This Privacy Policy explains how Hugz Tech Solutions Limited ("we", "us", "our") collects, uses, stores, shares, and protects information when you use the Aegis by Hugz mobile application and related services (collectively, the "Service"). By creating an account or using the Service you agree to this Policy. If you do not agree, do not use the Service.
When location features are active, Aegis collects precise location data from your device's GPS and network sensors. The data fields collected include:
Approximate location (network-based) may also be used when GPS is unavailable. Location is never collected passively in the background without your explicit permission and an actively configured feature requiring it.
| Mode | Foreground / Background | When active | Who can see it | Plan required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Panic tracking | Foreground & background | During an active Panic alert | Guardians with panic access; emergency contacts | All plans |
| Follow Me tracking | Foreground & background | During an active Follow Me session you start | Guardians with Follow Me access; external link holders | All plans (quota applies) |
| Always-On tracking | Background (continuous) | Continuously while the heartbeat service runs | Paid-plan guardians who have been granted Always-On permission | Guardian must hold Plus, Family, or Premium |
| Location history | Background (periodic) | 48 h (Plus/Family) or 30 days (Premium) | You; guardians with dashboard access | Plus, Family, Premium |
| Safe-zone monitoring | Background (periodic) | When safe zones are configured and monitoring is enabled | You; guardians with dashboard access | Plus, Family, Premium |
Background location is only collected when you have explicitly granted the Allow all the time (or equivalent) location permission in your device settings and when a feature requiring it (Always-On tracking, Follow Me, or Panic) is actively configured. You may revoke background location access at any time in your device settings; doing so will disable Always-On tracking and may limit live-safety features.
Location data is transmitted from your device to our servers over HTTPS (TLS) and stored in Google Firebase Firestore, a cloud database hosted on Google Cloud infrastructure. Data is encrypted in transit and at rest.
Location coordinates used for map display are also processed by the Google Maps Platform (map rendering and geocoding) in accordance with Google's privacy policy. No location data is sold to third parties or used for advertising.
Aegis requests the SEND_SMS permission on Android to deliver Panic SOS alerts in two emergency fallback scenarios where the standard internet-based dispatch cannot complete:
In both cases, SMS messages contain your name, a brief emergency alert, and (where available) your last known GPS coordinates. Messages are sent using your device's native SMS capability (Android SmsManager). Standard carrier messaging rates may apply to your phone plan.
SMS is never sent for routine notifications, non-emergency events, marketing, or any purpose other than the two emergency fallback scenarios described above.
You are prompted to grant this permission during onboarding. You may deny or revoke it at any time in your device settings. If the permission is denied, both SMS fallback scenarios will be unavailable; all other Aegis features continue to function normally.
Audio recordings and camera images captured during Panic events are stored encrypted in our cloud storage (Google Firebase Storage). Access is limited to you, your designated guardians with the appropriate plan, and authorised Hugz Tech personnel for technical support or legal compliance purposes. Audio recordings are retained for up to 30 days after the alert event and then deleted automatically unless a legal hold is in place. You may request earlier deletion by contacting us.
We do not use audio or camera data for advertising, training AI models, or any purpose other than delivering the safety feature and as required by law.
We share your information only as described below:
Guardians, dependents, family members, and emergency contacts receive exactly the data that the feature and your permissions settings allow. You can review and change these permissions at any time in the Safety Permissions screen within the app.
We use the following processors to operate the Service:
Each processor is contractually bound to process data only as instructed and to maintain appropriate security measures.
We may disclose information to law enforcement, government authorities, or other third parties where required by applicable law, court order, or to protect the safety of any person.
If Hugz Tech Solutions Limited undergoes a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets, your information may be transferred as part of that transaction. You will be notified via a prominent in-app notice before your information is transferred and becomes subject to a different privacy policy.
We implement reasonable technical and organisational security measures including encryption in transit (TLS), encryption at rest for sensitive data, access controls, and security monitoring. However, no electronic transmission or storage system is 100% secure. You use the Service at your own risk and should take steps to protect your device and account credentials.
Depending on your jurisdiction, you may have the following rights:
To exercise any right, contact us at admin@hugztech.com. We will respond within 30 days. You also have the right to lodge a complaint with your local data protection authority.
You may request full account deletion from within the app (Profile → Settings → Delete Account) or by emailing admin@hugztech.com. Deletion removes your profile, location history, guardian links, and stored media within 30 days. Billing records required by law are excluded.
The Service is not intended for children under 13 years of age without parental or guardian consent and supervision. When a minor user is added under a Family or Premium plan by a parent or guardian, that parent or guardian is responsible for managing the minor's permissions and data. Always-On tracking is automatically enabled for minors added by a Family/Premium plan holder in accordance with the guardian's account settings.
If you downgrade to a lower-tier plan, certain features will become unavailable immediately or at the end of your billing cycle. Guardian relationships established while on a higher plan are retained, but your guardians' ability to see your live location, map, or Follow Me dashboard will reflect the access permitted under your active plan. You will not be automatically notified of changes to a guardian's plan; it is your responsibility to review your safety permissions periodically.
This Privacy Policy is governed by the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Any disputes arising under this Policy shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of Nigeria, unless otherwise required by applicable consumer protection laws in your jurisdiction.
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. When we make material changes, we will provide at least 14 days' notice via an in-app notification or email before the changes take effect. Continued use of the Service after changes take effect constitutes your acceptance of the updated Policy.
For privacy questions, data requests, or complaints:
Hugz Tech Solutions Limited
Email: admin@hugztech.com
Subject line: Privacy Request – [your name]