Privacy Policy

Effective date: June 28, 2026

StepHive (“the app,” “we,” “us”) is a walking app created by David Ramer. This Privacy Policy explains what information the app collects, how we use it, who we share it with, and the choices you have. By using StepHive you agree to this policy.

Information we collect

• Account information. If you use Sign in with Apple, we receive a unique Apple identifier and, only if you choose to share it, your name. You may also use the app as a guest without creating an account.
• Profile information you provide. A display name, an optional profile photo, body stats you enter (height, age, weight, target weight), your daily step goal, and a free-text “goals” note. We generate a shareable invite code for you.
• Health & fitness data (Apple Health). With your permission, StepHive reads your step count and active energy (calories) from Apple Health to show your daily and weekly progress. Access is read-only — we do not write to Apple Health.
• Location data. If you use route tracking and grant permission, the app accesses your device location — including in the background if you allow “Always” — to map and record your walking routes, distance, and pace.
• Walking routes. Routes you record are stored on your device and, if you turn on route sharing, are shared with your friends through our backend.
• Social data. Friend connections you make (via invite codes), encouragement messages you send and receive, and the activity you choose to share with friends.
• Notification token. If you enable notifications, a device push token is stored so we can deliver encouragement notifications.
• Music access. With your permission, the app accesses your device’s music library so you can play your own music while walking. We do not collect, store, or transmit your music library or listening history.

How we use your information

We use the information above to operate the app’s features: show your steps, calories, and progress; let you connect with friends; share what you choose to share; record and display your walking routes; and deliver encouragement notifications.

How information is shared

• With friends you connect with. Friends in your “hive” can see your display name, profile photo, and activity (such as steps and calories). If you enable route sharing, friends can also see your walking routes. You control route sharing with a toggle in Settings → Privacy.
• Service providers. We use Google Firebase (Cloud Firestore, Authentication, and Cloud Messaging) to store your data and power the social and notification features. Firebase processes data on our behalf under Google’s privacy terms.
• We do not sell your personal information, and we do not use third-party advertising. The app does not use analytics tracking.

Data retention & deletion

We keep your account data while your account is active. You can delete your account at any time from Settings → Account → Delete Account, which removes your profile, activity, friend connections, and routes from our backend. You can also revoke the app’s access to Health, Location, Notifications, and Music at any time in your device’s iOS Settings.

Security

We use reasonable, industry-standard safeguards — including encrypted data transport and server-side security rules — to protect your information. No method of transmission or storage is 100% secure, but we work to protect your data.

Children’s privacy

StepHive is not directed to children under 13, and we do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If you believe a child has provided us information, please contact us and we will delete it.

Changes to this policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. When we do, we will revise the “Effective date” above. Continued use of the app after changes means you accept the updated policy.

Contact us

Questions about this policy? Email davidwramer@yahoo.com.