# Privacy Policy for AI Virtual Mechanic **Last Updated: [Insert Date]** ## 1. Introduction AI Virtual Mechanic ("we," "our," or "us") is committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you use our mobile application (the "App"). This policy applies to the AI Virtual Mechanic app available on Google Play Store and Apple App Store. By using our App, you consent to the data practices described in this policy. ## 2. Information We Collect ### 2.1 Personal Information We may collect the following personal information: - **Account Information**: Name, email address, and profile information when you create an account - **Payment Information**: Payment details processed through Stripe for premium subscriptions - **Contact Information**: When you contact us for support or feedback ### 2.2 Device and Usage Information - **Device Information**: Device type, operating system version, device identifiers - **App Usage Data**: Features used, time spent in app, interaction patterns - **Performance Data**: Crash reports, error logs, and app performance metrics - **Network Information**: IP address, network connection type ### 2.3 Camera and Media Information - **Photos and Images**: Vehicle images you capture or select for diagnostic analysis - **Camera Access**: Real-time camera feed for AR (Augmented Reality) features - **Photo Library**: Access to select existing vehicle photos for analysis ### 2.4 Audio Information - **Microphone Access**: Audio recordings of vehicle sounds for diagnostic purposes - **Voice Commands**: Voice interactions with the AI assistant (when enabled) - **Audio Analysis**: Processing of vehicle audio for diagnostic insights ### 2.5 Vehicle Information - **Vehicle Data**: Make, model, year, VIN (if provided) - **Diagnostic Information**: Symptoms, issues, maintenance history you input - **SmartCar Integration**: Vehicle telemetry data (when connected via SmartCar API) ### 2.6 AI Interaction Data - **Chat Conversations**: Messages exchanged with the AI assistant "JIM" - **Diagnostic Queries**: Questions and responses related to vehicle issues - **AI Usage Patterns**: Frequency and types of AI features used ## 3. How We Use Your Information ### 3.1 Core App Functionality - Provide AI-powered vehicle diagnostic services - Analyze photos and audio for vehicle issue identification - Deliver personalized maintenance recommendations - Enable AR features for component identification ### 3.2 AI Services - Process your queries through AI models (OpenAI/Claude) - Improve diagnostic accuracy through machine learning - Provide contextual vehicle assistance and guidance ### 3.3 Account and Subscription Management - Create and manage your user account - Process subscription payments through Stripe - Provide customer support and technical assistance ### 3.4 App Improvement - Analyze app usage to improve features and performance - Fix bugs and technical issues - Develop new features based on user needs ### 3.5 Communications - Send important app updates and notifications - Respond to customer support inquiries - Provide subscription and billing information ## 4. Information Sharing and Disclosure ### 4.1 Third-Party Service Providers We share information with trusted third-party providers: - **Supabase**: Database hosting and user authentication - **OpenAI/Anthropic**: AI processing for diagnostic features - **Stripe**: Payment processing for subscriptions - **SmartCar**: Vehicle data integration (when authorized) - **Expo/React Native**: App development and deployment services ### 4.2 Legal Requirements We may disclose information when required by law or to: - Comply with legal processes or government requests - Protect our rights, property, or safety - Prevent fraud or security threats - Enforce our Terms of Service ### 4.3 Business Transfers In the event of a merger, acquisition, or asset sale, user information may be transferred as part of the business transaction. ## 5. Data Security ### 5.1 Security Measures We implement industry-standard security measures: - Encryption of data in transit and at rest - Secure authentication through Supabase - Regular security audits and updates - Limited access to personal information ### 5.2 Data Retention - Account information: Retained while your account is active - Diagnostic data: Retained for service improvement (anonymized after 2 years) - Payment information: Managed by Stripe according to their retention policies - Media files: Processed temporarily and deleted after analysis ## 6. Your Privacy Rights ### 6.1 Access and Control You have the right to: - Access your personal information - Update or correct your account information - Delete your account and associated data - Opt-out of non-essential communications ### 6.2 Data Portability You can request a copy of your data in a portable format. ### 6.3 Withdrawal of Consent You can withdraw consent for data processing at any time by: - Disabling specific permissions in your device settings - Contacting us directly to modify your preferences - Deleting your account ## 7. Permissions Explained ### 7.1 Camera Permission - **Purpose**: Capture vehicle photos and enable AR diagnostic features - **Usage**: Only when you actively use camera features - **Storage**: Images processed locally and optionally saved to your device ### 7.2 Microphone Permission - **Purpose**: Record vehicle sounds for diagnostic analysis - **Usage**: Only when you use audio diagnostic features - **Processing**: Audio analyzed locally and via AI services ### 7.3 Storage Permission - **Purpose**: Save diagnostic reports and images - **Usage**: Only with your explicit permission - **Control**: You can manage saved files through the app ### 7.4 Network Permission - **Purpose**: Connect to AI services and sync data - **Usage**: Essential for app functionality - **Data**: Encrypted communication with our servers ## 8. Children's Privacy Our App is not intended for children under 13 years of age. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If we become aware that we have collected personal information from a child under 13, we will take steps to delete such information. ## 9. International Data Transfers Your information may be transferred to and processed in countries other than your country of residence. We ensure appropriate safeguards are in place to protect your information in accordance with applicable privacy laws. ## 10. Changes to This Privacy Policy We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of any material changes by: - Posting the updated policy in the app - Sending you a notification through the app or email - Updating the "Last Updated" date at the top of this policy Continued use of the App after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy. ## 11. Contact Information If you have questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or your personal information, please contact us: **Email**: [Insert your support email] **App Support**: Use the "Contact Support" feature within the app **Mailing Address**: [Insert your business address if applicable] ## 12. Specific Jurisdictional Rights ### 12.1 California Residents (CCPA) California residents have additional rights including: - Right to know what personal information is collected - Right to delete personal information - Right to opt-out of the sale of personal information - Right to non-discrimination for exercising privacy rights ### 12.2 European Union Residents (GDPR) EU residents have rights including: - Right of access, rectification, and erasure - Right to data portability - Right to object to processing - Right to lodge a complaint with supervisory authorities ### 12.3 Other Jurisdictions We comply with applicable privacy laws in all jurisdictions where our App is available. ## 13. Data Processing Legal Basis We process your personal information based on: - **Consent**: For optional features like AI chat and diagnostics - **Contract Performance**: For subscription services and core app functionality - **Legitimate Interest**: For app improvement and security - **Legal Obligation**: For compliance with applicable laws ## 14. Automated Decision Making Our App uses AI and automated systems to: - Provide diagnostic recommendations - Analyze vehicle images and audio - Suggest maintenance schedules These automated processes are designed to assist, not replace, professional mechanical advice. You can always seek human review of AI-generated recommendations. --- This Privacy Policy is designed to be transparent about our data practices while enabling the innovative AI-powered features that make our App valuable to you. We are committed to protecting your privacy while delivering the best possible vehicle diagnostic experience.