Privacy Policy

Effective Date: October 9, 2025

Last Updated: October 9, 2025

App Name: Lotus Sutra

Developer: Big Kids Apps

1. Introduction

Big Kids Apps ("we," "our," or "us") operates the Lotus Sutra mobile application (the "App"), which provides access to Buddhist scriptures in multiple languages. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you use our App.

Please read this privacy policy carefully. If you do not agree with the terms of this privacy policy, please do not access or use the App.

2. Information We Collect

2.1 Information Collected Automatically

When you use the App, certain information may be automatically collected by third-party services (such as Google AdMob) for analytics and advertising purposes:

• Device Information: Device type, model, operating system version, unique device identifiers (Android Advertising ID)
• Usage Data: App features accessed, time spent in the App, interaction patterns, crash reports
• Technical Data: IP address (approximate location only), browser type, language preferences, time zone
• Ad Interaction Data: Ad views, ad clicks, ad performance metrics

Note: For users under 13, we ensure that third-party services are configured to comply with COPPA requirements and do not collect personal information.

2.2 Information We Do NOT Collect

We explicitly do NOT collect:

• Personal names, email addresses, or phone numbers
• Physical addresses or precise geolocation data
• Photos, audio, video, or files from your device
• Contact lists, calendar information, or SMS messages
• Login credentials or passwords (the App does not require accounts)
• Credit card or payment information (the App is free)
• Any information that directly identifies a specific individual, especially children

3. Children's Privacy & COPPA Compliance

3.1 Parental Rights Under COPPA

Parents and legal guardians have the following rights:

• Review: Request to review any personal information collected from their child (though we collect none)
• Delete: Request deletion of any information
• Refuse Collection: Refuse to permit further collection or use of their child's information
• Consent: Provide or revoke consent for data collection (not required as we collect no personal info)

To exercise these rights, please contact us at the email provided in Section 13.

3.2 What Information May Be Collected About Children

For children under 13 using this App:

• Only technical, non-personal information may be collected (device type, OS version)
• No personal identifiers are collected
• Ad tracking is disabled for personalized advertising
• Only contextual, non-behavioral ads are shown

4. How We Use Your Information

The limited technical information automatically collected is used solely for:

• App Operation: Enabling basic App functionality
• Improvements: Understanding which features are used to improve the App
• Error Detection: Identifying and fixing technical issues and crashes
• Advertising: Displaying age-appropriate advertisements through Google AdMob
• Security: Detecting and preventing abuse, fraud, or technical issues

We do NOT use collected information for:

• Profiling or creating user profiles
• Tracking users across different apps or websites
• Selling or sharing data with data brokers
• Marketing or promotional purposes (beyond in-app ads)

5. Third-Party Services & Integrations

5.1 Google AdMob (Advertising)

Purpose: Display advertisements to support the free App

Data Collected by AdMob:

• Device identifiers (Android Advertising ID)
• IP address (general location, not precise)
• Ad interaction data (views, clicks)

COPPA Compliance: AdMob is configured to serve only non-personalized, family-safe ads when used by children under 13. Behavioral advertising is disabled for child users.

AdMob Privacy Policy: https://policies.google.com/privacy

Opt-Out: You can opt out of personalized ads through your device settings (Settings > Google > Ads > Opt out of Ads Personalization)

5.2 Facebook SDK (Optional Social Sharing)

Purpose: Enable users to share content on social media (optional feature)

Data Collected: Only used when user actively chooses to share; collects minimal technical data

Facebook Privacy Policy: https://www.facebook.com/privacy/explanation

6. Information Sharing and Disclosure

We do NOT sell, rent, trade, or otherwise transfer your information to third parties for their marketing purposes.

We may share information only in these limited circumstances:

• With Your Consent: When you explicitly give permission
• Service Providers: With trusted third-party services (like AdMob) that help operate the App, under strict confidentiality agreements
• Legal Requirements: When required by law, court order, or government request
• Safety & Protection: To protect the rights, property, or safety of Big Kids Apps, our users, or the public
• Business Transfers: In connection with a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets (with notification to users)

7. Data Security

We implement appropriate technical and organizational security measures to protect information against unauthorized access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction. These measures include:

• Encryption of data in transit
• Secure data storage practices
• Regular security assessments
• Limited access to information on a need-to-know basis

However, please be aware that no method of transmission over the Internet or electronic storage is 100% secure. While we strive to protect your information, we cannot guarantee absolute security.

8. Data Retention

We retain automatically collected information only as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined in this Privacy Policy, typically:

• Analytics Data: Up to 26 months
• Crash Reports: Up to 90 days
• Ad Performance Data: Controlled by Google AdMob (see their retention policy)

You may request deletion of any information at any time by contacting us.

9. Your Privacy Rights

9.1 General Rights

Depending on your jurisdiction, you may have the following rights:

• Right to Access: Request a copy of information we have about you
• Right to Rectification: Request correction of inaccurate information
• Right to Erasure: Request deletion of your information ("right to be forgotten")
• Right to Restrict Processing: Request limitation of how we use your information
• Right to Object: Object to our processing of your information
• Right to Data Portability: Receive your information in a portable format
• Right to Withdraw Consent: Withdraw consent at any time (where processing is based on consent)

9.2 California Privacy Rights (CCPA)

California residents have additional rights under the California Consumer Privacy Act:

• Right to know what personal information is collected
• Right to know if personal information is sold or disclosed
• Right to opt-out of the sale of personal information
• Right to non-discrimination for exercising privacy rights

Note: We do NOT sell personal information.

9.3 European Privacy Rights (GDPR)

Users in the European Economic Area (EEA) have rights under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), including all rights listed in Section 9.1 above.

9.4 Parental Rights (COPPA - Children Under 13)

Parents and legal guardians of children under 13 have the specific right to:

• Review any personal information collected from their child
• Request deletion of their child's information
• Refuse to allow further collection of their child's information
• Consent to collection but refuse consent for disclosure to third parties

10. International Data Transfers

Your information may be transferred to, stored, and processed in countries other than your own, including the United States, where our servers or service providers may be located. These countries may have different data protection laws.

When we transfer data internationally, we ensure appropriate safeguards are in place, such as:

• Standard contractual clauses
• Adequacy decisions by relevant authorities
• Your explicit consent

11. Advertising & Analytics

11.1 Google AdMob

We use Google AdMob to display advertisements. AdMob may use cookies and similar technologies to:

• Serve ads based on your interests (for users 13+)
• Serve contextual, non-personalized ads (for users under 13)
• Measure ad performance and effectiveness
• Prevent fraud and abuse

For Children Under 13: AdMob is configured to serve ONLY non-personalized, family-safe ads that comply with COPPA.

11.2 Opting Out of Personalized Ads

You can opt out of personalized advertising by:

• Android: Settings > Google > Ads > Opt out of Ads Personalization
• AdMob Settings: Visit Google Ad Settings

12. Data Security Measures

We implement industry-standard security measures to protect information:

• Encryption: Data transmitted between your device and our servers is encrypted using SSL/TLS protocols
• Access Controls: Strict access controls limit who can access any collected data
• Regular Audits: We regularly review our security practices
• Third-Party Compliance: We only work with service providers who meet stringent security standards
• Minimal Collection: We follow the principle of data minimization, collecting only what is necessary

13. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

The App itself does not use cookies. However, third-party advertising and analytics services may use:

• Cookies: Small data files stored on your device
• SDKs: Software development kits integrated into the App
• Advertising IDs: Device-specific identifiers for advertising purposes

You can control these through your device settings.

14. Links to Third-Party Websites

The App may contain links to third-party websites (e.g., our Facebook page, other apps in Google Play Store). We are not responsible for the privacy practices of these external sites. We encourage you to read their privacy policies before providing any information.

15. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We reserve the right to update or modify this Privacy Policy at any time. When we make changes:

• We will update the "Last Updated" date at the top of this policy
• Material changes will be communicated through in-app notifications or updates
• Your continued use of the App after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy

We encourage you to review this Privacy Policy periodically to stay informed about how we protect your information.

16. Your Choices and Controls

You have the following options to control your information:

• Limit Ad Tracking: Use device settings to limit ad tracking
• Opt Out of Personalized Ads: Disable ad personalization in Google settings
• Uninstall the App: Remove the App from your device at any time
• Request Data Deletion: Contact us to delete any automatically collected information

17. International Users

17.1 European Economic Area (EEA) Users

If you are located in the EEA, the legal basis for processing your information includes:

• Legitimate Interests: Operating and improving the App
• Consent: Where you have provided consent for specific processing
• Legal Obligations: Complying with applicable laws

17.2 Other Jurisdictions

We comply with applicable privacy laws in all jurisdictions where the App is available, including but not limited to:

• Australia Privacy Act
• Canada's PIPEDA
• Japan's APPI
• South Korea's PIPA
• Other regional data protection laws

18. Do Not Track (DNT) Signals

Some web browsers have a "Do Not Track" feature. Currently, the App does not respond to DNT signals, as there is no industry standard for handling such requests in mobile applications.

19. Consent

By downloading, installing, and using the App, you acknowledge that you have read and understood this Privacy Policy and agree to its terms.

For users under 13: By allowing a child to use this App, parents/guardians acknowledge that the App is designed to comply with COPPA and does not collect personal information from children.

20. Contact Us