Privacy Policy

Last updated: February 2026. This policy applies to the Business Buddy Android app and related services.

Data we do not log or retain

Business Buddy is designed with minimal data handling:

  • We do not log, store, or transmit the content of your SMS or RCS messages.
  • We do not collect or retain your contacts, phone numbers, or any personally identifiable information (PII) on our servers.
  • We do not collect location, usage analytics, or advertising identifiers.
  • All message processing for auto-replies happens on your device only. Our servers never see your conversations.

Data we do retain (device ID only)

The only data we store on our servers is:

  • Device identifier — A non-personal device ID (e.g. Android ID or similar resettable identifier), linked only to a license key when you activate a premium serial key.

Why we keep this: We retain the device ID solely to verify that each serial key is used on a single device. This prevents license keys from being shared across multiple devices and ensures fair use of premium subscriptions. We do not link the device ID to any other personal or sensitive data, and we do not use it for advertising, analytics, or any purpose other than license enforcement.

This practice is consistent with Google Play’s User Data policy: we limit collection to what is necessary for a clear, policy-compliant purpose (preventing key sharing) and we do not link persistent device identifiers to other personal or sensitive user data.

Google Play User Data policy compliance

We comply with Google Play’s User Data policy:

  • Transparency: This policy clearly discloses what data we access, collect, use, and share (device ID for license verification only).
  • Limited use: We use data only for app and service functionality (license binding) and do not use it for advertising or unrelated purposes.
  • No sale of data: We do not sell any user data.
  • Security: All communication with our servers uses HTTPS. Stored data is limited to license key–device bindings in a controlled backend.
  • Runtime permissions: We request Android permissions at runtime where available and use them only for the purposes described in this policy and in the app.

App permissions — what we ask for and why

Every permission requested by Business Buddy is used only for the features listed below. We do not use any permission for tracking, advertising, or sharing data with third parties.

SMS — Receive, Send, Read

Required to detect incoming SMS/RCS messages that match your keywords and to send automatic replies. Messages are processed only on your device; we do not send message content to our servers.

Read phone state

Used only to obtain a stable device identifier for binding your premium license key to this device (so one key cannot be used on multiple devices). We do not read phone numbers, call logs, or other telephony data for any other purpose.

Foreground service / Data sync

Used to run a lightweight background watcher that detects new messages when the system does not deliver them via the standard SMS receiver (e.g. some RCS or carrier behaviors). The service runs only when you have enabled auto-reply and does not upload message content.

Post notifications (Android 13+)

Allows the app to show notifications for new messages and app status. You can disable notifications in system settings if you prefer.

Read contacts

Used only to personalize auto-replies with the sender’s name (e.g. the template variable for the contact name). Contact data stays on your device and is not sent to our servers.

Read / Write external storage (Android 9–12)

Used only for Backup and Restore: to export and import your app settings, keywords, and templates to a file you choose. We do not read or upload your photos, documents, or other files.

Notification listener (optional)

Optional. If you enable “Notification access” for Business Buddy, the app can reply to RCS conversations from the notification shade. This is optional and can be turned off in system settings at any time.

Data retention and deletion

We retain only the license key–device ID binding and related activation/expiry information for as long as the key is valid or you use the app. We do not retain message content, contacts, or any other user data. If you want your device ID removed from our records (e.g. after uninstalling or switching devices), contact us and we will remove the binding for your license key.

Contact & developer information

Developer / Privacy contact: Business Buddy (ecain.org)

For privacy questions, data deletion requests, or license key–device unbinding:

software-support@ecain.org