Methodist Church Ghana

1 Information Collection and Use

We collect information to provide and improve our services. By using Methodist Ndwom, you agree to the collection and use of information in accordance with this Privacy Policy. We are committed to protecting your privacy while ensuring you have the best possible experience with our hymn application.

2 Types of Data Collected

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

• Device Identifiers: We collect unique device identifiers such as the Apple Identifier for Advertising (IDFA) or similar advertising IDs. These identifiers are used for analytics and to deliver personalized advertisements through AdMob.
• Usage Data: We automatically collect information about how you interact with the App, including hymn search queries, frequency of use, session duration, hymns viewed or favorited, and navigation patterns within the App.
• Device Information: We collect technical information about your device, including device model, operating system version (iOS), screen resolution, language preference, and timezone.
• Crash and Diagnostic Data: We collect crash reports, error logs, and performance metrics to identify and fix bugs, ensuring the App works correctly across all supported iOS devices and versions.
• Analytics Data: We use Firebase Analytics to collect aggregated usage statistics, helping us understand user behavior patterns and improve the App's features and performance.

3 How We Use Your Data

The information we collect is used for the following purposes:

• App Functionality: To provide core features such as hymn search, viewing, and bookmarking functionality.
• Performance Monitoring: To monitor app performance, identify crashes, and fix bugs to ensure optimal user experience.
• Analytics and Improvement: To analyze usage patterns and preferences, helping us improve existing features and develop new ones that better serve our users.
• Advertising: To display relevant advertisements through Google AdMob, which helps support the free availability of the App and ongoing development costs.
• Push Notifications: To send occasional notifications about app updates, new hymns added to the collection, or important announcements from the Methodist Church Ghana (only if you have opted in to receive notifications).

4 Third-Party Service Providers

We employ trusted third-party companies and services to facilitate our App's functionality. These third parties have access to your data only to perform specific tasks on our behalf and are obligated not to disclose or use it for any other purpose.

• Google Firebase: We use Firebase for analytics, crash reporting, performance monitoring, and cloud messaging (push notifications). Firebase collects device information and usage data to provide these services. Firebase Privacy Policy
• Google AdMob: We use AdMob to display advertisements within the App. AdMob may collect and use device identifiers (such as IDFA) to deliver personalized ads. You can opt out of personalized advertising through your device settings. AdMob Privacy Policy

5 Data Retention

We retain your data only for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined in this Privacy Policy. Specifically:

• Usage and Analytics Data: Retained for up to 14 months to analyze trends and improve the App.
• Crash and Diagnostic Data: Retained for up to 90 days or until the issue is resolved.
• Device Identifiers: Retained as long as you use the App and for a reasonable period after to maintain analytics continuity.

After these retention periods, data is either deleted or anonymized so that it can no longer be associated with individual devices.

6 Your Privacy Rights & Controls

Since Methodist Ndwom does not use user accounts or collect personally identifiable information, all data is associated with your device identifier only. You have full control over your privacy through your iOS device settings:

• Reset Your Advertising ID: You can reset your Advertising Identifier at any time, which effectively disconnects previous data from your device. Go to Settings > Privacy & Security > Apple Advertising > Reset Advertising Identifier.
• Limit Ad Tracking: You can prevent personalized advertising by turning on "Limit Ad Tracking" in your iOS settings. Go to Settings > Privacy & Security > Apple Advertising > Personalized Ads (toggle off).
• Disable Analytics: You can prevent your device from sharing analytics data by turning off "Share iPhone Analytics" in Settings > Privacy & Security > Analytics & Improvements.
• Uninstall the App: Deleting the Methodist Ndwom app from your device will remove all locally stored data. Any analytics data already sent to our servers will be retained according to our retention policy (up to 14 months) but cannot be tied back to you after you reset your advertising ID.

7 Children's Privacy

Methodist Ndwom is designed to be family-friendly and suitable for all ages. However, our App does not knowingly collect personally identifiable information from children under the age of 13. We do not require or request personal information such as names, addresses, or contact details from any users, including children.

If you are a parent or guardian and you become aware that your child has used the App in a way that concerns you, or if you believe we may have inadvertently collected information from a child under 13, please contact us immediately at the email address provided below, and we will take appropriate steps to investigate and address the issue.

8 Security of Your Data

The security of your data is very important to us. We implement industry-standard security measures to protect the information we collect, including:

• Encryption of data in transit using HTTPS/TLS protocols
• Secure storage practices for any cached data on your device
• Regular security audits and updates to our systems
• Limited access to data by authorized personnel only
• Use of trusted, certified third-party service providers (Firebase, AdMob)

However, please be aware that no method of electronic transmission or storage is 100% secure. While we strive to use commercially acceptable means to protect your information, we cannot guarantee absolute security. We continuously monitor and update our security practices to protect against unauthorized access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction of data.

9 Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices, legal requirements, or for other operational reasons. When we make changes, we will:

• Update the "Last Updated" date at the top of this policy
• Notify users through an in-app notification or alert for significant changes
• Post the updated policy on our website and within the App

We encourage you to review this Privacy Policy periodically to stay informed about how we are protecting your information. Your continued use of the App after any changes to this Privacy Policy will constitute your acknowledgment and acceptance of the modified policy.

10 Contact Us

If you have any questions, concerns, or feedback regarding this Privacy Policy or our data practices, please don't hesitate to contact us. We are committed to addressing your inquiries promptly and transparently.