BudNote Privacy Policy

Privacy policies aren't known for being the most entertaining reading material, but they are important, especially in today's data-driven world. At BudNote, we take your privacy seriously. Being trusted with your personal information is both a privilege and a responsibility that we don't take lightly.

Our revenue comes from your subscriptions, not from advertising or selling your data.

We only collect information necessary to provide and improve our services to you.

We never sell your financial data or other information you provide through our app.

We honor your privacy rights and make it easy for you to access, delete, or manage your data.

Your financial data is private, and we help keep it that way through strong security measures.

1. Data Collection

We collect only what's necessary to provide our services:

        1.1 Account Data
        Basic Profile: Name, email, and optional avatar (non-identifiable)
Authentication: Apple ID/Google Sign-In tokens (never passwords)
User ID: A unique identifier associated with your account

    

1.2 Financial Data

Manual Input: Expense descriptions, amounts, categories
Media: Receipt photos (processed locally first) and voice memos (converted to text)
Metadata: Transaction dates, locations (if provided)
Budget Categories: Custom categories and spending targets you create
Account Information: When you choose to link financial accounts, we receive account balances, transactions, and holdings via secure third-party providers

1.3 Technical Data

Device Information: Device type, OS version, unique device identifiers
Usage Analytics: How you interact with the app (anonymized via Firebase)
Crash Reports: Error logs without personal identification
Performance Data: App launch times and other diagnostic information

1.4 Location Data

Precise Location: Used only when you record a transaction and enable location services
General Location: City and state information based on IP address

Note: Precise location helps the app remember where you are when recording transactions, so it can suggest the same payee when you're near that location again. You can disable location tracking in your device settings.

2. Data Usage

Your information helps us:

Deliver Core Features: Budgeting, expense tracking, and financial reporting
Improve AI Categorization: Using on-device learning where possible
Enhance User Experience: Identify popular features and improve app functionality
Provide Support: Respond to your questions and help resolve technical issues
Maintain Security: Prevent fraud and ensure the security of your account

        We Never:
        Sell or rent your data to third parties
Use your data for third-party advertising
Access connected accounts without your permission
Share your financial data with data brokers

    

2.1 Data Sharing

We may share data with:

Service Providers: Hosting, technology, and customer support vendors who help us deliver our services
Payment Processors: To manage your subscription payments
Financial Data Aggregation Services: Only with your explicit consent, to connect your financial accounts
Legal Requirements: When required by law or to protect our rights

2.2 Cookies and Analytics

We use analytics tools to understand how users interact with our app and to improve the user experience. These tools collect anonymized usage data such as features used, time spent in the app, and navigation patterns. You can opt out of analytics tracking through your device settings.

3. Data Security

3.1 Protection Measures

Encryption: End-to-end encryption for all sensitive data
Regular Audits: Security audits and vulnerability assessments
Access Controls: Role-based access controls for our staff
Secure Storage: Industry-standard security protocols for data storage

3.2 Third-Party Processors

We use these compliant services:

AWS (data storage)

3.3 Data Retention

We retain your information as long as your account is active or as needed to provide services. If you delete your account, we will delete or anonymize your information within 30 days, unless we are legally required to retain it longer. Backup copies of your data may remain in our systems for up to 90 days after deletion.

4. Your Rights

4.1 Access & Deletion

Access Your Data: Request a copy of your personal information
Delete Your Account: Full deletion within 24 hours (no waiting period)
Export Your Data: Download your data as CSV/JSON for your records
Correct Information: Update or correct any inaccurate data

4.2 Privacy Choices

Device Permissions: Control camera, microphone, and location access via device settings
Marketing Communications: Opt out of marketing emails via unsubscribe links
Analytics: Opt out of analytics tracking through app or device settings

4.3 California Residents

If you are a California resident, you have specific rights under the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), including the right to know what personal information we collect, the right to request deletion of your personal information, and the right to opt out of the sale of your personal information (although we do not sell your personal information).

4.4 European Users

If you are in the European Economic Area (EEA) or United Kingdom, you have rights under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), including access, rectification, erasure, and data portability rights. To exercise these rights, contact us at the email address provided below.

5. Children's Privacy

BudNote is not intended for children under 13 years of age (or 16 years in the European Economic Area). We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If you are a parent and believe your child has provided us with personal information, please contact us so we can delete it.

7. Changes to Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy periodically. We will notify you of any significant changes by posting the new Privacy Policy on this page and updating the effective date. We encourage you to review this Privacy Policy regularly to stay informed about how we are protecting your information.