Privacy Policy

Privacy policy for Teras app

Last Updated: June 16, 2025

Effective Date: June 16, 2025

1. Definitions

  • Personal Data: Information that can identify an individual, such as email and device data
  • Cookie: Small text files stored on your device to enhance user experience
  • Third-Party Services: Service providers that help us operate the application
  • End-to-End Encryption (E2EE): Encryption method that ensures only the sender and recipient can read messages

2. Introduction

Teras ("we", "us", or "our app") is an anonymity-based social media platform that allows users to interact without revealing their true identities. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and protect your personal information when using the Teras application.

3. Data We Collect

3.1 Required Data

  • Account Information: Email (for account verification via Google/Apple or manual email, important communications such as password reset and policy notifications)
  • Location (Optional):
    • Type: Precise Location (GPS) and Approximate Location (Network-based)
    • Purpose: Displaying posts within a 5km radius of user's location
    • Mechanism: Using Android/iOS runtime permissions (ACCESS_FINE_LOCATION and ACCESS_COARSE_LOCATION)
    • Storage: Location data is not permanently stored and is only accessed when needed
  • Media: Photos and images you upload from device camera or gallery

3.2 Automatic Data

  • Usage Data: Activity history (likes, comments, posts), avatar preferences, ad interactions
  • Device Data:
    • IP address, device type, operating system
    • Advertising ID (Google Advertising ID for Android, IDFA for iOS)
    • Users can reset or limit Advertising ID usage through device settings
  • Analytics Data:
    • Event tracking (screen views, button clicks)
    • Error logs and crash reports
    • Session duration and user flow

4. Anonymity and Privacy

  • Username: Randomly generated (example: "User_AB123") and not linked to your real identity
  • Anonymous Posts: Content posted anonymously will not display your real username
  • Custom Avatar: Selected from our collection and does not reveal personal data
  • Encryption:
    • Transport Layer Security (TLS 1.2+) for communication
    • AES-256 for sensitive data storage
    • End-to-end encryption for private messages

5. Data Usage

We use collected data to:

  • Provide and maintain application services
  • Enable core features (posting, commenting, chatting)
  • Display relevant advertisements (via Google AdMob)
  • Analyze application performance (via Google Analytics)
  • Improve user experience
  • Detect and prevent illegal activities

6. Data Sharing with Third Parties

We work with the following third-party service providers:

  • Google AdMob: For displaying banner and video ads
  • Firebase & Google Analytics: For application usage analysis and crash reporting
  • Cloud Service Providers:
    • AWS (Amazon Web Services) - Region: ap-southeast-1 (Singapore)
    • Google Cloud Platform - Region: asia-southeast1 (Singapore)

We do not sell, rent, or share your personal data with third parties for marketing purposes.

7. Data Security

  • Encryption of sensitive data (including email)
  • Location is only accessed when needed and not permanently stored
  • Photos and images are uploaded to encrypted servers
  • 24/7 security monitoring
  • Regular security updates

8. User Rights

You have the right to:

  • Access your personal data
  • Update or correct inaccurate data
  • Delete account and data through application settings
  • Disable location access through device settings
  • Opt out of personalized ads (via AdMob settings)
  • Export your data in a readable format
  • Additional Rights for European Users (GDPR):
    • Right to be forgotten
    • Data portability right
    • Right to restrict processing
    • Right to object to processing
  • Additional Rights for California Users (CCPA):
    • Right to know collected data
    • Right to delete personal data
    • Right to opt out of personal data sales

9. Advertising and In-App Purchases

  • App displays banner ads (in bottom navigation) and video ads (when changing avatar/background)
  • In-app purchases (if any) will be processed through Google Play Store/Apple App Store
  • You can manage ad preferences through device settings

10. Age Restrictions

This application is intended for users aged 18 and above. We do not knowingly collect data from minors. If you know that a child has provided personal data to us, please contact us.

11. Data Retention

  • Account data is stored while the account is active
  • Deleted content:
    • Enters "deleted" status and can be restored by users within 30 days
    • After 30 days, content will be permanently deleted from servers
    • Admin team can restore deleted content within 30 days if needed for investigation
  • Log data is stored for 90 days for security and debugging
  • Anonymous data is stored for up to 2 years for trend analysis and feature development

12. Policy Changes

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Material changes will be notified at least 30 days in advance through:

  • In-app notifications (popup)
  • Email to registered address
  • Updates on this page

Non-material changes will be effective immediately upon publication.

13. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

We use cookies and similar tracking technologies to:

  • First-Party Cookies:
    • Remember your preferences
    • Store login status
  • Third-Party Cookies:
    • Google Analytics for usage analysis
    • Google AdMob for advertising

You can manage cookie preferences through your browser or device settings.

14. Contact

For questions, complaints, or privacy-related requests, please contact us at:

15. Minors

This application is intended for users aged 18 and above. We do not target users under 18 and do not knowingly collect data from minors. If you know that a child has provided personal data to us, please contact us at [email protected]. We will promptly delete the data and take necessary steps.

16. Camera Usage

The Teras app requests camera access permission (android.permission.CAMERA) to allow you to take photos directly from the app, for example when uploading images to posts or profiles.

  • Photos taken through the camera are only used for uploads you consciously make.
  • Photo data will not be collected or accessed without your explicit consent.
  • Photos taken may be stored on our encrypted servers and will not be shared with third parties without your consent.
  • You can choose to delete uploaded photos at any time through the app.
  • We do not use the camera to record video, audio, or take pictures without user interaction.

By using the Teras app, you agree to the collection and use of information in accordance with this Privacy Policy.