This Privacy Policy explains how My Local Stores ("we", "our", "us") collects, uses, and protects your information when you use our mobile app and website (collectively, the "Service"). By using the Service, you agree to the practices described in this policy.
1. About the Service
My Local Stores is a hyper-local discovery platform that helps customers find neighborhood shops, view their catalogues, and compare live prices and discounts. The Service does not process transactions, payments, or orders. All purchases are completed directly with the shop in person.
2. Information We Collect
a) Information you provide
- Phone number (merchants only): When you sign up as a merchant, we verify your phone number via a one-time password (OTP) to create and secure your shop account.
- Shop details (merchants only): Shop name, address, shop type, phone number, opening hours, catalogue items with prices and discounts, and photos you choose to upload.
- Reports: If you report a shop, we collect your report's reason and comments. Reports are submitted anonymously or with an anonymous device identifier.
b) Information collected automatically
- Approximate location (customers): When you tap "Find nearby shops", we request coarse location access to show shops within a 5 km radius, sorted by distance. We only process your approximate location when you use this feature. You can deny or revoke location permission at any time from your device settings.
- Anonymous identifier: The app uses a randomly generated anonymous identifier so the Service can function. No name, email, or personal details are required to browse.
- Usage data: We may collect standard analytics data (e.g., app version, device type, crash reports) through Firebase Analytics and Crashlytics to improve the Service.
3. How We Use Your Information
We use the information collected to:
- Provide and maintain the Service (showing nearby shops, catalogues, and prices);
- Verify merchant identities and manage shop listings;
- Sort shops by distance and display open/closed status;
- Review and act on shop reports;
- Improve app performance, fix bugs, and analyze usage trends;
- Send optional notifications you have opted into (e.g., new shops near you).
We do not sell your personal information, and we do not use it for advertising.
4. Data We Store and Share with Service Providers
The Service is built on Google Firebase. Your data is stored and processed by Google's infrastructure, which may involve servers outside India. By using the Service, you consent to this processing. Key providers:
- Google Firebase (Firestore, Authentication, Storage, Analytics, Cloud Functions, FCM) — app data, authentication, images, analytics, and notifications. Learn more at firebase.google.com/support/privacy.
- Google Maps — used only for showing shop locations. Learn more at policies.google.com/privacy.
Shop listings you publish (name, prices, photos) are visible to other users of the Service by design — they are public information within the platform.
5. Location Data
We collect your approximate location only when you actively tap "Find nearby shops". It is used solely to compute which shops are within 5 km of you and their distance. We do not track your location in the background, and we do not store a history of your locations. Permission can be withdrawn anytime.
6. Data Retention
- Merchant data: Retained while your shop account is active. You can delete your shop and account at any time by contacting us; we will remove your listings and associated data.
- Customer data: Anonymous identifiers and analytics are retained only as long as needed for the Service and applicable legal requirements.
- Reports: Retained as long as needed to review and act on them.
7. Your Rights (DPDP Act, India)
Under the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023 (DPDP Act) and applicable law, you have the right to:
- Access your personal data;
- Correct inaccurate personal data;
- Erase your personal data;
- Withdraw consent for processing that relies on your consent;
- Grievance redressal: file a complaint with us or the Data Protection Board of India.
To exercise any of these rights, contact us at the email below. We will respond within 30 days.
8. Children's Privacy
The Service is not directed to children under 13, and we do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If you believe a child has provided us personal information, contact us and we will delete it.
9. Security
We use industry-standard security measures, including Firebase security rules, encrypted data transmission, and restricted access controls, to protect your information. However, no method of transmission over the internet is 100% secure.
10. Changes to This Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will post the updated policy on this page and update the "last updated" date above. Continued use of the Service after changes constitutes acceptance of the revised policy.
11. Contact Us
If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy or wish to exercise your rights, contact us at:
My Local Stores
Email: mylocalstores2@gmail.com