Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

This Privacy Policy explains how 2 Bears Software Limited (“we”, “us”, “our”) handles personal data when you use Stop Barking: Audio Deterrent (“the App”). The App provides ultrasonic audio deterrent tones and automatic bark detection to help dog owners humanely manage excessive barking.

We are committed to protecting your privacy and complying with applicable data protection laws worldwide, including (where applicable) the UK GDPR, EU GDPR, Data Protection Act 2018, CCPA/CPRA, PIPEDA, Australia’s Privacy Act 1988, Brazil’s LGPD, India’s DPDPA 2023, and other equivalent privacy standards.

For the purposes of applicable data protection laws, 2 Bears Software Limited is the data controller. Most core bark detection functions operate on your device. The App also uses certain third‑party services, including Google Firebase and Google AdMob, which may collect or receive limited technical, usage, device, and trial‑management data as described below.

2. Microphone Access

The App requests permission to access your device’s microphone. This permission is used solely for the following on‑device purposes:

• Detecting dog barking sounds using on‑device AI (Auto Bark Detection mode)
• Displaying a real‑time audio waveform and spectrum visualisation in the app
• Measuring ambient sound to determine when barking has stopped

Microphone audio is processed entirely on your device. When a bark is detected in Auto Detect mode, the App saves a short audio clip (approximately one second) and a classification log to your device’s local storage. These files are stored in the App’s private external files folder, are accessible to you via the Bark History screen, and are never uploaded or transmitted to us or any third party. All microphone processing ceases immediately when you stop the detection service.

3. Data We Collect

3.1 Data Not Collected by Us Through the App’s Core Features

The App’s core bark detection and deterrent functions do not collect, store, transmit, or access the following through our own processing:

• Names or contact details
• Email addresses
• Audio recordings transmitted to us or any third party
• Photos or videos
• Device files or folders
• User accounts or login information
• Payment information (handled solely by Google Play)

However, as described elsewhere in this Policy, third‑party SDKs and services used by the App may process device identifiers, approximate location, app activity, diagnostics, crash data, and trial‑management records.

3.2 Local Data Stored on Your Device

The App stores the following data locally on your device only:

• Your selected tone frequency preference
• Any custom names you assign to tone buttons
• A log of bark detection events (timestamp, frequency used, and duration)
• Short audio clips (~1 second WAV files) captured at the moment of each detected bark, stored in the App’s private external files folder
• Classification log files accompanying each audio clip, listing the AI’s sound analysis scores
• Consent acknowledgement timestamps for the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy
• Settings relating to bark detection sensitivity, enabled frequencies, and reward / ad status
• Local indicators showing whether ads have been removed or a temporary ad‑free reward period is active
• App settings and preferences

This data never leaves your device. It is not transmitted to us or any third party.

3.3 On‑Device AI Processing

The App uses the YAMNet audio classification model, provided by Google and running entirely on your device via the MediaPipe Tasks framework. This model analyses microphone audio in real time to identify dog barking sounds.

• All AI processing is performed locally on your device
• No audio data is sent to Google, us, or any other party
• The model file is bundled within the App and does not make network requests

3.4 Trial Management Data

The App uses Firebase Firestore to manage free trial eligibility and help prevent repeated trial resets. For this purpose, the App may transmit and store limited trial‑management data on Google Firebase servers:

• A device‑linked identifier derived from Android ID
• Trial start / trial granted timestamp
• First seen timestamp
• Last seen timestamp

This data is used only to determine whether a free trial is active or expired, and to maintain trial continuity across reinstalls. We do not use this data to identify you by name or contact you. However, because Android ID is a device‑linked identifier, it may be treated as personal data under some laws.

4. Analytics and Crash Reporting (Firebase)

The App uses Firebase Analytics and Firebase Crashlytics, services provided by Google LLC, to collect technical data. This helps us understand general usage patterns and diagnose technical issues.

Firebase services used by the App may collect or receive:

• Device model and operating system version
• App version and installation source
• App‑instance identifier (pseudonymous, not your real identity)
• Device identifiers, which may include the Android Advertising ID
• Country‑level location (approximate, not precise)
• Session data (e.g., number of sessions, session duration, first opens, app updates)
• Screen views and general feature usage
• Performance data such as load times and stability metrics
• Crash logs, stack traces, and device state at the time of a crash

Our bark detection feature does not send audio recordings to Firebase. Firebase services are not used to store bark clips, bark classification logs, or your local bark history.

Analytics and crash data collected by Firebase, including any device identifiers, is pseudonymous rather than fully anonymous. While it cannot directly identify you by name, device identifiers such as the Android Advertising ID may be considered personal data under some privacy laws. This data is used solely to maintain and improve the App. You can reset or limit the use of your Advertising ID through your device settings under Google > Ads.

Firebase Analytics and Crashlytics data is processed by Google LLC. See the International Data Transfers section for details.

5. Advertising (Free Version Only)

The free version of the App displays advertisements via Google AdMob. AdMob may collect or receive:

• Device identifiers
• Approximate location
• App interaction data

This data is processed under Google’s own Privacy Policy. We do not directly control Google’s handling of AdMob data. The App is configured to request non‑personalised ads by default, but Google may still process device, approximate location, and ad delivery data under its own policies.

6. How We Use Data

We use data only to:

• Provide real‑time bark detection using on‑device AI
• Play deterrent tones in response to detected barking
• Display audio waveforms and spectrum analysis on screen
• Save your tone preferences and custom labels locally
• Log bark detection events locally so you can track your dog’s progress
• Display ads in the free version of the App
• Improve app stability and performance through pseudonymous Firebase analytics
• Diagnose crashes and technical issues through Firebase Crashlytics
• Manage free trial eligibility and prevent repeated trial resets through Firebase Firestore

We do not use bark recordings or bark history for profiling. Third‑party advertising and analytics providers may process data under their own policies.

7. In‑App Purchases and Subscriptions

The App offers in‑app purchases and subscriptions through Google Play Billing, such as removing ads. Payment card details and transaction processing are handled by Google Play, not by us. The App may locally store limited purchase state information, such as whether ads have been removed, and may query Google Play to verify whether a purchase or subscription is active.

8. Permissions Used

The App requests the following Android permissions:

• RECORD_AUDIO — required for bark detection and waveform visualisation.
• FOREGROUND_SERVICE — allows the automatic bark detection service to run while the screen is off.
• FOREGROUND_SERVICE_MICROPHONE — allows the foreground service to continue accessing microphone input while Auto Detect is running.
• POST_NOTIFICATIONS — allows the App to show service status and bark detection notifications.
• WAKE_LOCK — helps keep bark detection active while the device would otherwise sleep.
• REQUEST_IGNORE_BATTERY_OPTIMIZATIONS — may be used to reduce the risk of the operating system interrupting background bark detection.
• MODIFY_AUDIO_SETTINGS — allows the App to adjust relevant audio output behaviour while deterrent tones are being played.

No permission is used beyond its stated purpose.

9. Legal Basis for Processing

Where required by law, we process data under:

• Performance of the App’s core functions (providing bark detection and tone playback)
• Your consent, where you have explicitly granted microphone permission
• Your acceptance of the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy in order to use the App
• Legitimate interests in ensuring app stability, improving performance, and diagnosing technical issues
• Legitimate interests in fraud prevention, abuse prevention, and trial enforcement
• Your consent, where required by applicable law for Firebase Analytics data including device identifiers such as the Advertising ID — in jurisdictions where consent is required, Google’s own consent mechanisms may apply

10. No Automated Decision‑Making

The App does not use automated decision‑making or profiling as defined under the UK GDPR or EU GDPR (Article 22). Automated trial eligibility checks may affect whether premium features are available, but these do not make legal, financial, healthcare, employment, or similarly significant decisions about you.

11. Data Sharing

We do not sell, rent, or trade personal data. The only third parties involved are:

• Google AdMob — advertising in the free version only
• Firebase Analytics and Crashlytics — pseudonymous technical and usage data
• Firebase Firestore — trial management data only
• Google Play — payments and app distribution

These services operate under their own terms and privacy policies. We are not responsible for their independent processing, outages, policies, or continued availability.

12. Third‑Party Services

The App relies on:

• Firebase Analytics — pseudonymous usage analytics
• Firebase Crashlytics — crash and performance reporting
• Firebase Firestore — trial eligibility management
• Google AdMob — advertising in the free version only
• Google Play and Google Play Billing — payments and app distribution
• YAMNet / MediaPipe Tasks — on‑device audio classification (no data transmitted)
• Device‑level audio rendering and microphone services

These services operate independently of us. We are not responsible for their data collection practices, outages or errors, privacy policies, or continued availability or accuracy.

13. International Data Transfers

All core app data (bark history, audio clips, preferences) is stored solely on your device and is never transferred internationally by us.

Firebase Analytics, Firebase Crashlytics, Firebase Firestore, and Google AdMob data is processed by Google LLC, which operates servers in the United States and other countries. For users in the UK and EEA, these transfers are carried out under:

• Google’s Standard Contractual Clauses (SCCs) approved by the European Commission
• The UK International Data Transfer Agreement (IDTA) for UK users

Google LLC is certified under the EU‑US Data Privacy Framework. No other personal data is transferred internationally by us.

14. Data Storage & Security

• All preferences and bark history logs are stored locally on your device using Android’s standard secure storage.
• Short audio clips and classification logs are written to the App’s private external files folder on your device. They are never transmitted off your device and can be deleted at any time via the Bark History screen.
• Trial management data described in section 3.4 is stored off‑device in Firebase Firestore on Google’s infrastructure.
• Firebase analytics, crash, advertising, and related technical data may be processed on Google’s infrastructure in accordance with Google’s own policies.
• Where data is transmitted to Google services, it is intended to be transmitted using industry‑standard encrypted transport mechanisms supported by those services.
• You are responsible for backing up your own device data.
• We are not responsible for data loss caused by device failure, user action, or third‑party services.

15. Data Retention

All locally stored data (preferences, tone labels, bark history, audio clips, and classification logs) remains on your device until you delete it or uninstall the App. Audio clips and logs can be deleted at any time via the Delete All button on the Bark History screen, or by clearing the App’s data in your device settings.

Trial management data stored in Firebase Firestore may be retained for as long as reasonably necessary to enforce trial eligibility, prevent abuse, maintain continuity after reinstall, or comply with legal or operational requirements.

Firebase Analytics, Crashlytics, and AdMob data is retained by Google in accordance with Google’s own retention policies. Deleting the App or clearing its local storage does not necessarily delete off‑device data already held by Google services.

Emails you send us are retained for up to 24 months for support and record‑keeping purposes only. They are not shared with third parties and are deleted when no longer needed to resolve your enquiry.

16. Accuracy and Reliability

The App uses AI‑based audio classification to detect dog barking. While we aim for accurate detection, we cannot guarantee that all barking events will be detected, that non‑barking sounds will never trigger the detector, uninterrupted background service operation on all devices, or that ultrasonic tones will be effective for all dogs.

The App is intended as a training aid and should not be relied upon as the sole method of managing dog behaviour in situations where safety is a concern.

17. Children’s Privacy

The App is not intended for children under 13. We do not knowingly collect personal data from children.

18. Your Rights (UK and EU/EEA Users)

If you are located in the UK or EU/EEA, you have rights under the UK GDPR or EU GDPR to:

• access information about how your data is processed
• request rectification of inaccurate data
• request erasure of your data
• object to or restrict certain processing
• data portability where applicable
• withdraw consent at any time
• lodge a complaint with a supervisory authority

Locally stored App data can be deleted by clearing the App’s data, deleting bark clips from the Bark History screen, or uninstalling the App. For requests relating to off‑device data held through Firebase, AdMob, or other Google services, contact us and we will consider and respond in accordance with applicable law and the technical limits of the services involved.

In some cases we may be unable to delete certain technical, trial‑enforcement, or legal records immediately where retention is necessary for security, fraud prevention, or legal compliance.

If you are in the UK, you have the right to lodge a complaint with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO). You can contact the ICO at ico.org.uk or by telephone on 0303 123 1113. Our ICO Registration Number is ZC116025.

If you are in the EU or EEA, you have the right to lodge a complaint with your local Data Protection Authority (DPA).

To exercise any right that requires our assistance, contact us at 2BearsSoftware@gmail.com.

19. US Residents — CCPA / CPRA

If you are a resident of the United States, including California, you may have rights under the CCPA/CPRA to know, delete, and opt out of the sale or sharing of personal information.

We do not sell or share personal information. Local bark history and audio clips remain on your device and are not collected by us. Firebase and AdMob data is processed by Google under their own policies. Trial management data stored in Firebase may include a pseudonymous device‑linked identifier; you may contact us to request deletion of off‑device records. Contact us at 2BearsSoftware@gmail.com with any privacy‑related requests.

20. Canadian Residents — PIPEDA

We collect only limited pseudonymous technical and trial‑management data for the purposes described in this policy. We do not share personal data with third parties beyond the Google services described above. You may request access to or deletion of any data we hold by contacting us.

21. Australian Residents — Privacy Act 1988

We handle personal information in accordance with the Australian Privacy Principles. You have the right to access and correct personal information we hold about you. Contact us at 2BearsSoftware@gmail.com.

22. Brazilian Residents — LGPD

We process your personal data on the basis of your consent (Art. 7, I, LGPD) and our legitimate interests in providing and maintaining App functionality and trial enforcement (Art. 7, IX, LGPD). You have the rights of confirmation, access, correction, anonymisation, deletion, portability, and information about sharing. Contact us to exercise these rights.

23. Indian Residents — DPDPA 2023

We process personal data only for the purposes described in this policy and only with your consent. You have the right to access information, correct inaccuracies, and withdraw consent. Contact us at 2BearsSoftware@gmail.com.

24. Governing Law and Jurisdiction

This Privacy Policy, and any dispute or claim arising out of or in connection with it or your use of the App, shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of England and Wales.

Where legally permitted, any legal proceedings relating to this Privacy Policy or your use of the App must be brought exclusively in the courts of England and Wales.

Nothing in this section affects any mandatory rights you may have under the laws of your country of residence, including any right to bring proceedings before your local courts that cannot be waived or restricted by applicable law.

25. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Continued use of the App after changes are published constitutes acceptance of the updated policy. The effective date at the top of this page will reflect the date of the most recent update.

If we introduce new features that materially change what personal data the App collects, stores, transmits, or shares, we will update this Privacy Policy before or when those features become available. Where a new feature requires new consent or a materially different use of personal data, we will request the relevant consent before that feature is used.

26. Contact