually.
• WRITE_EXTERNAL_STORAGE: Required to temporarily cache or save media files such as caller screen themes or profile assets for smoother performance and local access. We do not upload, misuse, or share any of your photos or media files.

Why We Request These Permissions

Each of these permissions is crucial to delivering a seamless experience within Caller ID: Trusted Call & SMS, ensuring features such as caller identification, SMS management, call handling, and timely notifications operate as intended. We are committed to using these permissions responsibly and solely for the purposes described.
In addition, our app displays a prominent disclosure before requesting these permissions, clearly informing users about the collection and use of phone number, call logs, contacts, and SMS data to comply with Google Play’s User Data policy.

11. Children’s Privacy

Caller ID is not directed to or intended for use by children under the age of 13. We do not knowingly collect, use, or disclose personal information from children under 13 years of age in compliance with the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) and other applicable child data protection laws.

11.1 No Knowing Collection

If we become aware that we have inadvertently collected personal information from a child under 13 without verified parental consent, we will take prompt action to:

• Delete the information from our systems, and
• Prevent any further collection or use of that child’s data.

11.2 Parental Rights and Inquiries

Under COPPA, parents and legal guardians have the right to:

• Review the personal information we may have collected from their child (if any),
• Request deletion of the child’s personal information,
• Direct us to cease any further collection or use of the child’s information.

If you believe that your child under 13 may have provided us with personal information, or if you are a parent or guardian seeking to exercise your rights under COPPA, please contact us immediately at:
📧 cpo.appsquad@gmail.com
We will promptly address your request in accordance with applicable child privacy protection regulations.

11.3 Age Restrictions and User Responsibility

By using our app, you confirm that you are at least 13 years of age or that you are using the service with the consent and supervision of a parent or legal guardian. We encourage parents to supervise their children's online activities and to educate them about online privacy and safety.

12. Managing and Accessing Your Information

You have the right to review, update, correct, or delete the personal data we hold about you, in accordance with applicable privacy laws.

12.1 Self-Management Through App Settings

You can manage your information directly within Caller ID: Trusted Call & SMS using the in-app settings, including:

• Updating Your Information: Modify your profile details to ensure your information remains accurate and current.
• Adjusting Privacy Preferences: Control app permissions, opt out of targeted advertising where applicable, and manage communication preferences to suit your needs.

12.2 Requests for Access, Correction, or Deletion

If you wish to:

• Access the personal data we hold about you,
• Correct any inaccurate or incomplete information,
• Request Deletion of your account and associated data,

you may submit your request by contacting us directly, and we will process it in accordance with applicable legal requirements.

12.3 Account Deletion

If you decide to discontinue your use of the app and wish to permanently delete your account and all related data:

📌 Please submit your deletion request via the following secure link:
https://appsquad.net/userprofile/callerid

We will confirm your request and proceed with the deletion of your account data in compliance with applicable laws and operational safeguards.

13. Third-Party Services and Advertising: What You Need to Know

At Caller ID: Trusted Call & SMS, we work with external services to keep the app functional, secure, and relevant to your needs. Below is a clear breakdown of how third-party services, external links, and advertising technologies may interact with your data.

Why We Work with Third Parties

We collaborate with third-party providers to:

• ✅ Enable sign-in through your preferred platforms (like Google or Facebook).
• ✅ Track and improve app performance through analytics.
• ✅ Diagnose and fix crashes or technical issues.
• ✅ Deliver ads that may interest you while you use our app.

All third-party engagements are structured to protect your privacy and comply with data protection laws.

Data Shared with Third Parties

We may share only necessary data with authorized providers, such as:

• Basic profile information (name, email, profile picture) if you sign in using a social account.
• Device identifiers and app usage data for analytics and diagnostics.
• Non-personal data for advertising and performance measurement.

We do not share your personally identifiable information for advertising purposes unless you give explicit permission.

External Links: Your Caution is Important

Sometimes, you may see links to other websites or services within our app. We do not control these third-party sites and are not responsible for their privacy practices.
👉 Tip: Always review the privacy policies of any external site before sharing your information there.

How Ads Work in Our App

We use trusted advertising partners (including Google AdMob and Meta Audience Network) to show ads that may match your interests. These partners may use:

• Cookies and tracking pixels
• Advertising identifiers (e.g., GAID, IDFA)
• Device-level and usage information

to measure ad effectiveness and improve ad relevance. You can manage how your data is used for ads (explained below).

Managing Your Choices

You have control over how your data is used for advertising:

• Ad Preferences on Your Device: Adjust your device settings to limit ad tracking or reset your advertising ID (see “Privacy” or “Ads” settings on Android/iOS).
• Industry Opt-Out Tools: Use opt-out tools provided by the Network Advertising Initiative (NAI) or Digital Advertising Alliance (DAA) to limit personalized advertising.
• Communication Preferences: All promotional emails we send will include an unsubscribe option.

Key Services We Use

We work with the following services to support our app operations:

• Google Firebase: Analytics and crash diagnostics
• Google Analytics: User behavior insights
• Google AdMob: Mobile ad delivery
• Google Play Services: Core platform functionality
• Meta Audience Network: Interest-based advertising
• Google Ads: Contextual ad delivery
• Liftoff Monetize: App Monetization Service
• Mintegral: Mobile Advertising Platform
• AppLovin: Marketing and Monetization Platforms
• Unity Ads: Mobile ad delivery

For more details, visit their privacy policies directly.

Need Help or Have Questions?

If you need help managing your preferences, understanding our third-party practices, or opting out of certain data uses, please contact us at:
📧 cpo.appsquad@gmail.com

We are committed to helping you manage your privacy choices with clarity and respect.

14. How Long We Keep Your Information

We keep your personal data only for as long as we reasonably need it to fulfill the purposes for which it was collected, unless a longer retention period is required by law.

Why We Retain Your Data

• ✅ Operate and Improve the App: To maintain your account, provide features, and enhance your experience.
• ✅ Meet Legal Requirements: To comply with laws, regulations, or lawful requests.
• ✅ Resolve Disputes: To address user concerns, legal claims, or disputes if they arise.
• ✅ Enforce Agreements: To uphold our terms, policies, and rights.

What Happens When Data Is No Longer Needed

Once your personal data is no longer necessary for these purposes:

• We will securely delete it from our systems, or
• We will anonymize the data so it can no longer be linked back to you.

Retention Periods May Vary

Retention timelines depend on:

• The type of data we collect (e.g., account details vs. analytics data), and
• Legal obligations that may require us to retain certain records for specific periods.

If you request account deletion, we will remove your personal data unless we are legally required to retain specific information.

Need More Information?

If you have questions about our data retention practices or wish to request deletion of your data, please contact us at:
📧 cpo.appsquad@gmail.com

15. Updates to This Privacy Policy

We may revise this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices, legal requirements, or service offerings.

How We Will Notify You

• Update the “Last Updated” date at the top of the Privacy Policy.
• Display a clear notice within the app to inform you of key changes.
• Notify you via email, if applicable.
• For significant updates, we may also send a push notification through the app.

Staying Informed

We encourage you to review this Privacy Policy periodically to stay up to date on how we protect your personal information.
Your continued use of Caller ID after changes take effect will signify your acceptance of the updated Privacy Policy.