Q-KWIK Privacy Policy

1. Information We Collect

Account Information

When you create an account, we collect:

• Username (display name)
• Email address
• Phone number (optional)
• Profile information you choose to provide

Location Data

Q-KWIK collects and uses your location data in the following ways:

• Precise Location: Used to show nearby locations, wait times, and other users (when you check in)
• Manual Check-In Only: Your location is ONLY shared with other users when you manually tap the "Check In" button
• Automatic Expiration: Check-ins automatically expire after 2 hours, or you can manually check out at any time
• Background Location: Location is accessed in the background only to update the map and nearby places — NOT to share your location with others unless you're checked in

Usage Data

• Wait time reports you submit
• Locations you visit or search for
• Saved locations and favorites
• Blocked users list
• App interaction and feature usage

Device Information

• Device type and model
• Operating system version
• Unique device identifiers
• Mobile network information

Communications

• Support requests and correspondence
• Feedback and survey responses

2. How We Use Your Information

Core App Functionality

• Display nearby locations and current wait times
• Show your location on the map when you check in
• Allow other users to see you when checked in (and vice versa)
• Enable wait time reporting and crowd level updates
• Process and display user-submitted reports

Personalization

• Remember your saved locations and preferences
• Provide location recommendations based on your activity
• Suggest optimal times to visit based on crowd data

Communication

• Send notifications about nearby wait times (if enabled)
• Alert you when saved locations have updates
• Respond to your support inquiries

Analytics and Improvement

• Analyze app performance and usage patterns
• Identify and fix bugs
• Improve features and user experience
• Understand aggregate trends in wait times

Safety and Security

• Enforce our Terms of Service
• Prevent fraud and abuse
• Protect user safety and privacy
• Respond to legal requests

3. Location Services

Q-KWIK requires location access to function properly. Here's exactly how we use it:

Always Location Access

We request "Always" location permission to:

• Update nearby locations in real-time
• Provide accurate distance calculations
• Show relevant wait times based on your current area

Important: "Always" permission does NOT mean we automatically share your location with other users. Manual check-in is still required.

When Your Location Is Shared

Your location is visible to other users ONLY when:

• You manually tap "Check In"
• You approve the check-in permission dialog
• Your check-in hasn't expired (2 hours max)
• The other user hasn't blocked you

Disabling Location

You can disable location access at any time in iOS Settings → Q-KWIK → Location. However, this will significantly limit app functionality:

• You won't see nearby locations
• You can't check in or see other users
• Wait times won't be location-specific

4. User-to-User Visibility

What Others Can See

When you're checked in, other Q-KWIK users can see:

• Your username (display name)
• Your approximate location on the map (as a marker)
• How long ago you checked in

What Others Cannot See

Other users CANNOT see:

• Your exact address or precise location
• Your email or phone number
• Your check-in history
• Any personal information beyond your username
• Your location when you're not checked in

Blocking Users

You can block any user at any time:

• Tap on their marker on the map
• Select "Block User"
• They will immediately disappear from your map
• You will disappear from their map
• You can unblock users in Settings → Blocked Users

5. Data Storage and Security

Where Your Data Is Stored

Your data is securely stored using Firebase and Google Cloud Platform services with:

• Encryption in transit (HTTPS/TLS)
• Encryption at rest
• Regular security audits
• Access controls and authentication

Data Retention

• Active Check-Ins: Deleted automatically after 2 hours
• Wait Time Reports: Retained for 30 days for analysis
• Account Data: Retained until you delete your account
• Analytics Data: Anonymized and aggregated data may be retained longer

Security Measures

• Firebase Authentication for secure login
• Database rules to prevent unauthorized access
• Regular security updates and monitoring
• Secure API communications

6. Sharing Your Information

We do NOT sell your personal information.

With Other Users

Limited information is shared with other users only when you check in:

• Username
• Approximate location (map marker)
• Check-in timestamp

With Service Providers

We share data with trusted service providers who help us operate the app:

• Firebase/Google Cloud: Data storage and authentication
• MapKit: Map display and location services
• Analytics Services: App performance and usage analytics (anonymized)

Legal Requirements

We may disclose your information if required by law or to:

• Comply with legal process
• Protect our rights and property
• Prevent fraud or abuse
• Protect user safety

Business Transfers

If Stratus Tech Solutions Limited is involved in a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets, your information may be transferred. We will notify you of any such change.

7. Your Rights and Choices

Access Your Data

You can view and manage your data in the app:

• Profile settings for account information
• Activity history for reports submitted
• Saved locations list
• Blocked users list

Control Your Privacy

• Check-In Control: Only you decide when to share your location
• Block Users: Block anyone from seeing your location
• Location Toggle: Enable/disable check-in capability in settings
• Notifications: Control which alerts you receive

Delete Your Data

You can delete your account and all associated data:

• Go to Settings → Profile → Delete Account
• Confirm deletion
• All your data will be permanently deleted within 30 days

Note: Anonymous, aggregated wait time data may be retained for analytics.

Export Your Data

To request a copy of your data, contact us at privacy@stratus-tech.com

Withdraw Consent

• Revoke location permission in iOS Settings
• Disable notifications in app settings
• Delete your account to withdraw all consent

8. Children's Privacy

Q-KWIK is not intended for users under 17 years of age. We do not knowingly collect personal information from anyone under 17.

If we discover that we have collected information from a user under 17, we will delete that information immediately. If you believe a user under 17 has provided information to us, please contact us at privacy@stratus-tech.com.

9. International Users

Q-KWIK is operated from the United States. If you are located outside the United States, please be aware that information we collect will be transferred to and processed in the United States.

By using Q-KWIK, you consent to the transfer of your information to the United States and processing in accordance with this Privacy Policy.

10. Third-Party Services

MapKit

Q-KWIK uses Apple MapKit for map display. Apple's privacy policy applies to MapKit usage: apple.com/legal/privacy

Firebase

We use Firebase for data storage and authentication. Google's privacy policy applies: policies.google.com/privacy

Links to Other Sites

Q-KWIK may contain links to other websites. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of other sites. We encourage you to read their privacy policies.

11. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of any material changes by:

• Posting the new policy in the app
• Updating the "Last Updated" date
• Sending a notification if the changes are significant

Your continued use of Q-KWIK after changes are posted constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.

12. California Privacy Rights

If you are a California resident, you have additional rights under the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA):

• Right to know what personal information is collected
• Right to know if personal information is sold or shared
• Right to access your personal information
• Right to delete your personal information
• Right to opt-out of sale (we don't sell data)
• Right to non-discrimination for exercising your rights

To exercise these rights, contact us at privacy@stratus-tech.com

13. GDPR Rights (EU/EEA/UK Users)

If you are located in the European Union, European Economic Area, or United Kingdom, you have rights under the GDPR:

• Right of access to your personal data
• Right to rectification of inaccurate data
• Right to erasure ("right to be forgotten")
• Right to restrict processing
• Right to data portability
• Right to object to processing
• Right to withdraw consent at any time

To exercise these rights, contact us at privacy@stratus-tech.com