Privacy Policy
Summary: Noise Machine is designed with privacy as a core principle. We do not collect personal information, do not require accounts, and all your preferences are stored locally on your device.
1. Overview
This Privacy Policy describes how Noise Machine ("we," "us," or "our") handles information when you use our mobile applications (iOS and Android) and website (collectively, the "Service").
By using our Service, you agree to the collection and use of information in accordance with this policy. If you do not agree with this policy, please do not use our Service.
2. Information We Collect
2.1 Information We Do NOT Collect
We are committed to your privacy. We do not collect:
- Personal identification information (name, email, phone number)
- Account credentials (no account required)
- Location data
- Contact lists or address books
- Audio recordings or microphone data
- Photos or media files
- Financial or payment card information (handled by Apple/Google)
2.2 Information We May Collect
For service improvement and crash reporting, we may collect:
| Data Type | Purpose | Retention |
|---|---|---|
| Device type and OS version | Compatibility and bug fixes | 90 days |
| App version | Version-specific debugging | 90 days |
| Crash logs (anonymized) | Stability improvements | 90 days |
| General usage events | Feature improvement | 14 months |
3. Local Data Storage
All your personalized settings and preferences are stored locally on your device only. This includes:
- Selected sound preset and noise type
- Warmth and movement slider positions
- Timer duration preferences
- Custom preset configurations (up to 3)
- Onboarding completion status
- Ad-free purchase status
- Language preference
This data is stored using:
- iOS: UserDefaults (encrypted by iOS)
- Android: SharedPreferences (encrypted by Android)
- Web: localStorage (browser-local, not transmitted)
This data never leaves your device, is not synced to any cloud service, and is not accessible to us or any third party.
4. Analytics
We use Firebase Analytics (provided by Google) to understand how users interact with our app. This helps us improve features and fix issues.
4.1 What Firebase Analytics Collects
- Anonymous usage events (e.g., "playback started," "timer set")
- Session duration and frequency
- Device category (phone, tablet)
- Operating system and version
- Country/region (derived from IP, not stored)
- App version
4.2 What Firebase Analytics Does NOT Collect
- Your name, email, or any personal identifiers
- Precise location or GPS coordinates
- Content of your custom presets
- Any audio data
4.3 Opting Out of Analytics
You can limit analytics collection through your device settings:
- iOS: Settings > Privacy > Analytics & Improvements > Disable "Share Analytics"
- Android: Settings > Google > Ads > Opt out of Ads Personalization
For more information, see Google's Privacy Policy.
5. Advertising
Our free version displays non-personalized advertisements through Google AdMob. These ads do not use personal data for targeting.
5.1 How Ads Work
- Ads are contextual (based on app category, not your behavior)
- We do not share any user data with advertisers
- Ad identifiers (IDFA/GAID) may be used by Google for frequency capping
5.2 Removing Ads
You can permanently remove all ads by purchasing any tier in our "Support Development" section (one-time purchase, no subscription).
5.3 Ad-Related Opt-Out
- iOS: Settings > Privacy > Tracking > Disable "Allow Apps to Request to Track"
- Android: Settings > Google > Ads > "Delete advertising ID"
6. Third-Party Services
Our Service integrates with the following third-party services:
| Service | Provider | Purpose | Privacy Policy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Firebase Analytics | Google LLC | Usage analytics | Link |
| Firebase Crashlytics | Google LLC | Crash reporting | Link |
| Google AdMob | Google LLC | Advertising | Link |
| App Store | Apple Inc. | Distribution, payments | Link |
| Google Play | Google LLC | Distribution, payments | Link |
7. Your Rights Under GDPR (European Users)
If you are located in the European Economic Area (EEA), United Kingdom, or Switzerland, you have the following rights under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR):
7.1 Your Rights
- Right to Access: Request a copy of data we hold about you
- Right to Rectification: Request correction of inaccurate data
- Right to Erasure: Request deletion of your data ("right to be forgotten")
- Right to Restrict Processing: Limit how we use your data
- Right to Data Portability: Receive your data in a machine-readable format
- Right to Object: Object to certain types of processing
- Right to Withdraw Consent: Withdraw consent at any time
7.2 Legal Basis for Processing
We process data based on:
- Legitimate Interest: Analytics for service improvement
- Contract: Providing the Service you requested
- Consent: Where explicitly required (e.g., push notifications)
7.3 Exercising Your Rights
Since we store minimal data and most is local to your device, you can exercise most rights by:
- Uninstalling the app (deletes all local data)
- Clearing app data in device settings
- Contacting us for analytics data deletion
To exercise your rights, contact us at: privacy@noise-machine.com
8. California Privacy Rights (CCPA/CPRA)
If you are a California resident, you have specific rights under the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) and California Privacy Rights Act (CPRA):
8.1 Your California Rights
- Right to Know: What personal information we collect and how it's used
- Right to Delete: Request deletion of your personal information
- Right to Opt-Out: Opt out of the "sale" of personal information
- Right to Non-Discrimination: Equal service regardless of privacy choices
- Right to Correct: Correct inaccurate personal information
- Right to Limit: Limit use of sensitive personal information
8.2 Do Not Sell My Personal Information
We do not sell your personal information. We do not share personal information with third parties for monetary or other valuable consideration.
8.3 Categories of Information
Under CCPA, we may collect the following categories:
- Identifiers: Device identifiers (anonymized)
- Internet Activity: App usage information (anonymized)
- Geolocation: Country/region only (not precise location)
9. Children's Privacy
Noise Machine is safe for users of all ages. We comply with the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) and similar international regulations.
9.1 Our Commitment
- We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13 (or applicable age in your jurisdiction)
- We do not require any personal information to use the app
- Our content is appropriate for all ages
- Advertisements shown are non-personalized and family-friendly
9.2 Parental Rights
If you are a parent or guardian and believe your child has provided personal information, please contact us immediately. We will promptly delete any such information.
10. Data Security
We take data security seriously:
- Encryption: All data transmission uses TLS 1.3 encryption
- Minimal Collection: We collect only what's necessary for app functionality
- Local Storage: Sensitive preferences stay on your device
- Secure Infrastructure: Third-party services (Firebase, etc.) maintain SOC 2 compliance
- No Passwords: No account system means no password vulnerabilities
11. Changes to This Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Changes will be indicated by:
- Updating the "Last updated" date at the top of this page
- For material changes, in-app notification or email (if provided)
- Posting the new policy on this page
We encourage you to review this Privacy Policy periodically. Continued use of the Service after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.
12. Contact Us
If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or wish to exercise your privacy rights, contact us at:
- Email: privacy@noise-machine.com
- General Support: support@noise-machine.com
We aim to respond to all privacy-related inquiries within 30 days.
For EU Residents: If you are not satisfied with our response, you have the right to lodge a complaint with your local Data Protection Authority.