Privacy Policy — School-me

1. Introduction

This Privacy Policy explains how School-me (the "App", "we", "our") collects, uses, stores and shares personal information when you install or use our mobile applications (Parent app and Driver/Supervisor app) and related services. The App is intended for use in Egypt and supports Arabic and English.

2. Acceptance

By installing or using the App you agree to this Privacy Policy and to the collection and use of your information as described below. If you do not agree, do not use the App.

3. What information we collect

A. Account & Registration

• Phone number — used for Firebase Authentication (SMS verification).
• Parent/guardian name, email (optional), address details, home address, emergency contacts.
• Children's details: name, date of birth (or age), school (optional text field), photo (optional), assigned bus stops.

B. Identity verification

• Photos of ID documents or identity card pictures uploaded by the parent to verify identity. These images are stored securely and used only for verification.

C. Location & Tracking

• Real-time GPS location of the bus while transporting children — used to display live tracking to the parent who booked the ride.
• Optional background location permission (Android & iOS) may be requested for continuous tracking while the trip is active.

D. Live camera / Live stream

• Video feed from a camera on the bus (live stream). Parents who have permission can view a live camera stream of the bus interior/exterior. The live stream is handled by our streaming service and stored only if explicitly recorded and with consent.

E. Device data & diagnostics

• Device model, OS version, app version, crash logs, and analytics for improving the App.

4. Permissions we request and why

To provide the App features we may request the following device permissions. Each permission is requested at runtime with explanations.

• Location (Precise / Coarse) — Required to show bus position and track trips in real time. Background location may be requested to continue tracking while the app is in the background during active trips.
• Camera — Required to let you take and upload identity documents or to allow drivers to enable live camera feeds. Used only with your consent.
• Microphone — May be requested if the live camera stream includes audio (only if enabled and with consent).
• Photos / Media / Files — To allow uploading of identity photos and saving snapshots if user chooses.
• Push Notifications — For trip updates, arrival alerts, emergency messages, and administrative notices.
• Contacts (optional) — Only if you choose to import emergency contact information; not required for registration.

5. How we use your information

• Authentication and account management (Firebase Authentication via phone number).
• To provide, monitor and improve booking and tracking services (match child to trips, show live bus location).
• Identity verification to reduce fraud and ensure child safety.
• To operate and manage live camera streaming (only for authorized viewers and with consent).
• To send push notifications and transactional messages about trips.
• To respond to legal requests and protect safety (e.g., emergency situations).

6. Sharing and third parties

We do not sell personal information. We may share data with:

• Service providers (hosting, analytics, crash reporting, SMS providers) who process data on our behalf — e.g., Firebase (Authentication, Firestore, Cloud Storage), cloud streaming services.
• Emergency services or law enforcement when required by law or to prevent imminent harm.
• Other parties only with your explicit consent.

7. Data storage, security & retention

• Data is stored on secure servers (e.g., Firebase). We use industry-standard measures to protect data in transit and at rest.
• Identity images and personal data are retained as long as needed to provide services and to meet legal obligations. You may request deletion — see section "Your rights" below.

8. Children & parental responsibilities

The App is designed for parents/guardians to register children. By creating an account you confirm that you are the parent or legal guardian of the child and consent to the collection of the child's data as described in this policy.

9. Your rights

• Access: You can request a copy of the personal data we hold about you.
• Correction: You can request corrections to inaccurate information.
• Deletion: You can request deletion of your account and associated personal data. Note: data required for legal or safety reasons may be retained for a limited period.
• Opt-out: You can opt-out of non-essential processing, marketing messages, and analytics where applicable.

To exercise any of these rights contact us at: waleed.ita@gmail.com.

10. Changes to this policy

We may update this policy. We will notify you of material changes via the App or email. The latest policy effective date will be shown in the App.

11. Important notes for App Store (Apple) and Google Play

• We will declare and request the permissions described above during app review and in-store listings (location, camera, microphone, photos, background location where needed).
• We will provide a clear purpose string for each permission on iOS (NSLocationWhenInUseUsageDescription, NSLocationAlwaysAndWhenInUseUsageDescription, NSCameraUsageDescription, NSPhotoLibraryUsageDescription, NSMicrophoneUsageDescription) and for Android (runtime permission descriptions in the Play Console and privacy policy link).
• Live streaming and recording: only enabled with explicit consent from account holders; local laws and platform rules will be followed (including COPPA/children protections where applicable).

12. Contact

If you have questions about this policy or our data practices, contact: waleed.ita@gmail.com

Effective date: November 4, 2025