Privacy Policy — Consumer Reports Mobile App

Effective Date: May 29, 2026
Last Updated: May 29, 2026

Consumer Reports (“App”, “we”, “our”, or “us”) respects your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how information is collected, used, stored, and protected when you use our Android application.

By installing or using the App, you agree to the terms of this Privacy Policy. If you do not agree, please discontinue use of the App.

1. Information We Collect

A. Information Stored Locally on Your Device

To provide offline functionality and improve your experience, the App may store the following information locally on your device:

• Favorite and bookmarked products

• Recently viewed products

• Search history

• App theme preferences (light, dark, or system)

• Onboarding and tutorial completion status

This information is stored using Android Room Database and DataStore technologies. Local data remains on your device unless you clear app storage or uninstall the App.

B. Information Collected Automatically

When you use the App, certain information may be collected automatically, including:

• Device model and operating system version

• Language and regional settings

• App usage statistics and screen interactions

• Crash reports and diagnostic information

• Firebase analytics identifiers

• Push notification tokens (only if notifications are enabled)

This information helps us improve app stability, performance, and user experience.

C. Network and Content Data

The App requires an internet connection to load product ratings, reviews, guides, and images.

• Connections are secured using HTTPS where supported.

• Images and content may be served from third-party content delivery networks or hosting providers.

We do not require account registration and do not intentionally collect personal information such as:

• Full name

• Email address

• Phone number

• Home address

unless you voluntarily contact us for support.

2. How We Use Information

We use collected information to:

• Provide product ratings, reviews, comparisons, and guides

• Enable offline caching and saved preferences

• Remember favorites and search history

• Improve app performance, security, and reliability

• Analyze usage patterns and fix technical issues

• Deliver push notifications you choose to receive

• Configure app features using Firebase Remote Config

3. Legal Bases for Processing (EEA/UK Users)

Where applicable under data protection laws, we rely on the following legal bases:

• Contract: To provide and operate the App

• Legitimate Interests: To improve security, stability, analytics, and performance

• Consent: For analytics and push notifications where legally required

4. Third-Party Services

The App uses Google Firebase services, including:

Service

Purpose

Firebase Analytics

Usage statistics and analytics

Firebase Crashlytics

Crash reporting and diagnostics

Firebase Cloud Messaging

Push notifications

Firebase Remote Config

Feature and configuration management

Google Privacy Policy:
We do not sell your personal information and do not share data for third-party advertising purposes.

5. Data Retention

We retain information for different periods depending on the type of data:

• Local App Data: Until app storage is cleared or the App is uninstalled

• Firebase Data: According to Google Firebase retention settings

• Support Communications: As long as reasonably necessary to provide assistance and comply with legal obligations

6. Data Security

We implement reasonable security measures to protect information, including:

• HTTPS encrypted connections

• Secure local storage practices

• Access controls and restricted permissions

However, no electronic storage or transmission method is completely secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.

7. Your Rights and Choices

Depending on your country or region, you may have rights to:

• Access your information

• Correct inaccurate information

• Delete stored information

• Restrict or object to certain processing activities

You may also:

• Disable notifications through Android Settings

• Clear app storage through device settings

• Uninstall the App to remove locally stored data

Privacy Requests

For privacy-related questions or requests, contact:

Email: privacy@consumerreports.example

Replace this placeholder email with your actual support email before publishing the App on Google Play.

8. Children’s Privacy

The App is not directed toward children under the age of 13.

We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If you believe a child has provided personal data, please contact us so appropriate action can be taken.

9. International Users

Your information may be processed in countries where we or our service providers operate, including the United States. These countries may have data protection laws different from those in your region.

10. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy periodically.

Any changes will be reflected by updating the “Last Updated” date at the top of this page. Continued use of the App after changes become effective constitutes acceptance of the revised policy.

11. Contact Information

Purpose

Email

Privacy Inquiries

privacy@consumerreports.example

Support Requests

support@consumerreports.example

Please replace placeholder email addresses with your actual contact emails before releasing the App publicly.