Privacy Policy

1. Overview

Hike Buddy AI is designed as a local-first walking and hiking app. Core route, session, and preference data are stored on your device unless you explicitly choose to use external AI or voice providers.

2. Information the app uses

The app may use the following categories of information:

• Location data for live route tracking, guidance, and nearby discovery
• Imported routes and archived sessions stored on device
• Narration, language, and guidance preferences
• Optional user-supplied API keys stored locally using platform-secure storage
• Optional AI-generated text and voice outputs when you enable those features

3. Location data

Hike Buddy AI uses location data to guide you along routes, understand progress, support nearby discovery, and maintain continuity during active walking sessions. Depending on your permissions, some behavior may remain foreground-first unless you later allow broader background access.

4. Imported routes and local content

The app can store imported GPX routes and related local session context on your device. Some related route caches, such as place information prepared for guidance, may also be stored locally to support the experience.

5. External AI providers

The app can optionally connect to third-party AI providers chosen and configured by you. If you enable these features, relevant prompts, route context, or narration text may be sent to the provider you selected so the provider can return a response.

These providers may process data according to their own terms and privacy policies. You are responsible for reviewing the privacy terms of any provider you choose to use.

6. AI voice rendering

If you enable compatible AI voice rendering, text selected for spoken guidance may be sent to the configured voice provider so an audio file can be generated and played. If voice rendering is unavailable, the app may fall back to system voice output.

7. Data storage

The app is intended to keep your routes, sessions, and settings on your device. User-supplied API keys are intended to be stored locally in secure storage provided by the operating system.

8. Data sharing

Hike Buddy AI does not require you to create a proprietary online account for core use. Information is shared externally only when needed for the optional providers you choose to configure, or when required by law.

9. Data retention and deletion

Because the app is designed around local storage, you can remove routes and related content directly from the app where deletion features are available. Removing the app from your device may also remove locally stored app data, subject to platform behavior and any backups you control.

10. Children's privacy

Hike Buddy AI is not intended for children under the age required by applicable law without supervision from a parent or legal guardian.

11. Changes to this policy

This privacy policy may be updated over time. If it changes materially, the updated version will be posted at this URL with a revised effective date.

12. Contact

Privacy contact: support@duckway.fr

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