Privacy Policy for FloodSathi

Welcome to FloodSathi, a community-driven flood reporting application designed to help users report flood conditions and improve public awareness through real-time, location-based information. At FloodSathi, we are committed to protecting your privacy and ensuring that your personal information is handled responsibly. This Privacy Policy explains what information we collect, how we use it, how we protect it, and the choices available to you when using our application.

By downloading, installing, or using FloodSathi, you acknowledge that you have read and understood this Privacy Policy and agree to the practices described herein.

Information We Collect

Precise Location Information

FloodSathi requests access to your device's precise location only when you choose to submit a flood report. Your location information is used to record the geographic location of reported flood incidents, display flood reports accurately on the interactive map, improve the accuracy and reliability of community-submitted reports, and support flood monitoring, research, and disaster response initiatives. Location data is collected only after you have granted permission and is used solely for these purposes.

Camera and Photo Access

FloodSathi allows users to capture photographs using the device camera or upload existing images from the device gallery while submitting a flood report. These images help verify reported flood conditions, improve the reliability of community reports, and provide visual information that assists other users and researchers. Uploading photographs is entirely optional and occurs only when initiated by you.

Flood Report Information

When submitting a flood report, you may voluntarily provide information such as flood water level, road conditions, traffic conditions, agricultural impact, and additional comments or observations. This information is used solely to improve flood awareness, assist affected communities, and support disaster management and research initiatives.

How We Use Your Information

The information collected through FloodSathi is used to display community flood reports on the application map, help users identify flood-affected locations, improve the quality and accuracy of flood reporting, support research and disaster management initiatives, and maintain, monitor, and enhance the functionality, security, and overall performance of the application. FloodSathi does not use your personal information for advertising, behavioral profiling, or marketing purposes.

Data Sharing and Disclosure

FloodSathi respects your privacy and does not sell, rent, or trade your personal information. To support community awareness, flood reports, including submitted locations, uploaded images, and report details, may be displayed publicly within the application. Information may also be disclosed when required to comply with applicable laws, legal obligations, or lawful requests from government authorities, or when necessary to protect the rights, safety, and security of users, the public, or the application.

Data Storage and Security

FloodSathi implements appropriate technical, administrative, and organizational safeguards to protect your information against unauthorized access, alteration, disclosure, misuse, or destruction. Although we strive to use industry-standard security practices, no method of electronic transmission or storage over the internet can be guaranteed to be completely secure. Therefore, while we work to protect your information, we cannot guarantee absolute security.

Permissions Used

FloodSathi requests only the permissions necessary to provide its core functionality. Location permission is required to determine the precise location of flood reports and display them accurately on the map. Camera permission enables users to capture photographs directly within the application, while Photos and Media permission allows users to upload existing flood images from their device. These permissions are requested only when the corresponding feature is used, and you may choose whether to grant or deny them.

Your Rights and Choices

You remain in control of the information you share with FloodSathi. You may deny location access, choose not to upload photographs, or revoke previously granted permissions at any time through your device settings. Where applicable, you may also request the deletion of your submitted data by contacting us. Please note that denying certain permissions may limit the availability or functionality of specific features within the application.

Children's Privacy

FloodSathi is not intended for use by children under the age of 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If we become aware that information has been collected from a child without appropriate consent, we will take reasonable steps to delete such information promptly.

Third-Party Services

FloodSathi relies on trusted third-party service providers to deliver essential application functionality. These include Firebase for backend services, cloud database, authentication, and data storage; Google Maps Platform for map rendering and location visualization; and Cloudinary for the secure storage and delivery of uploaded images. These third-party providers operate under their own privacy policies, and we encourage users to review their respective policies to understand how their information is handled.

Data Retention

Flood reports, uploaded images, and related information are retained only for as long as necessary to operate and maintain the application, improve flood monitoring and community awareness, support research and disaster management initiatives, and comply with applicable legal and regulatory obligations. Where applicable, users may request deletion of their submitted information by contacting us.

Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices, legal requirements, or application functionality. Any updates will be published on this page along with a revised Effective Date. Your continued use of FloodSathi after any changes become effective constitutes your acceptance of the updated Privacy Policy.

Contact Us

If you have any questions, concerns, feedback, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or our data practices, please contact us.

Application Name: FloodSathi

Email: saikirankresearch@gmail.com

Consent

By downloading, installing, or using FloodSathi, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agreed to this Privacy Policy. You also consent to the collection and use of your information as described in this document.