Qpaws AS ("we," "our," or "us") is 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") and any associated services. By using the Qpaws app, you agree to the practices described in this Privacy Policy.  

1. Information We Collect

1.1 Personal Information

- Account Information: When you create an account with Qpaws, we collect personal information such as your name, email address, and password.
- Dog Information: To provide tailored services, we collect information about your dog(s), including breed, age, weight, and health data.
- Contact Information: If you choose to connect with other users through the app, we may collect information from your contacts with your permission.

1.2 Activity Data

- Tracking and Activity Data: We collect data on your dog's activities, such as walking routes, duration, and intensity, which may include GPS location data. This helps us provide you with insights and track your dog’s health and fitness.
- Health Data: If you choose to track your dog’s health using the app, we may collect information on veterinary visits, vaccinations, and other health-related data.

1.3 Device and Usage Information

- Device Information: We collect information about the device you use to access the App, including hardware model, operating system, and device identifiers.
- Usage Data: We collect information about how you interact with the App, such as the features you use, the time spent on the app, and other usage statistics.

1.4 Cookies and Similar Technologies

- Cookies: We use cookies and similar tracking technologies to track activity on our service and hold certain information. Cookies help us improve the app and provide you with a better user experience.

2. How We Use Your Information

Only aggregated, anonymized data is periodically transmitted to external services to help us improve the Application and our service. We will share your information with third parties only in the ways that are described in this privacy statement.

2.1 Provide and Improve Services

- Service Delivery: We use your information to operate and maintain the Qpaws app, provide customer support, and improve the app's features and functionality.
- Personalization: Your data allows us to personalize your experience, offering tailored recommendations, insights, and content based on your dog’s activity and health data.

2.2 Communication

- Account-Related Communication: We may use your email address to send you important notifications about your account, such as security updates, feature changes, or customer support responses.
- Marketing Communication: With your consent, we may send you promotional emails and notifications about new features, offers, or events related to Qpaws. 

2.3 Research and Analytics

- Data Analysis: We may use aggregated and anonymized data for research, analysis, and product development to better understand user behavior and improve our services.

2.4 Legal Compliance

- Legal Obligations: We may use your information as required by law, such as responding to a legal process or requests from public authorities.

3. How We Share Your Information 

3.1 Service Providers

- Third-Party Services: We may share your information with third-party service providers who perform services on our behalf, such as hosting services, analytics, and payment processing. These providers are bound by confidentiality agreements and are prohibited from using your information for any purpose other than providing services to Qpaws.

3.2 Legal Requirements

- Compliance: We may disclose your information if we believe it is necessary to comply with a legal obligation, protect our rights or property, prevent fraud, or ensure the safety of our users.

3.3 Business Transfers

- Mergers and Acquisitions: If Qpaws is involved in a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets, your information may be transferred as part of that transaction. We will notify you of any changes in ownership or use of your personal information. 

3.4 User Sharing

- Social Features: If you choose to share your dog's activity or health data with other users within the Qpaws community, that information will be visible to those users. You have control over what information you share and with whom.

4. Data Security

We implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect your personal information against unauthorized access, loss, or misuse. However, please note that no system is completely secure, and we cannot guarantee the absolute security of your information. 

5. Your Rights and Choices

5.1 Access and Update Information

- Account Settings: You can access and update your personal information at any time through your account settings in the Qpaws app.
- Data Requests: You have the right to request access to the personal information we hold about you. You may also request that we update, correct, or delete your information. 

5.2 Communication Preferences

- Opt-Out: You can opt out of receiving marketing communications from us by following the unsubscribe instructions in those communications or by updating your preferences in the app settings.
- Notifications: You can manage your notification preferences through the app settings, choosing which alerts and updates you wish to receive.

5.3 Data Portability

- Export Data: You have the right to request a copy of your personal data in a structured, commonly used, and machine-readable format. This allows you to transfer your data to another service provider if you choose.

6. Retention of Information

We retain your personal information for as long as necessary to provide our services, comply with legal obligations, resolve disputes, and enforce our agreements. The retention period will depend on the nature of the information and the purpose for which it is collected.

7. Children's Privacy

Qpaws does not knowingly collect or solicit personal information from anyone under the age of 13. If we become aware that we have collected personal information from a child under 13 without parental consent, we will delete that information as quickly as possible. If you believe we might have any information from or about a child under 13, please contact us.

8. International Data Transfers

Qpaws is based in Norway, and your information may be processed in countries other than your country of residence, including the United States and other countries where our service providers operate. We take appropriate steps to ensure that your information receives the same level of protection as it would within your home country, including implementing standard contractual clauses where required.

9. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices, technology, legal requirements, or other factors. We will notify you of any significant changes by posting the new policy on our app and updating the "Effective Date" at the top. We encourage you to review this policy periodically to stay informed about how we are protecting your information.

10. Contact Us

If you have any questions or concerns about this Privacy Policy or our data practices, please contact us at:

Qpaws AS
team@qpaws.com

Effective Date: 12. July 2024