Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

This Privacy Policy explains how ShelterMaps UAE ("App", "we", "us", or "our") collects, uses, processes, and protects information when you use our application. We are committed to protecting your privacy in full compliance with UAE Federal Decree-Law No. 45 of 2021 on Personal Data Protection ("UAE PDPL") and its Executive Regulations.

2. Data Controller

ShelterMaps UAE is the data controller responsible for your personal data.

3. Information We Collect

3.1 Location Data

• Data Collected: GPS coordinates from your device
• Legal Basis: Your explicit consent (obtained before accessing location services)
• Purpose: To calculate distances to nearby shelter locations and display your position on the map
• Processing: Location data is processed locally on your device only
• Storage: We do not transmit, store, or collect your location data on any external servers

3.2 Device Information

• Data Collected: Anonymous, aggregated usage statistics (app version, device type, operating system)
• Legal Basis: Legitimate interest in improving app functionality
• Purpose: App improvement and bug fixing
• Note: This data cannot be used to identify individual users

3.3 User Preferences

• Data Collected: Language preferences, filter settings, consent records
• Legal Basis: Performance of contract (necessary for app functionality)
• Storage: Stored locally on your device only

4. How We Use Information

We use location data exclusively to:

• Display your position on the map
• Calculate distances to shelter locations
• Provide directions to selected shelters

5. Data Storage and Security

• All personal data (location, preferences) is stored locally on your device only
• We do not operate servers that collect or store user personal data
• Data is protected by your device's built-in security features (encryption, biometrics, passcode)
• We implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect data integrity

6. Data Sharing

We do not share, sell, rent, trade, or transfer any user data with third parties.

6.1 Third-Party Navigation Apps

When you use navigation features, you will be redirected to third-party apps (Google Maps, Waze). This is initiated by your action. These apps have their own privacy policies:

• Google Maps Privacy Policy
• Waze Privacy Policy

6.2 Map Tile Providers

The App uses map tiles from MapLibre (open-source) and OpenStreetMap. These services may receive anonymized request data (map tile coordinates) but do not receive your precise location or personal information.

6.3 Legal Disclosure

We may disclose information only if required by UAE law, court order, or valid legal process. We will notify you unless legally prohibited.

7. Your Rights Under UAE PDPL

Under UAE Federal Decree-Law No. 45 of 2021, you have the following rights:

• Right of Access: Request information about any data we hold about you
• Right of Rectification: Request correction of inaccurate or incomplete data
• Right of Erasure: Request deletion of your data
• Right of Restriction: Request limitation of processing
• Right of Portability: Receive your data in a structured, commonly used format
• Right to Object: Object to processing based on legitimate interest
• Right to Withdraw Consent: Withdraw your consent at any time

To exercise these rights, contact: [PRIVACY_EMAIL]. We will respond within 14 days as required by UAE PDPL.

Since all data is stored locally on your device, you can also:

• Delete the app to remove all data
• Clear app data through your device settings
• Revoke location permission in device settings

8. Children's Privacy

• The App is not directed at children under 18 years of age
• We do not knowingly collect personal data from children under 18
• In accordance with UAE PDPL, processing of children's data requires guardian consent
• If you believe we have collected data from a child under 18, contact us immediately

9. Data Retention

• Location Data: Processed in real-time, not stored. Immediately discarded after calculating distances
• User Preferences: Stored on your device until you uninstall the App or clear app data
• Consent Records: Retained for the duration of your use of the App

When you uninstall the App, all locally stored data is automatically deleted.

10. International Data Transfers

We do not transfer personal data outside the UAE as we do not collect or store personal data on servers.

Map tile requests (loading map images) are made to servers which may be located internationally. These requests do not contain personally identifiable information or your precise location.

11. Consent Mechanism

Before collecting any location data, we obtain your explicit, informed, specific, and freely given consent through:

• Clear explanation of what data we collect
• How we use the data
• Option to proceed or decline
• Easy method to withdraw consent

You may withdraw consent at any time by:

• Revoking location permission in your device settings
• Uninstalling the App

12. Updates to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy periodically. Material changes will be notified through in-app notification. The "Last Updated" date indicates the most recent revision. Continued use after changes constitutes acceptance.

13. Supervisory Authority

If you have concerns about our data practices that we have not resolved, you may contact the UAE Data Office:

https://uaedataoffice.ae

14. No Sensitive Data Collection

We do not collect or process any special categories of personal data ("sensitive data") as defined by UAE PDPL, including health data, biometric data, religious or political beliefs, ethnic origin, or criminal records.

15. Data Breach Notification

In the unlikely event of a data breach affecting your personal data, we will:

• Notify the UAE Data Office within 72 hours as required
• Notify affected individuals without undue delay
• Provide details of the breach and remediation steps