Privacy Policy

Effective date: 2026-01-30

This Privacy Policy explains how FamShield (“we”, “our”, “us”) collects, uses, and protects information when you use our parental control application and related websites/services (collectively, the “Service”).

Who we are

FamShield is provided by FamShield Software (Canada). If you have any questions or requests, contact: support@famshieldsoftware.com

What FamShield does

FamShield helps parents and legal guardians manage and protect a child’s Android device, including app blocking, screen-time limits, schedules, optional DNS/web protection, and optional location sharing (only when enabled by the parent/guardian).

Information we collect

• Account information: email address and basic account metadata used for authentication and account management.
• Device information: device identifiers (for pairing and security), app version, and device/OS information.
• Installed apps & restriction settings: installed app package names/list, selected blocked/allowed apps, schedules, and policy configuration.
• Usage data: app usage statistics and activity summaries used to provide parental control features (e.g., limits, reports).
• Location data (optional): only if a parent/guardian enables location features and grants the required permissions.
• Notification tokens: push notification token(s) used to deliver alerts/updates (where applicable).
• Support communications: information you provide when you contact us (e.g., emails and issue details).
• Payments (subscriptions): if you purchase a subscription via Google Play, Google processes payment information. We receive subscription status/entitlement signals (e.g., active/expired) to enable features; we do not receive full payment card details.

How we use information

• Provide and operate parental control features (blocking, limits, schedules, reporting, device management).
• Sync settings and device state between parent and child devices.
• Maintain security, prevent fraud/abuse, and protect accounts.
• Provide customer support and respond to requests.
• Improve the Service by understanding aggregated feature usage and performance (for example, through analytics).
• Process subscriptions/entitlements (via Google Play signals).

Services we use (Firebase / Google)

FamShield stores and syncs data using Google Firebase services (Google Cloud), including Firebase Authentication (sign-in) and Firestore (data storage). We may also use analytics to understand aggregate usage and improve the app experience. We do not sell personal data.

Device permissions and special access

FamShield may request certain device permissions to provide parental control features. These are used only for the functionality described below:

• Camera (if used): used for device setup flows (e.g., QR pairing). Camera content is not stored.
• Accessibility service: used to help enforce app restrictions configured by the parent/guardian (e.g., showing a block screen when a restricted app is opened). We do not use Accessibility to read typed text, passwords, or message content.
• Usage access (usage stats): used to measure app usage and apply time limits / usage-based restrictions.
• Overlay permission: used to display a block screen when an app is restricted.
• Location (optional): used only if enabled by a parent/guardian.
• VPN/DNS protection (optional): used only if the parent/guardian enables DNS/web protection features.

Sharing and disclosures

We do not sell personal data. We share information only:

• With service providers that help us operate the Service (for example, Firebase/Google Cloud for authentication and data storage; Google Play for subscriptions), under appropriate safeguards.
• For legal reasons if required by law, regulation, or valid legal process.
• To protect rights and safety (e.g., fraud prevention, security incidents).
• Business transfers if we are involved in a merger, acquisition, or asset sale (with notice where required).

International data transfers

Our service providers (such as Firebase/Google Cloud) may process data in countries other than where you live. Where required (including for the EEA/UK), we rely on appropriate safeguards for international transfers.

Legal bases for processing (EEA/UK)

If you are located in the European Economic Area or the United Kingdom, we process personal data under the following legal bases:

• Contract: to provide the Service you request.
• Consent: for optional features (for example, location).
• Legitimate interests: to secure, maintain, and improve the Service (balanced with your rights).
• Legal obligation: where we must comply with applicable laws.

Children’s privacy

FamShield is intended for use by parents or legal guardians. Children should not create accounts. Parents/guardians are responsible for enabling features, granting permissions, and using FamShield in compliance with local laws (including any consent requirements).

Your choices and rights

Depending on where you live, you may have rights to access, correct, delete, or export your personal data, and to object or restrict certain processing.

• Account deletion: request deletion by contacting support@famshieldsoftware.com.
• EEA/UK: you may also have the right to lodge a complaint with your local supervisory authority.
• California (CPRA): you may have rights to know, delete, and correct personal information, and to opt out of “sale”/“sharing”. We do not sell personal information.

Data retention

We retain data only as long as needed to provide the Service, comply with legal obligations, resolve disputes, and enforce agreements. You may request deletion as described above. We may retain limited records where required for legal, security, or fraud-prevention purposes.

Security

We use reasonable technical and organizational measures to protect data, including encrypted transport and restricted access controls. No method of storage is 100% secure, but we work to safeguard your information.

Changes to this policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will post the updated version on this page and update the effective date.

Contact

Questions or requests: support@famshieldsoftware.com