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Autera

Autera – Privacy Policy

Last Updated: March 10, 2026

This Privacy Policy explains how Peter Gartner (“we,” “our,” or “us”) collects, uses, and protects information when you use the Autera mobile application (“App”). By using the App, you agree to the practices described in this Policy.

1. Overview

Autera is designed with privacy in mind. Your vehicle and maintenance data stays on your device unless you choose to store it in your personal iCloud Drive. We do not operate a cloud database containing your personal data, and we do not sell or share your information with advertisers.

2. Information We Collect

2.1 Information You Provide
We collect information you enter directly into the App, including:

  • Vehicle details (make, model, year, VIN, license plate, mileage)
  • Maintenance records (service type, date, cost, notes, shop information)
  • Vehicle documents (insurance, registration, receipts — stored locally or in your personal iCloud Drive)
  • App preferences and settings

This information remains on your device unless you enable iCloud Backup.

2.2 Automatically Collected Information
We may automatically collect limited technical and diagnostic information, including:

  • Usage data (screens viewed, features used) via Firebase Analytics
  • Crash reports and diagnostics via Firebase Crashlytics
  • Device type, operating system version, and app version

We configure Firebase to avoid collecting device identifiers, precise location, or any data that could personally identify you. All analytics data is aggregated and anonymized.

2.3 Location Information
The App may request access to your location to:

  • Display weather‑based maintenance notifications (via Apple WeatherKit)
  • Suggest nearby service shops when logging maintenance (via Apple MapKit)

Location data is processed on‑device or through Apple services. We do not store or transmit your precise location to our servers.

2.4 Vehicle Recall Information
To check for open recalls, your vehicle’s VIN and make/model are sent to the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) public API. No personal information is transmitted.

2.5 Vehicle Photos
To display a photo of your vehicle, your vehicle’s make, model, year, and/or VIN may be sent through our secure proxy server to a third‑party automotive data provider. The proxy server does not store VINs or logs that could identify you. Photos are cached locally on your device.

3. How We Use Your Information

  • Provide and improve App features
  • Send local maintenance reminders
  • Display weather‑based alerts
  • Analyze usage patterns to improve performance
  • Respond to support requests

We do not use your data for advertising, profiling, or cross‑app tracking.

4. Data Storage

  • All personal vehicle data is stored locally on your device using Apple’s SwiftData framework
  • If you enable iCloud Backup, your data is exported as an encrypted JSON file to your personal iCloud Drive
  • We do not have access to your iCloud Drive
  • We do not operate a backend database containing your personal vehicle or maintenance data

5. Third‑Party Services

The App integrates with the following services:

  • Apple WeatherKit: Weather‑based alerts (apple.com/privacy)
  • Apple MapKit: Nearby shop suggestions (apple.com/privacy)
  • Firebase Analytics: Usage analytics (policies.google.com/privacy)
  • Firebase Crashlytics: Crash diagnostics (policies.google.com/privacy)
  • NHTSA Recalls API: Recall lookup (nhtsa.gov)
  • Auto.dev: Vehicle images (auto.dev)

We do not sell your data to any third party.

6. Permissions

The App may request access to:

  • Location — for weather alerts and nearby shop suggestions
  • Notifications — for maintenance reminders
  • Files / Photos — to import vehicle documents or display a vehicle image

These permissions are used solely for core functionality and never for tracking.

7. Data Retention

Your data remains on your device and in your iCloud Drive (if enabled). Deleting the App removes all locally stored data. Aggregated, anonymous analytics data may be retained by Firebase according to Google’s standard retention policies.

8. Children’s Privacy

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

9. Your Rights

Depending on your location, you may have the right to:

  • Access the personal data we hold about you
  • Request correction or deletion
  • Opt out of analytics collection (available in App Settings)

Residents of the EU/EEA (GDPR) and California (CCPA/CPRA) may have additional rights, including data portability and the right to restrict processing. To exercise your rights, contact us at [YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS].

10. No Tracking

Autera does not track you across other apps or websites. We do not use your data for advertising, profiling, or third-party marketing.

11. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Material changes will be reflected by updating the “Last Updated” date above. Continued use of the App after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated Policy.

12. Contact Us

If you have questions about this Privacy Policy, contact us at auteraapp@gmail.com.

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