Privacy Policy

At Smudge we respect your privacy. This policy includes details about the information that is collected and how we use it.

When using applications and services created by Smudge Apps Limited (Smudge) or visiting smudge.com and other websites administered by Smudge, you agree to the collection and use of information in accordance with this policy.

Please take a moment to familiarise yourself with our privacy practices and contact us if you have any questions.

Note: Some apps created by Smudge have dedicated privacy policies that describe in more detail the personal information collected through those apps, why it is collected and how it is used. In these situations, the Privacy Policy for each app is accessible from the download page on the App Store or Google Play.

Collection and Use of Personal Information

1.1 Personal information is data that can be used to identify or contact a single person. Smudge Apps Limited (Smudge) collects personal information about customers and prospective customers which is reasonably necessary for, or directly related to, one or more of its functions or activities. We will not use or share your information with anyone except as described in this Privacy Policy. This Privacy Policy does not apply to information we collect by other means (including offline) or from other sources.

We collect your information in several ways, including but not limited to:

(a) the registration process in the apps and services we create;

(b) the contact form on our website(s);

(c) other instances in which you provide personal information or user content;

(d) over the phone or email.

1.2 By browsing smudge.com and other websites administered by Smudge, or downloading apps created by Smudge from the App Store or Google Play, you are not required to reveal any personal information about yourself to Smudge. Once you contact us through our website(s) or via the apps we create by providing your personal information, you are no longer anonymous to us.

1.3 Some apps or services created by Smudge collect personal information, including your name, email address or phone number. This information is used to operate, maintain and provide the features and functionality of the app(s) or service(s), analyse how the app or service is used, diagnose technical problems, maintain security, personalise content, remember information that may help you efficiently access your account, monitor aggregate metrics such as total number of users, traffic and demographic patterns, and track content and users as necessary to comply with applicable laws.

1.4 Some apps or services created by Smudge automatically record certain information on our servers. Consequently our server logs may include information such as your Internet Protocol (“IP”) address, computer and connection information, your mobile carrier, number of clicks or taps, how you interact with the app or service and other such information.

1.5 Some apps or services created by Smudge may require the use of your personal information in order for the app(s) to function as expected. In these situations, the detail and rationale for using that information is explained in the Privacy Policy for each app, accessible from the download page on the App Store or Google Play. For example, if you choose to receive push notifications, the notifications will be sent to the telephone number or email address you have provided us. Similarly, we may need to contact you regarding a failed transaction or missed payment, and in these situations, we will use the contact information you have have provided us.

1.6 Some apps or services created by Smudge may store your personal information in a profile or account, and this information may also be stored on our servers. In these situations, the detail and rationale for storing that information is explained in the Privacy Policy for each app, accessible from the download page on the App Store or Google Play. If you register for an account, your name, email address and other information you choose to provide will not be viewable and discoverable by other users. In each case, you are able to update or correct your personal information by accessing your profile in the app. You may decline to submit personally identifiable information through an app, in which case Smudge may not be able to provide certain services to you. Upon your request, we are able to close your account and remove your personal information from view as soon as possible, based on your account activity and in accordance with law. We may retain personal information from closed accounts to comply with law, resolve disputes, troubleshoot problems, assist with any investigations, and take other actions otherwise permitted by law.

1.7 If you have registered for an app or service, we may use your email address to send you service-related notices (including any notices required by law, in lieu of communication by postal mail). We may also use your contact information to send you marketing messages. If you correspond with us by email, we may retain the content of your email messages, your email address and our responses. If you contact us through the contact form on our website(s), we will collect your first and last name, email address and mobile phone number. We may use this information to contact you, if appropriate.

1.8 Some apps or services created by Smudge access, collect, monitor and/or remotely store “location data,” which may include GPS coordinates (e.g. latitude and/or longitude) or similar information regarding the location of your mobile device. Location data may convey information to us about how you browse the app or service. Location data does not collect or share any personally identifiable information about you. Location data may be used in conjunction with personally identifiable information. Some features of the app or service, particularly location-based services, may not function properly if use or availability of location data is impaired or disabled.

1.9 Some apps or services created by Smudge access, collect, monitor and/or remotely store one or more “device identifiers.” Device identifiers are small data files or similar data structures stored on or associated with your mobile device, which uniquely identify your mobile device and are used to enhance an app or service. A device identifier may be data stored in connection with the device hardware, data stored in connection with the device’s operating system or other software, or data sent to the device by us. A device identifier may convey information to us about how you use the app or service. A device identifier does not collect or share any personally identifiable information about you. A device identifier may be used in conjunction with personally identifiable information. A device identifier may remain persistently on your device, to help you log in faster and/or enhance your navigation through the app or service. Some features of the app or service may not function properly if use or availability of device identifiers are impaired or disabled.

1.10 Some apps or services created by Smudge, including Megaphone: Voice Amplifier, feature personalised third-party advertising. By including advertising in apps, we are able to offer certain features free of charge to users. The personalised advertising in these apps is served through Google’s AdMob advertising platform. In order to activate Google AdMob advertising in these apps, we embed in the apps a third-party software development kit (SDK) that is provided by Google. When using an app that features the Google Mobile Ads SDK, your data remains anonymous to us. However, the Google Mobile Ads SDK collects data from your device in order to serve you more relevant ads. This data may include your language, time setting, location, IP address, your device’s operating system details, the third-party apps you have installed on your device, and other technical and statistical information.

For more information about the data collected by Google through its AdMob SDK, and how this data is used, visit the Google Privacy Policy. To turn off Google ad personalisation, visit Google’s Ad Settings page. You can limit targeted in-app advertising by accessing the privacy settings on your device and selecting “Limit Ad Tracking” (Apple iOS) or “Opt-out of Interest-Based Ads” (Android). You can also reset your Advertising Identifier (IDFA) from within the privacy settings on your device. An IDFA is a unique identifier assigned to each mobile device that can be used by advertisers to create a profile about you. Opting out of receiving targeted ads or resetting your IDFA may not decrease the number of ads you receive; however, the ads may be less relevant to you, since they will be based on more general targeting criteria.

1.11 Some apps or services created by Smudge use Google Analytics for Firebase. Google Analytics for Firebase is an app measurement solution that provides insights on app usage and user engagement. In order to activate Google Analytics for Firebase in these apps, we embed a third-party software development kit (SDK) that is provided by Google. The Firebase SDK collects information from your device in order to help us make informed decisions regarding app marketing and performance optimisation. This information may include your IP address, how often an app is opened, your device’s operating system details, and other technical and statistical information. Google Firebase Analytics does not collect any personally identifiable information. Nor do we combine the information collected through Google Firebase Analytics with any personally identifiable information. We use the information we get from Google Firebase Analytics only to improve our apps and services. For more information about the data collected by Google through its Firebase SDK, and how this data is used, visit the Google Privacy Policy. Google’s ability to use and share information collected by Google Analytics for Firebase is restricted by the Google Analytics for Firebase Terms of Service. For further information about how Google Analytics for Firebase uses data, please visit this page.

1.12 Some apps or services created by Smudge use Crashlytics by Fabric. Crashlytics provides information about crashes and malfunctions within an app, to help us identify bugs and other issues that may impair the user experience. In the event of malfunction or failure of an app, certain information is transmitted to Crashlytics. This information may include your IP address, your device’s operating system details, your device ID, model and device type, the version of the application currently running, and the time of malfunction or failure. Crashlytics does not collect any personally identifiable information. Nor do we combine the information collected through Crashlytics with any personally identifiable information. We use the information we get from Crashlytics only to improve our apps and services. For more information about the data collected by Crashlytics, and how this data is used, visit the Crashlytics Privacy Policy.

Cookies

2.1 A cookie is a small file placed in your web browser that collects information about your web browsing behaviour. Use of cookies allows a website to tailor its configuration to your needs and preferences. Cookies do not access information stored on your computer or any personal information (such as name, address, email address or telephone number). Please be aware that if you do not configure your browser, you will accept cookies provided by our website(s). You can configure your browser to accept all cookies or to alert you every time a cookie is offered by our server(s).

2.2 Our website(s) use cookies. This means that when you visit smudge.com or another website administered by Smudge, our servers record certain information sent by the browser. These server logs may include information such as your browser type, referring / exit pages and URLs, number of clicks and other such information. Smudge also uses third-party tools and services, including Google Analytics, to gain insights and improve the functionality of our website(s). Google Analytics collects information sent by your browser as part of a web page request, including cookies and your IP address. Google also receives this information and its use of this data is explained in the Google Privacy Policy.

Google Analytics does not collect any personally identifiable information. Nor do we combine the information collected through Google Analytics with any personally identifiable information. Smudge does not use Google Analytics data for marketing or remarketing purposes. To prevent your data being used by Google Analytics, you can install Google’s opt-out browser add-on. If you visit smudge.com or another website administered by Smudge, you may be sent a cookie in order for relevant ads to be served to you at a later date through third-party services such as Google Adwords. These ads may appear on other websites you visit. Google also receives this information and its use of this data is explained in the Google Privacy Policy. You can opt out of Google's advertising services by visiting Google's Ad Settings page.

2.3 In addition to Google cookies, we use the LinkedIn Insight Tag. The LinkedIn Insight Tag is a piece of lightweight JavaScript code that helps us track conversions, retarget website visitors and unlock additional insights about LinkedIn members who have interacted with our website(s). The LinkedIn Insight Tag enables the collection of metadata such as IP address, timestamp and page views. All data is encrypted. The LinkedIn browser cookie is stored in a visitor's browser for six months or until they delete the cookie, whichever comes first. LinkedIn members can opt out of cookies from LinkedIn on their LinkedIn settings page. Please read the LinkedIn Cookie Policy for more information.

Disclosure of Your Information

3.1 Smudge may disclose your personal information if required to do so by law or subpoena or if we believe that it is reasonably necessary to comply with a law, regulation or legal request, to protect the safety of any person, to address fraud, security or technical issues, or to protect Smudge’s rights or property.

3.2 Some apps created by Smudge may require your personal information to be shared with a third party in order for the app(s) or service(s) to function as expected. For example, Expresso may share your name and other personal information with a café, in order for the café to identify you and notify you when your drink is ready for collection.

3.3 Your details are only supplied to a third party in order for the app(s) or service(s) to function as expected, when required by law, or to protect Smudge copyright, trademarks and other legal rights. We will use all reasonable means to protect the confidentiality of your personal data while in our possession or control. We will not knowingly share any of your personal data with any third party other than our service providers who assist us in providing the information and/or services we are providing to you. To the extent that we do share your personal information with a service provider, we would only do so if that party has agreed to comply with our privacy standards as described in this Privacy Policy.

3.4 If there is a change of control in Smudge (whether by merger, sale or otherwise) or a sale or transfer of its assets, customer information, which may include your personal information, could be disclosed to a potential purchaser under an agreement to maintain confidentiality, or could be sold or transferred as part of that transaction. We would only disclose your information in good faith and where required by any of the above circumstances.

Security

4.1 Smudge ensures the security, integrity and privacy of personal information submitted to our website(s), and periodically updates its security measures. In the event that your personal information is compromised as a result of a breach of security, Smudge will promptly notify you, in accordance with the notification procedures set forth in this Privacy Policy, or as otherwise required by applicable law.

4.2 Our website(s) may contain links to other websites. Links to third-party websites do not constitute sponsorship or endorsement or approval of these websites. Smudge is not responsible for the privacy practices of such other websites. This privacy statement applies solely to information collected by websites administered by Smudge.

4.3 We are not responsible for the republishing of the content found on smudge.com on other websites or media without our permission.

4.4 We ensure Smudge staff are adequately trained on data protection and are responsible for following good data protection practices. We will ensure that any disclosure of personal information will comply with approved procedures.

Changes in Policy

5.1 We plan to ensure our privacy policy remains current, so this policy is subject to change. We may modify this policy without notice and at our sole discretion. All modifications will be effective immediately upon our posting of the modifications on this website.