Privacy Policy

Last updated: 29 September 2026

1. Who we are

LoneBuddy™ is a personal-safety app and website operated from Scotland, United Kingdom. For privacy enquiries or requests concerning personal information directly controlled by LoneBuddy, contact [email protected].

2. Scope and international availability

This policy applies to the LoneBuddy Android app and lonebuddy.com. LoneBuddy is primarily operated from the UK but may be distributed internationally through Google Play. Privacy and consumer rights can differ by country. Where mandatory local data-protection law gives you additional rights, those rights are not excluded by this policy.

3. Information handled by the app

The app may access information you provide or permit, including Buddy contact details, safety profiles, check-in information, location for relevant safety functions, and local safety logs. Core safety information is designed to be processed and stored locally on your device rather than uploaded to a LoneBuddy-operated cloud database.

Where you direct LoneBuddy to send an SMS safety alert, information included in that message is transmitted from your device through your mobile network to the Buddy you selected. Your network provider and the recipient's provider/device may process that information independently.

4. Location

LoneBuddy does not continuously track your location as a general background service. Location may be accessed when a safety feature requires it, including SOS or active-alert functionality. Premium functionality may provide updated location information during an active alert. Location included in an SMS is sent to the Buddy you selected; LoneBuddy does not operate a cloud location-history service.

5. SMS, contacts and device permissions

LoneBuddy may request device permissions needed for features you choose to use, including location, contacts and SMS-related functionality. Buddy details selected in the app are intended to remain locally on your device. SMS sending and delivery require compatible permissions, device capability and cellular/SMS service. Your mobile network provider may process message and network information under its own terms and privacy notice.

6. Website analytics and cookies

This website uses optional Google Analytics only after you choose to accept analytics cookies or similar technologies. If you reject or do not accept analytics, the site is designed not to enable that optional analytics measurement. See our Cookie Policy for more information. Google may process analytics information in countries outside your own under its own privacy terms and applicable transfer safeguards.

7. Google Play, purchases and subscriptions

Downloads, purchases and subscriptions are handled through Google Play. Google may independently process account, device, payment, transaction and service information under Google's own terms and privacy policies. LoneBuddy does not receive your full payment-card details from Google Play. Prices, taxes, currencies, billing rules, cancellation rights and refund arrangements shown by Google Play can vary by country.

8. Support enquiries

If you email LoneBuddy or otherwise contact support, we may receive your email address and the information you choose to provide. Please do not send passwords, full payment-card details or unnecessary sensitive information.

9. Why we use information

Where LoneBuddy directly processes personal information, it may be used to provide requested services and support, maintain security and reliability, meet legal obligations, establish or defend legal claims, and—where required and you have consented—measure website use. For UK users, the relevant lawful basis will depend on the activity and may include performance of a contract, legitimate interests, legal obligation or consent.

10. Retention and deletion

Core app information stored locally is controlled through your device, app settings and deletion behaviour. Uninstalling the app or clearing its local data may remove locally stored information, subject to your device or backup settings. Support correspondence and other information directly received by LoneBuddy is kept only for as long as reasonably necessary for support, record-keeping, security, legal or dispute-resolution purposes.

11. International processing and transfers

LoneBuddy is UK-based. Third-party services such as Google Play, Google Analytics, mobile networks and email providers may process information in other countries. Where LoneBuddy itself is responsible for an international transfer of personal information, we will use an appropriate lawful mechanism where required. A Buddy you choose may also be located in another country; sending an alert to that Buddy is a transfer you initiate through your mobile service.

12. Your privacy rights

UK users may have rights including access, correction, erasure, restriction, objection and data portability where applicable, and the right to withdraw consent where processing relies on consent. Because most core LoneBuddy safety data is designed to remain on your device, LoneBuddy may not possess a server-side copy to provide or delete. You can contact [email protected] about information directly controlled by LoneBuddy.

UK users can also raise concerns with the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO). Users elsewhere may have rights under their local privacy laws and may contact their local data-protection authority where applicable.

13. Third-party services

Google Play, mobile carriers, operating-system services, email providers and websites reached through external links operate under their own privacy terms. This policy does not control their independent processing.

14. Changes to this policy

We may update this policy as LoneBuddy develops, expands to additional countries, changes third-party services, or legal requirements evolve. Material changes affecting how personal information is used will be communicated where required. The date above identifies the current version.