Privacy Policy

CogniAware — Last updated: March 2, 2026

1. What data CogniAware accesses

CogniAware uses the following system APIs to provide its features:

• Usage Stats (PACKAGE_USAGE_STATS) — to read screen time and app usage data. This data is used solely to display usage statistics within the app.
• Package Manager (QUERY_ALL_PACKAGES) — to list installed applications and check their camera/microphone permissions for the biometric audit feature.
• Device Info — device model, OS version, screen resolution and similar non-identifying hardware information, displayed in the fingerprint awareness panel to educate users about device identification.
• Notifications — to send local alerts about time limits and detected tracking patterns.

2. Data storage

All data is stored locally on your device using SharedPreferences (settings, usage counters) and in-memory structures (real-time monitoring). No database or cloud storage is used.

Stored data includes:

• App usage time counters (reset daily)
• Shield (feature toggle) preferences
• Time limit settings
• Donation prompt status (shown/dismissed)
• Onboarding completion flag

3. Data sharing

CogniAware does not share any data with third parties. Specifically:

• No analytics SDKs (no Firebase, no Google Analytics, no Mixpanel)
• No advertising SDKs
• No crash reporting services
• No network requests to any external server

The only outbound network action is when the user voluntarily taps the "Buy Me a Coffee" support link, which opens an external browser.

4. Permissions explained

• Usage Stats Access — required to read app usage time. Granted manually by the user in system Settings. Can be revoked at any time.
• POST_NOTIFICATIONS — required for local alerts. Can be revoked at any time.
• REQUEST_IGNORE_BATTERY_OPTIMIZATIONS — optional, to keep background monitoring running reliably.
• FOREGROUND_SERVICE — to maintain real-time monitoring while the app is in the background.
• QUERY_ALL_PACKAGES — to list installed apps for the camera/microphone permission audit.

5. Children's privacy

CogniAware is not directed at children under 13. It does not knowingly collect any personal data from anyone, including children.

6. Data deletion

Since all data is stored locally, uninstalling CogniAware removes all associated data from your device. You can also clear app data at any time via Android Settings > Apps > CogniAware > Clear Data.

7. Changes to this policy

If this policy is updated, the changes will be reflected on this page with an updated date. No prior notice is required as no personal data is collected.