Last Updated: October 2025
This Privacy Policy describes how Ankr ("we", "our", or "the App") collects, uses, and discloses your personal information when you use our boat anchor monitoring application.
Information We Collect
We collect the following information when you create an account and use Ankr:
How We Use Your Location Data
Your location data is used exclusively for the following purposes:
- Anchor Monitoring: Track your boat's position relative to the anchor drop point
- Drag Detection: Alert you when your boat moves beyond the expected swing radius
- Remote Monitoring: Allow you to monitor your boat's position from multiple devices
- Historical Tracking: Display your boat's movement history during monitoring sessions
- Geofencing Alerts: Notify you if your boat exits a defined safe zone
We do NOT:
- Sell your location data to third parties
- Use your location for advertising purposes
- Share your location with other users - unless you choose to within the app via settings and links
- Track your location when monitoring is not active
Use of Your Information
We use your information for the following purposes:
- To provide and operate the anchor monitoring features
- To authenticate your identity and manage your account
- To send you important alerts and notifications about anchor movements
- To improve and personalize the App
- To analyze app performance and user experience
- To diagnose and troubleshoot technical problems
- To respond to your inquiries and support requests
- To comply with legal obligations
Third-Party Services
We use Firebase, a Google service platform, to provide core functionality of Ankr. The Firebase services we use include:
- Firebase Authentication: Securely manages user authentication and account access. Firebase Authentication handles your email and password securely according to Google's security standards.
- Firebase Realtime Database: Stores and synchronizes your location data in real-time across devices. This enables the core anchor monitoring functionality including remote monitoring and instant alerts. Your location data is stored securely with access restricted to your authenticated account.
- Firebase Analytics: Collects anonymized usage data to help us understand how users interact with the app and improve features. This includes information about which features are used, session duration, and general usage patterns.
- Firebase Crashlytics: Automatically collects crash reports and diagnostic data when the app experiences errors. This helps us identify and fix bugs quickly to improve app stability. Crash reports may include device information, app state, and stack traces but do not include personal information.
Firebase services are provided by Google and are subject to Google's Privacy Policy. You can learn more about how Google uses data at https://policies.google.com/privacy.
We do not share your personal information with any other third-party service providers.
Data Storage and Security
Your data is stored securely using Firebase services with the following protections:
- Encryption: Data is encrypted in transit (using HTTPS/TLS) and at rest
- Access Control: Your location data is only accessible by your authenticated account
- Secure Authentication: Firebase Authentication uses industry-standard security practices
- Server Location: Data is stored on Google's secure cloud infrastructure
While we implement strong security measures, no internet transmission or electronic storage is 100% secure. We cannot guarantee absolute security of your data.
Data Retention
We retain your information as follows:
- Account Data: Retained while your account is active
- Location History: Stored for the duration of your account to provide historical tracking features
- Analytics Data: Retained in anonymized form for up to 14 months
- Crash Reports: Retained for up to 90 days for debugging purposes
Account Deletion: You may request deletion of your account and all associated data at any time by contacting us. Upon deletion request, we will:
- Delete your account and authentication credentials
- Delete all stored location data and monitoring history
- Remove personal information from our systems within 30 days
- Some data may be retained in anonymized form for analytics or as required by law
Your Rights and Choices
You have the following rights with respect to your information:
- Access: Request a copy of the personal data we hold about you
- Correction: Request correction of inaccurate information
- Deletion: Request deletion of your account and data
- Export: Request export of your data in a portable format
- Object: Object to processing of your information
- Location Control: Enable or disable location permissions at any time through device settings
- Withdraw Consent: Stop monitoring sessions to stop location collection
To exercise these rights, please contact us using the information provided below.
Location Permission Requirements
Ankr requires the following location permissions to function:
- Precise Location: Required to accurately monitor anchor position
- Background Location: Allows monitoring to continue when the app is in the background or screen is off.
The app will request these permissions upon first use and explain why they are needed. You can modify permissions at any time through your device settings.
Children's Privacy
Ankr is not directed to children under the age of 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If you are a parent or guardian and believe your child has provided us with personal information, please contact us. If we become aware that we have collected personal information from a child under 13, we will take steps to delete the information from our servers.
International Data Transfers
Your data may be transferred to and stored on servers located outside your country of residence, including the United States where Firebase services are hosted. By using Ankr, you consent to the transfer of your data to these locations. We ensure appropriate safeguards are in place to protect your data in accordance with this Privacy Policy.
Changes to This Privacy Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices or legal requirements. We will notify you of any material changes by:
- Posting the updated policy in the app
- Updating the "Last Updated" date at the top of this policy
- Sending you a notification if the changes are significant
Your continued use of Ankr following the posting of changes means you accept and agree to the updated Privacy Policy.
Contact Us
If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy, want to exercise your rights, or need support, please contact us at:
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://appd.com.au
Legal Compliance
We may disclose your information if required by law, court order, or governmental authority, or if we believe disclosure is necessary to:
- Comply with legal obligations
- Protect our rights or property
- Prevent fraud or security issues
- Protect the safety of users or the public