StudyGate Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

Welcome to StudyGate. This Privacy Policy explains how StudyGate ("we", "us", "our") collects, uses, stores, and protects your personal information when you use the StudyGate iOS application and any related services (collectively, the "Service").

By downloading, installing, or using StudyGate, you agree to the collection and use of your information in accordance with this policy. If you do not agree with any part of this policy, please do not use the Service.

This policy has been written to comply with Apple App Store requirements, the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR), and applicable international privacy laws.

2. Who We Are

StudyGate is an independent iOS application developed by Ayush, a developer based in the United Kingdom.

Data Controller: Ayush
Contact Email: ayushganatra3@gmail.com
Website: studygate-iota.vercel.app

3. Information We Collect

3.1 Account Information

When you sign in using Sign in with Apple, we receive:

• Your Apple-assigned user identifier (a unique, anonymised ID)
• Your name (only if you choose to share it with us on first sign in)
• Your email address (either your real email or an Apple-generated relay email)

We do not receive your Apple ID password or any payment information associated with your Apple account.

3.2 Focus Session Data

When you use StudyGate to run focus sessions, we collect:

• Session start and end times
• Session duration
• Session name or label (if you create one)
• Whether a session was completed, paused, or cancelled
• The blocking mode used
• Streak data and total focus time statistics

3.3 Social and Competition Data

If you use the friend competition features, we collect:

• Your display name or username
• Your focus session statistics that you choose to share
• Friend connections you make within the app

3.4 Subscription and Purchase Data

We use Apple's StoreKit 2 framework. We do not directly process or store payment information. We store:

• Whether you have an active subscription
• Your subscription tier (monthly or annual)
• Subscription expiry date

3.5 Technical and Device Data

We automatically collect:

• Device type and model
• iOS version
• App version
• Crash logs and error reports
• General usage patterns within the app

3.6 Screen Time and App Blocking Data

StudyGate uses Apple's FamilyControls and ManagedSettings frameworks. We want to be completely transparent:

• We do NOT see, collect, store, or transmit a list of which apps you choose to block
• App selection data stays entirely on your device
• We have no access to your broader Screen Time history

4. How We Use Your Information

4.1 Providing the Service

• Creating and managing your StudyGate account
• Syncing your focus sessions across devices
• Enabling friend competition and leaderboard features
• Managing your subscription status

4.2 Improving the Service

• Analysing usage patterns
• Identifying and fixing bugs
• Developing new features

4.3 Communication

• Sending important service updates
• Responding to support requests

We will never send unsolicited marketing emails without your explicit consent.

4.4 Legal Compliance

• Complying with applicable laws
• Responding to lawful requests from authorities

5. Legal Basis for Processing (UK GDPR)

• Contract performance: Processing necessary to provide the Service
• Legitimate interests: App improvement, security, and fraud prevention
• Legal obligation: Processing required by law
• Consent: Where asked, you may withdraw at any time

6. Data Storage and Security

6.1 Where Your Data is Stored

Your data is stored securely using Supabase. Review their privacy practices at supabase.com/privacy.

6.2 How We Protect Your Data

• All data transmitted is encrypted using HTTPS/TLS
• Database access is restricted and protected by authentication
• We do not store passwords - authentication is handled by Apple
• We regularly review our security practices

6.3 Data Retention

We retain data for as long as your account is active. If you request deletion, we will delete your personal data within 30 days.

7. Third Party Services

• Apple Sign In - apple.com/legal/privacy
• Supabase - supabase.com/privacy
• Apple StoreKit 2 - apple.com/legal/privacy
• Vercel - vercel.com/legal/privacy-policy

We do not sell your personal data. We do not use your data for advertising.

8. Sharing Your Information

We do not sell, trade, or rent your personal information. We may share only:

• With your consent
• Service providers (e.g. Supabase) under strict data processing agreements
• Legal requirements if required by law
• Business transfer if StudyGate is acquired (you will be notified)

9. Your Rights

Email us at ayushganatra3@gmail.com. We respond within 30 days.

10. Children's Privacy

StudyGate is not directed at children under 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. For users 13-17, we encourage parental awareness.

11. International Data Transfers

If located outside the UK, your data may be transferred to other countries with appropriate safeguards.

12. Cookies and Tracking

The StudyGate iOS app does not use cookies. Our website may use basic analytics. We do not use cross-site tracking or advertising trackers.

13. Changes to This Policy

We may update this policy. For significant changes, we will notify you through the app or via email.

14. Complaints

If based in the UK and unhappy with how we handle your data, you may lodge a complaint with the ICO at ico.org.uk.

15. Contact Us