Ara Parental Control – Privacy Policy

Last updated: July 2026

1. Overview

Ara ("we", "us", "our") operates the Ara parental control application ("App"). This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, and protect information when you use our App and related services.

2. Information We Collect

2.1 Information You Provide

• Account information: Email address for account creation and authentication.
• Device pairing data: Device names and identifiers needed to link parent and managed devices.
• Schedule and rules: Lock schedules, app block lists, geofence zones, and screen time limits you configure.

2.2 Information Collected Automatically

• Location data: GPS-based location of managed devices, collected only when location tracking is enabled by the parent. Used for geofence alerts and location history.
• App usage data: Which apps are installed and used on managed devices, and screen time duration. Used to enforce app blocking and screen time limits.
• Browsing activity: URLs visited on managed devices (via accessibility service). Used solely for parental browsing reports.
• Device state: Lock/unlock events, battery level, and connectivity status for monitoring purposes.

2.3 Information We Do NOT Collect

• We do not read, collect, or transmit SMS messages.
• We do not access contacts, call logs, or photos beyond what is needed for app functionality.
• We do not collect biometric data.
• We do not sell personal data to third parties.

3. How We Use Information

• To provide parental control features: app blocking, screen time limits, location tracking, geofencing, and device locking.
• To display usage reports and browsing history to the parent account.
• To send geofence alerts and notifications to the parent device.
• To maintain service reliability and protect against abuse.

4. Data Storage & Security

• Communication between devices uses encrypted WebSocket connections (WSS) through our relay server.
• Relay servers act as message brokers — they do not store or inspect message contents.
• Sensitive data is stored locally on the device using Android's encrypted storage.
• We implement industry-standard security measures to protect data in transit and at rest.

5. Data Sharing

We do not share your personal data with third parties except:

• As required by law or legal process.
• To protect the safety of users or the public.
• With your explicit consent.

6. Permissions Used

The App requires the following Android permissions for its core functionality:

• Location (ACCESS_FINE/COARSE/BACKGROUND_LOCATION): For geofencing and managed device location tracking.
• PACKAGE_USAGE_STATS: To monitor app usage and enforce screen time limits.
• QUERY_ALL_PACKAGES: To list installed apps for app blocking configuration.
• SYSTEM_ALERT_WINDOW: For the lock screen overlay (kiosk mode).
• CAMERA: For QR code scanning during device pairing. Manual code entry is also available.
• Foreground Services: To maintain continuous monitoring (app blocking, location tracking, lock enforcement). These services are essential for the app to function reliably.
• Accessibility Service: To detect app switches (for app blocking) and capture browser URLs (for browsing reports). This service does not collect data beyond what is described above.
• Device Admin: To enforce lock screen security and password policies. We do not use the device wipe capability.
• VPN Service: For the network filtering/firewall feature that blocks internet access on managed devices.
• MANAGE_EXTERNAL_STORAGE: Required for the VPN-based network filtering feature.

7. Children's Privacy

Ara is a parental control app designed for parents to monitor and manage their children's devices. Data is collected from managed devices only with the knowledge and consent of the parent account holder. We comply with applicable children's privacy laws including COPPA.

8. Data Retention & Deletion

• Location history is retained for 30 days by default and then automatically deleted.
• Browsing history is retained for 30 days by default.
• You may request deletion of all your data at any time by contacting us at the email below.
• Uninstalling the App from the managed device removes local data.

9. Your Rights

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

• Access the personal data we hold about you.
• Request correction or deletion of your data.
• Object to or restrict processing of your data.
• Data portability.

10. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of material changes via the App or by email. Continued use after changes constitutes acceptance.

11. Contact Us

If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or our data practices, please contact us at:

Email: nourishknow@gmail.com