1. Introduction
Bible Mental Health Journal ("we," "our," or "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 web services.
By using our services, you agree to the collection and use of information in accordance with this policy.
2. Information We Collect
2.1 Information You Provide
- Account Information: Email address, display name, and password
- Journal Entries: Text content, mood tags, and timestamps
- Personal Reflections: Your reflections on Bible verses
- Settings: Notification preferences, default Bible translation, and other app settings
2.2 Automatically Collected Information
- Usage Data: App usage patterns, feature usage, and interaction data
- Device Information: Device type, operating system, and app version
- Analytics Data: Anonymous usage statistics to improve our services
- Store Region Information: We collect your billing country code from your app store account (iOS App Store or Google Play) to determine subscription availability and pricing in your region. This information is stored securely and used solely for subscription management purposes. We do not share this information with third parties or use it for advertising purposes. We do NOT use your device's locale or location settings - only store-based billing information is used for privacy compliance.
2.3 Device Identification and Hashing
To provide secure services and prevent abuse, we use anonymous device identification:
- Mobile Apps: We generate a unique device identifier (UUID v4) stored locally in secure storage (AsyncStorage). This identifier is hashed using SHA-256 before being sent to our servers.
- Web App: We generate a unique device identifier (UUID v4) stored locally in your browser (localStorage). This identifier is hashed using the Web Crypto API (SHA-256) before being sent to our servers.
- Privacy Protection: Only the hashed device ID is sent to our backend servers. We never receive or store the original device identifier, ensuring your privacy is protected.
- Purpose: Device identification helps us enforce subscription limits (device counts), prevent fraudulent signups, and provide secure account management.
The device identifier persists across app sessions but is completely anonymous and cannot be used to identify you personally.
3. How We Use Your Information
We use the information we collect to:
- Provide, maintain, and improve our services
- Process and store your journal entries and reflections
- Send you relevant Bible verse suggestions based on your journal content
- Send push notifications (with your consent)
- Respond to your requests and provide customer support
- Analyze usage patterns to improve app functionality
- Comply with legal obligations
4. Data Storage and Security
Your data is stored securely using Firebase (Google Cloud Platform). We implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect your personal information against unauthorized access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction.
However, no method of transmission over the Internet or electronic storage is 100% secure. While we strive to use commercially acceptable means to protect your data, we cannot guarantee absolute security.
5. Data Sharing and Disclosure
We do not sell, trade, or rent your personal information to third parties. We may share your information only in the following circumstances:
- Service Providers: With trusted third-party service providers who assist us in operating our app (e.g., Firebase, analytics providers)
- Legal Requirements: When required by law or to protect our rights and safety
- Business Transfers: In connection with a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets (with notice to users)
6. Your Privacy Rights
In compliance with GDPR, CCPA, and other data protection regulations, you have the right to:
- Access: Request access to your personal data
- Rectification: Request correction of inaccurate data
- Erasure: Request deletion of your account and all associated data
- Data Portability: Download a copy of your data in a portable format
- Restrict Processing: Request restriction of processing your data
- Object to Processing: Object to certain types of data processing
To exercise these rights, please visit our Data Management page or contact us directly.
7. Data Retention
We retain your data for as long as your account is active or as needed to provide services. Specifically:
- Active Accounts: Data is retained while your account is active
- Deleted Entries: Soft-deleted journal entries are retained for 5 days before permanent deletion
- Account Deletion: All data is permanently deleted immediately upon account deletion
For more details, see our Data Retention Policy.
8. Children's Privacy
Our services are not intended for children under the age of 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If you believe we have collected information from a child under 13, please contact us immediately so we can delete such information.
9. International Data Transfers
Your information may be transferred to and processed in countries other than your country of residence. These countries may have data protection laws that differ from those in your country. By using our services, you consent to the transfer of your information to these countries.
10. Changes to This Privacy Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of any changes by posting the new Privacy Policy on this page and updating the "Last updated" date. You are advised to review this Privacy Policy periodically for any changes.
11. Contact Us
If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy or wish to exercise your privacy rights, please contact us:
- Email: support@biblementalhealthjournal.com
- Data Management: Visit Data Management Page