Privacy Policy

Last updated: July 14, 2026

Altrua is a mobile application developed by Jerry Pan for Coding Mind, Inc. ("we," "our," or "us"). We are committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you use the Altrua app. Please read it carefully. If you disagree with its terms, please stop using the app.

1. Information We Collect

Account information: When you create an account we collect your email address, chosen username, and a hashed password stored securely via Firebase Authentication.

Profile data: An optional profile photo and the range of interest (distance in miles) that you set in your profile.

Donation listings: Item titles, descriptions, categories, photos, and approximate location you provide when posting a donation.

Interaction data: Messages sent through in-app chat, items you have claimed, ratings you give or receive, and donation history.

Device & location data: Approximate GPS location when you grant the app permission, used solely to surface nearby donations.

Usage analytics: Aggregated, anonymized usage metrics (e.g. feature engagement) that help us improve the app. No personally identifiable information is included.

2. How We Use Your Information

• Create and authenticate your account
• Display your donation listings to nearby users
• Facilitate messaging between donors and recipients
• Calculate and display community ratings
• Send in-app and push notifications about item status and messages (subject to your notification preferences)
• Provide customer support and respond to feedback
• Detect and prevent fraud or abuse of the platform
• Improve app performance and develop new features

3. Data Storage & Security

All data is stored on Google Firebase infrastructure (Firestore database, Firebase Authentication, and Firebase Storage). Firebase complies with SOC 2, ISO 27001, and other industry security standards.

We use encryption in transit (HTTPS/TLS) and at rest. Access to production databases is restricted to authorised personnel only.

We never sell, trade, rent, or otherwise transfer your personal information to third parties for marketing purposes.

4. Information Visible to Other Users

• Your username and profile photo are public within the app.
• Your donation listings (title, description, category, photo, and approximate city/area) are visible to other app users.
• Your average rating is displayed on your public profile.
• Your email address is never shown publicly.
• Your exact GPS coordinates are never exposed; only a rounded distance (e.g. "2.3 miles away") is displayed.

5. Third-Party Services

We use the following third-party services, each governed by their own privacy policies:

• Google Firebase – authentication, database, storage (firebase.google.com/support/privacy)
• OpenStreetMap / Nominatim – map tiles and geocoding (no personal data is sent)

6. Your Rights & Choices

• Access: View all data tied to your account from within the app.
• Update: Edit your username, photo, and preferences at any time via Edit Profile.
• Notification preferences: Toggle individual notification types in Settings → Notifications.
• Delete: Permanently remove your account and all associated data via Settings → Delete Account. Deletion is immediate and irreversible.
• Data portability: Contact us at hello@codingmind.com to request a machine-readable export of your data.

7. Children's Privacy

Altrua is not directed at children under the age of 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If you believe a child under 13 has provided us with personal information, please contact us immediately so we can delete it.

8. Data Retention

We retain your data for as long as your account is active. If you delete your account, all personal data—including donation listings, chat messages, and profile information—is permanently deleted within 30 days. Aggregated, anonymised analytics data may be retained indefinitely.

9. Changes to This Policy

We may revise this Privacy Policy from time to time. When we do, we will update the "Last updated" date above. For material changes we will notify you via an in-app message. Your continued use of the app after any change constitutes your acceptance of the revised policy.

10. Contact Us