Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

Welcome to Local Shopping ("we", "our", or "us"). We are committed to protecting your personal information and your right to privacy. This Privacy Policy explains what information we collect, how we use it, and what rights you have in relation to it when you use our Android application.

By using the Local Shopping app, you agree to the collection and use of information in accordance with this policy.

2. Information We Collect

We collect information you provide directly to us, as well as information generated automatically when you use the app.

• Account Information: Your name, email address, and Google account details when you sign in with Google.
• Profile Information: Phone number, mohalla, village, city, and pin code you enter to complete your profile.
• Location Data: Approximate GPS location (with your permission) to show nearby shops sorted by distance. We do not store your location on our servers.
• Order Data: Items you order, delivery address, payment method, and order status history.
• Device Information: Firebase Cloud Messaging (FCM) token to send you push notifications about your orders.
• Usage Data: Crash reports and non-fatal errors collected via Firebase Crashlytics to improve app stability.

3. How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect for the following purposes:

• To create and manage your account and verify your identity.
• To process and fulfil your orders and connect you with local shops and delivery partners.
• To send push notifications about order status updates (accepted, packed, out for delivery, delivered).
• To show you shops and products that are near your location.
• To detect and fix app crashes and improve overall performance.
• To communicate with you about changes to our service or policies.

4. Information Sharing

We do not sell your personal information. We share your information only in the following limited circumstances:

• Shopkeepers: Your name, phone number, and delivery address are shared with the shop you order from so they can fulfil your order.
• Delivery Partners: Your name, phone number, and delivery address are shared with the delivery partner assigned to your order.
• Firebase / Google: We use Firebase (by Google) for authentication, database, storage, messaging, and crash reporting. Your data is stored on Firebase infrastructure. See Firebase's Privacy Policy.
• Razorpay: If you choose online payment, your payment is processed by Razorpay. We do not store card or UPI details. See Razorpay's Privacy Policy.
• Legal Requirements: We may disclose information if required by law or to protect our rights.

5. Data Storage and Security

Your data is stored in Google Firebase Firestore and Firebase Storage, which are protected by Google's security infrastructure. We implement appropriate technical measures to protect your personal information from unauthorised access, alteration, or disclosure.

However, no method of transmission over the internet is 100% secure. While we strive to protect your data, we cannot guarantee absolute security.

6. Location Permissions

The app requests location permission (ACCESS_FINE_LOCATION) solely to sort nearby shops by distance on the home screen. Your precise location is processed on-device and is never stored on our servers or shared with third parties. You may deny location permission and still use the app — shops will not be sorted by distance in that case.

7. Push Notifications

We use Firebase Cloud Messaging to send you notifications about your orders. You can disable notifications at any time via your device settings. Your FCM token is stored in Firestore linked to your account and is deleted when you sign out.

8. Data Retention

We retain your account and order data for as long as your account is active. Order history is kept for up to 2 years for customer support and dispute resolution. If you request account deletion, we will delete your personal data within 30 days, except where retention is required by law.

9. Children's Privacy

Local Shopping is not directed at children under the age of 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If you believe we have inadvertently collected such information, please contact us and we will delete it promptly.

10. Your Rights

You have the right to:

• Access the personal information we hold about you.
• Correct inaccurate information via the Edit Profile screen in the app.
• Request deletion of your account and associated data.
• Withdraw consent for location access at any time via device settings.

To exercise these rights, please contact us at the email address below.

11. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of any significant changes by updating the "Last updated" date at the top of this page. Continued use of the app after changes constitutes your acceptance of the updated policy.

12. Contact Us

If you have questions or concerns about this Privacy Policy or our data practices, please contact us: