Impulse — Privacy Policy

Impulse: Deal Intelligence ("we", "our", or "us") is committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains what information we collect, how we use it, and your rights as a user of the Impulse mobile application ("App"), available on iOS and Android.

1. Information We Collect

We collect the following types of information when you use the App:

Account Information: When you sign in with Google or Apple, we receive your name and email address (and, with Google, your profile photo) to create and identify your account. If you use Apple's "Hide My Email" feature, we only receive the private relay email address Apple provides — never your real address.
Wishlist, Tracked Deals & Price Targets: The deals you save to your wishlist, the items you choose to track, and any target price you set for price-drop alerts are stored and associated with your account so we can sync them across your devices and notify you.
Location Data: We collect your device's approximate and precise location (via GPS, Wi-Fi, or cellular signals) to show deals near you. Location access is requested via your device's standard permission prompt and is used in real time. We do not store your location history on our servers.
Camera and Photo Library Access: When you post a deal with your own image, we request access to your device's camera (if you tap "Take Photo") or your photo library (if you tap "Choose from Gallery"). These permissions are requested via your device's standard prompts and are only accessed when you explicitly take that action. Photos you select are uploaded to our servers and stored as part of your deal posting. We do not access, scan, or upload any other photos, files, or media from your device.
Device Token: If you grant notification permission, we store a Firebase Cloud Messaging (FCM) token on our servers to send you push notifications about price drops and new deals.
Deal Activity: When you track, post, confirm, or flag a deal, that activity (including deal title, price, store, URL, and any photo you uploaded) is stored in our database and associated with your account.
Usage Data: Basic app usage information (such as screens viewed, features used, and crash reports) may be collected by Firebase to help us improve the App. This data is aggregated and does not identify you personally.

2. How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect to:

Provide and personalize the Impulse experience
Show you deals and recommendations relevant to your location and preferences
Send you price-drop alerts when a deal you are tracking reaches your target price
Send you push notifications about new deals (only if you grant notification permission)
Allow you to save, post, track, confirm, flag, and share deals with the community
Improve the App based on usage patterns and crash reports

3. Permissions We Request

Impulse requests the following device permissions, each with a specific purpose:

Location: To show deals near your current location. You can deny or later revoke this permission at any time through your device settings.
Camera: To let you take a new photo when posting a deal. The camera is only activated when you explicitly tap "Take Photo."
Photos and Media: To let you select an existing photo from your device when posting a deal. We only access the photo you explicitly select.
Notifications: To send you alerts about price drops and new deals. You can disable notifications at any time through your device settings.
Internet: To communicate with our servers, load deal data, and upload your content.

All permission prompts are shown by your device's operating system at the moment the feature is used. You are never required to grant a permission unless you wish to use the corresponding feature.

4. Data Storage and Security

Your data is stored securely using Google Firebase, including Firebase Authentication, Cloud Firestore, and Firebase Storage. All data is transmitted over encrypted HTTPS connections. We implement reasonable security measures to protect your information from unauthorized access, alteration, or disclosure.

5. Data Sharing

We do not sell, rent, or trade your personal information to third parties for marketing or any other purpose. We share data only in the following circumstances:

Service Providers: We use the third-party services listed in Section 9 to operate the App. Each receives only the data needed for its function and handles it under its own privacy policy.
Legal Requirements: We may disclose information if required by law or to protect the rights and safety of our users.

6. Push Notifications

If you grant notification permission, Impulse may send you push notifications about price drops on deals you are tracking, new deals in your area, and app updates. You can disable notifications at any time through your device's Settings app.

7. Children's Privacy

Impulse is not directed at children under the age of 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If you believe a child has provided us with personal information, please contact us and we will delete it promptly.

8. Your Rights

Depending on your location, you may have the right to:

Access the personal data we hold about you
Request deletion of your account and associated data
Opt out of push notifications at any time
Withdraw consent for location, camera, or photo access through your device settings

To request account deletion or data access, please contact us at the email below.

9. Third-Party Services

The App uses the following third-party services, each with their own privacy policies:

Google Firebase — Authentication, database, storage, crash reporting, and notifications
Google Sign-In — Account authentication
Apple Sign-In — Account authentication via your Apple ID
Amazon Associates — Product and pricing links; we may earn a commission on qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you
ScrapingDog — Retrieves public product and pricing information to power deal data and price tracking

10. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of significant changes by updating the "Last Updated" date at the top of this page. Continued use of the App after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.

11. Contact Us

If you have any questions or concerns about this Privacy Policy, please contact us at:

Email: phani.peddibhotla@gmail.com