Privacy Policy for Beans

Last Updated: November 3, 2024

Introduction

Beans ("we," "our," or "the app") is committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, and safeguard your information when you use our mobile application.

Information We Collect

Location Data

• What we collect: Your device's precise location coordinates
• Why we collect it: To find and display nearby coffee shops relevant to your current location
• When we collect it: Only when you grant location permission and actively use the app
• How we use it: Location data is sent to Google Places API and Foursquare API to retrieve nearby coffee shops
• Data storage: We do NOT store your location data on our servers. Location is only used in real-time for searches.

Usage Data

• What we collect: Coffee shop searches, filter preferences (saved locally on your device)
• Why we collect it: To remember your search preferences and provide a better user experience
• Storage: All preference data is stored locally on your device using UserDefaults

Third-Party Services

We use the following third-party services:

• Google Places API: To retrieve coffee shop information (names, addresses, ratings, photos, etc.)
  • Google's Privacy Policy: https://policies.google.com/privacy
  • We send your location coordinates to Google to get nearby results
  • Google may collect and process data according to their privacy policy
• Foursquare API: Alternative provider for coffee shop information
  • Foursquare's Privacy Policy: https://foursquare.com/legal/privacy
  • We send your location coordinates to Foursquare to get nearby results
  • Foursquare may collect and process data according to their privacy policy

Data We Do NOT Collect

• ❌ Personal identification information (name, email, phone number)
• ❌ Payment information (the app is free, no purchases)
• ❌ Device identifiers for tracking
• ❌ Analytics or advertising data
• ❌ Your contacts, photos, or other personal data
• ❌ Background location tracking

How We Use Your Information

1. Location Services: To show you coffee shops near your current location
2. Search Functionality: To help you discover coffee shops within your preferred radius
3. User Preferences: To remember your filter settings (rating, reviews, open status)
4. Map Display: To show coffee shop locations on an interactive map

Data Security

• All data stored locally on your device is protected by iOS encryption
• Network communication with Google Places API and Foursquare API uses HTTPS encryption
• We do not maintain servers that store your personal information
• Your API requests are secured through industry-standard protocols

Your Rights and Choices

Location Permission

• You can grant or revoke location permission at any time via iOS Settings
• Without location permission, the app cannot function as it requires your location to find nearby coffee shops
• Location access is "When In Use" only - we never track your location in the background

Data Deletion

• All local data (preferences) can be cleared by deleting the app
• Reinstalling the app will reset all preferences to defaults
• We have no server-side data to delete as nothing is stored remotely

Control Your Data

• Adjust search radius in Settings
• Modify filter preferences (rating, reviews, etc.)
• Choose when to share your location (iOS prompts each time)
• Switch between data providers (Google Places or Foursquare)

Children's Privacy

Beans is rated 4+ and suitable for all ages. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. The app:

• Does not require account creation
• Does not collect personal information
• Does not include social features or user-generated content
• Only uses location for coffee shop discovery

Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Changes will be posted:

• In this document with an updated "Last Updated" date
• In the app's App Store listing
• Within the app (if significant changes occur)

Your continued use of the app after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.

Data Retention

• Location Data: Not stored; used only for real-time searches
• Preferences: Stored locally on your device until you delete the app or clear app data
• No cloud backup: We do not back up your data to any cloud service

Third-Party Links

The app may provide links to coffee shops' websites and map services. These third-party services have their own privacy policies:

• Google Maps: https://policies.google.com/privacy
• Apple Maps: Subject to Apple's privacy policy
• Individual business websites: governed by their respective privacy policies

International Users

Beans is available worldwide. Location data is processed through Google Places API and Foursquare API, which operate globally. By using the app:

• You consent to location data being sent to these services' servers
• Data may be processed in countries where these services operate
• These services comply with applicable data protection regulations

Legal Basis for Processing (GDPR)

For users in the European Union:

• Location data: Processed based on your explicit consent (iOS location permission)
• Preferences: Processed based on legitimate interest in providing app functionality
• Third-party APIs: Necessary for contract performance (delivering the app service)

You have the right to:

• Withdraw consent (revoke location permission)
• Access your data (view in-app settings)
• Delete your data (delete the app)
• Object to processing (don't use the app)

Contact Us

If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or our data practices:

Developer: Florent Votte
Email: florent@votte.eu

For issues related to third-party services:

• Google Privacy Policy: https://policies.google.com/privacy
• Google Contact: https://support.google.com/
• Foursquare Privacy: https://foursquare.com/legal/privacy

Compliance

This app and privacy policy comply with:

• Apple App Store Review Guidelines
• iOS Privacy Requirements
• GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation)
• CCPA (California Consumer Privacy Act)
• COPPA (Children's Online Privacy Protection Act)

Acknowledgment

By downloading and using Beans, you acknowledge that:

1. You have read and understood this Privacy Policy
2. You consent to the collection and use of location data as described
3. You understand that location data is required for the app to function
4. You can revoke permissions at any time through iOS Settings

Summary: Beans only uses your location to find nearby coffee shops. We don't store your location, don't collect personal data, and don't track you. Your privacy matters to us! ☕

Questions? Contact us at florent@votte.eu