Privacy Policy

Last Updated: October 8, 2025

1. INTRODUCTION

PocketPal ("we", "our", "us") is committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you use our mobile application and services.

2. INFORMATION WE COLLECT

Personal Information:

• Email address (via Google Sign-In)
• Display name/nickname
• User ID (automatically generated)
• PTCGP Trainer ID
• Profile preferences (language, notification settings)

Usage Information:

• Posts you create (Trainer ID requests)
• App interactions and usage statistics
• Device information (for push notifications)
• Timestamps of activities

Firebase Services:

• We use Firebase Authentication for secure sign-in
• Firebase Realtime Database stores your profile and posts
• Firebase Cloud Messaging for push notifications
• Firebase Analytics for app usage insights

3. HOW WE USE YOUR INFORMATION

We use collected information to:

• Provide and maintain the Service
• Create and manage your user account
• Display your Trainer ID to other users when you post
• Send push notifications about app updates
• Improve app performance and user experience
• Prevent fraud and abuse
• Communicate important service updates

4. INFORMATION SHARING AND DISCLOSURE

Public Information:

• Your nickname and PTCGP Trainer ID are visible to all users when you post
• Post statistics (like counts) are publicly visible

We DO NOT:

• Sell your personal information to third parties
• Share your email address with other users
• Share your data with advertisers

We MAY share data with:

• Firebase/Google Cloud (service providers)
• Law enforcement if required by law
• Service providers who assist in operations

5. DATA SECURITY

• We use Firebase security rules to protect your data
• All data transmission uses HTTPS encryption
• Authentication is handled by Google Sign-In (OAuth 2.0)
• We implement industry-standard security measures
• However, no system is 100% secure - use the Service at your own risk

6. DATA RETENTION

• Your account data is retained while your account is active
• Posts expire and are deleted after 24 hours
• You can delete your account at any time in Settings
• Account deletion removes all personal data and posts
• Some anonymized usage data may be retained for analytics

7. YOUR RIGHTS AND CHOICES

You have the right to:

• Access your personal information in Settings
• Update your profile information at any time
• Delete your account and all associated data
• Opt out of push notifications in Settings
• Request data export (contact support)

8. CHILDREN'S PRIVACY

• Our Service is intended for users aged 13 and older
• Users under 13 are not permitted to use PocketPal
• We do not knowingly collect data from children under 13
• If we discover we have collected data from a user under 13, we will delete their account and all associated data immediately
• Parents who believe their child under 13 has created an account should contact us immediately at littlejewelmon@gmail.com

9. THIRD-PARTY SERVICES

We use the following third-party services:

• Google Sign-In (authentication)
• Firebase (Google Cloud Platform)
• These services have their own privacy policies

PocketPal is not affiliated with:

• The Pokémon Company
• Nintendo
• PTCGP

10. INTERNATIONAL DATA TRANSFERS

• Data may be stored on Firebase servers worldwide
• By using the Service, you consent to international data transfer
• We rely on Firebase's compliance with data protection laws

11. COOKIES AND TRACKING

• We use Firebase Analytics for usage tracking
• No third-party advertising cookies are used
• Device tokens are stored for push notifications

12. CHANGES TO THIS PRIVACY POLICY

• We may update this policy from time to time
• Material changes will be communicated via app notification
• Continued use after changes constitutes acceptance
• Last updated date is shown at the top

13. CALIFORNIA PRIVACY RIGHTS

California residents have additional rights under CCPA:

• Right to know what data is collected
• Right to delete personal information
• Right to opt-out of data sales (we don't sell data)

14. CONTACT US

For privacy questions or to exercise your rights:

• Email: littlejewelmon@gmail.com

We will respond to requests within 30 days.