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Privacy Policy

Last updated: May 2026

Introduction

Hemna LLC ("we", "our", or "us"), the developer of APRS Chat, is committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you use our mobile application and website (collectively, the "Service").

Information We Collect

Information You Provide

  • Account Information: When you create an account, we collect your email address and amateur radio callsign.
  • Support Requests: When you contact us for support, we collect the information you provide in your request.
  • Communications: Any messages or information you send to us.

Information Collected Automatically

  • Location Data: When you grant location permission, the app collects your device's precise GPS location (latitude and longitude). This includes foreground location access and, if you enable background beaconing, background location access. Location data is used to: (1) transmit your position to the APRS network as position beacons, (2) calculate distance and bearing to other stations, and (3) auto-detect your regional APRS server for optimal connectivity. Location data is transmitted over the public APRS network and is not stored on our servers. You can disable location access at any time through your device settings.
  • Device Information: Device type, operating system, and app version for support purposes.
  • Usage Data: How you interact with the Service (anonymized analytics).
  • APRS Data: Messages and position data transmitted through APRS networks (inherently public).

How We Use Your Information

  • To provide and maintain the Service, including connecting to the APRS network using your callsign
  • To transmit your position to the APRS network (location data, when enabled by you)
  • To show your distance and bearing relative to other amateur radio stations (location data)
  • To auto-detect your regional APRS server for optimal network connectivity (location data)
  • To display advertisements in the free version (via Google AdMob)
  • To process in-app purchases and manage your subscription status

APRS Data and Public Information

By using APRS Chat for amateur radio communications, you acknowledge that:

  • APRS is an inherently public communications system
  • Your callsign, messages, and position beacons are transmitted publicly
  • This data may be logged by APRS-IS servers, IGates, and other stations
  • Your amateur radio callsign is a matter of public record

Location Data

APRS Chat accesses and collects location data as follows:

What Location Data We Collect

  • Precise Location (GPS): Your device's precise geographic coordinates (latitude and longitude) via GPS and network-based location providers.
  • Approximate Location: Coarse location data used for regional server detection.
  • Background Location: If you enable background beaconing, the app collects location data even when not actively in use, in order to transmit periodic position reports to the APRS network.

How We Use Location Data

  • APRS Position Beaconing: To broadcast your geographic position to the APRS amateur radio network, enabling other operators to see your station location on maps.
  • Station Distance Calculation: To calculate and display the distance and bearing between you and other amateur radio stations.
  • Regional Server Detection: To automatically determine the best APRS-IS server for your geographic region.
  • Map Display: To show your position on in-app maps alongside other stations.

Location Data Sharing

  • Location data is transmitted to the public APRS-IS network when you enable position beaconing.
  • Once transmitted, your position is publicly visible on APRS tracking websites (e.g., aprs.fi) and to other amateur radio operators.
  • We do not store your location data on our servers.
  • We do not sell or share your location data with third parties for advertising or marketing purposes.

Your Control Over Location Data

  • Location access is optional — you can use the messaging features without granting location permission.
  • You can enable or disable location permission at any time through your device's system settings.
  • You can independently enable or disable position beaconing within the app settings.
  • Background location access requires separate, explicit permission that you can revoke at any time.

Data Sharing and Disclosure

We do not sell your personal information. We may share information in the following circumstances:

  • Service Providers: Third parties that help us operate the Service (hosting, email)
  • Google AdMob: Displays banner advertisements in the free version of the app. AdMob collects device identifiers (Android Advertising ID), ad interaction data, and usage data for ad personalization. See Google's Privacy Policy.
  • Google Play Billing: Processes subscription purchases. Google receives purchase tokens and subscription status. We never access your payment card details.
  • Google User Messaging Platform: Used to collect consent for personalized advertising from users in the EEA and UK.
  • Legal Requirements: When required by law or to protect our rights
  • Business Transfers: In connection with a merger or acquisition

Advertising & Third-Party SDKs

The free version of APRS Chat displays banner advertisements via Google AdMob. The following data may be collected for advertising purposes:

  • Android Advertising ID: A resettable device identifier used for personalized ads. You can reset or opt out of your Advertising ID in your device's Settings > Privacy > Ads.
  • Privacy Sandbox Topics: The app participates in the Android Privacy Sandbox Topics API for interest-based advertising.
  • Ad Interaction Data: Impressions, clicks, and views of advertisements.
  • Consent Management: For users in the European Economic Area (EEA) and United Kingdom, we use Google's User Messaging Platform (UMP) to collect consent before showing personalized advertisements. You may change your consent preferences at any time.

Premium subscribers do not see advertisements and this advertising-related data is not collected for premium users.

Data in Transit

  • APRS Network Data: Transmitted unencrypted via raw TCP sockets (port 14580), as required by FCC Part 97 amateur radio regulations. This includes your callsign, messages, and position beacons.
  • Advertising & Billing Data: Transmitted encrypted via TLS/HTTPS to Google services.
  • Map Tile Data: Loaded via HTTPS from OpenStreetMap tile servers.
  • Website & Support: All website traffic is encrypted via HTTPS/TLS.

Data Security

We implement appropriate security measures to protect your personal information. However, no method of transmission over the internet is 100% secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.

Data Retention

We retain your personal information for as long as necessary to provide the Service and fulfill the purposes outlined in this policy. Support data is retained for reference purposes. You may request deletion of your account and associated data at any time.

Your Rights

You have the right to:

  • Access your personal information
  • Correct inaccurate information
  • Request deletion of your data
  • Object to processing of your data
  • Export your data in a portable format

Children's Privacy

Our Service is not directed to individuals under 13 years of age. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13.

Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of any changes by posting the new policy on this page and updating the "Last updated" date.

Contact Us

If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or wish to exercise your privacy rights, please contact us: