Privacy Policy | SafeStride

1. Introduction

Elevated Systems LLC (“we,” “our,” or “us”) operates the SafeStride mobile application (the “App”). This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you use SafeStride. By using the App, you consent to the practices described in this policy.

2. Information We Collect

Information You Provide

Account information (name, email address, username)
Emergency contact details (names, phone numbers, email addresses, relationships)
Friend connections and friend codes
Walk destinations and scheduled walk details
Profile information and preferences

Information Collected Automatically

Location Data: Real-time GPS location during walks, trip sharing, and SOS alerts. Location is collected in the foreground and background while walks are active.
Health & Fitness Data: Step count, walking distance, heart rate, active calories, and heart rate variability via Apple HealthKit (with your permission).
Device Information: Device model, operating system version, and unique device identifiers.
Usage Data: App interactions, walk history, feature usage, and crash reports.

Apple Watch Data

If you use SafeStride on Apple Watch, we collect workout session data including heart rate, distance, steps, calories, elevation, and heart rate variability through HealthKit workout sessions.

3. How We Use Your Information

Walk Tracking: To record and display your walking sessions, routes, and health metrics
Trip Sharing: To share your walk status and location with friends you choose to notify
SOS & Safety: To send emergency alerts with your location to your designated emergency contacts
Friend Features: To connect you with friends, display friend activity, and manage friend codes
Live Activities: To display walk progress on your lock screen and Dynamic Island
App Improvement: To analyze usage patterns, fix bugs, and improve features
Notifications: To send walk reminders, friend requests, and safety alerts

4. Location Data

SafeStride requires location access to function. We use your location for:

Tracking your walking route in real time
Sharing your location with friends during shared walks
Detecting arrival at your destination
Sending your location to emergency contacts during SOS
Discovering walking routes near you

Background Location: When you have an active walk or trip share, SafeStride continues to access your location in the background so your friends and emergency contacts can track your progress. Background location access stops when you end your walk or trip.

You can disable location access at any time in your device Settings, but core features of the App will not function without it.

5. HealthKit Data

SafeStride reads the following HealthKit data types (with your permission):

Step count
Walking + running distance
Heart rate
Active energy burned

We do not sell or share your HealthKit data with third parties. HealthKit data is used solely to display your walking stats within the App. We do not use HealthKit data for advertising or marketing purposes. This is in compliance with Apple's HealthKit guidelines.

6. Data Sharing & Disclosure

We do not sell your personal information. We may share your information in these limited circumstances:

With Friends You Choose: Walk status, location, and ETA are shared only with friends you explicitly select when sharing a walk.
Emergency Contacts: Your location is shared with your designated emergency contacts only when you trigger an SOS alert.
Service Providers: We use Firebase (Google) for authentication, data storage, and analytics. Your data is processed in accordance with Google's privacy policies.
Legal Requirements: If required by law, subpoena, or to protect the safety of our users.

7. Data Storage & Security

Your data is stored using Google Firebase with industry-standard encryption. We implement appropriate security measures including:

Encrypted data transmission (TLS/SSL)
Firebase Authentication for secure account access
Firestore security rules restricting data access
Local data encryption on your device via iOS Keychain

No method of electronic storage is 100% secure. While we strive to protect your information, we cannot guarantee absolute security.

8. Data Retention

We retain your walk history, profile data, and emergency contacts for as long as your account is active. You may delete your account at any time by contacting us, which will result in the deletion of your personal data within 30 days. SOS alert records may be retained for up to 90 days for safety purposes.

9. Your Rights & Choices

Access: Request a copy of the personal data we hold about you
Correction: Update or correct inaccurate information in your profile
Deletion: Request deletion of your account and associated data
Location: Disable location access in iOS Settings at any time
HealthKit: Revoke HealthKit permissions in iOS Settings > Health > Data Access
Notifications: Manage notification preferences in iOS Settings

To exercise these rights, contact us at elevatedsystemsllc@gmail.com.

10. Children's Privacy

SafeStride is not intended for children under 13 years of age. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If we learn that we have collected information from a child under 13, we will promptly delete that information. If you believe a child under 13 has provided us with personal information, please contact us.

11. Third-Party Services

SafeStride integrates with the following third-party services:

Firebase (Google): Authentication, database, and analytics
Google Places API: Destination search and place information
Apple HealthKit: Health and fitness data
Apple MapKit: Maps and route display

Each service operates under its own privacy policy. We encourage you to review their policies.

12. California Privacy Rights (CCPA)

California residents have the right to know what personal information we collect, request deletion of their data, and opt out of the sale of personal information. We do not sell personal information. To exercise your California privacy rights, contact us at the email below.

13. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of material changes by posting the updated policy within the App and updating the “Last Updated” date. Continued use of the App after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.

14. Contact Us

If you have questions about this Privacy Policy, please contact us:

Elevated Systems LLC

App: SafeStride

Email: elevatedsystemsllc@gmail.com