BuddySystem Privacy Policy
Last Updated: 7 May 2026
Welcome to BuddySystem (“BuddySystem”, “we”, “our”, or “us”).
BuddySystem is designed to help users maintain personal safety awareness and communication through check-ins, notifications, monitoring features, and related services.
This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and protect your information when you use the BuddySystem mobile application, website, and related services (collectively, the “Services”).
By using the Services, you agree to the collection and use of information in accordance with this Privacy Policy.
1. Information We Collect
We may collect the following categories of information:
A. Account Information
When you create an account, we may collect:
Name or display name
Email address
Phone number
Login credentials
Profile information
B. Device and Technical Information
We may automatically collect:
Device type and model
Operating system version
App version
Device identifiers
IP address
Mobile network information
Crash reports and diagnostics
Usage analytics
C. Location Information
If enabled by you, BuddySystem may collect location information, including:
Approximate location
Precise GPS location
Background location during active monitoring or safety sessions
Location data may be used to:
Share your location with approved contacts
Assist with check-ins and monitoring features
Display location history related to safety events
Improve app functionality and reliability
You may disable location permissions through your device settings, however some features may not function correctly.
D. Contacts and Relationship Information
If you choose to use contact-related features, we may collect:
Contact names
Phone numbers
Email addresses
Relationship or emergency contact information
We only access contacts you explicitly choose to share or use within the app.
E. Check-In and Safety Activity
We may collect information relating to:
Check-in schedules
Missed check-ins
Alert activations
Safety session activity
Notification history
Supervisor or buddy interactions
F. Communications
If you contact us directly, we may collect:
Email correspondence
Support requests
Feedback
Survey responses
G. Payment and Subscription Information
Subscriptions and payments may be processed by Apple, Google, or third-party payment providers.
We do not store full payment card details on our systems.
We may receive limited information such as:
Subscription status
Transaction identifiers
Purchase confirmations
2. How We Use Information
We use information to:
Provide and operate the Services
Create and manage accounts
Enable safety and monitoring features
Send notifications and alerts
Provide check-in functionality
Improve app performance and reliability
Provide customer support
Detect abuse, fraud, or misuse
Comply with legal obligations
Enforce our Terms of Service
Develop new features and services
We may also use aggregated or anonymised data for analytics and service improvement.
3. Notifications and Communications
BuddySystem may send:
Push notifications
SMS notifications
Email notifications
Safety alerts
Service announcements
Account-related communications
These communications may be essential to the operation of the Services.
Disabling notifications may reduce or prevent certain safety features from functioning correctly.
4. Sharing of Information
We may share information in the following circumstances:
A. Approved Contacts and Safety Participants
Information may be shared with contacts, supervisors, buddies, or other persons you authorise through the Services.
This may include:
Your name
Check-in status
Alerts
Approximate or precise location
Safety-related activity
Personal records you choose to share
B. Service Providers
We may share information with trusted third-party providers who assist with:
Cloud hosting
Analytics
Crash reporting
Notifications
Authentication
Customer support
Payment processing
Examples may include:
Firebase
Google Cloud
Apple services
Push notification providers
These providers may process information on our behalf subject to contractual obligations.
C. Legal Requirements
We may disclose information where required to:
Comply with applicable laws
Respond to lawful requests
Protect the rights, safety, or property of users or others
Investigate fraud, abuse, or security issues
D. Business Transfers
If BuddySystem is involved in a merger, acquisition, restructuring, or sale of assets, information may be transferred as part of that transaction.
5. Data Storage and Security
We use reasonable technical and organisational measures designed to protect information from:
Unauthorised access
Loss
Misuse
Alteration
Disclosure
However, no method of electronic transmission or storage is completely secure.
We cannot guarantee absolute security.
6. Data Retention
We retain information only for as long as reasonably necessary to:
Provide the Services
Comply with legal obligations
Resolve disputes
Enforce agreements
Maintain operational records (keeping email addresses that have been banned or blocked, or records to maintain free trial eligibility)
Retention periods may vary depending on the nature of the information and legal requirements.
7. Your Rights and Choices
Depending on your jurisdiction, you may have rights to:
Access your information
Correct inaccurate information
Request deletion of information
Withdraw consent
Restrict certain processing
Request a copy of your data
You may also:
Disable permissions through your device settings
Manage notification settings
Delete your account through the app (where available)
To request account or data deletion, contact:
Email: support@buddysystem.app
We may retain certain information where legally required or reasonably necessary for legitimate business purposes.
8. International Data Transfers
Your information may be processed or stored in countries outside your own jurisdiction.
These countries may have privacy laws different from those in your country.
By using the Services, you consent to such transfers where permitted by law.
9. Children’s Privacy
BuddySystem is not directed toward children under the age of 13.
We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13 without appropriate consent.
If you believe a child has provided personal information in violation of this policy, please contact us.
10. Third-Party Services
The Services may contain links to or integrations with third-party services.
We are not responsible for the privacy practices of third parties.
We encourage users to review the privacy policies of those services.
11. Safety and Service Limitations
BuddySystem is designed as a communication and monitoring assistance tool only.
The Services are not guaranteed emergency services, dispatch services, rescue services, or life-saving systems.
Delivery of alerts and notifications may be affected by:
Internet availability
Mobile coverage
Device status
Operating system restrictions
Battery levels
Third-party services
User settings
Technical failures
Users remain responsible for their own safety decisions and emergency response actions.
12. Changes to This Privacy Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time.
Changes will become effective when the updated version is posted.
Continued use of the Services after updates constitutes acceptance of the revised Privacy Policy.
13. Contact Us
If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or privacy-related requests, contact:
BuddySystem
Email: support@buddysystem.app
14. Regional Privacy Rights
New Zealand Users
We aim to comply with the New Zealand Privacy Act 2020.
European Economic Area (EEA), UK, and Similar Jurisdictions
Where applicable, we process personal information based on:
Consent
Contractual necessity
Legitimate interests
Legal obligations
Users may have additional rights under GDPR or similar laws.
California Users
California users may have additional rights under applicable privacy laws including rights relating to access and deletion.
15. App Store and Google Play Compliance
Certain information may be collected automatically by Apple, Google, or related platform providers when downloading or using the Services.
Use of those platforms is also governed by their respective privacy policies and terms.
