Privacy Policy

Last Updated: April, 2026

1. Introduction

Guardian is a mobile safety and monitoring application developed under The Blind Aid Project. The application is designed to assist caregivers, guardians, and institutions in monitoring individuals—particularly visually impaired users—through communication with dedicated Blind Aid hardware devices.

We take user privacy seriously and are committed to protecting personal information. This Privacy Policy explains how Guardian collects, uses, and safeguards information when you use the application.

By using Guardian, you agree to the practices described in this policy.

2. Core Functionality and Use of SMS

Guardian relies on SMS communication as a fundamental part of its core functionality. The application is specifically designed to interact with Blind Aid hardware devices, which transmit information using standard SMS protocols. This design ensures that the system remains reliable even in low-connectivity or offline environments where internet-based communication may not be available.

The application accesses SMS messages solely for the purpose of receiving data sent by the Blind Aid device. These messages typically contain GPS coordinates and device status updates such as movement or geofence alerts. Guardian also uses SMS to send commands or configuration instructions to the device when required.

The app does not access SMS messages for any purpose unrelated to this functionality. It does not read personal conversations, does not store unrelated messages, and does not use SMS data for advertising, profiling, or analytics. SMS access is strictly limited to communication between the app and the hardware device, and without this functionality, the core features of Guardian would not operate.

3. Information We Collect

Guardian collects only the information necessary to provide its services.

When SMS messages are received from the Blind Aid device, the application extracts location data such as latitude and longitude, along with device status information. This data is used to display the monitored individual’s position and activity within the app.

When you create an account, we may collect basic information such as your email address and phone number. This information is used only for authentication and account management.

In addition, the app allows you to store information locally on your device, such as the names, phone numbers, and profile images of monitored individuals. Location history and tracking data are also stored locally for your reference.

To improve performance and reliability, limited technical information such as device model, operating system version, and crash reports may be collected through secure third-party services.

4. How We Use Information

The information collected by Guardian is used exclusively to provide and improve the core functionality of the application. This includes enabling real-time tracking of Blind Aid devices, displaying location data on maps, generating safety alerts when individuals leave predefined safe zones, and facilitating communication between the app and the hardware device.

We may also use technical data to diagnose issues, improve app stability, and enhance user experience.

Guardian does not use personal data for advertising purposes at this time. In the event that advertising features are introduced in the future, they will be implemented in compliance with applicable privacy laws and Google Play policies, and this Privacy Policy will be updated accordingly.

5. Data Storage and Security

Guardian is designed with a local-first approach to data storage. Most sensitive information, including location history and monitored user details, is stored directly on your mobile device. This reduces reliance on external servers and gives you greater control over your data.

Where data is transmitted for authentication or app functionality, secure encryption protocols are used. We take reasonable administrative and technical measures to protect information from unauthorized access, loss, or misuse.

We do not sell, rent, or trade your personal information or location data to third parties.

6. Permissions

Guardian requests only the permissions necessary for its operation.

SMS permissions are required to enable communication with the Blind Aid hardware device. Without access to SMS, the app would not be able to receive location updates or send commands, making its core functionality unavailable.

Location permission is used to enhance the user experience by allowing you to view your own position relative to the monitored individual on the map.

Notification permission is used to deliver important alerts, including geofence breaches, safety warnings, and device updates.

All permissions are used strictly for their intended purpose and in line with user expectations.

7. Third-Party Services

Guardian uses trusted third-party services to support certain features of the application. These include Google Play Services for general functionality, Firebase Authentication for secure login, Firebase Crashlytics and Analytics for performance monitoring, and MapLibre for map rendering.

These services may collect limited technical information as part of their operation, in accordance with their own privacy policies.

8. Data Retention and User Control

You retain full control over your data when using Guardian. You can view tracked information directly within the app and export location history if needed.

You may delete stored data at any time by clearing the app’s data, removing monitored users, or uninstalling the application. If account deletion features are used, associated data stored on our systems will also be removed.

9. Children’s Privacy

Guardian is intended for use by adult caregivers and guardians. While the system may be used to monitor children, the application itself is not directed at children under the age of 13, and we do not knowingly collect personal data directly from children.

10. Changes to This Policy

This Privacy Policy may be updated from time to time to reflect changes in functionality, legal requirements, or security practices. Continued use of the application after updates constitutes acceptance of the revised policy.

11. Contact Us

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

The Blind Aid Project
Email: blind.aid.xi@gmail.com
Website: https://blindaid.com