Privacy Policy for EMI Recovery App

Last Updated: May 10, 2025

Welcome to the Phoneshield ("App"), operated by Jainam Venture ("We", "Us", or "Our"). This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and protect your personal information, including background location data, when you use our App. By using the App, you agree to the terms of this Privacy Policy. If you do not agree, please do not use the App.

1. Information We Collect

We collect the following types of information to provide and improve our services:

a. Personal Information

  • Contact Information: Name, phone number, email address, and residential address provided during registration or EMI recovery process.
  • Financial Information: Details related to your EMI payments (e.g., loan ID, payment status) to facilitate recovery processes.
  • Location Data: We collect precise or approximate location data (via GPS, IP address, or other methods) when you use the App and, with your explicit consent, when the App is not in use (background location) to verify your current address during the EMI recovery process.

b. Non-Personal Information

  • Device Information: Device type, operating system, unique device identifiers, and app usage data.
  • Analytics Data: Information about how you interact with the App to improve performance and user experience.

2. How We Collect Information

  • Directly from You: When you provide information during registration, profile setup, or EMI recovery processes.
  • Automatically: Through device permissions (e.g., foreground and background location access) and analytics tools when you use or allow the App to run in the background.
  • From Third Parties: We may receive information from financial institutions or service providers involved in the EMI recovery process, with your consent or as permitted by law.

3. Background Location Data Collection

Why We Collect Background Location Data

We collect background location data (when the App is not actively in use or is closed) for the following critical purposes:

  • Address Verification for EMI Recovery: To periodically verify your current address to ensure accurate and secure EMI recovery, especially when you are not actively using the App.
  • Fraud Prevention: To detect and prevent fraudulent activities related to EMI payments by monitoring location-based anomalies.
  • Recovery Process Efficiency: To streamline recovery operations by proactively identifying your location for scheduled recovery actions.

How We Collect Background Location

  • We request your explicit permission to access background location through a prominent disclosure dialog before enabling this feature.
  • Background location is collected only when you grant the "Allow all the time" permission on your device.
  • You can revoke this permission at any time through your device settings, though this may limit certain App functionalities.

Frequency and Scope

  • Background location data is collected minimally and only as necessary to fulfill the above purposes.
  • We do not continuously track your location; data is collected at specific intervals relevant to the EMI recovery process.

4. How We Use Your Information

We use your information, including background location data, to:

  • Verify your current address to facilitate secure EMI recovery.
  • Detect and prevent fraudulent activities related to EMI payments.
  • Communicate with you regarding EMI payments, recovery updates, or customer support.
  • Ensure the security and integrity of our services.
  • Comply with legal obligations, such as responding to lawful requests from authorities.
  • Analyze usage patterns to improve the App’s functionality and user experience.

5. How We Share Your Information

We do not sell your personal information, including background location data. We may share your information in the following cases:

  • With Service Providers: With trusted third-party service providers (e.g., cloud storage, analytics providers) who assist in operating the App, subject to strict confidentiality agreements.
  • With Financial Institutions: With banks or lenders involved in your EMI payments, as necessary for recovery processes.
  • For Legal Purposes: To comply with applicable laws, regulations, or legal processes, or to protect our rights, property, or safety.
  • With Your Consent: For any other purpose, with your explicit permission.

6. Data Security

We implement industry-standard security measures to protect your information, including:

  • Encryption of location data during transmission and storage.
  • Regular security assessments to safeguard against unauthorized access.
  • Access controls to limit data access to authorized personnel only.

While we strive to protect your data, no method of transmission or storage is 100% secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.

7. Data Retention

  • Background Location Data: We retain background location data only for the duration necessary to complete the EMI recovery process or as required by law (e.g., for fraud investigation). Once the purpose is fulfilled, the data is securely deleted or anonymized.
  • Other Personal Information: We retain your contact and financial information for as long as your account is active or as needed to comply with legal obligations (e.g., tax or financial regulations).
  • You may request deletion of your data by contacting us (see Section 11).

8. Your Rights and Choices

You have the following rights regarding your personal information:

  • Access: Request access to the personal information we hold about you, including background location data.
  • Correction: Request correction of inaccurate or incomplete data.
  • Deletion: Request deletion of your data, subject to legal obligations.
  • Opt-Out: Deny or revoke background location access permissions through your device settings (e.g., change to "Allow only while using the app" or "Deny").
  • Consent Withdrawal: Withdraw consent for data processing where applicable, though this may limit App functionality.

To exercise these rights, please contact us at [Your Contact Email] or [Your Contact Phone Number].

9. Third-Party Services

The App may include links to third-party websites or services (e.g., payment gateways). We are not responsible for their privacy practices. We encourage you to review their privacy policies before providing any information.

10. Compliance with Laws

We comply with applicable data protection laws, including:

  • India: Information Technology Act, 2000, and the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023 (if enforced).
  • International: Where applicable, General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) for EU users and California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) for California residents.

If you are located in a jurisdiction with specific data protection requirements, you may have additional rights. Contact us for details.

11. Contact Us

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

  • Email: help.phoneshield@gmail.com
  • Phone: 9355656685

12. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy to reflect changes in our practices or legal requirements. We will notify you of material changes via the App or email. The updated policy will be effective as of the "Last Updated" date at the top of this page.