HandsApp Pvt. Ltd. ("HandsApp", "we", "us", or "our") operates the HandsApp Messenger mobile application. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, and protect your information.
1.Information We Collect
When you use HandsApp Messenger, we collect the following information:
- Phone Number: Used for account registration and verification via OTP.
- Profile Information: Your display name, profile photos, and about text that you choose to provide.
- Contacts: With your permission, we access your phone contacts to help you find other HandsApp users. Contact data is used only for this purpose.
- Messages & Media: Text messages, photos, videos, voice messages, and files you send through the app are stored on Firebase servers to enable message delivery.
- Status Updates: Photos, videos, and text you share as status updates, which automatically expire after 24 hours.
- Device Information: Device tokens for push notifications.
- Crash & Diagnostic Data: When the app crashes or encounters an error, we automatically collect crash reports including device model, operating system version, app version, and a stack trace. This data is processed by Firebase Crashlytics to help us identify and fix bugs. It does not include your messages, contacts, or other personal information.
2.How We Use Your Information
We use your information to:
- Provide and maintain the messaging service
- Verify your identity through phone number authentication
- Deliver messages and media to intended recipients
- Send push notifications for new messages
- Show online status and last seen information (based on your privacy settings)
- Enable group chats and event features
- Diagnose crashes and improve app stability
3.Data Storage & Security
Your data is stored on Google Firebase servers with industry-standard security measures. Data in transit is encrypted using TLS, and data at rest is encrypted by Google Firebase. We use Firebase Authentication for secure login, Firebase Firestore for message storage, Firebase Cloud Storage for media files, and Firebase Crashlytics for crash diagnostics. Your app passcode (if enabled) is stored locally on your device using Android Keystore-backed encryption.
4.Data Sharing
We do not sell your personal information, and we do not share it with third parties for advertising or marketing purposes. Your data is shared only as follows:
- Other Users: Your profile information and messages are visible to your contacts and group members as intended by the app's functionality.
- Service Providers (Data Processors): Google Firebase processes data on our behalf to provide infrastructure services (authentication, storage, messaging, crash reporting). Firebase processes data in accordance with Google's data processing terms.
- Legal Requirements: We may disclose information if required by law, court order, or to protect the rights and safety of users.
5.Your Privacy Controls
HandsApp gives you control over your privacy:
- Last Seen: Choose who can see your last seen status (Everyone, My Contacts, Nobody).
- Profile Photo: Control who can see your profile photo.
- Status: Control who can see your status updates.
- Read Receipts: Toggle read receipts on or off.
- Blocked Contacts: Block users to prevent them from contacting you.
- App Lock: Set a passcode to prevent unauthorised access on your device.
6.Data Retention & Deletion
Messages and media are retained as long as your account is active. Status updates are automatically deleted after 24 hours. Crash diagnostic data is retained for up to 90 days by Firebase. You can delete individual messages or clear entire chat histories at any time from within the app.
You can permanently delete your HandsApp account at any time:
- In the app: Open Settings → scroll to "Account" → tap "Delete My Account"
- By email: Send a request from your registered email address to support@handsapp.in
Account deletion permanently removes your profile, photos, friend connections, status posts, and account record. Messages you sent in chats may remain visible to other participants but will be attributed to a deleted user.
7.Your Rights
Under the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023 (India) and applicable data protection laws, you have the right to:
- Access the personal data we hold about you
- Correct any inaccurate or incomplete data
- Request deletion of your account and associated data
- Withdraw consent for data processing (note: doing so may prevent the app from functioning)
- Lodge a complaint with our Grievance Officer (see Section 10) or with the Data Protection Board of India
8.Children's Privacy
HandsApp Messenger is not intended for users under the age of 18. We do not knowingly collect personal information from minors. If we learn that we have collected information from a person under 18, we will delete it promptly.
9.Changes to This Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of any changes by posting the new policy within the app and updating the Effective Date above. Continued use of the app after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.
10.Grievance Officer
In accordance with the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021 and the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023, our Grievance Officer can be contacted at:
We will acknowledge complaints within 24 hours and resolve them within 15 days as required by Indian law.
11.Contact Us
If you have questions about this Privacy Policy, please contact us at:
- Email: support@handsapp.in
- Company: HandsApp Pvt. Ltd., C-14, Third Floor, C-Block, Pandav Nagar, Delhi - 110092, India