Welcome to FRIENDO, operated by FRIENDO (Partnership Firm), located at Floor 6, E-314(P), Industrial Focal Point, Industrial Area Phase 8A, Mohali, SAS Nagar, Punjab – 140308, India.
This Privacy Policy explains how FRIENDO (“we,” “our,” or “us”) collects, uses, and protects your personal information when you use our mobile application and website (friendo.in).
Your privacy and safety are our top priorities. FRIENDO is designed to provide real-time safety and emergency alert services while ensuring that your personal data is collected and used responsibly. We only request permissions that are essential for the app to function—such as access to contacts, location, messages, and sensors—to deliver life-saving alerts in emergency situations.
By downloading, accessing, or using FRIENDO, you agree to the terms of this Privacy Policy. If you do not agree, please discontinue using the app.
1. Information We Collect
FRIENDO collects only the minimum information necessary to provide effective safety and emergency support services. We value your privacy and ensure that all collected data serves a legitimate, safety-related purpose.
a. Personal Information
When you register or use FRIENDO, we collect:
- Full Name – used for account identification.
- Email Address – used for verification and communication.
- Mobile Number – verified via OTP to secure your account.
- Date of Birth – used for age verification (minimum age 14+).
- Local Address and Permanent Address – collected to help emergency responders or authorities reach you quickly in case of distress.
b. Emergency Contact Information
Users can add up to five emergency contact numbers. These contacts are stored securely and used only for sending alerts, SMS messages, or location links during an active SOS situation. FRIENDO does not share or access your entire contact list.
c. Location Information
FRIENDO requires real-time location access to share your live position with your trusted contacts and nearby users when an SOS alert is triggered. The app uses location data only when you manually activate tracking or during emergencies.
d. Device and Sensor Data
The app accesses your device’s motion and proximity sensors to detect gestures such as shaking the phone or tapping the screen to silently trigger an SOS alert. This data is processed locally on your device and never stored or transmitted.
e. Communication Data
FRIENDO may use your phone’s SMS and call features to contact emergency helplines or send alert messages to your selected contacts. The app does not read, store, or access your personal SMS content or call logs.
f. Optional Future Integrations
In future versions, FRIENDO may integrate Firebase or Google Analytics for app performance improvement and crash detection. These integrations will follow strict privacy standards and will be disclosed in updated policy versions.
2. How We Use Your Information
FRIENDO uses your information solely to ensure your safety, enhance app functionality, and provide a reliable emergency response experience. We do not sell, rent, or share your personal data with advertisers or unrelated third parties.
Your data is used for the following purposes:
- Account Creation and Verification:
To register you as a user, verify your phone number through OTP, and maintain a secure account profile. - Emergency Alerts and Notifications:
To send real-time SOS alerts, messages, and location updates to your selected emergency contacts and predefined helplines during critical situations. - Live Location Tracking:
To allow your trusted circle to monitor your live location only during emergencies or active tracking sessions initiated by you. - Safety and App Functionality:
To activate features like “Shake to Alert,” “Fake Call,” and “Loud Panic Alarm” that depend on device sensors, sound, or call access. - Customer Support:
To respond to inquiries, troubleshoot issues, and provide assistance when you contact us at support@friendo.in. - App Improvement (Future Updates):
Once analytics or Firebase is integrated, we may use aggregated and anonymized data to identify bugs, improve performance, and enhance your safety experience. - Legal Obligations:
To comply with applicable laws, regulations, or valid legal requests from government authorities related to public safety or misuse prevention.
3. Permissions and Their Purpose
FRIENDO requires specific permissions to provide reliable emergency services. Each permission is requested transparently and is only active when necessary.
a. Location Permission (ACCESS_FINE_LOCATION, ACCESS_COARSE_LOCATION, ACCESS_BACKGROUND_LOCATION)
Purpose: To share your real-time location with emergency contacts and nearby users when an SOS alert is triggered.
FRIENDO does not continuously track your location; it only becomes active when you enable tracking or send an emergency alert. Location data is not stored after the session ends.
b. Contacts Permission (READ_CONTACTS)
Purpose: To let you manually select up to five trusted contacts for emergency alerts. FRIENDO never uploads or stores your entire contact list—only the contacts you choose.
c. SMS Permission (SEND_SMS)
Purpose: To send emergency messages automatically to your selected contacts during SOS events, including your live location and alert message. FRIENDO never reads or accesses your personal SMS data.
d. Call/Dialer Permission (CALL_PHONE)
Purpose: To help you instantly connect with emergency helplines (such as Police, Women’s Helpline, or Ambulance) directly from within the app. FRIENDO never initiates calls automatically without your action.
e. Sensor Permission (PROXIMITY_SENSOR / MOTION_DETECTION)
Purpose: To detect gestures like shaking your phone three times or tapping the screen to silently trigger an SOS alert, even when the device is locked.
f. Notification Permission
Purpose: To send important safety notifications such as KYC verification updates, emergency confirmations, and safety reminders.
g. Internet and Network Permissions
Purpose: To ensure real-time communication between your app, the server, and your trusted contacts during emergencies.
FRIENDO only requests these permissions to ensure your safety. All permissions can be managed or revoked from your device settings, though certain features may stop functioning if permissions are disabled.
4. Data Storage and Retention
FRIENDO follows a strict data minimization and deletion policy to ensure your privacy and safety. We only store information that is essential for your account’s functionality and verification.
a. Storage of Information
- Your name, email, and verified mobile number are stored securely in our database for account identification and communication purposes.
- Selected emergency contacts and temporary SOS logs are stored only during active sessions to facilitate alerts and live tracking. Once the session ends, this information is automatically cleared from our system.
b. Retention Policy
- When you delete your account, all your personal data—including contacts, SOS history, and preferences—is permanently deleted from our active servers.
- We retain only minimal non-sensitive information (your name and email) for record-keeping and compliance with legal or operational requirements.
- FRIENDO does not sell, rent, or share your information with any third-party organizations.
c. Future Storage Integrations
In future updates, we may integrate secure cloud services (such as Firebase or AWS) to improve reliability and user experience. These integrations will follow international data protection standards, and any changes will be reflected in this policy.
d. Data Security
We use encryption, firewalls, and secure access controls to protect your personal data from unauthorized access, alteration, or misuse. However, while we strive to safeguard your information, no digital platform can guarantee 100% security against all cyber threats.
5. Sharing of Information
FRIENDO values your trust and ensures that your personal data is shared only when absolutely necessary to protect your safety or comply with legal requirements.
a. Sharing with Emergency Contacts
Your name, message, and live location are shared only with the emergency contacts you manually select in the app when an SOS alert is triggered. No other contact or personal data is shared beyond your chosen list.
b. Sharing with Government Authorities
In serious emergencies or as required by law, FRIENDO may share limited user information (such as location or alert data) with authorized government bodies or law enforcement agencies to support rescue or safety operations.
c. Sharing with Third-Party Service Providers
Currently, FRIENDO does not integrate any third-party analytics or storage service.
However, if in the future we use services like Firebase, AWS, or Google Analytics, they will have access only to anonymized or aggregated data, used solely to improve app performance and security. All third-party partners will be bound by confidentiality and data protection agreements.
d. Legal Compliance and Protection
We may disclose information if required to:
- Comply with applicable laws, regulations, or court orders.
- Protect the rights, safety, and property of FRIENDO, its users, or the public.
- Prevent or investigate fraud, abuse, or misuse of the platform.
e. No Selling of Data
FRIENDO does not sell, trade, rent, or share personal user data with advertisers, marketing firms, or any unrelated third parties under any circumstances.
6. Security Measures
FRIENDO takes your safety seriously — both in the real world and within the app. We implement multiple layers of security to protect your data from unauthorized access, misuse, loss, or alteration.
a. Data Encryption
All personal information, including contact numbers, location data, and SOS messages, is transmitted over secure, encrypted channels (HTTPS). This ensures that your data remains private during communication between your device and our servers.
b. Limited Data Access
Only authorized FRIENDO team members who require access for maintenance, verification, or emergency support purposes are allowed to view system data. Each access is monitored and logged for accountability.
c. Secure Storage
User data is stored on protected servers with firewalls, security audits, and regular vulnerability checks. Passwords and sensitive data are never stored in plain text.
d. User Responsibility
While FRIENDO takes strong measures to secure your data, users are encouraged to:
- Keep their device protected with a passcode or biometric lock.
- Avoid sharing OTPs or login credentials with others.
- Regularly update the app to receive the latest security patches.
e. Incident Response
In case of any data breach or unauthorized access, FRIENDO will promptly notify affected users and take corrective measures as per applicable laws and regulations.
7. Children’s Privacy
FRIENDO is designed to enhance safety for individuals and families, including parents and their children. To maintain a safe and responsible environment, we apply strict age and verification rules.
a. Minimum Age Requirement
FRIENDO is intended for users aged 14 years and above. Users below this age are not permitted to create an account or use the app’s services independently.
b. Parental Use and Child Tracking
Parents or guardians may use FRIENDO to track their child’s live location, route, or emergency status for safety purposes. The child’s account setup and consent must be managed by the parent or guardian. FRIENDO does not monitor or access children’s information beyond what is necessary for safety features.
c. Age Verification
During registration, users are required to enter their date of birth to verify eligibility. If we identify any account created with false information or underage users, FRIENDO reserves the right to suspend or delete the account to comply with safety regulations.
d. Protection of Minor Data
All personal and location data belonging to minors are treated with the highest confidentiality. Such data are never shared with third parties or used for marketing or analytics.
e. Parental Responsibility
Parents and guardians are encouraged to discuss safe app usage with their children and ensure they understand how and when to trigger SOS alerts or share live locations responsibly.
8. Your Rights and Choices
FRIENDO believes users should have full control over their personal information. We provide transparent options to view, manage, or delete your data at any time. To delete data, email us at support@friendo.in
a. Access and Update
You can access or update your personal details such as name, email, phone number, and emergency contacts directly within the app’s profile settings.
b. Data Deletion
If you wish to discontinue using FRIENDO, you can permanently delete your account from within the app.
Once deleted, all your associated data—including SOS history, contacts, and location logs—will be erased from our systems. Only your name and email may be retained securely for compliance and record-keeping.
c. Withdraw Permissions
You may revoke app permissions (e.g., Location, Contacts, SMS) at any time through your device settings. However, doing so may limit or disable certain safety features such as live tracking and SOS alerts.
d. Communication Preferences
You can opt out of non-critical notifications or emails by adjusting your preferences in the app. Essential alerts related to safety or account verification will continue to be sent as needed.
e. Right to Support
If you believe your data has been mishandled or you need assistance managing your information, you can contact our support team at support@friendo.in. We will respond to all privacy-related queries or requests within a reasonable time frame.
9. Changes to This Privacy Policy
FRIENDO may update or revise this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect new features, technological changes, or legal requirements.
a. Notification of Changes
Whenever we make significant changes—such as introducing new permissions, integrating third-party services (e.g., Firebase, Google Analytics), or modifying how we handle user data—we will notify users through:
- In-app notifications, or
- An updated version of this Privacy Policy available on friendo.in/privacy
b. User Responsibility
We encourage all users to periodically review this page to stay informed about how their data is protected. Continued use of FRIENDO after updates will be considered as acceptance of the revised terms.
c. Version Tracking
Each version of this Privacy Policy will include a “Last Updated” date at the bottom of the page. This ensures transparency about when the latest modifications were made.
10. Contact Us
If you have any questions, concerns, or complaints regarding this Privacy Policy or FRIENDO’s data handling practices, please contact us through the details below:
Company Name: FRIENDO
Legal Constitution: Partnership
Address:
Floor 6, E-314(P), Industrial Focal Point,
Industrial Area Phase 8A, Mohali,
SAS Nagar, Punjab – 140308, India
Email: support@friendo.in
Website: https://friendo.in
Our support team will review and respond to your request within a reasonable timeframe, typically within 7–10 business days.
If you are a parent or guardian seeking help related to a minor’s account, please mention the child’s registered phone number or email for verification purposes when contacting us.
