Privacy Policy for GhanaAQ App
Effective Date: November 1, 2024
1. Introduction and Scope
This Privacy Policy explains how the Ghana Urban Air Quality Project ("we," "us," or "our") collects, uses, discloses, and safeguards your information when you use the GhanaAQ mobile application (the "App"). By using the GhanaAQ app, you agree to the terms outlined in this privacy policy.
2. Information Collection
2.1 Types of Data Collected
Personal Information
- Name (optional, for account creation)
- Email address (optional, for account creation)
- Phone number (optional, for account creation)
- Location data (when location services are enabled)
Non-Personal Information
- Device information (device model, operating system version)
- App usage data (frequency of use, interaction patterns, crash logs)
- Air quality data from external sensors and public sources
- Anonymous usage statistics
3. Purpose of Data Collection
We collect and use your information for the following purposes:
- Providing real-time, location-based air quality information
- Improving app functionality and user experience
- Enabling community-based air quality advocacy
- Sending optional notifications and updates
- Generating aggregated, anonymized air quality insights
- Supporting research and policy development
4. Data Sharing and Disclosure
4.1 Data Sharing Practices
We will not sell or rent personal information to third parties
Non-personal, aggregated data may be shared with:
- Academic researchers
- Environmental policy organizations
- Public health institutions
- Urban planning agencies
4.2 Circumstances of Disclosure
- With explicit user consent
- To comply with legal obligations
- To protect the rights, safety, or property of GhanaAQ, our users, or the public
- In the event of a merger, acquisition, or sale of all or part of our assets
5. Data Security Measures
We implement industry-standard security protocols to protect user data, including:
- Encryption of data in transit and at rest
- Regular security audits
- Access controls and authentication mechanisms
- Secure cloud storage infrastructure
- Anonymization of personally identifiable information where possible
6. User Data Rights and Controls
Users have the right to:
- Access their personal information
- Request correction of inaccurate data
- Request deletion of personal data
- Opt-out of location tracking
- Disable notifications
- Withdraw consent for data processing
7. Data Retention Policy
- Personal data will be retained only for the duration necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined in this policy
- Account data will be automatically deleted after 12 months of account inactivity
- Users can request immediate data deletion at any time
- Aggregated, anonymized data may be retained for research purposes
8. Third-Party Services and Links
8.1 External Services
The app may integrate with:
- Air quality sensor networks
- Weather data providers
- Mapping services
- Analytics platforms
8.2 Third-Party Privacy
We are not responsible for the privacy practices of third-party services. Users are encouraged to review the privacy policies of any linked or integrated services.
9. Children's Privacy
- The GhanaAQ app is not directed at children under 13
- We do not knowingly collect personal information from children
- If we discover we have collected data from a child, we will promptly delete it
10. Policy Updates
- This privacy policy may be updated periodically
- Users will be notified of significant changes
- Continued use of the app after changes constitutes acceptance of the new policy
