Introduction
This Privacy Policy explains how MealMate ("we", "our", or "us") collects, uses, and protects your information when you use our mobile application. MealMate is designed for institute hostels, mess systems, and canteens to manage food services and identify how many students consume meals. We are committed to ensuring that your privacy is protected and that your data is handled transparently.
By using this application, you agree to the terms outlined in this Privacy Policy.
1. Information We Collect
We may collect the following categories of information:
a) Personal Information
- Name
- Email address
- Phone number
- User role (student, guard, superadmin)
- College, hostel, and room details
b) Authentication Data
- Firebase Authentication User ID (UID)
- Login session tokens
c) User-Generated Content
- Profile images
- QR scan and attendance logs
- Messages and app settings
d) Usage Information
- App interactions (menu usage, attendance checks)
- Navigation behavior within the app
e) Device & Technical Information
- Device model and type
- Operating system version
- App version
- Language/locale settings
f) Local Storage Data
- Cached data stored securely on your device using shared preferences
2. How We Use Your Information
We use collected data for the following purposes:
- To create and manage user accounts
- To authenticate users and provide role-based access
- To display personalized content such as mess menus, meal schedules, and consumption records
- To track attendance and identify how many students consume meals using QR-based systems
- To securely store user-uploaded data (e.g., images)
- To improve app performance, functionality, and reliability
- To detect and prevent technical issues or misuse
3. Data Sharing & Third-Party Services
We do not sell your personal data to any third party.
We may share your data only in the following situations:
- With trusted third-party service providers required for app functionality
- With legal authorities if required by applicable law or regulation
- With internal support teams under strict confidentiality
Third-Party Services Used:
- Firebase Authentication – for user login and identity management
- Cloud Firestore – for database storage
- Firebase Storage – for file and image storage
- QR scanning/generation libraries
- Local storage and state management tools
- Encryption libraries for securing sensitive data
These services may process your data according to their own privacy policies.
4. Data Security
We take appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect your data, including:
- Secure authentication and access control
- Firebase Security Rules for database protection
- Encrypted data transmission using HTTPS/TLS
- Avoidance of hardcoded sensitive keys in production
Despite these measures, no system can guarantee 100% security.
5. Your Rights
As a user, you have the right to:
- Access your personal data
- Update or correct your information
- Request deletion of your data
- Withdraw consent where applicable
- Close your account
6. Data Deletion Requests
You can request deletion of your data by contacting us via email with your account details (email or UID).
Upon verification, we will delete:
- Your authentication records
- Database entries stored in Firestore
- Files stored in Firebase Storage
- Any associated cached/local data
We aim to process all requests within 30 days.
7. Children's Privacy
This application is not intended for children under the age of 13.
We do not knowingly collect personal data from children. If such data is identified, it will be deleted promptly upon request.
8. Changes to This Privacy Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy periodically.
Any changes will be reflected by updating the "Last Updated" date. Significant changes may also be communicated within the app.
9. Contact Information
If you have any questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy, you can contact us:
- Email: supportpulse@dgmail.com
- Subject: Privacy Policy Request
- Response Time: Within 7 business days
10. Google Play Compliance
This Privacy Policy is designed to comply with Google Play requirements regarding:
- Data collection and usage
- Data storage and security
- User rights and control
- Disclosure of third-party services
Ensure that the information provided here matches the declarations made in the Google Play Console Data Safety section.
11. Consent
By using the MealMate application, you agree to this Privacy Policy and consent to the collection and use of information as described above.