Last Updated: September 02, 2026 | Effective Date: January 1, 2026
Welcome to ApnaCircle (and its international edition Circle360), operated by the ApnaCircle Development & Safety Team ("we", "our", or "us"). We are committed to protecting the privacy, safety, and personal data of our users and their families. This Privacy Policy details how we collect, use, process, and protect your information when you use our mobile application and related services.
We only collect information strictly required to provide the core safety and location-sharing features of the application.
When you create an account, we may collect your name, phone number, email address, optional profile avatar image, and designated emergency contact phone number.
We support secure authentication via Google Sign-In and Sign in with Apple (on iOS). We store the verified user subject ID and authorization tokens. We do not store or have access to your Google or Apple passwords.
Foreground & Background GPS: If you explicitly grant location permissions, ApnaCircle captures geographic coordinates (latitude, longitude), speed, altitude, accuracy, and timestamps. Background location access is utilized so that authorized circle members can receive continuous location updates and automated Safe Place alerts when the app is not actively open on your screen.
Granular Control: You can pause location sharing at any time directly in the app's Settings menu or through your device's system permission settings.
We capture device platform (Android or iOS), operating system version, and unique installation identifiers to route notifications and ensure reliable session maintenance.
We utilize Firebase Cloud Messaging (FCM) and Apple Push Notification service (APNs) device tokens to deliver geofence arrival/departure alerts, emergency SOS notifications, and circle messages.
Your data is used solely to: (a) display your location to authorized circle members, (b) calculate Safe Place geofence triggers, (c) deliver travel history timelines, (d) broadcast instant SOS emergency alerts, and (e) protect against unauthorized access.
Circle memberships operate strictly on mutual consent. A user can only join a circle by entering a valid 6-character invite code or accepting an explicit invitation.
Location history is organized by date (Today & Yesterday) so family members can review daily travel routes. Historical location points are retained on secure servers and automatically trimmed after 30 days.
We do NOT sell, rent, or trade your personal or location data to data brokers, advertisers, or third-party marketing companies under any circumstances.
We work with trusted infrastructure providers (cloud hosting, Firebase Cloud Messaging, OpenStreetMap tile servers, Apple APNs) solely to deliver core application functionality.
All network communications between the mobile application and backend API are encrypted using Transport Layer Security (HTTPS / TLS 1.3). Database records are maintained in secured, access-restricted environments.
In full compliance with Google Play and Apple App Store user data protection policies, you can permanently delete your account and all associated data directly inside the app by going to Settings → Delete Account & All Data. Upon confirmation, your profile, location trails, circle memberships, and device tokens are permanently erased immediately.
ApnaCircle is designed for families. Children may use the service under the supervision and consent of their parents or legal guardians within a private circle.
If you have any questions or data privacy inquiries, contact our Data Protection Officer at:
Email: circlefamily360@gmail.com