1. Introduction
AutoBid Cars (“we”, “our”, or “the app”) is a mobile application that lets you participate in vehicle auctions, place bids, and manage your watchlist. This Privacy Policy explains what data we collect, how we use it, and your rights. By using the app, you agree to this policy.
2. Data We Collect
We collect and process the following:
- Account information: name, email address, and password (stored in hashed form). If you sign in with Google, we receive your Google profile name and email.
- Bidding and activity: bids you place, auctions you watch, and related activity needed to run the auction service.
- Device and app usage: device identifiers and push notification tokens (e.g. FCM) so we can send you auction and bid notifications.
- Analytics: we use Firebase (Google) for crash reporting and usage analytics to improve the app. This may include device type, app version, and general usage.
- Location: only if the app uses map features to show vehicle or auction locations; we do not track your location for advertising.
3. How We Use Your Data
We use your data to:
- Create and manage your account and authenticate you.
- Run auctions, process bids, and notify you about auction updates (e.g. outbid, ending soon, won/lost).
- Send push notifications you have agreed to.
- Improve the app (e.g. fix crashes, understand usage) via analytics.
- Comply with legal obligations and enforce our terms.
4. Third-Party Services
We use services that process data on our behalf:
- Google Firebase (authentication, cloud messaging, analytics, crashlytics). Their privacy policy: Google Privacy Policy.
- Google Sign-In for optional account login. Governed by Google’s privacy policy.
- Google Maps (if used for location-related features). Governed by Google Privacy Policy.
We do not sell your personal data to third parties for advertising.
5. Data Retention & Security
We keep your account and bidding data for as long as your account is active and as needed for legal and operational purposes. We use industry-standard measures (e.g. HTTPS, secure storage) to protect your data. No system is 100% secure; we will notify you of significant breaches where required by law.
6. Your Rights
Depending on your location, you may have the right to:
- Access and receive a copy of your personal data.
- Correct or update your data (e.g. in the app profile).
- Request deletion of your account and associated data.
- Opt out of marketing or non-essential push notifications in the app.
- Lodge a complaint with a supervisory authority.
To exercise these rights or ask questions about your data, contact us using the details below.
7. Children
The app is not directed at children under 13 (or higher age in some regions). We do not knowingly collect data from children. If you believe we have collected a child’s data, please contact us and we will delete it.
8. Changes to This Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will post the updated version at this URL and update the “Last updated” date. Continued use of the app after changes means you accept the updated policy. For material changes, we may notify you in the app or by email where appropriate.
9. Contact Us
For privacy-related questions, requests, or complaints: