Privacy Policy

This Privacy Policy applies to the Reel Tracker application for Android ("the App"), developed and maintained by Ajay Lohar ("we", "us", or "our"). Your privacy is our highest priority. This policy clearly explains what data is accessed, how sensitive permissions are utilized, how data is stored, and how your information is protected.

1. Sensitive Android Permissions and APIs Used

To accurately count Reels, monitor screen time, and assist with usage habits without a remote server, Reel Tracker requests several specific Android system permissions. Below is a detailed breakdown of each permission, why it is needed, and how it is restricted.

A. Accessibility Service (BIND_ACCESSIBILITY_SERVICE)

The App implements an Android Accessibility Service (ReelAccessibilityService) solely to detect when you are watching Instagram Reels and count your reel scrolls.

• Window Event Scope: The service receives window state change events (TYPE_WINDOW_STATE_CHANGED) across applications solely to detect when you open, switch to, or leave the Instagram app, allowing the floating overlay to be hidden immediately when leaving Instagram. Only events originating from the Instagram application are processed; events from all other apps are discarded immediately without inspection or logging.
• Screen Content Inspection: The service uses canRetrieveWindowContent="true" and the flagReportViewIds flag to inspect view resource IDs (viewIdResourceName) strictly within the Instagram package to determine whether you are currently on the Reels viewing screen.
• No Reading of Personal Content: We DO NOT read, inspect, store, or transmit personal messages, chats, captions, comments, user profiles, photos, videos, or any typed or viewed screen content. The inspection is strictly limited to structural UI view identifiers for screen detection.
• Local Computation: All scroll detection and gesture tracking logic runs in real-time locally on your device.

B. Usage Access (PACKAGE_USAGE_STATS)

• Why we use it: To calculate your total daily active screen time inside the Instagram app.
• Data handling: Usage statistics are queried directly from Android's local UsageStatsManager and stored strictly in the app's local database. No usage statistics for any other applications are retained.

C. Display Over Other Apps (SYSTEM_ALERT_WINDOW) & Overlays

The App requests permission to draw over other applications for three specific features:

• Live Floating Counter: Displays a compact floating pill overlay showing your real-time reel count and elapsed session time while you browse Instagram.
• Limit Alert Overlay: Displays a full-screen or banner prompt reminding you to take a break when you reach your preset reel count or time limit.
• Setup Guide Overlay / Picture-in-Picture: Displays step-by-step guidance over the Android Settings screen during initial permission setup to help you locate and enable the accessibility service easily.

D. Notifications (POST_NOTIFICATIONS)

• Why we use it: Required on Android 13+ (API 33+) to post the persistent foreground service notification (confirming that background tracking is active) and to deliver your custom daily limit alerts or reminder notifications.

E. Foreground Service (FOREGROUND_SERVICE & FOREGROUND_SERVICE_SPECIAL_USE)

• Why we use it: Runs a continuous foreground service (ReelMonitorService) with a persistent status notification to ensure the Android operating system does not kill the monitoring process while Instagram is in use.

F. Ignore Battery Optimizations (REQUEST_IGNORE_BATTERY_OPTIMIZATIONS)

• Why we use it: Prevents OEM battery savers and Android Doze mode from unexpectedly killing background reel tracking, ensuring that your daily counters remain accurate.

G. Run at Startup (RECEIVE_BOOT_COMPLETED)

• Why we use it: Allows the app to restore your active tracking session automatically when your device reboots, without requiring you to manually open Reel Tracker each time.

2. Data Storage, Security, and Sandboxing

• Storage Technology: All tracked statistics (daily reel counts, hourly activity, and time spent) are saved in an unencrypted SQLite database via the Drift persistence library, and app configurations (daily goals, overlay settings) are saved via Android SharedPreferences.
• Security and Sandboxing: All data is stored exclusively in app-private storage sandboxed by the Android operating system (/data/data/com.reeltracker.app/). Other installed applications cannot access or read this data under normal Android security models.
• No Network Transmission: Because the production application does not request the android.permission.INTERNET permission, your data never leaves your physical device.

3. Data Retention and Deletion

Reel Tracker does not require account registration or login. All data collected is tied solely to your local installation.

• Retention: Your statistics are retained on your device for as long as the application remains installed, allowing you to review your historical trends over time.
• Deletion: You can completely erase all stored data at any time by clearing the application's storage in Android Settings > Apps > Reel Tracker > Storage > Clear Data / Clear Storage, or by uninstalling the application from your device.

4. Third-Party Tracking and Analytics

Reel Tracker does not integrate any third-party analytics SDKs (such as Firebase Analytics, Google Analytics, or Mixpanel) and contains no advertising networks or SDKs. We do not track, profile, or sell your data.

5. Children's Privacy

Reel Tracker is not directed at children under the age of 13. The App does not knowingly collect, request, or store personal information from children under 13. Because all data is stored locally and no personal identifiers are collected, no personal data from any user—regardless of age—is collected or transmitted by us.

6. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update our Privacy Policy periodically. Any modifications will be reflected by updating the "Last Updated" date at the top of this document. Continued use of the App following any changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.

7. Contact Us

If you have questions, concerns, or feedback regarding this Privacy Policy or Reel Tracker, please contact the developer directly:

Developer: Ajay Lohar
Special Thanks / UI Design: Riya Singh
Email: ajaylohar8453@gmail.com