Privacy Policy — Clean Hero

1. Introduction

Midnight Innovations Pvt. Ltd. ("Company," "we," "us," or "our"), located at Basundhara Chowk, Kathmandu, Nepal, operates the Clean Hero App (also known as "GaCa" or "Garbage Calendar"). This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, store, share, and protect your personal information when you use our App.

By using the Clean Hero App, you consent to the data practices described in this Privacy Policy. If you do not agree with this policy, please do not use the App.

2. Information We Collect

2.1 Information You Provide Directly

When you register for and use the App, we collect the following information that you voluntarily provide:

Account Information: Email address and password (encrypted) during registration.
Profile Information: Personal name, business name, and preferred pickup location.
Service Request Data: Waste type selection, number of bags, preferred date and time slot, pickup address, and any additional information you provide in the request.
Service Provider Data: Company information and driver details (for service provider accounts).

2.2 Information Collected Automatically

When you use the App, certain information is collected automatically:

Location Data: We collect your location data only while you are actively using the App (foreground location). This is used for setting pickup locations and enabling real-time tracking of waste collection trucks. We do not collect location data in the background when the App is closed or not in active use.
Device Information: Device type, operating system version, and unique device identifiers for app functionality and push notification delivery.
Usage Data: App interaction data, feature usage patterns, and crash logs collected through Firebase Analytics to improve the App.

2.3 Information We Do Not Collect

We want to be transparent about what we do not collect:

We do not collect payment or financial information (no payment processing occurs within the App).
We do not collect background location data.
We do not access your device contacts, photos, camera, or microphone.
We do not track you across other apps or websites.

3. How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect for the following purposes:

Service Delivery: To facilitate waste collection scheduling, real-time tracking, and notifications between consumers and service providers.
Account Management: To create and maintain your account, authenticate your identity, and manage your profile.
Communication: To send push notifications about request status updates (pending, accepted, started, completed), and important service announcements.
Location Services: To enable pickup location selection, display nearby service options, and provide real-time truck tracking with estimated arrival times.
App Improvement: To analyze usage patterns, identify bugs, and improve the overall user experience.
Legal Compliance: To comply with applicable laws, regulations, and legal processes.

4. How We Share Your Information

We do not sell your personal information to third parties. We may share your information in the following limited circumstances:

Between Consumers and Service Providers: When you schedule a pickup, your pickup location, waste type, date, time, and contact details are shared with the assigned service provider to fulfill the service. Similarly, truck location data is shared with consumers during live tracking.
Third-Party Service Providers: We use the following third-party services that may process your data: Google Firebase (user authentication, data storage, push notifications, and analytics) and Google Maps Platform (location services, real-time truck tracking, route navigation, and estimated arrival times).
Legal Requirements: We may disclose your information if required to do so by law or in response to valid requests by public authorities (e.g., a court order or government agency).
Business Transfers: In the event of a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets, your personal information may be transferred to the acquiring entity. We will notify you of any such change.

5. Data Storage and Security

5.1 Where We Store Your Data

Your data is stored on Google Firebase servers located in the United States. By using the App, you consent to the transfer and storage of your data in the United States. Google Firebase complies with industry-standard security practices and certifications.

5.2 How We Protect Your Data

We implement reasonable technical and organizational measures to protect your personal information, including:

Password encryption on both client and server sides.
Secure HTTPS connections for all data transmissions.
Firebase Authentication with secure token management.
Access controls to limit who within the organization can access user data.

While we strive to protect your personal information, no method of transmission over the internet or method of electronic storage is 100% secure. We cannot guarantee absolute security of your data.

6. Data Retention

We retain your personal data as follows:

Active Accounts: Your data is retained for as long as your account is active and you continue to use the App.
Deleted Accounts: Upon account deletion, your personal data is removed from active systems. Some data may be retained in backups for up to 90 days and in anonymized/aggregated form for analytics purposes.
Legal Obligations: Certain data may be retained longer if required by applicable laws of Nepal or for the resolution of disputes.

7. Your Rights

You have the following rights regarding your personal data:

Right to Access: You can view your personal information through the App's profile section at any time.
Right to Update: You can update your name, business name, and location through the App.
Right to Delete: You can delete your account at any time using the account cancellation feature within the App. This will remove your personal data from our active systems.
Right to Withdraw Consent: You can withdraw your consent to data processing at any time by deleting your account. Note that this may affect your ability to use the App.
Right to Data Portability: You may request a copy of your personal data in a machine-readable format by contacting us at privacy@cleanhero.org.

8. Location Data

The App requires access to your device's location services to function properly. Location data is collected only while the App is in active use (foreground). We use location data to enable you to set your pickup address, to provide real-time tracking of waste collection trucks, and to calculate estimated arrival times.

For service provider drivers, location data is shared with consumers during active pickups to enable live tracking. Location updates occur approximately every 10 seconds during active tracking sessions. You can disable location access through your device settings at any time, though this may limit App functionality.

9. Push Notifications

The App uses push notifications to inform you about pickup request status changes, service updates, and important announcements. You can manage your notification preferences through your device's system settings at any time.

10. Children's Privacy

The App is designed for use by businesses and individuals involved in waste management. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under the age of 13. If we become aware that we have inadvertently collected data from a child under 13, we will take steps to delete such information promptly. If you believe that a child has provided us with personal information, please contact us at privacy@cleanhero.org.

11. International Data Transfers

As our data is stored on Firebase servers in the United States, your personal information is transferred to and processed in the United States. By using the App, you consent to this transfer. We ensure that appropriate safeguards are in place through our use of Google's Firebase platform, which maintains compliance with relevant data protection standards.

12. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices, technology, legal requirements, or other factors. When we make material changes, we will update the "Effective Date" at the top of this policy and notify you through the App or via email. We encourage you to review this Privacy Policy periodically. Your continued use of the App after any changes indicates your acceptance of the updated policy.

13. Contact Us

If you have any questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or our data practices, please contact us:

Midnight Innovations Pvt. Ltd.

Basundhara Chowk, Kathmandu, Nepal

Email: privacy@cleanhero.org

Website: cleanhero.org

We will make every effort to respond to your inquiry within 30 days.