# Ghost Chatter Privacy Policy

**Last Updated: August 09, 2025**

## Introduction

Ghost Chatter ("we," "our," or "us") respects your privacy and is committed to protecting your personal data. This Privacy Policy explains how we handle your data when you use our ghost hunting companion app.

## Information We Collect

### Data We Collect and Process

We collect and process the following data:

#### User Account Information
- **Username**: Automatically generated usernames or custom usernames you choose
- **Email Address**: Required for custom usernames to enable account recovery
- **User ID**: Unique identifier generated for your account
- **Account Creation Date**: When you first used the app
- **Verification Status**: Whether your account has been verified

#### Session and Usage Data
- **Session History**: Questions asked, timestamps, session duration, and responses
- **Session Types**: Estes, Isolation, Spirit Box, and other session modes used
- **Equipment Usage**: Custom equipment configurations and usage tracking
- **Voice Preferences**: Selected voices and voice settings
- **App Usage Statistics**: Session completion rates, time spent in app, features used

#### Game and Progress Data
- **Leveling Information**: Current level, experience points, progress to next level
- **Achievements and Badges**: Unlocked achievements, badge selections, progress tracking
- **Leaderboard Data**: Scores, rankings, and competitive statistics
- **Challenge Progress**: Daily, weekly, and ongoing challenge completions

#### Technical Data
- **Device Information**: Device ID for account security and username recovery
- **App Settings**: Theme preferences, notification settings, audio preferences
- **Cache Data**: Voice cache for offline use, question cache
- **Session Logs**: Detailed session information for personal reference

#### Premium Features Data
- **Premium Status**: Whether you have premium features enabled
- **Voice Usage**: Premium voice selections and usage patterns
- **Trial Information**: Premium trial start/end dates and usage

### Data We Do NOT Collect

We do not collect:
- Personal identification information (beyond username and email)
- Location data
- Audio recordings (unless you explicitly record and save them)
- Photos or videos (unless you explicitly record and save them)
- Contact information beyond email for account recovery
- Payment information (handled by Apple/Google)

## How We Use Your Data

### Primary Uses
Your data is used to:
- **Save Session History**: Store your investigation sessions, questions, and responses locally
- **Remember Preferences**: Voice settings, equipment configurations, theme choices
- **Track Progress**: Level progression, achievement unlocking, challenge completion
- **Enable Features**: Premium voice access, custom username recovery, leaderboard participation
- **Improve App Functionality**: Identify popular features and usage patterns
- **Provide Support**: Help with account recovery and technical issues

### Data Storage and Security

#### Local Storage
- **Session Data**: Stored locally on your device using UserDefaults
- **Voice Cache**: Stored securely on your device for offline use
- **User Preferences**: All settings and preferences stored locally
- **Achievement Data**: Progress and unlock status stored locally

#### Cloud Storage (Firebase)
- **Leaderboard Data**: Username, score, level, and ranking information
- **Username Reservations**: Custom usernames and associated email addresses
- **Account Recovery**: Email addresses and recovery codes for custom usernames
- **Verification Status**: Account verification information

#### Security Measures
- All data transmitted to cloud services uses encrypted connections (HTTPS)
- Firebase authentication and security rules protect cloud data
- Local data is protected by iOS device security
- Recovery codes are generated securely and stored temporarily

## Third-Party Services

We use the following third-party services:

### Firebase (Google)
- **Purpose**: Cloud storage for leaderboard data, username management, and account recovery
- **Data Processed**: Username, score, level, email (for recovery), device ID
- **Privacy Policy**: [Firebase Privacy Policy](https://firebase.google.com/support/privacy)

### Apple Services
- **StoreKit**: In-app purchases and premium features
- **UserDefaults**: Local data storage
- **Privacy Policy**: [Apple Privacy Policy](https://www.apple.com/legal/privacy/)

### ElevenLabs
- **Purpose**: Premium AI voices for enhanced experience
- **Data Processed**: Text-to-speech requests (questions and responses)
- **Privacy Policy**: [ElevenLabs Privacy Policy](https://elevenlabs.io/privacy)

### Radio Browser API
- **Purpose**: Spirit Box radio station data
- **Data Processed**: Radio station information and streaming data
- **Privacy Policy**: [Radio Browser Privacy Policy](https://api.radio-browser.info/)

Each third-party service has its own privacy policy and data handling practices.

## Your Rights and Controls

### Data Access and Control
You have the right to:
- **Access Your Data**: View all stored session data and preferences in the app
- **Delete Session History**: Clear individual sessions or all session data
- **Clear Cache**: Remove voice cache and other cached data
- **Update Information**: Change username, email, and preferences
- **Export Data**: Request a copy of your data (contact support)

### Privacy Controls
- **Account Recovery**: Enable/disable email-based recovery for custom usernames
- **Leaderboard Participation**: Opt out of leaderboard visibility
- **Premium Features**: Control premium feature usage and data collection
- **Notifications**: Manage notification preferences

### Data Deletion
- **Local Data**: Clear all app data through iOS Settings > General > iPhone Storage > Ghost Chatter > Delete App
- **Cloud Data**: Contact support to request deletion of cloud-stored data
- **Account Deletion**: Request complete account deletion (contact support)

## Children's Privacy

Our app is not intended for children under 13 years of age, and we do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If we become aware that we have collected personal information from a child under 13, we will take steps to delete such information.

## Data Retention

### Local Data
- **Session Data**: Stored locally until manually deleted or app uninstalled
- **Cache Data**: Automatically managed with size limits (2GB for voice cache)
- **Preferences**: Stored until changed or app uninstalled

### Cloud Data
- **Leaderboard Data**: Retained for leaderboard functionality
- **Username Reservations**: Retained for account recovery
- **Account Information**: Retained for app functionality

### Deletion Timeline
- Immediate deletion for local data when requested
- Cloud data deletion within 30 days of request
- Backup data purged within 60 days

## International Data Transfers

Your data may be transferred to and processed in countries other than your own. We ensure appropriate safeguards are in place for international data transfers in accordance with applicable laws.

## Changes to Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices or applicable laws. We will notify you of any material changes by:
- Posting the updated policy in the app
- Updating the "Last Updated" date
- Sending notifications for significant changes (if you have notifications enabled)

## Contact Us

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

**Email**: paranormalencounterstv@gmail.com

**Response Time**: We aim to respond to privacy-related inquiries within 48 hours.

## Legal Basis for Processing (EU Users)

If you are in the European Union, our legal basis for processing your personal data includes:
- **Consent**: For optional features and data collection
- **Contract Performance**: For core app functionality and services
- **Legitimate Interest**: For app improvement and security
- **Legal Obligation**: For compliance with applicable laws

## California Privacy Rights (CCPA)

If you are a California resident, you have additional rights under the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA):
- Right to know what personal information is collected
- Right to know if personal information is sold or disclosed
- Right to say no to the sale of personal information
- Right to access your personal information
- Right to equal service and price

To exercise these rights, contact us at paranormalencounterstv@gmail.com.