1. Information We Collect
To provide you with a secure communication experience (voice/video calls, chat, notifications), Frendy collects the following information:
| Category | Specific Data | Purpose |
|---|
| Account & Profile | Mobile Number (with OTP verification), Profile Name, Profile Picture (optional) | Authentication, user identification, and personalized experience. |
| Communication Data | Call logs, chat messages, voice/video call metadata (duration, participants) | Facilitating real-time communication and call history. |
| Device & Permissions | Camera, Microphone, Notifications, Contacts (optional sync) | Enable video/voice calling, push alerts, and find friends. |
| Firebase Services | FCM tokens, push notification preferences, analytics data | Real-time notifications, app performance, crash reporting. |
🔐 Important: We never sell your personal data. Calls and messages are encrypted in transit. OTP login ensures only you can access your account.
2. How We Use Your Information
Frendy uses collected data strictly to operate and improve our services:
- ✅ Authentication & Security: Mobile number with OTP verification ensures that only verified users access the platform.
- ✅ Voice & Video Calling: Microphone and camera permissions are used exclusively during active calls — we never record calls without consent.
- ✅ Push Notifications: Firebase Cloud Messaging (FCM) delivers incoming call alerts, chat messages, and app updates.
- ✅ Chat Features: Messages are stored to sync across your devices and enable conversation history.
- ✅ App Optimization: Anonymous usage analytics (Firebase Analytics) help us fix bugs and improve performance.
3. Firebase & Third-Party Services
We rely on Google Firebase for core functionalities:
- Firebase Authentication (Phone Auth): OTP verification via SMS — we never access your SMS inbox directly.
- Firebase Cloud Messaging (FCM): Handles all push notifications for incoming calls and messages.
- Firebase Realtime Database / Firestore: Stores chat metadata and call signaling.
- Firebase Crashlytics & Analytics: Anonymous crash reports and performance metrics.
Firebase may process data according to Google's Privacy Policy. We do not share personal data with other third parties unless required by law.
4. Permissions Explained (Android & iOS)
Frendy requires certain permissions to deliver seamless calling and messaging. Here's why:
- 📷 Camera: Required for video calling and profile picture capture. Never accessed without your action.
- 🎙️ Microphone: Essential for voice calls, video calls, and voice messages.
- 🔔 Notifications: Real-time alerts for incoming calls, new messages, and updates via Firebase.
- 📞 Phone State (optional): To pause calls when you receive a cellular call (improves experience).
- 📚 Contacts (optional): To help you find friends already on Frendy — we never upload your entire contact list to servers without consent.
You can change permissions anytime via your device settings, but some features (like video calls) will be limited.
5. Data Storage & Retention
Your data is stored securely using Firebase infrastructure (hosted on Google Cloud Platform, with data centers located in multiple regions).
- Messages & Media: Stored until you delete your account or manually delete conversations.
- Call Logs: Kept for 90 days to provide call history, then anonymized.
- OTP & Login Data: Phone number verification data is retained for account recovery and security audits.
- Account Deletion: When you delete your account, all personal data (chats, media, call logs) is permanently removed within 30 days.
6. Your Rights & Choices
As a Frendy user, you have full control over your information:
- 🔹 Access & Update: Edit your profile name or photo anytime in app settings.
- 🔹 Delete Account: Go to Settings → Account → Delete Account. All data will be erased permanently.
- 🔹 Opt-out of Notifications: Disable notifications via device settings or in-app preferences.
- 🔹 Revoke Permissions: Manage camera/microphone/contacts permissions directly from your phone settings.
- 🔹 Data Export: Request a copy of your data by emailing privacy@frendy.app.
7. Children's Privacy
Frendy is not intended for children under the age of 13 (or under 16 in certain regions). We do not knowingly collect personal information from minors. If we learn that a child under 13 has provided us with personal data, we will delete it immediately. Parents/guardians may contact us for assistance.
8. Security Measures
We take security seriously:
- 🛡️ End-to-End Encryption: Voice/video calls and messages are encrypted using industry standards (WebRTC encryption for calls, TLS for data transit).
- 🛡️ Firebase Security Rules: Strict database rules prevent unauthorized access.
- 🛡️ OTP Verification: No password vulnerabilities — each login requires a fresh OTP sent to your mobile number.
- 🛡️ Regular Audits: We review our infrastructure for vulnerabilities.
9. International Data Transfers
Since Firebase operates globally, your data may be transferred to and processed in countries with different data protection laws. We ensure appropriate safeguards (such as Standard Contractual Clauses) are in place. By using Frendy, you consent to this transfer.
10. Changes to This Privacy Policy
We may update this policy occasionally. If we make significant changes, we will notify you via in-app notice or email (if available). Continued use of Frendy after changes means you accept the revised policy. The "Last Updated" date indicates the latest revision.
📢 For Google Play Store Compliance: This privacy policy fully discloses our usage of phone number (OTP login), microphone/camera permissions for calls, Firebase notifications, and communication features. We do not collect unnecessary background data.
11. Contact Us
If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy, data practices, or wish to exercise your rights:
📧 Email: privacy@frendy.app
🌐 Website: https://frendy.app/support
Our Data Protection Officer (DPO) can be reached at dpo@frendy.app.
Frendy.app — Connecting people with privacy at heart. Voice, video, chat, all secured.