Short version: Your shopping lists stay on your phone. We do not collect, store, or sell your personal data, and the app is not connected to any Tim Weston Apps servers. The app uses Google Firebase for the optional list-sharing and real-time sync feature — this operates under Google's own privacy policy. No registration, no email, no account required — ever.
1. Who we are
Tim Weston Apps is an independent app developer based in Australia, operating at timwestonapps.com. You can contact us at tim@timwestonapps.com.
Our philosophy is simple: your privacy matters. We build apps that are genuinely useful, without tracking who you are, selling your data, or requiring you to hand over any personal information.
2. What data we collect
We do not collect any personal data directly. The app does not require an account or email address. Your shopping lists, favourites, and history are stored locally on your device.
When you use the optional list-sharing feature, a temporary encrypted share link is generated using Google Firebase (see section 3). Your list content may be stored briefly in Firebase's cloud infrastructure while the share is active, but is not associated with your name, email, or any identity.
When list sharing is used, Firebase may generate an anonymous identifier to allow the app to synchronise lists between devices.
3. Firebase (list sharing)
The app uses Google Firebase, a platform provided by Google LLC. Firebase is used to power the optional list-sharing and real-time sync feature. There are two ways to share a list:
- Send a copy — share a snapshot of your list via WhatsApp, email, or any messaging app. The recipient receives a one-time copy.
- Live shared list — create a real-time shared list with a family member or housemate who also has the app. One person generates a QR code; the other scans it using the app's built-in camera scanner. Once connected, both users see the same live list. The shared list is stored in Firebase's cloud while active. No account or email is required. No personally identifiable information such as name, email address, or phone number is stored alongside the list data.
Firebase Analytics is disabled in this version of the app. No usage statistics or analytics data are collected.
Firebase is operated by Google LLC. Data may be processed in the United States and other countries where Google operates. For full details, see Firebase's Privacy and Security documentation and Google's Privacy Policy.
4. Permissions
The app may request the following Android permissions:
- Internet — required to enable the optional list-sharing and real-time sync features via Firebase.
- Camera — used only when you choose to scan a QR code to join a shared list, or when you choose to photograph a receipt. Images are processed locally on your device and are not transmitted to external servers. Receipt images are stored only on your device and are never uploaded to external servers.
We do not request access to your microphone, contacts, or precise location, and the app does not request broad storage permissions. When you choose a photo from your device (for example, to attach a receipt), Android's system photo picker provides one-time access to that image without granting the app general access to your files.
5. Children's privacy
Our apps are not directed at children under 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If you have concerns, please contact us at tim@timwestonapps.com.
6. Data retention and deletion
Your shopping lists and app data are stored on your device. You can delete them at any time by clearing the app's data in your Android settings, or by uninstalling the app.
Shared list data stored in Firebase is temporary and is not retained by us indefinitely. The app is not connected to any Tim Weston Apps servers.
How to delete your data — in-app
The app includes a built-in Delete My Data option on the Settings page. This is the quickest way to erase all locally stored data and any associated Firebase data in one step:
- Open the app.
- Tap the Settings icon (top-right corner of the main screen).
- Scroll down to the Privacy section.
- Tap Delete My Data.
- Confirm when prompted.
This action will permanently delete:
- All shopping lists stored on your device
- Your favourites and shopping history
- Any active shared list data associated with your device in Firebase
- The anonymous Firebase identifier used to synchronise shared lists between your device and others
This action cannot be undone.
If you have already uninstalled the app and need Firebase data removed, please contact us at tim@timwestonapps.com and we will process your request within 30 days.
7. Third-party services summary
- Google Firebase (Realtime Database) — optional list sharing and real-time sync
We do not integrate social login, crash reporting tools beyond Firebase, or any marketing or tracking SDKs.
8. Changes to this policy
If we make material changes to this privacy policy, we will update the date at the top of this page. Continued use of the app after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.
9. Your rights
Because we do not collect personal data directly, most privacy rights are exercised through your device or through Google for Firebase data. For any privacy-related questions, contact us at tim@timwestonapps.com.
10. Contact
For any questions about this privacy policy or your data, please email: tim@timwestonapps.com