Privacy Policy

Your privacy is our priority. Learn how we protect your data and respect your privacy.

Last updated: January 15, 2025 Privacy-first design

Privacy at a Glance

Local Storage

Most of your data stays on your device and is never transmitted to our servers.

No Personal Data

We don't collect personal conversations, translations, or location history.

No Third-Party Sharing

Your data is never sold or shared with third parties for marketing purposes.

Easy Deletion

Delete all your data simply by uninstalling the app.

1. Introduction

ChinaGo ("we," "our," or "us") respects your privacy and is committed to protecting your personal information. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you use our mobile application ChinaGo (the "App").

By downloading, installing, or using the App, you agree to the collection and use of information in accordance with this Privacy Policy. If you do not agree with our policies and practices, do not download, install, or use the App.

Key Principle: We designed ChinaGo with privacy-first principles, storing most data locally on your device to minimize data collection and maximize your privacy.

2. Information We Collect

2.1 Information We Do NOT Collect

We prioritize your privacy by not collecting the following:

  • Personal conversations with the AI assistant
  • Translation content or queries
  • Location history or travel patterns
  • Personal photos or documents
  • Browsing history or app usage patterns
  • Contact lists or social media information

2.2 Information We Collect

2.2.1 Device Information

  • Device model and iOS version (for compatibility)
  • App version and build number
  • Device language and region settings
  • Anonymous device identifier (for analytics)

2.2.2 Usage Analytics (Anonymous)

  • App launch and session duration
  • Feature usage statistics (which features are used most)
  • Performance metrics (app speed, responsiveness)
  • Error logs and crash reports

2.2.3 Location Data (Processed Locally)

  • Current location for navigation (stored locally only)
  • General region for relevant travel information
  • No location history is stored or transmitted

2.2.4 Technical Data

  • API usage for AI services (no content stored)
  • Network performance metrics
  • Security and fraud prevention data

3. How We Use Information

3.1 Service Provision

  • Provide core app functionality (AI assistance, translation, navigation)
  • Improve app performance and user experience
  • Provide location-relevant travel information
  • Enable offline features and caching

3.2 App Improvement

  • Analyze anonymous usage patterns to improve features
  • Identify and fix bugs and technical issues
  • Optimize app performance and reliability
  • Develop new features based on user needs

3.3 Support and Communication

  • Respond to your inquiries and support requests
  • Send important app updates and security notifications
  • Provide customer service assistance

Privacy Note: We never use your data for advertising, marketing to third parties, or creating user profiles for commercial purposes.

4. Data Storage and Security

4.1 Local Storage

  • Most app data is stored locally on your device
  • Travel guides and preferences are cached locally
  • Translation history (if enabled) is stored locally
  • API keys are stored securely in iOS Keychain

4.2 Cloud Storage

Limited data is stored on secure cloud servers:

  • Anonymous usage analytics for app improvement
  • Crash reports for debugging (without personal data)
  • App configuration and feature flags

4.3 Data Security Measures

  • All data transmission is encrypted using industry-standard protocols
  • API keys and sensitive data are stored in iOS Keychain
  • Regular security audits and updates
  • No data is stored in plain text format
  • Access controls and authentication for our systems

4.4 Data Retention

  • Local data is retained until you delete the app
  • Anonymous analytics are retained for 24 months maximum
  • Crash reports are retained for 12 months maximum
  • All data can be deleted upon request

5. Third-Party Services

5.1 AI Services

We use DeepSeek AI for the travel assistant feature:

  • Your questions are sent to DeepSeek for processing
  • Conversations are not stored or used for training
  • DeepSeek's privacy policy applies to this interaction
  • You can use the app without the AI feature

5.2 Map Services

We integrate with external map applications:

  • Apple Maps for basic navigation
  • Amap and Baidu Maps for public transportation (China)
  • Location data is shared only when you choose to open external apps
  • External apps have their own privacy policies

5.3 Analytics Services

  • Anonymous usage analytics to improve the app
  • No personal identifiers are included
  • You can opt out of analytics in app settings

Third-Party Note: When you choose to use external services (like opening Amap), you'll be subject to their privacy policies. We recommend reviewing them.

6. Your Rights and Choices

6.1 Access and Control

  • Data Access: Most of your data is stored locally and accessible to you
  • Data Deletion: Delete all data by uninstalling the app
  • Feature Control: Disable features you don't want to use
  • Permissions: Manage app permissions in iOS Settings

6.2 Privacy Settings

You can control your privacy through:

  • iOS app permissions (Location, Camera, Microphone)
  • In-app privacy settings
  • Opting out of analytics
  • Disabling specific features

6.3 Data Portability

  • Export your saved travel guides and preferences
  • Request a copy of any data we have about you
  • Transfer data to other apps (where technically feasible)

6.4 European Users (GDPR Rights)

If you are located in the European Union, you have additional rights:

  • Right to access your personal data
  • Right to rectification of inaccurate data
  • Right to erasure ("right to be forgotten")
  • Right to restrict processing
  • Right to data portability
  • Right to object to processing

7. Children's Privacy

ChinaGo is not directed to children under the age of 13, and we do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If you are a parent or guardian and believe your child has provided us with personal information, please contact us immediately.

If we become aware that we have collected personal information from children under 13 without verification of parental consent, we will take steps to remove that information from our servers promptly.

8. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices or for other operational, legal, or regulatory reasons. We will notify you of any material changes by:

  • Posting the updated policy in the app
  • Updating the "Last Updated" date at the top of this policy
  • Sending a notification through the app (for significant changes)
  • Posting a notice on our website

Your continued use of the App after any changes constitutes acceptance of the updated Privacy Policy.

9. Contact Us

If you have any questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or our privacy practices, please contact us:

We will respond to all privacy-related inquiries within 30 days. For EU residents, we will respond within the timeframes required by GDPR (typically within one month).

Our Privacy Commitment

We believe that privacy is a fundamental right. ChinaGo was designed from the ground up to protect your privacy while providing you with powerful travel tools. We will continue to uphold these principles as we grow and evolve.