Data Protection
Privacy Standards
1. Introduction
Lostify ("we," "our," or "us") is committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, and safeguard your information when you use our campus-based lost and found mobile application. By using Lostify, you consent to the data practices described in this policy.
2. Information We Collect
Personal Data
We collect information you provide directly to us, including your nickname, @gmail.com email address, and phone number during account registration.
Location Data
To facilitate item recovery, we collect precise GPS location data when you report a lost or found item. This data is used solely to pin the item's location on our interactive map.
Images Uploaded
When you report items, you may upload photos. These images are stored securely and processed to identify item characteristics.
Chat Messages
We store the content of your communications within our in-app chat to allow you and other users to coordinate the return of items.
3. How We Use Information
We use the collected information to:
- Facilitate the reporting and recovery of lost property.
- Verify user identity and maintain campus security.
- Enable communication between users regarding specific items.
- Send notifications about potential item matches.
- Manage administrative auctions for unclaimed property.
4. AI Data Processing Explanation
Lostify utilizes Artificial Intelligence (AI) to analyze images of found items. This processing automatically extracts item names, categories, and descriptive attributes to improve search accuracy. Image analysis is performed locally or via secure cloud-based AI providers and is never used for facial recognition or personal identification.
5. Data Sharing Policy
We do not sell, rent, or lease your personal data to third parties. Information is shared only in the following limited circumstances:
- With other users (only nicknames and item details) to facilitate recovery.
- With campus security personnel during the official handover process.
- If required by law or to protect the safety of the campus community.
6. Data Security
We implement robust security measures, including industry-standard encryption for data at rest and in transit. Access to personal information is restricted to authorized personnel who require the data to perform their campus duties.
7. User Rights
You have the right to access, correct, or request the deletion of your personal data. You can manage your profile details directly within the app settings or contact us for assistance with account closure.
8. Data Retention
We retain personal data for as long as your account is active. To maintain platform efficiency, lost and found listings may be subject to a 30-day automatic expiry logic, after which unclaimed items may be archived or transitioned to the auction module.
9. Third-Party Services
Lostify integrates with third-party services for essential functionality:
- Firebase: For secure authentication and real-time database management.
- Google Maps: For location services and interactive map displays.
- AI APIs: For automated item detail extraction from images.
These providers have their own privacy policies governing how they handle data.
10. Children's Privacy
Lostify is intended for use by university students and staff. We do not knowingly collect information from children under the age of 13.
11. Changes to Policy
We may update our Privacy Policy periodically. We will notify you of any significant changes by posting the new policy within the app. You are advised to review this policy regularly for any updates.
12. Contact Information
If you have any questions or concerns regarding this Privacy Policy or our data practices, please contact our privacy officer at: forigloohelp@gmail.com or via WhatsApp at +91 9013618694.