Privacy Policy for Messages - SMS Messenger

Welcome to Messages - SMS Messenger ("we," "our," or "us"). We are committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you use our mobile application (the "App").

Please read this Privacy Policy carefully. By downloading and using the App, you agree to the collection and use of information in accordance with this policy.

1. Information Collection and Use

The App functions primarily as a default SMS handler. Most of the data processed by the App is kept locally on your device and is not transmitted to our servers.

A. Personal and Sensitive Data processed LOCALLY on your Device:

*   SMS and MMS Messages: We access your SMS and MMS messages to display, send, receive, delete, and organize them. We also process messages to categorize them into Personal, OTPs, Transactions, and Offers. All message processing and categorization are performed locally on your device.

*   Contacts & Call Logs: The App reads your contacts and call logs to match sender phone numbers with contact names/photos and to support features like Caller ID, call initiating, and call/message blocking.

*   Storage (Media/Files): We access your device's storage only to allow you to back up/restore messages locally and attach images, videos, and audio files to MMS messages.

B. Information Collected Automatically (Third-Party Services):

To support App operations, display ads, and improve performance, we integrate third-party Services. These third-party providers may collect details like your device IP address, Ad ID (AAID), app launch times, and crash reports.

These services include:

*   Google AdMob (Google Mobile Ads): Used to display advertisements within the App. AdMob may collect device identifiers to personalize ads.

    *   [Google Privacy & Terms](https://policies.google.com/privacy)

*   Firebase SDKs (Google Analytics, Crashlytics, Performance Monitoring, Remote Config, Cloud Messaging): Used to monitor app stability, analyze usage behavior, deliver push notifications, and update app remote configurations.

    *   [Google Analytics for Firebase Privacy Policy](https://firebase.google.com/support/privacy)

    *   [Firebase Crashlytics Privacy Policy](https://firebase.google.com/support/privacy)

2. Explanation of App Permissions

To function as your default messaging application, the App requires the following permissions:

*   SMS & MMS Permissions (`READ_SMS`, `SEND_SMS`, `RECEIVE_SMS`, `RECEIVE_MMS`, `WRITE_SMS`): Required to view, send, receive, delete, and manage your text messages.

*   Contacts (`READ_CONTACTS`, `WRITE_CONTACTS`): Required to display contact names, pictures, and add/edit contacts directly.

*   Phone & Call State (`READ_PHONE_STATE`, `CALL_PHONE`): Required to manage call state, support Dual-SIM operations, and initiate phone calls from your contact screens.

*   System Alert Window (`SYSTEM_ALERT_WINDOW`): Required to show Caller ID windows or notification alerts on top of other applications.

*   Exact Alarm (`SCHEDULE_EXACT_ALARM`): Required to reliably send scheduled SMS/MMS messages at the exact date and time you set.

3. Data Sharing and Transfer

*   No Personal Data Selling: We do not sell, trade, or transfer your personal message content, contacts, or call logs to outside parties.

*   Local Processing: Your private messages, contact lists, and call details are processed on-device and are never uploaded to our servers or any cloud database.

*   MMS Internet Usage: Internet permission is solely used to send and receive MMS media attachments via your mobile network carrier.

4. Security of Your Data

We prioritize the security of your data. Because all messages and contacts are stored locally on your device, their security depends on your device's security. We recommend using lock screen security (PIN, pattern, password, or biometrics) to protect your device from unauthorized access.

5. Children’s Privacy (COPPA)

Our App does not address anyone under the age of 13. We do not knowingly collect personally identifiable information from children under 13. If you are a parent or guardian and you are aware that your child has provided us with personal information, please contact us so that we can take the necessary actions.

6. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update our Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of any changes by posting the new Privacy Policy on this page and updating the "Effective Date" at the top. You are advised to review this Privacy Policy periodically for any changes.

7. Contact Us

If you have any questions or suggestions about this Privacy Policy, do not hesitate to contact us:

*   Developer Name: [shree infotech]

*   Email: [shreeinfotech2303@gmail.com]