Privacy Policy

Beacon ("we," "us," or "our") is operated by John Cain. This Privacy Policy describes how we collect, use, and share information when you use the Beacon iOS application and website at beaconfocus.app.

Information we collect

Account information

When you create an account, we collect your email address (if you sign up with email), Firebase Authentication user ID, and display name. Your display name may be visible to other members of Circles you join.

Screen Time and app blocking

Beacon uses Apple's Screen Time and Family Controls APIs to block apps and categories you select. Your app and category selections are stored on your device and in a shared app group for extensions. We do not access your passwords, messages, or the contents of other apps—only the identifiers of apps you choose to block.

Focus activity

We store focus session data, circle membership, activity logs, and statistics aggregates in Firebase Firestore. This data powers features like Circles activity feeds, streaks, leaderboards, and Beacons.

Push notifications

If you enable notifications, we store a Firebase Cloud Messaging (FCM) device token in your private user profile to deliver push notifications.

Website

Our marketing website is static and does not use cookies or analytics at this time. Circle invite pages may log standard web server access data through our hosting provider.

How we use information

• Provide and improve the Beacon app and its features
• Enable social features within Circles (activity feeds, Beacons, challenges)
• Send push notifications you have opted into
• Respond to support requests
• Protect against abuse and enforce rate limits

Third-party services

Beacon uses the following third-party services:

• Google Firebase — Authentication, Firestore database, Cloud Functions, Cloud Messaging, and App Check
• Apple — Sign in with Apple and Screen Time / Family Controls APIs

These providers process data according to their own privacy policies.

Data sharing

We do not sell your personal information. Circle members can see your display name, focus activity within shared Circles, and related social features. We may disclose information if required by law or to protect our rights and users' safety.

Data retention and deletion

You can delete your account at any time in the app under Settings → Delete account. This removes your authentication record, circle memberships, and associated data through our server-side deletion process.

Children

Beacon is not directed at children under 13, and we do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13.

Security

We use industry-standard measures including Firebase security rules, App Check, and server-side validation for sensitive operations. No method of transmission or storage is 100% secure.

Changes to this policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will post the updated policy on this page with a revised "Last updated" date. Continued use of Beacon after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.

Contact us

For privacy questions or requests, contact beaconfocussupport@gmail.com.