Best Step Counter App
Your Steps = Pet's Happiness

📄 Introduction

Welcome to VirtuPet: Step Tracker! Your privacy is important to us. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, and protect your information when you use our app. By using VirtuPet: Step Tracker, you agree to the collection and use of information in accordance with this policy. This policy applies to all users regardless of location.

ℹ️ Information We Collect

• Name: We collect your first name during setup to personalize your experience within the app. Your name is stored locally on your device.
• Health Data: With your permission, we access step count data from Apple HealthKit to calculate your pet's health and track your daily progress.
• Location Data: When using activity tracking, we access your location to track routes (stored locally) and to fetch weather conditions from Open-Meteo. Only coordinates are sent to Open-Meteo; no personal identifiers are included.
• Photos: You may optionally attach photos to your activity records. Photos are stored locally on your device and are not transmitted to external servers.
• Purchase Data: Transaction information is processed by Apple and RevenueCat; we do not store payment card details.

⚙️ How We Use Your Information

• To provide and maintain our app's functionality
• To calculate your pet's health based on your step count
• To track and display your walking activities
• To save your preferences and progress locally
• To process in-app purchases and subscriptions
• To improve our app and develop new features
• To send optional push notifications you have consented to

🛡️ Data Storage & Security

Your personal data is stored locally on your device using Apple's secure storage mechanisms. Health data accessed from Apple HealthKit remains on your device and is never transmitted to external servers. Location coordinates are sent to Open-Meteo solely to retrieve weather data; no personal identifiers are included. We implement industry-standard security measures including encryption to protect your information.

⏰ Data Retention

Your data is retained locally on your device for as long as you use the app. When you delete the app, all locally stored data is removed. Anonymous analytics data may be retained for up to 24 months for app improvement purposes. You can request deletion of any data we hold by contacting us.

🤝 Third-Party Services

We use the following third-party services:

• Apple HealthKit: To access step count data (subject to Apple's Privacy Policy)
• RevenueCat: To manage subscriptions and in-app purchases (subject to RevenueCat's Privacy Policy)
• Apple App Store: For payment processing (subject to Apple's Terms)
• Open-Meteo: For weather data based on general location coordinates

We do not sell your personal data to third parties.

✋ Your Rights

Regardless of your location, you have the right to:

• Access the data we collect about you
• Request correction of inaccurate data
• Request deletion of your data
• Opt out of data collection at any time
• Revoke health data access through iOS Settings > Privacy > Health
• Withdraw consent for notifications through iOS Settings
• Data portability where applicable

🌍 GDPR & CCPA Rights

For EU/EEA residents (GDPR): You have rights to access, rectify, erase, restrict processing, data portability, and object to processing. Our legal basis for processing is your consent and legitimate interests in providing the service.

For California residents (CCPA): You have the right to know what personal information is collected, request deletion, and opt-out of sale of personal information. We do not sell personal information.

To exercise these rights, contact us at support@virtupet.app.

👶 Children's Privacy

VirtuPet is not directed at children under 13. We do not knowingly collect personal 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 immediately at support@virtupet.app and we will delete such information.

✈️ International Data Transfers

Your data is primarily stored locally on your device. Any anonymous analytics data that may be processed uses services that comply with applicable data protection laws. For EU users, any data transfers outside the EU are protected by appropriate safeguards.

🔄 Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of any material changes by posting the new Privacy Policy in the app and updating the "Last updated" date. For significant changes, we will provide notice through the app. Your continued use after changes constitutes acceptance.

📧 Contact Us

If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy, wish to exercise your data rights, or have concerns about our data practices, please contact us at support@virtupet.app. We will respond within 30 days.

✅ Acceptance of Terms

By downloading, installing, or using VirtuPet ("the App"), you agree to be bound by these Terms of Service ("Terms"). If you do not agree to these Terms, please do not use the App. These Terms constitute a legally binding agreement between you and VirtuPet. You must be at least 13 years of age to use this App.

📱 Use of the App

VirtuPet is a fitness companion app designed to motivate you to walk more by caring for a virtual pet. You agree to:

• Use the App only for its intended purpose
• Not attempt to reverse engineer, decompile, or modify the App
• Not use the App for any illegal or unauthorized purpose
• Not attempt to circumvent any security features
• Not use automated systems or bots to interact with the App
• Provide accurate information when required

❤️ Health Information Disclaimer

IMPORTANT: VirtuPet is NOT a medical device and should NOT be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The step tracking and health features are for motivational and entertainment purposes only. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting any new fitness routine. We make no claims regarding health benefits.

💳 In-App Purchases & Subscriptions

VirtuPet offers optional in-app purchases including:

• Premium subscription: Access to all pets, insights, and activity tracking
• Play credits: For pet activities and minigames

All purchases are processed through Apple's App Store. Subscriptions automatically renew unless cancelled at least 24 hours before the end of the current period. Manage subscriptions in your Apple ID settings.

↩️ Refund Policy

All purchases are made through Apple's App Store. Refund requests must be submitted directly to Apple via reportaproblem.apple.com. We cannot process refunds directly. Play credits are non-refundable once used.

⭐ Intellectual Property

All content in VirtuPet, including graphics, animations, text, code, and virtual pets, is owned by VirtuPet or its licensors and protected by copyright and trademark laws. You may not copy, modify, distribute, or create derivative works without permission.

👤 User Data & Accounts

Your VirtuPet data is stored locally on your device. You are solely responsible for maintaining device security and backing up your data. We are not liable for data loss due to device issues, app deletion, or unauthorized access.

🚫 Termination

We reserve the right to terminate or suspend your access to the App immediately, without prior notice, for any reason including breach of these Terms. Upon termination, your right to use the App ceases immediately.

⚠️ Disclaimer of Warranties

THE APP IS PROVIDED "AS IS" AND "AS AVAILABLE" WITHOUT WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED. We do not warrant that the App will be uninterrupted, error-free, or free of harmful components.

🛡️ Limitation of Liability

TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, VIRTUPET SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, OR PUNITIVE DAMAGES. Our total liability shall not exceed the amount you paid us in the past 12 months, or $50 USD, whichever is greater.

🤝 Indemnification

You agree to defend, indemnify, and hold harmless VirtuPet from any claims, damages, or expenses arising from your use of the App or violation of these Terms.

⚖️ Dispute Resolution

Disputes shall first be attempted through informal negotiation. Unresolved disputes may be subject to binding arbitration. YOU AGREE TO WAIVE YOUR RIGHT TO PARTICIPATE IN CLASS ACTION LAWSUITS OR CLASS-WIDE ARBITRATION.

✂️ Severability

If any provision is found unenforceable, it shall be limited to the minimum extent necessary while the remaining Terms remain in full effect.

🔄 Changes to Terms

We reserve the right to modify these Terms at any time. Continued use after changes constitutes acceptance. If you disagree with changes, you must stop using the App.

🏛️ Governing Law

These Terms are governed by the laws of the United Kingdom. You agree to submit to the jurisdiction of UK courts for disputes not subject to arbitration.

📧 Contact Us

If you have any questions about these Terms of Service, please contact us at support@virtupet.app. We will respond within 30 days.