Privacy Policy

Effective date: February 18, 2026

Artedex ("we", "our", "the app") respects your privacy. This policy explains what data we collect, why we collect it, and how we handle it. By using Artedex you agree to the practices described below.

1. Data We Collect

We collect only the data necessary to provide the core features of the app:

Location data (while you use the app) — Your GPS coordinates are used to show nearby public art on the map and to enable AR-guided navigation to art pieces. Location access is required for core functionality.
Photos — When you photograph an art piece to add it to your collection, the photo is uploaded to our servers and stored in your account. You choose when to take and upload each photo.
Email address and username — Collected during account registration for authentication and account identification purposes.

2. How We Use Your Data

Location — Processed in real time to display nearby art pieces and provide navigation. We do not build location history profiles or track your movements over time.
Photos — Associated with your personal collection and displayed only to you within the app.
Email — Used for login authentication, password resets, and essential service communications. We do not send marketing emails.

3. Data Storage and Security

Your account data is stored on secured infrastructure hosted by DigitalOcean. Photos are stored on Amazon Web Services (AWS S3). All data is transmitted over encrypted connections (HTTPS/TLS). Passwords are cryptographically hashed using industry-standard algorithms and are never stored in plain text.

4. Third-Party Sharing

We do not sell, rent, or share your personal data with any third parties. Artedex does not include third-party analytics SDKs, advertising SDKs, or user-tracking tools. The only external services used are infrastructure providers (DigitalOcean, AWS) that process data on our behalf to operate the service.

5. Third-Party Services

The app uses the following third-party services solely for infrastructure:

DigitalOcean — Application hosting and database
Amazon Web Services (S3/CloudFront) — Photo storage and content delivery
Google Maps — Map display within the app (subject to Google's Privacy Policy)

6. Data Retention and Deletion

Your data is retained for as long as your account remains active. You may request complete deletion of your account and all associated data (including photos) at any time by emailing [email protected]. We will process deletion requests within 30 days.

7. Children's Privacy

Artedex 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 under 13 has provided us with personal data, please contact us so we can delete it.

8. Your Rights

You have the right to:

Access the personal data we hold about you
Request correction of inaccurate data
Request deletion of your data and account
Withdraw consent for location access at any time through your device settings (note: this will limit app functionality)

9. Changes to This Policy

We may update this privacy policy from time to time. Any changes will be posted on this page with an updated effective date. Continued use of the app after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.

10. Contact Us

For privacy questions, data access requests, or account deletion requests:

Email: [email protected]

Developer: An-Kai Cheng