Privacy Policy
Last Updated: February 12, 2026
1. Introduction
Protorb ("we," "our," or "us") respects your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you use our mobile application.
2. Age Restrictions
Protorb is intended for users aged 13 and older. We do not knowingly collect information from children under 13. If you are a parent or guardian and believe your child has provided us with personal information, please contact us.
3. Information We Collect
3.1 Personal Information
- Name: Display name for your profile (required)
- Email Address: Email for account creation and authentication (required)
- User IDs: Unique identifier from Firebase Authentication and internal user ID (required)
- Profile Data: Username, bio, avatar, and optional profile information
3.2 Usage Information & App Activity
- App Interactions: Features used, buttons clicked, screens viewed, time spent
- In-app Search History: Search queries and browsing patterns within the app
- Website Interactions: Websites you like/dislike, view, or submit
- User-Generated Content: Website submissions, comments you post, and other content you create
- In-app Messages: Comments and messages you send within the app
- Other Actions: Follows, shares, and other social interactions
3.3 Device & Technical Information
- Device Identifiers: Device ID, advertising ID, and other unique identifiers
- Device Information: Device type, model, manufacturer, operating system, app version
- Network Information: Internet connectivity status, IP address
3.4 App Performance Data
- Crash Logs: Error reports and crash data via Firebase Crashlytics
- Diagnostics: Performance metrics, load times, response times
- Other Performance Data: Memory usage, battery impact, network requests
4. How We Use Your Information
We collect and use your information for the following purposes:
4.1 App Functionality
- Create and manage your account
- Provide core app features (feed, likes, comments, submissions)
- Enable social interactions with other users
- Process and display website submissions
4.2 Analytics & Improvement
- Analyze usage patterns to improve features
- Track app performance and identify bugs
- Understand user behavior and preferences
- Generate aggregate statistics and insights
4.3 Personalization
- Customize your experience and recommendations
- Tailor content based on your interests
- Remember your preferences and settings
4.4 Communications
- Send app updates, new features, and announcements
- Respond to your support requests
- Send notifications about activity on your content
- Provide information about app improvements
4.5 Security & Compliance
- Prevent fraud, abuse, and security issues
- Enforce our Terms of Service
- Comply with legal obligations
- Protect the rights and safety of users
4.6 Account Management
- Verify your identity and authenticate access
- Manage your profile and account settings
- Process account deletion requests
- Handle password resets and account recovery
5. Third-Party Services
We use the following third-party services that may collect information:
- Firebase Authentication: Account management and authentication
- Cloud Firestore: Database for storing user data and submissions
- Firebase Analytics: Usage analytics and app insights
- Firebase Crashlytics: Crash reporting and diagnostics
- Firebase Storage: File storage for user content
- Google Sign-In: Optional authentication method
These services have their own privacy policies. We recommend reviewing them:
6. Data Sharing and Disclosure
We do not sell your personal information. We may share information:
- With Firebase/Google: For hosting, authentication, and analytics services
- For Legal Compliance: If required by law or to protect rights and safety
- With Your Consent: When you explicitly authorize sharing
7. Data Security
We implement comprehensive security measures to protect your information:
- Encrypted in Transit: All data transmitted between your device and our servers is encrypted using HTTPS/TLS
- Firebase Security Rules: Database access is protected by strict security rules
- Secure Authentication: Industry-standard authentication protocols
- Access Controls: Limited access to user data by authorized personnel only
- Regular Security Updates: Continuous monitoring and security patches
However, no method of transmission over the internet is 100% secure. While we strive to protect your information, we cannot guarantee absolute security.
8. Data Retention
We retain your information:
- For as long as your account is active
- As necessary to provide services
- To comply with legal obligations
- Until you request deletion
9. Your Rights & Choices
You have the following rights regarding your personal data:
9.1 Access & Correction
- Access: Request a copy of your personal data
- Correction: Update or correct your information in app settings
- Data Portability: Request your data in a portable format
9.2 Account Deletion
- In-App Deletion: Delete your account directly from Profile → Settings → Delete Account
- Web Request: Visit https://protorb.com/account-deletion for instructions
- Email Request: Contact support@protorb.com to request account deletion
When you delete your account, we permanently remove your profile, likes, comments, and submissions within 30 days.
9.3 Opt-Out Options
- Analytics: Limited opt-out available through device settings (may affect app functionality)
- Notifications: Disable in app settings or device notification settings
- Personalization: Some features require data collection for core functionality
10. International Data Transfers
Your information may be transferred to and processed in countries other than your own. We rely on Firebase's infrastructure, which complies with applicable data protection laws including GDPR.
11. Changes to This Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy. We will notify you of significant changes by:
- Posting the new policy in the app
- Updating the "Last Updated" date
- Sending in-app notifications for material changes
12. California Privacy Rights
California residents have additional rights under CCPA:
- Right to know what personal information is collected
- Right to know if personal information is sold or disclosed
- Right to opt-out of sale (we don't sell data)
- Right to deletion
- Right to non-discrimination
13. European Users (GDPR)
If you are in the European Economic Area, you have rights under GDPR including access, rectification, erasure, restriction, portability, and objection. You may also lodge a complaint with a supervisory authority.
14. Data Collection Summary
Required Data (you cannot opt-out):
- Name, Email, User IDs - for account functionality and management
- App interactions, search history, user-generated content - for core app features
- Device IDs, crash logs, diagnostics - for app functionality and performance
- In-app messages (comments) - for social features
All data collection is necessary for the app to function. Without this data, core features would not work.