🔒 Privacy Policy

Introduction

PayBack ("we," "our," or "the app") is committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we handle information when you use the PayBack iOS application.

Data Collection and Storage

What Data Does PayBack Access?

PayBack may access the following types of data solely for app functionality:

Local Storage Only

All data created and managed in PayBack is stored exclusively on your device:

• Trip Archive: Binary file stored in your app's Documents folder
• Photos: Embedded within trip data, not saved to your photo library
• Preferences: Stored in iOS UserDefaults
• App State: Navigation and UI state for session restoration

What We DO NOT Do

PayBack is designed with privacy as a core principle. We explicitly do NOT:

• ❌ Collect or transmit your personal information to external servers
• ❌ Track your activity across other apps or websites
• ❌ Use third-party analytics or advertising services
• ❌ Share your data with third parties
• ❌ Store your data in the cloud (unless you use iOS backup)
• ❌ Require account creation or authentication
• ❌ Access your location, microphone, or other sensors

Permissions Explained

Photos/Camera Access

Why we need it: To allow you to attach photos to expense entries for documentation purposes (e.g., photos of receipts).

How we use it: Photos are embedded in your trip data and stored locally. They are never uploaded or shared without your explicit action.

Your control: You can manage this permission in iOS Settings → Privacy → Photos.

Contacts Access

Why we need it: To let you easily add friends to trips by selecting from your contacts.

How we use it: Contact information (name, email) is copied to your trip data only when you explicitly select a contact. We don't access or store your entire contact list.

Your control: You can manage this permission in iOS Settings → Privacy → Contacts.

Data Sharing

Optional Data Sharing

PayBack allows you to optionally share your data in the following ways:

1. Export Trip Files: You can export .trip files and share them via email, Messages, or other apps. This is entirely voluntary and requires your explicit action.
2. Support Requests: If you contact our support team with an issue, you may choose to share a .trip file to help us troubleshoot. This is optional and only done when you initiate contact.

Important: When you share a .trip file, it contains all trip data including expenses, friends, payments, and any attached photos. Only share with trusted recipients.

iOS Backups

PayBack data is included in iOS backups (both iCloud and iTunes/Finder backups). This is handled automatically by iOS and subject to Apple's privacy policies:

• iCloud backups are encrypted and managed by Apple
• iTunes/Finder backups can be encrypted at your discretion
• You can manage backup settings in iOS Settings → [Your Name] → iCloud → Manage Storage

Required Reason API Usage

PayBack uses certain iOS APIs that Apple requires us to declare:

File Timestamp API

Purpose: Accessing file timestamps and metadata for app data management.

Usage: We check file modification dates to manage your locally stored trip data efficiently.

UserDefaults API

Purpose: Storing app preferences and settings.

Usage: We store your app preferences (currency settings, sort preferences, migration alert status) locally on your device for app functionality.

Children's Privacy

PayBack does not knowingly collect personal information from children. Since all data is stored locally and no information is transmitted to external servers, the app can be used by children under parental supervision. Parents should review what data their children enter into the app.

Your Rights and Data Control

Because all data is stored locally on your device, you have complete control:

• Access: All your data is accessible within the app at any time
• Export: You can export trip files for backup or transfer
• Delete: You can delete individual trips, expenses, or friends within the app
• Complete Removal: Deleting the PayBack app from your device removes all associated data
• Permissions: You can revoke photo or contact access at any time in iOS Settings

Data Security

Your data security is primarily managed by iOS:

• Data is stored in your app's sandboxed container, protected by iOS security
• No data transmission means no risk of interception
• Device-level encryption (when enabled) protects your data at rest
• Only you have access to your app data through your device

Migration to DivvyTrip

PayBack has been retired and replaced with DivvyTrip. Key differences:

• Cloud Storage: DivvyTrip stores data securely in the cloud with Firebase, unlike PayBack's local-only storage
• Account Required: You will need to create a verified account with DivvyTrip
• Separate Privacy Policy: DivvyTrip has its own privacy policy with different data practices - view it here
• Data Migration: A final PayBack update will allow CSV export for importing into DivvyTrip
• Your PayBack data remains on your device unless you manually export and transfer it

Download DivvyTrip from the App Store →

Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Since PayBack has limited ongoing support, significant changes are unlikely. Any changes will be posted on this page with an updated "Last Updated" date.

We encourage you to review this Privacy Policy periodically for any changes.

Third-Party Services

PayBack does not use any third-party services, analytics, or advertising platforms. The app operates entirely offline and does not integrate with external services.

Contact Us

If you have questions or concerns about this Privacy Policy or how PayBack handles data, please contact us:

Summary