BuildSmart - Privacy Policy
Last Updated: February 2026
1. Introduction
BuildSmart is developed and maintained by an independent developer ("I," "me," or "my"). I respect your privacy and am committed to protecting your personal data. This Privacy Policy explains how I collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you use the BuildSmart mobile application.
Please read this Privacy Policy carefully. By using BuildSmart, you consent to the practices described herein.
2. Information We Collect
2.1 Account Information
When you sign in using Apple or Google, we receive:
Data Type Apple Sign-In Google Sign-In
User Identifier Always Always
Email Address If you choose to share Yes
Display Name If you choose to share Yes
Profile Photo URL No Yes
We also collect:
Account creation date
Last login date
Authentication provider used
2.2 Build and Component Data
When you use BuildSmart, we collect:
Build Information: Names, descriptions, component configurations, performance scores, compatibility data, images
Component Library: Saved components including brand, model, specifications, pricing, images
Build Analysis: Bottleneck analysis, power draw calculations, total costs
2.3 Activity and Usage Data
We track your engagement with the App:
Number of builds created
Articles read
Component scans performed
Community ratings submitted
Likes given to builds
Achievements earned and dates
2.4 Camera and Photo Data
When you use component scanning:
Camera Access: We access your camera to capture component images
Photo Library Access: We access your photo library if you choose to scan existing photos
Image Processing: Photos are compressed and sent to AI services for identification
Scan History: We store scan results including component identification and confidence scores
2.5 Evaluation Data
When you use build evaluation:
Selected country and currency
Component condition ratings (New, Like New, Good, Fair, Poor)
Estimated years of use
Market pricing results
Evaluation history and timestamps
2.6 Chat Data
When you use the AI chat assistant:
Chat messages and conversation history
Images shared in chat
Build context provided to the AI
2.7 Community Data
When you participate in the Community:
Builds you publish publicly
Ratings you submit (value, performance, components, aesthetics)
Likes you give to other builds
Your leaderboard ranking
2.8 Device Information
We may collect:
Device type and model
Operating system version
App version
Camera capabilities
2.9 Location Information
We collect your country selection for:
Market pricing in your local currency
Regional component availability
Evaluation accuracy
We do NOT collect precise GPS location data.
3. How We Use Your Information
We use your information to:
3.1 Provide the Service
Authenticate your account
Store and sync your builds and components across devices
Process component scans and identifications
Generate AI chat responses
Calculate build evaluations and pricing
3.2 Improve the Service
Analyze usage patterns to improve features
Debug and fix technical issues
Develop new features based on user needs
3.3 Community Features
Display your published builds to other users
Calculate and display ratings and likes
Maintain leaderboard rankings
3.4 Communication
Send important service updates
Notify you of changes to Terms or Privacy Policy
Respond to support requests
4. How We Share Your Information
4.1 Third-Party Service Providers
We share data with the following services to provide functionality:
Service Data Shared Purpose
Firebase (Google) Account data, builds, components, activity, ratings Authentication, data storage, sync
Google Gemini AI Images, build details, chat messages Component identification, AI chat
DeepSeek AI Component names, market queries Build evaluation and pricing
Serper API Component search queries Market price research
eBay API Component search queries Pricing and availability data
Apple (Sign in with Apple) Authentication tokens Account authentication
Google (Sign in with Google) Authentication tokens Account authentication
4.2 Community Sharing
When you publish builds to the Community:
Your build name, description, components, and images become public
Your display name may be shown with your builds
Other users can view, rate, and like your builds
4.3 Legal Requirements
We may disclose your information if required by law, legal process, or government request, or to protect our rights, privacy, safety, or property.
4.4 Transfer of Ownership
In the event that BuildSmart is sold or transferred to another party, your information may be transferred to the new owner.
4.5 With Your Consent
We may share your information for other purposes with your explicit consent.
5. Data Storage and Security
5.1 Local Storage
On your device, we store data using:
UserDefaults: Builds, components, ratings, preferences
Keychain: Authentication tokens (encrypted, secure enclave)
SwiftData: Chat history, evaluations
File System: Build images
5.2 Cloud Storage
Your data is synced to Firebase Firestore (Google Cloud):
Data centers located globally with regional compliance
Data encrypted in transit (TLS) and at rest
Access controlled by Firebase Authentication
5.3 Security Measures
We implement security measures including:
Secure authentication via Apple and Google
Encrypted token storage in device Keychain
HTTPS for all network communications
Firebase security rules for data access control
5.4 Data Retention
Data Type Retention Period
Account information: Until account deletion
Builds and components: Until you delete them or account
Scan history: Until you delete or account deletion
Chat history: Until you delete or account deletion
Evaluations: 14 days active cache, history retained until deletion
Activity metrics: Until account deletion
Published builds: Until you unpublish or account deletion
6. Your Rights and Choices
6.1 Access and Portability
You can view all your data within the App, including:
Your builds and components
Scan history
Chat history
Activity metrics
Published builds and ratings
6.2 Deletion
You can delete:
Individual builds, components, or evaluations
Chat conversations
Published community builds
Your entire account (via Profile settings)
When you delete your account:
Your local data is removed immediately
Your cloud data is deleted from Firebase
Community data (ratings on others' builds) may be anonymized
6.3 Correction
You can edit your builds, components, and profile information at any time within the App.
6.4 Opt-Out Options
Feature How to Opt Out
Community publishing Don't publish builds; unpublish existing
Component scanning Don't use camera feature
AI chat Don't use chat feature
Evaluations Don't use evaluation feature
Cloud sync Not optional (required for service)
6.5 Camera and Photo Permissions
You can revoke camera and photo library permissions in your device Settings at any time. This will disable component scanning features.
7. Children's Privacy
BuildSmart is not intended for children under 13 years of age. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If you believe we have collected information from a child under 13, please contact us immediately.
8. International Data Transfers
Your information may be transferred to and processed in countries other than your own, including the United States (where Google and Firebase operate). These countries may have different data protection laws. By using BuildSmart, you consent to such transfers.
We rely on:
Standard contractual clauses
Privacy Shield frameworks (where applicable)
Service provider certifications
9. Third-Party Links and Services
BuildSmart may contain links to third-party websites or services (e.g., eBay listings, component manufacturer sites). We are not responsible for the privacy practices of these third parties. We encourage you to review their privacy policies.
10. AI and Automated Processing
10.1 AI Component Identification
When you scan components:
Images are sent to Google Gemini AI
AI processes images to identify components
Results are automated and may not be accurate
You can manually correct any misidentifications
10.2 AI Chat Responses
Chat responses are generated by AI and:
Are based on your build data and questions
May not always be accurate or appropriate
Should be verified before acting on recommendations
10.3 Automated Evaluation
Build evaluations use AI to:
Search for component pricing
Estimate resale values
Provide market insights
These are estimates only and should not be relied upon for financial decisions.
11. Changes to This Privacy Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of material changes by:
Posting the new Privacy Policy in the App
Updating the "Last Updated" date
Sending a notification through the App
Your continued use after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated Privacy Policy.
12. California Privacy Rights (CCPA)
If you are a California resident, you have additional rights:
Right to Know: Request what personal information we collect
Right to Delete: Request deletion of your personal information
Right to Opt-Out: We do not sell personal information
Non-Discrimination: We will not discriminate for exercising your rights
To exercise these rights, contact us using the information below.
13. European Privacy Rights (GDPR)
If you are in the European Economic Area, you have rights including:
Access: Request a copy of your data
Rectification: Request correction of inaccurate data
Erasure: Request deletion of your data
Restriction: Request limited processing
Portability: Request data in a portable format
Objection: Object to certain processing
Legal Basis for Processing:
Contract: To provide the Service you requested
Consent: For optional features like community sharing
Legitimate Interest: For service improvement and security
To exercise these rights or lodge a complaint, contact us or your local data protection authority.
14. Contact Us
For questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy, please contact:
Email: tipusultan287@icloud.com
We will respond to your inquiry as soon as reasonably possible.