Privacy Policy

Introduction

BrowseWize ("we," "our," or "us") is committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how our iPad application collects, uses, stores, and protects your information.

Information We Collect

1. Account Information (Optional - Only if you enable cloud sync)

What we collect:

• Anonymous user identifier (generated automatically by Firebase Authentication)
• Device authentication tokens
• Account creation date
• Last sign-in date

Why we collect it:

• To enable cloud sync across your devices
• To securely store and restore your browsing data
• To protect your data with authentication

How it's stored:

• Stored in Firebase Authentication (Google Cloud Platform)
• Encrypted in transit and at rest
• Not linked to your personal identity unless you choose to add an email

2. Browsing Data

What we collect:

• Tabs and their URLs
• Tab titles and favicons
• Tab order and active tab state
• Browsing history (URLs and visit timestamps)
• Bookmarks (URLs, titles, and custom icons)
• Bookmark folders and organization

Why we collect it:

• To save your browsing session and restore it when you reopen the app
• To provide bookmark management and quick access to favorite sites
• To show your browsing history
• To sync your tabs, bookmarks, and history across devices (if cloud sync is enabled)

How it's stored:

• Local Storage: Stored locally on your iPad using SwiftData (always)
• Cloud Storage (Optional): If you enable cloud sync:
  • Stored in Google Cloud Firestore
  • Encrypted in transit using TLS/SSL
  • Encrypted at rest using AES-256 encryption
  • Isolated per user account (other users cannot access your data)

Your control:

• Cloud sync is entirely optional - you can use BrowseWize without creating an account
• Clear your history anytime from the app
• Delete individual bookmarks or tabs
• Delete your account to remove all cloud data

3. Settings and Preferences

What we collect:

• Homepage preference (Google, DuckDuckGo, Bing, Yahoo, custom URL, or blank)
• Search engine preference
• Theme and appearance settings (background type, background image)
• Custom background photos (if selected)

Why we collect it:

• To provide a personalized browsing experience
• To sync your preferences across devices (if cloud sync enabled)
• To remember your customization choices

How it's stored:

• Stored locally on your iPad using SwiftData
• If cloud sync is enabled, synced to Google Cloud Firestore
• Custom background photos are stored locally only and never uploaded to the cloud

4. Cookies and Website Data

What we collect:

• Cookies from websites you visit
• Website local storage and cache
• Login sessions for websites

Why we collect it:

• To keep you logged into websites
• To remember website preferences
• To provide normal web browsing functionality

How it's stored:

• Stored locally using WKWebView's cookie storage
• Never uploaded to cloud servers
• Can be cleared from app settings

5. Device and Usage Information

What we automatically collect:

• Device model and iPadOS version
• App version
• Timestamp of last cloud sync (if enabled)
• Crash logs (if app crashes)

Why we collect it:

• To troubleshoot sync issues
• To ensure compatibility across iPadOS versions
• To improve app stability and fix bugs

How it's stored:

• Stored locally on your device
• If cloud sync enabled, minimal metadata stored in Google Cloud Firestore
• Associated with your anonymous user ID (if using cloud sync)

6. Photos (Custom Backgrounds)

What we collect:

• Photos you select for custom backgrounds (optional)

Why we collect it:

• To display your chosen photo as a browser background

How it's stored:

• Stored locally on your device only
• Never uploaded to cloud servers
• You control access via iOS photo permissions

What We Do NOT Collect

• Content of web pages you visit
• Passwords you enter on websites
• Credit card information
• Personal messages or communications
• Location data
• Contacts or calendar data
• Search queries (beyond storing URLs in history)
• Advertising identifiers

How We Use Your Information

1. Provide Core Functionality

• Display your tabs, bookmarks, and browsing history
• Restore your browsing session when you reopen the app
• Apply your theme and personalization settings

2. Cloud Sync (Optional)

• Sync your tabs, bookmarks, and settings across your devices
• Backup your data for recovery on new devices

3. Improve the App

• Fix bugs and crashes
• Optimize performance
• Develop new features

4. Provide Support

• Respond to your questions and issues
• Troubleshoot technical problems

Data Storage and Security

Local Storage

• All browsing data is stored locally on your iPad using SwiftData
• Protected by your device's passcode, Face ID, or Touch ID
• Isolated from other apps by iOS sandboxing
• Backed up to iCloud or iTunes if you have device backups enabled

Cloud Storage (Optional)

Google Cloud Firestore:

• Industry-leading cloud database service
• Hosted on Google Cloud Platform
• SOC 2, SOC 3, ISO 27001 certified
• GDPR and CCPA compliant infrastructure

Security Measures

Encryption:

• In Transit: All data transmitted using TLS 1.3 encryption
• At Rest: Cloud data encrypted using AES-256 encryption
• Keys: Managed by Google Cloud Platform Key Management Service

Access Controls:

• Data isolated per user account
• Users can only access their own data
• Role-based access controls for app infrastructure
• Multi-factor authentication required for administrative access

Limitations

While we implement industry-standard security:

• No system is 100% secure
• We cannot protect against compromised account credentials
• We recommend using a strong, unique password (if using cloud sync)
• Enable device security (passcode, Face ID, Touch ID)

Data Sharing and Disclosure

We Do NOT Share Your Data With:

• Advertisers or marketing companies
• Data brokers
• Social media platforms
• Analytics companies
• Any third party for commercial purposes

We will never sell or rent your personal information.

Third-Party Services We Use

Google Firebase / Firestore (Optional - Only if you enable cloud sync)

• Purpose: Cloud database and authentication
• Data Shared: Tabs, bookmarks, history, settings (only if you enable cloud sync)
• Privacy Policy: https://firebase.google.com/support/privacy
• Compliance: GDPR, CCPA compliant

Apple Frameworks

• WKWebView: Web browsing engine (built into iOS)
• SwiftData: Local data storage (on your device only)
• PhotosUI: Access to your photos for custom backgrounds (local only)

When We May Disclose Information

We may disclose your information only in these circumstances:

1. Legal Compliance:
   • To comply with valid legal process (subpoena, court order, warrant)
   • To meet national security requirements
   • As required by applicable law
2. Safety and Security:
   • To protect rights, property, or safety of BrowseWize, users, or public
   • To detect, prevent, or address fraud or security issues
3. With Your Consent:
   • If you explicitly authorize us to share specific information

Transparency: We have received 0 legal data requests to date.

Data Retention

Local Data

• Stored on your device until you delete the app or clear data
• You can clear history, delete bookmarks, or close tabs anytime

Cloud Data (If Enabled)

Active Accounts:

• Data retained as long as your account is active
• No automatic deletion while you use BrowseWize

Inactive Accounts:

• Accounts inactive for 2-3 years may be flagged for deletion
• We'll email you (if provided) before deletion

Account Deletion:

When you delete your account, we permanently delete:

• All tabs and browsing sessions
• All bookmarks
• All browsing history
• All settings and preferences
• Authentication information

Deletion Timeline:

• Immediate: Data removed from active database
• Within 30 days: Deleted from backup systems
• Within 90 days: Completely purged from all systems

Data After App Deletion

If you delete the app:

• App and local data removed from your device
• Cloud data remains available (if you had cloud sync enabled)
• To delete cloud data, you must delete your account within the app first

Your Privacy Rights

Universal Rights

All BrowseWize users have the right to:

• Access: View all your data within the app
• Correct: Edit bookmarks, delete history, modify settings
• Delete: Clear history, delete bookmarks, or delete your account
• Export: Bookmark export functionality (planned feature)
• Opt-Out: Don't enable cloud sync to keep all data local

California Residents (CCPA/CPRA)

Under California law, you have the right to:

1. Know: What personal information we collect (see "Information We Collect")
2. Access: Request copies of your personal information (use in-app settings)
3. Delete: Request deletion of your personal information (delete account in app)
4. Opt-Out of Sale: We don't sell personal information (Not applicable)
5. Non-Discrimination: All users receive equal service

European Economic Area Residents (GDPR)

Under GDPR, you have the right to:

1. Right to Access: Access your personal data within the app
2. Right to Rectification: Correct inaccurate data (edit bookmarks, etc.)
3. Right to Erasure: "Right to be Forgotten" - Delete your account
4. Right to Restrict Processing: Disable cloud sync to keep data local only
5. Right to Data Portability: Export your bookmarks
6. Right to Object: Don't use cloud sync features
7. Right to Withdraw Consent: Delete your account at any time

Legal Basis for Processing:

• Consent: You choose to enable cloud sync
• Legitimate Interest: Provide browsing functionality and improve the app

Children's Privacy (COPPA Compliance)

BrowseWize is appropriate for users 13 years and older.

Age Restriction

• BrowseWize requires users to be at least 13 years old
• We do not knowingly collect information from children under 13

If We Discover Underage Use

• We will immediately delete the account
• We will permanently delete all associated data

Parental Control

• Parents should monitor children's device usage
• iOS Screen Time features can restrict app usage
• Parents can request account deletion by contacting us

Changes to This Privacy Policy

How We Update

We may update this policy when:

• We add new features
• We change data practices
• Legal requirements change

How We Notify You:

1. Update "Last Updated" date at top of this policy
2. In-app notification for material changes
3. App Store update notes

Your Options

If you disagree with changes:

• You may stop using BrowseWize
• You may delete your account
• Contact us with concerns

Material Changes

We will NEVER:

• Start selling your data without explicit consent
• Share data with advertisers without notice
• Reduce your privacy rights without giving you opt-out options

Compliance Certifications

BrowseWize's privacy practices comply with:

• California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA/CPRA)
• General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)
• UK GDPR
• Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) - 13+ age requirement
• Apple App Store Privacy Guidelines
• Google Cloud Platform Security Standards

App Store Privacy Nutrition Label

Data Used to Track You

None - We don't track you across apps or websites

Data Linked to You (Only if you enable cloud sync)

• Browsing History: URLs and timestamps
• Identifiers: User ID (for account management only)
• User Content: Bookmarks, tabs, settings

Data Not Linked to You

• Diagnostics: Crash logs (anonymized)

Data Not Collected

• Location
• Contacts
• Financial Information
• Health & Fitness
• Sensitive Info

Your Consent

By using BrowseWize, you:

• Acknowledge you have read this Privacy Policy
• Understand how we collect, use, and store your data
• Consent to local data storage for app functionality
• Understand cloud sync is optional and requires creating an account
• Can withdraw consent by deleting your account
• Confirm you are at least 13 years old

You can use BrowseWize entirely offline without creating an account. Cloud sync is completely optional.