Rooted Empowerment Method App Privacy Policy

This Privacy Policy applies specifically to the Rooted Empowerment Method mobile application (the “App”) by Rebel Roots, created by Leslie Brewer. It does not apply to other websites, applications, or services unless they clearly link to this policy.

Effective Date: July 22, 2026

App Name: Rooted Empowerment Method

Developer / Controller: Rebel Roots (founded by and operated with the involvement of Leslie Brewer)

Website: https://rebelroots.site/contact-us/

Contact Email: Leslie.brewer@rootedempowerment.site

1. Introduction

The Rooted Empowerment Method App is a wellness and empowerment tool designed to support your personal growth, emotional well-being, and self-reflection. The App may offer features such as guided practices, journaling, audio exercises, and other supportive resources.

This Privacy Policy explains in clear language how we collect, use, store, share, and protect your information when you use the App. By installing or using the App, you agree to the practices described here. If you do not agree, please do not use the App.

Account & Data Deletion

You have the right to delete your Rooted Empowerment Method account and associated personal data at any time. We provide multiple, easy-to-find options to request deletion, both directly in the App and via the web.

In-App Account & Data Deletion

You can delete your account and associated data directly within the App at any time by following this path (or a substantially similar flow, depending on your device and App version): Settings > Account > Delete Account. When you confirm deletion within the App, your account will be deactivated and queued for permanent deletion.

Web-Based Deletion Request

If you prefer, you can also submit a web-based deletion request by visiting our contact/deletion form at https://rebelroots.site/contact-us/ and clearly selecting or stating that you are requesting account and data deletion for the Rooted Empowerment Method App.

Email Deletion Requests

You may also request deletion by emailing us directly at Leslie.brewer@rootedempowerment.site. Please include the email address associated with your App account and clearly state that you are requesting account and data deletion.

What Happens When Your Account Is Deleted

Once you delete your account in the App or we receive and verify your deletion request through the website or by email, we will begin the deletion process. In general:

• We aim to delete or irreversibly anonymize your personal data within 30 days of confirming your request or your in-App deletion.
• Your authentication record and login credentials stored in Firebase Authentication will be deleted.
• Your personal data, wellness entries, journal content, and other in-App information stored in Firebase Cloud Firestore will be deleted or anonymized so that it can no longer be linked to you.
• Media files associated with your account (such as profile photos, images, or audio recordings) stored in Firebase Cloud Storage will be deleted.
• We may retain aggregated or de-identified data (for example, overall usage statistics) that does not identify you personally.

In some cases, we may need to retain limited information for a longer period where required for legal, regulatory, fraud prevention, or security purposes (for example, to comply with bookkeeping, tax, or law enforcement requirements). When this happens, we retain only what is necessary for those purposes and protect it in line with this Privacy Policy.

2. Information We Collect

We collect information to provide and improve the App, personalize your experience, keep the App secure, and meet our legal obligations. The types of information we collect are described below.

2.1 Information You Provide to Us

When you use the App, you may choose to provide the following information:

• Account information: Such as your name, email address, and password (or login credentials via a supported sign-in provider) when you create an account.
• Profile details: Optional information such as a profile name, display name, and profile photo.
• Wellness and empowerment data: Information you enter about your moods, goals, intentions, practices, or progress within the App.
• Journal entries and reflections: Text, images, audio notes, or other content you create as part of your personal journaling or empowerment practices in the App.
• Feedback and support requests: Information you include when you contact us, such as your email address, message content, and any attachments.

Sensitive wellness information: Some of the information you choose to enter (for example, emotional states, reflections on your mental health, or personal experiences) may be considered “sensitive” or “special category” data under certain privacy laws. You are not required to provide any such information, and you can choose what you are comfortable sharing. By entering this information into the App, you give us your explicit consent to process it for the purposes described in this Policy.

2.2 Location Data

The App may request access to your device’s location. You can allow or deny this permission through your device settings. If you grant permission, we may collect:

• Approximate or precise location data provided by your device’s operating system.

We may use location data to:

• Provide general context for your wellness activities (for example, time zone–appropriate reminders or regional content).
• Offer information about nearby resources or community support options, where available.
• Personalize suggestions or content based on your general region.

If you deny or later revoke location permission, the App will still function, but some location‑based features may be limited or unavailable.

2.3 Camera Access

The App may request access to your device’s camera. You can allow or deny this permission at any time. If you grant permission, we may use the camera to:

• Allow you to take or update a profile photo.
• Enable visual content capture within the App, such as photos you attach to journal entries or empowerment exercises (if such features are available).

Images you choose to save may be stored in our database or cloud storage (for example, via Firebase Cloud Storage) as part of your account data.

If you deny or revoke camera permission, you will not be able to capture new photos directly in the App, but you can generally continue to use all other features, and you may still be able to upload existing images from your device if supported.

2.4 Microphone Access

The App may request access to your device’s microphone. You can allow or deny this permission at any time. If you grant permission, we may use the microphone to:

• Enable audio journaling or voice notes inside the App.
• Support voice‑based features or exercises, if and when they are made available.

Audio content that you choose to record and save may be stored in our database or cloud storage and associated with your account.

If you deny or revoke microphone permission, you will not be able to record new audio within the App, but you can continue to use other non-audio features.

2.5 Information Collected Automatically

When you use the App, certain information is collected automatically, primarily through third‑party services described in Section 3. This may include:

• Device information: Device model, operating system version, unique device identifiers (such as Android Advertising ID or installation ID), language, and mobile network information.
• Log and usage data: App version, screens you view, features you use, the time and duration of your sessions, and in‑app events (such as feature clicks or completion of certain actions).
• Crash and performance data: Error logs, crash reports, and diagnostic data that help us identify and fix issues.
• Approximate location and technical metadata as provided by your device or the services we use, where allowed by your settings.

This information is typically collected and processed in a way that does not directly identify you, but in some cases it may be linked to your account or device for security, analytics, and troubleshooting purposes.

3. Third-Party Services & SDKs

We use trusted third‑party services and software development kits (SDKs) to provide the App’s core functionality, store data, analyze usage, and keep the App stable and secure. These providers may collect and process certain information about you and your device on our behalf or as independent controllers. Their use of your data is also governed by their own privacy policies.

3.1 Firebase (Google LLC)

We use Firebase, a service provided by Google LLC, for several core features, including:

• Firebase Authentication: To create and manage user accounts and securely sign you in and out of the App.
• Cloud Firestore (database): To store your account information, wellness data, journal entries, and other content you choose to save.
• Firebase Cloud Storage: To store media files such as profile photos, images, and audio recordings you upload or create in the App.
• Firebase Analytics / Google Analytics for Firebase: To understand how the App is used, which features are popular, and where improvements are needed.
• Firebase Crashlytics: To collect crash reports and diagnostic information so we can identify and fix stability issues.

Firebase may receive information such as your device identifiers, IP address, App usage data, and—in the case of Authentication and Firestore—your account details and in‑app content you choose to store. Data processed by Firebase is handled in accordance with Google’s privacy policy for Firebase services:

https://firebase.google.com/support/privacy

3.2 Google Analytics for Firebase

We use Google Analytics for Firebase to collect aggregated analytics about how users interact with the App. This helps us understand which features are helpful, how often the App is used, and where users may encounter issues.

Data that may be collected includes device identifiers, App usage patterns, events (such as screen views or button taps), approximate location, and technical information such as device and operating system type. We use this information in aggregated or pseudonymous form and do not use it to personally identify you.

For more information, please see:

https://firebase.google.com/support/privacy

3.3 Google Play Services

The App relies on Google Play Services for core Android functionality, such as push notifications, in‑app updates, and integration with Google’s ecosystem. Google Play Services may collect device identifiers, diagnostics, and usage information necessary to provide these services and keep your apps updated.

Google’s handling of this data is described in the Google Privacy Policy:

https://policies.google.com/privacy

3.4 AdMob (Not Currently Used)

The App does not currently use AdMob or display in‑app advertisements. However, we reserve the option to integrate Google AdMob in the future. If we ever introduce AdMob or other advertising networks, we will update this Privacy Policy and the Google Play Data Safety disclosures before serving ads, and we will comply with applicable consent requirements.

3.5 Firebase Crashlytics

Firebase Crashlytics is used to collect crash reports and error logs. This helps us understand when the App fails, what part of the code caused the issue, and what device or operating system was involved. Information may include device model, operating system version, App version, and technical details about the error. We use this data only to diagnose and fix problems and improve stability.

Crashlytics is part of the Firebase suite and is covered by the Firebase privacy documentation:

https://firebase.google.com/support/privacy

4. How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect for the following purposes:

• To deliver and operate the App: Create and manage your account, sync your data across devices, store your journal entries and wellness information, and provide the core empowerment features.
• To personalize your experience: Tailor content, prompts, reminders, and recommendations based on your activity, preferences, and, where enabled, your general location.
• To communicate with you: Send in‑App messages, push notifications, or emails about important updates, security alerts, support responses, and, where permitted, wellness tips or relevant content.
• To send notifications (with your permission): Provide reminders about journaling, practices, or other features you choose to enable. You can control notifications at any time through your device settings.
• To analyze usage and improve the App: Use aggregated analytics and crash reports to understand how the App is used, identify bugs, and improve performance and features.
• To maintain safety and comply with law: Detect and prevent abuse, secure accounts, and comply with legal obligations, requests from authorities, and enforcement of our terms.

5. Data Sharing

We respect your privacy and treat your wellness and journal data as highly sensitive.

• No sale of personal data: We do not sell your personal information to third parties.
• Service providers: We share information with third‑party providers only as needed to operate the App—primarily with Google LLC (Firebase, Google Analytics for Firebase, Google Play Services) as described above.
• Legal requirements: We may disclose information if we believe it is reasonably necessary to comply with a law, regulation, legal process, or government request; to protect the safety, rights, or property of users, the public, or Rebel Roots; or to detect, prevent, or address fraud or security issues.
• No advertising networks (currently): The App does not currently integrate advertising SDKs such as AdMob, and no data is shared for targeted advertising. If this changes, we will update this Policy and obtain any required consents.

6. Data Storage & Retention

Storage location: Data is primarily stored using Firebase services on servers operated by Google. These servers may be located in the United States or other countries where Google maintains data centers. Your data may therefore be processed and stored outside your country of residence, subject to appropriate safeguards.

Retention period: We keep your personal data only for as long as necessary to provide the App, fulfill the purposes described in this Policy, and comply with legal obligations. In general:

• Your account data, wellness entries, and journals are retained while your account is active.
• After you request deletion of your account, we aim to delete or anonymize your personal data within 30 days, subject to reasonable technical and legal limitations.
• Some aggregated, de‑identified data (for example, usage statistics) may be retained for analytics and service improvement, but this data will not identify you personally.

How to request deletion: You can request deletion of your account and associated data by contacting us using the details in Section 12 (“Contact Us”). Where supported, you may also be able to delete certain content directly within the App.

7. Permissions Summary

The App may request the following permissions from your device. You can change these at any time in your device settings.

• Location (approximate and/or precise): Used to provide contextual features such as time zone–appropriate reminders, regional content, or nearby resources. If denied, the App will still function, but location‑based features may be limited.
• Camera: Used to capture profile photos or images for journal entries and empowerment exercises. If denied, you cannot capture new photos in the App, but most other features will still work.
• Microphone: Used for audio journaling, voice notes, or voice‑based features. If denied, you cannot record audio in the App, but you can continue using text and other tools.
• Internet / Network access: Required to connect to Firebase and other services so that your data can be securely stored, synced, and backed up, and so that analytics and crash reporting can function.
• Notifications: Used to send reminders, updates, and supportive messages. Notifications are optional; you can disable them through your device’s notification settings at any time.

8. Your Rights & Choices

Your privacy rights may vary depending on where you live. We strive to honor applicable rights and give you meaningful choices about your information.

• Access and correction: You may request a copy of the personal data we hold about you and ask us to correct inaccurate or incomplete information.
• Deletion: You may request that we delete your account and associated personal data, subject to certain legal or security exceptions.
• Withdraw consent: Where we rely on your consent (for example, for processing sensitive wellness data or sending certain communications), you can withdraw your consent at any time. This will not affect processing that has already happened but may limit some features.
• Revoke permissions: You can change App permissions—such as location, camera, microphone, and notifications—through your device’s settings.

8.1 California Residents (CCPA/CPRA)

If you are a California resident, you may have additional rights under the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) and the California Privacy Rights Act (CPRA), including:

• The right to know what categories of personal information we collect, use, and disclose.
• The right to request access to specific pieces of personal information we hold about you.
• The right to request deletion of your personal information, subject to legal exceptions.
• The right to correct inaccurate personal information.
• The right to not be discriminated against for exercising your privacy rights.

We do not sell your personal information or share it for cross‑context behavioral advertising as those terms are defined under the CCPA/CPRA.

8.2 EU/EEA and UK Residents (GDPR/UK GDPR)

If you are located in the European Economic Area (EEA) or the United Kingdom, you have the following rights under the GDPR/UK GDPR, subject to certain conditions:

• Right of access: Obtain confirmation whether we process your personal data and receive a copy of that data.
• Right to rectification: Request correction of inaccurate or incomplete personal data.
• Right to erasure (“right to be forgotten”): Request deletion of your personal data in certain circumstances.
• Right to restriction: Ask us to restrict processing of your data in certain situations.
• Right to data portability: Receive personal data you provided in a structured, commonly used, and machine‑readable format and, where technically feasible, have it transmitted to another controller.
• Right to object: Object to processing based on our legitimate interests, and to direct marketing (if applicable).
• Right to withdraw consent: Where processing is based on your consent, you can withdraw consent at any time.

You also have the right to lodge a complaint with your local data protection authority if you believe that our processing of your personal data violates applicable law.

To exercise any of the rights described in this Section 8, please contact us using the details in Section 12 (“Contact Us”). We may need to verify your identity before fulfilling your request.

9. Children’s Privacy

The App is not directed to children under the age of 13, and we do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. We strive to comply with the U.S. Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) and similar laws.

If we become aware that we have collected personal information from a child under 13 without verified parental consent, we will take reasonable steps to delete that information as soon as possible. If you believe that a child under 13 has provided personal information through the App, please contact us immediately using the details in Section 12.

10. Security

We take the security of your information seriously and use reasonable technical and organizational measures to protect it.

• Firebase security rules: We configure Firebase Authentication, Firestore, and Cloud Storage with access controls to ensure that only authorized users and services can access your data as intended.
• Encryption in transit: Data transmitted between your device and our servers is protected using industry‑standard encryption protocols (such as TLS/HTTPS).
• Access controls: Access to personal data is limited to individuals and service providers who need it to operate, develop, or support the App, and who are subject to appropriate confidentiality obligations.

No security measures are perfect, and we cannot guarantee absolute security. However, we continuously work to maintain and improve our security safeguards.

11. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in the App, our practices, or legal requirements. When we make material changes, we will:

• Update the “Effective Date” at the top of this Policy; and
• Provide notice within the App (for example, a pop‑up notice or in‑App message), and where appropriate, by email to the address associated with your account.

Your continued use of the App after the updated Policy becomes effective means that you accept the revised terms. If you do not agree with the changes, you should stop using the App and may request deletion of your account and data.

12. Contact Us

If you have any questions, concerns, or requests about this Privacy Policy or how your information is handled, please contact:

Rebel Roots
Attention: Rooted Empowerment Method Privacy
https://rebelroots.site/contact-us/
Email: Leslie.brewer@rootedempowerment.site

Effective Date: July 22, 2026