QiblaFinder – Privacy Policy

Privacy Policy

This Privacy Policy explains what data the QiblaFinder app (“App”) processes and how it is used. The App needs access to certain device data in order to provide core features such as Qibla direction, prayer times, and audio Quran. We do not collect directly identifiable personal information such as your name, email address, or phone number.

Data We Collect and Process

Location (approximate/precise): We use your device location to calculate the Qibla direction and, optionally, to display prayer times. Location data is primarily processed on the device. When fetching prayer times, only your latitude/longitude is transmitted anonymously to the Aladhan service. In addition, approximate location may be processed by Google AdMob and its partners for ad delivery, measurement, frequency capping, fraud prevention, and legal compliance. This data is not stored by us, is not linked to your identity by us, and is not used to track you in the background while the app is closed.

Device sensors (compass, accelerometer, gyroscope): These are used in real time to keep the Qibla arrow aligned and stable. Sensor data is not sent to external systems and is not logged by us.

Network access and third-party content: For the audio Quran feature, MP3 files are streamed from VerseByVerseQuran / EveryAyah (versebyversequran.com, everyayah.com). Some text/data files may be hosted on GitHub (githubusercontent.com). In these requests, your IP address and client information can be seen by the respective server as part of normal internet communication. The app itself does not implement any additional tracking or analytics.

Payments and subscriptions: Premium features, donations, or subscription purchases within the app are handled via the Google Play Billing system. Your credit card details, full payment history, and financial data are not visible to us, are not processed by us, and are not stored by us. All payment processing is performed under Google’s security and privacy standards.

Local storage / caching: Audio files and some content may be cached locally on your device to improve performance. This data is stored in the app’s local storage area. You can remove it by clearing the app data or uninstalling the app.

Notifications: Local notifications are scheduled for prayer time reminders and other alerts. These notifications may include sound and vibration. You can disable them at any time from within the app or via your device settings.

Advertising ID and technical data (Google AdMob): For ad delivery, frequency capping, fraud and abuse prevention, and legal compliance, the advertising ID (AAID), device model, OS version, approximate location derived from IP address, and similar technical signals may be processed by Google AdMob and its advertising partners. This processing is handled under Google’s own privacy policies and controls.

How We Use the Data

• To display the Qibla direction (using location and sensors).
• To calculate and show prayer times (location → Aladhan API).
• To stream and, where applicable, cache audio Quran content.
• To serve, measure, and improve in-app ads (Google AdMob).
• To enable premium features and manage purchases/subscriptions (Google Play Billing).
• To schedule and deliver local notifications and reminders.
• To prevent fraud, enhance security, and meet legal or platform requirements.

Sharing with Third Parties

We do not sell personal data that we collect directly. However, in order to deliver the service, the following parties may receive data as part of their normal operation:

• Aladhan: Receives coordinate data to calculate prayer times.
• VerseByVerseQuran / EveryAyah: Provide audio Quran MP3 streams and timing files.
• GitHub (githubusercontent.com): Hosts Quran text and other JSON/data files.
• Google AdMob: Handles ad delivery, measurement, frequency capping, fraud prevention, and legal compliance.
• Google Play (Billing): Manages secure payment and subscription processing and validates purchase status.

How these parties process data is governed by their own privacy policies.

Content and Open-Source Components

• Audio Quran recitations: © VerseByVerseQuran.com / EveryAyah.com – used in accordance with the terms and conditions provided by these sites (including requirements such as linking back to their website, where applicable).
• Quran text and surah/ayah metadata: Based on the MIT-licensed open-source project “quranjson” (Semar Ketir – GitHub).

Legal Basis and Consent

• Location and sensor data are processed as necessary for the performance of the service (e.g., showing the Qibla direction and prayer times).
• Payment processing is carried out via Google Play Billing in order to perform the contract (your purchase request).
• For personalised advertising and certain ad-related technologies, consent may be requested in regions where this is required (for example, under GDPR in the EU/EEA) using Google’s User Messaging Platform (Google UMP).

Retention Periods

• Location / sensor data: Not stored by us; processed only in real time.
• Payment data: Not stored by us; we only check the status of your purchase (premium active/inactive) via Google Play services.
• Audio cache and local files: Removed when you uninstall the app; you can also clear them from your device settings.

Your Choices and Rights

• You can control location permissions from your device settings. If disabled, Qibla and location-based features may not work or may be limited.
• You can turn off ad personalisation or reset your advertising ID in your device settings.
• You can manage or cancel your subscriptions from the Google Play Store “Subscriptions” section.
• Under applicable data protection laws such as GDPR or Turkish KVKK, you may have rights of access, correction, deletion, restriction, objection, and withdrawal of consent. You can contact us about these via: edip.cag@outlook.com.tr

Children’s Privacy

The App is not specifically directed at children under the age of 13, and we do not create profiles specifically targeting children.

Security and Permissions

The App only requests permissions that are necessary for its core features and that are declared in the Android manifest. Where possible, data transfers are performed over secure connections (SSL/HTTPS).

Functional permissions:

• ACCESS_FINE_LOCATION / ACCESS_COARSE_LOCATION – For Qibla and prayer time features.
• INTERNET / ACCESS_NETWORK_STATE – For data transfer, API requests, and ads.
• com.android.vending.BILLING – For in-app purchases and subscription handling.
• POST_NOTIFICATIONS (Android 13+) – To be able to show notifications.
• VIBRATE – For vibration alerts in notifications.

Background and alarm permissions (do not collect personal data):

• SCHEDULE_EXACT_ALARM – To fire notifications exactly at the scheduled prayer time.
• RECEIVE_BOOT_COMPLETED – To re-schedule alarms when the device restarts.
• WAKE_LOCK – To briefly wake the device when an alarm triggers.

Changes to This Policy

This policy may be updated from time to time. Significant changes will be announced via the app or the app store listing. The updated version takes effect as soon as it is published.

Contact

For any questions, requests, or concerns about privacy, you can contact us at: edip.cag@outlook.com.tr