Privacy Policy

App: PriceRadar  |  Last updated: March 13, 2025

PriceRadar ("we", "our", or "us") is committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains what information we collect, how we use it, and your choices regarding your data when you use the PriceRadar iOS application. Impact-Site-Verification: 21f41a1f-22de-461f-8b36-1765557a4aae

1. Information We Collect

1a. Anonymous User Identifier

When you first open PriceRadar, we automatically create an anonymous account using Firebase Authentication. This generates a random unique identifier (UID) that is not linked to your name, email address, or any personally identifiable information unless you choose to create an account.

1b. Account Information (Optional)

If you choose to create an account, we collect:

• Email address and password (if you sign up with email)
• Apple ID token (if you sign in with Apple — we receive only the token, not your Apple ID email unless you choose to share it)

Creating an account is optional. Anonymous use is fully supported with limited features.

1c. Product Scan and Search History

When you scan a barcode or search for a product, we store:

• The barcode or search query
• Product name, brand, and category (from third-party product databases)
• Timestamp of the scan or search

This data is stored in your Firebase account (linked to your anonymous or registered UID) and locally on your device. It is used to power your Recently Viewed list and personalized product recommendations.

1d. Price Submissions

If you submit a price for a product at a store, we collect:

• The product barcode
• Store name and location (city/state, not precise coordinates)
• Price submitted
• Timestamp and your anonymous UID

Submitted prices are shared publicly within the app to help other users find better deals. They are not linked to your name or email.

1e. Location Data

PriceRadar requests access to your device's location to find nearby stores that carry a product and to display distance-based store results. We use coarse and precise location depending on your permission level.

• Location data is used in real time to query nearby stores and is not stored on our servers.
• We do not track your location over time or build a location history.

1f. Camera

PriceRadar uses your device camera solely to scan product barcodes and capture receipts. Camera images are processed on-device or sent to our OCR service for text extraction. We do not store camera images on our servers.

1g. Usage and Diagnostic Data

We use Firebase Analytics and Firebase Crashlytics to collect anonymized usage statistics and crash reports. This data helps us identify bugs and improve the app. It is not linked to your name or email address.

2. How We Use Your Information

• To provide core app features: barcode scanning, price comparison, store discovery
• To display your Recently Viewed products and personalized recommendations
• To track your points balance and reward you for price submissions
• To enforce your monthly search call quota (anonymous: 1/month; registered: 20–50/month)
• To improve the app through anonymized analytics and crash data

We do not sell your personal information to third parties.

3. Third-Party Services

PriceRadar integrates with the following third-party services:

• Firebase (Google) — Authentication, Firestore database, Analytics, Crashlytics. Firebase Privacy Policy
• SerpApi — Used to fetch product prices from search engines. Queries include the product name and your general location (city). SerpApi Privacy Policy
• Kroger API — Used to retrieve Kroger store prices and store locations. Queries include product barcode and location. Kroger Privacy Policy
• Open Food Facts / Open Beauty Facts / Open Products Facts — Open-source product databases. No personal data is shared. Open Food Facts Privacy Policy
• Amazon Associates — PriceRadar may display links to Amazon product listings. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Tapping an Amazon link is subject to Amazon's Privacy Policy.

4. Data Retention and Deletion

You can delete your account and all associated data at any time from within the app: Settings → Delete Account & Data.

Deleting your account permanently removes:

• Your Firebase Authentication record
• Your Firestore user profile, points balance, scan history, and price submissions
• Your locally stored Recently Viewed list

After deletion, a new anonymous session is created so you can continue using the app.

5. Children's Privacy

PriceRadar is not directed at children under 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If you believe a child has provided us with personal information, please contact us and we will promptly delete it.

6. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. When we do, we will update the "Last updated" date at the top of this page. Continued use of the app after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.

7. Contact Us

If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or your data, please contact us at:
support@priceradar.app