FireCal Privacy Policy

FireCal is built for NSW firefighters and their families by Sami Ercan, an independent developer based in New South Wales, Australia. Your privacy matters, and this policy explains what data we collect and how we use it.

Definitions

• App refers to the FireCal mobile application.
• We, Us, or Our refers to the developer of FireCal, Sami Ercan.
• You or User refers to anyone who installs or uses the FireCal app.

The Short Version

• ✅ Your notes, timesheets and PCOS stay on your device — we never see them
• ✅ We collect anonymous usage data to improve the app (via PostHog analytics)
• ✅ We show ads to support the free version (via Google AdMob)
• ✅ We don't sell your data directly to data brokers
• ⚠️ Tracking (for analytics & personalized ads) occurs only if you consent

What Happens to Your Data

User Accounts

FireCal does not require you to create an account. We do not collect usernames, email addresses, or login credentials.

Your Content (Notes, Timesheets & PCOS)

Stays on your device only. Everything you create remains local to your device. We can't see it, access it, or back it up. If you delete the app, this data is removed from your device.

Advertising (Google AdMob)

We use Google AdMob to display advertisements in the free version of the app. This helps support ongoing development.

Personalized vs. Non-Personalized Ads:

• If you consent to tracking: Google may use your device identifier (IDFA) to show ads that are more relevant to you based on your interests.
• If you decline tracking: You will still see ads, but they will be less relevant (contextual only). Google will not use your unique identifier to build a profile about you.

Anonymous Usage Analytics (What We Collect)

We use PostHog, a privacy-focused analytics service, to understand how the app is used. This helps us fix bugs and improve features.

What PostHog collects:

• How often features are used (e.g., "items created", "theme changed")
• Device information (Android version, device type, app version)
• Session duration
• A random identifier generated on your device (not linked to you personally)
• Approximate location (country or state level only, derived from IP address)

IP addresses are used only to derive approximate location and are not stored by us.

What PostHog does NOT collect:

• ❌ Your note, timesheet and PCOS content
• ❌ Your name, email address, or contact details
• ❌ Station names, rosters, or schedules
• ❌ Precise location (GPS)
• ❌ Photos, files, or media
• ❌ Data from other apps

How We Use This Data

We use anonymous analytics and device data to:

• Understand which features are used
• Identify and fix crashes or bugs
• Improve performance and reliability
• Inform future feature development
• Display advertisements (via Google AdMob)

We do not use your data for:

• Selling your personal content (notes/timesheets) to third parties

Who We Share Data With

PostHog Inc.
PostHog processes anonymous analytics data on our behalf. Their servers are located in the European Union (Frankfurt, Germany). PostHog does not sell data or use it for its own purposes.

You can review their privacy policy here:
https://posthog.com/privacy

Google (AdMob)
We share device identifiers and ad interaction data with Google to facilitate the display of advertisements. Google's use of this data is governed by their privacy policy.

You can review Google's privacy policy here:
https://policies.google.com/privacy

We do not share data with any other third parties.

Data Storage & Security

• Analytics data is stored securely on PostHog’s EU servers
• All data transmissions are encrypted using HTTPS
• Analytics data is retained for up to 24 months to track long-term improvements
• Notes, timesheets and PCOS remain stored only on your device

Data Minimisation

We only collect the minimum amount of data required to operate, maintain, and improve FireCal.

International Data Transfers

Analytics data may be processed outside Australia, including in the European Union, where PostHog’s servers are located. We take reasonable steps to ensure this data is handled securely and in accordance with this Privacy Policy.

Your Rights

Access & Deletion

The analytics data we collect is anonymous and not linked to your identity. If you have questions or concerns about data handling, you can contact us using the details below.

Opt-Out

You can decline analytics on first launch. Once declined, no analytics are collected. If you change your mind, you can reset app data to see the consent prompt again.

Children’s Privacy

FireCal is not specifically directed at children and is intended for firefighters and their families. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under the age of 13. Parents and guardians should supervise their children’s use of the app.

Australian Privacy Context

FireCal is developed as a small, independent project by a NSW firefighter. As a sole trader, the app may be exempt from certain obligations under the Australian Privacy Act. Regardless, we are committed to respecting user privacy and handling data responsibly.

If applicable privacy laws change, this policy will be updated accordingly.

Changes to This Policy

If we update this Privacy Policy:

• The effective date will be updated at the top of this page
• We will notify users through the app where appropriate
• For significant changes, we may request your consent

Contact

If you have any questions or concerns about this Privacy Policy, please contact:

Developer: Sami Ercan
Email: firecal24@gmail.com
Location: New South Wales, Australia