ArchePal — Privacy Policy

ArchePal ("we", "our", or "us") is a digital platform for North Carolina archaeology, developed by TechTitans NC as part of the FIRST LEGO League COMMUNICATE Challenge. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, and protect your information when you use the ArchePal mobile application.

1. Information We Collect

• Email address — collected when you create an account via Firebase Authentication.
• Display name — optionally provided during account setup.
• User-generated content — diary entries, site data, artifact records, and form submissions you create within the app.
• Device information — basic device and usage data collected automatically by Firebase for app stability.

2. How We Use Your Information

• To authenticate and manage your account.
• To store and display content you create within the app.
• To assign and manage archaeological site form workflows.
• To send email notifications related to site assignments (if configured).
• To improve app performance and fix issues.

3. Data Storage

Your data is stored securely using Google Firebase (Firestore, Firebase Authentication, and Firebase Storage), which complies with industry-standard security practices. Data is stored in the United States.

4. Data Sharing

We do not sell, trade, or rent your personal information to third parties. We do not share your data with advertisers. Data is only shared with:

• Google Firebase — for authentication, database, and file storage.
• Organization administrators — if you are a field consultant, your assigned organization admin can view your form submissions.

5. Data Retention

Your data is retained as long as your account is active. You may request deletion of your account and associated data at any time by contacting us (see below). Account deactivation is also available within the app under Account → Deactivate Account.

6. Children's Privacy

ArchePal 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 has provided us with personal information, please contact us immediately.

7. Security

We take reasonable measures to protect your information, including encrypted data transmission (HTTPS) and Firebase security rules that restrict data access by role. However, no method of transmission over the internet is 100% secure.

8. Your Rights

• Access the personal data we hold about you.
• Request correction of inaccurate data.
• Request deletion of your account and data.
• Withdraw consent at any time by deactivating your account.

9. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify users of any significant changes by updating the effective date above. Continued use of the app after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.

10. Contact Us

If you have any questions or requests regarding this Privacy Policy, please contact us at:
TechTitans NC
Email: techtitansnc@gmail.com