Privacy Policy

Effective Date: March 16, 2026

1. Introduction

Welcome to Step Ahead ("we," "our," or "us"). This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, store, and protect your information when you use our fitness tracking mobile application. We are committed to protecting your privacy and ensuring the security of your personal information.

Step Ahead is a fitness tracking application designed to help you monitor your daily physical activity, set and achieve fitness goals, and track your progress over time.

2. Information We Collect

2.1 Account Information

When you create an account, we collect the following information:

• Email address - Used for account creation, verification, and communication
• Full name - Used to personalize your experience
• Profile information - Optional avatar URL and any additional profile details you choose to provide

2.2 Fitness and Health Data

Step Ahead collects and processes the following health and fitness data:

• Step count data - Daily step counts collected from your device's sensors or integrated health apps
• Distance traveled - Calculated based on your step count and stride length
• Calories burned - Estimated based on your activity level and personal settings
• Daily, weekly, and monthly history - Historical records of your fitness activity

2.3 User Preferences

We collect the following preference data to personalize your experience:

• Daily step goals and targets
• Notification preferences
• App settings and themes
• Achievement tracking preferences

2.4 Achievements and Progress Data

We collect data related to your engagement with the app:

• Achievement badges earned
• Streak tracking for consecutive days of activity
• Progress milestones reached

3. How We Use Your Information

We use the collected information for the following purposes:

• Core Functionality: To provide step tracking, distance calculation, and calorie estimation features
• Goal Tracking: To help you set, monitor, and achieve your fitness goals
• Progress Visualization: To display your fitness history through charts and statistics
• Achievement System: To track and award badges for reaching milestones
• Notifications: To send motivational messages and real-time progress updates
• Data Synchronization: To sync your data across multiple devices
• Authentication: To verify your identity and secure your account
• Service Improvement: To enhance the app's functionality and user experience

4. Information We Do NOT Collect

Step Ahead is designed with privacy in mind. We do not collect:

• Location data or GPS coordinates
• Personal health metrics beyond step counting
• Payment information or financial data
• Social media contacts or friend lists
• Device identifiers beyond what's necessary for authentication
• Third-party analytics or tracking data
• Advertising-related data

5. Data Storage and Security

5.1 Local Storage

Your data is stored locally on your device using an encrypted SQLite database. This includes:

• Daily step records with timestamps
• User settings and preferences
• Achievement progress
• Cached health data for offline functionality

5.2 Cloud Storage

We use Supabase as our cloud database provider to:

• Synchronize your data across multiple devices
• Enable account access from different devices
• Provide data backup and recovery

All cloud data is protected with end-to-end encryption and Row Level Security, ensuring that you can only access your own data.

5.3 Security Measures

We implement industry-standard security measures, including:

• Data encryption in transit and at rest
• Row Level Security (RLS) ensuring data isolation between users
• Email verification required for account creation
• Secure authentication protocols

6. Health Data Integration

Step Ahead integrates with your device's native health apps to collect step data:

• Android: Google Fit and Health Connect
• iOS: HealthKit

If health data is unavailable, the app falls back to using your device's built-in sensors for step counting. We sync data up to 7 days of historical step data.

7. Third-Party Services

7.1 Authentication Services

We use the following third-party authentication services:

• Google Sign-In: Allows you to sign in using your Google account
• Supabase Auth: Provides secure email/password authentication

These services only share the minimum information necessary for authentication (typically your email and name). Please review their respective privacy policies for details on how they handle your data.

7.2 Cloud Database

We use Supabase as our cloud infrastructure provider. Please review their privacy policy for more information about their data handling practices.

8. Data Retention

• Step History: Retained indefinitely unless you delete your account or request data deletion
• Achievement Data: Permanently stored unless manually reset by you
• Account Data: Retained as long as your account remains active
• Deleted Accounts: All associated data is permanently deleted within 30 days of account deletion

9. Your Rights

You have the following rights regarding your personal data:

• Access: Request access to all data we have about you
• Export: Download your data from the app settings
• Correction: Update or correct your personal information through the app
• Deletion: Request deletion of your account and all associated data
• Opt-out: Disable notifications and stop data collection by uninstalling the app

To exercise these rights, please contact us using the information provided below.

10. Children's Privacy

Step Ahead is not intended for use by children under the age of 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If we become aware that we have collected information from a child under 13, we will take steps to delete such information immediately.

11. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. When we make changes, we will:

• Update the "Effective Date" at the top of this policy
• Notify users of significant changes via email or app notification
• Obtain consent where required by applicable laws

Your continued use of the app after changes indicates your acceptance of the updated policy.

12. Contact Us

If you have questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or our data practices, please contact us:

13. App Store Specific Disclosures

13.1 Google Play Store

This application complies with Google's Data Safety requirements:

• Location: Not collected
• Personal Information: Name, email address (for account creation)
• Health and Fitness: Steps, distance, calories burned
• App Activity: User interactions, achievements, preferences

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

Data Security: We implement appropriate security measures to protect your data from unauthorized access, alteration, or disclosure.

This Privacy Policy was last updated on March 16, 2026