1. Introduction
Welcome to SwitchLink Smart Home. This Privacy Policy explains how SwitchLink ("we", "us", or "our") collects, uses, discloses, and protects your personal information when you use our smart home automation mobile application and services (collectively, the "Service").
SwitchLink is committed to protecting your privacy and ensuring the security of your personal information. By using our Service, you agree to the collection and use of information in accordance with this policy.
Important: Please read this Privacy Policy carefully. If you do not agree with our policies and practices, please do not use our Service.
2. Information We Collect
2.1 Personal Information
When you register for and use our Service, we collect the following personal information:
- Account Information: Mobile number, email address, full name, password, and MPIN (Mobile Personal Identification Number)
- Contact Information: Information you provide when contacting our support team
2.2 Device Information
To provide smart home automation services, we collect:
- Smart Device Data: Device names, MAC addresses, device types (switches, fans), room assignments, device nicknames, and configuration settings
- Device Status: On/off status, fan speed settings, schedule information, and device groupings
- Device Communication: MQTT protocol messages for device control and synchronization
2.3 Usage Information
We automatically collect information about how you use our Service:
- Device control patterns and preferences
- Favorite switches and groups
- Schedule configurations and automation rules
- App usage statistics and interactions
- Date and time of device operations
2.4 Technical Information
- Mobile device information (device type, operating system, unique device identifiers)
- Network information (IP address, Wi-Fi network details)
- App version and performance data
2.5 Third-Party Integration Data
When you connect your account with third-party services:
- Amazon Alexa: OAuth2 authentication tokens, device discovery information, voice command data
- Google Home: OAuth2 authentication tokens, device state synchronization data, voice control information
3. How We Use Your Information
We use the information we collect for the following purposes:
3.1 Service Provision
- Create and manage your user account
- Enable device registration, configuration, and control
- Process and execute device commands (on/off, speed control, scheduling)
- Synchronize device states across multiple platforms
- Support multi-room and multi-device management
3.2 Voice Assistant Integration
- Authenticate and authorize connections with Amazon Alexa and Google Home
- Enable voice control of your smart devices
- Process device discovery requests from voice platforms
- Execute voice commands for device control
3.3 Service Improvement
- Analyze usage patterns to improve our Service
- Develop new features and functionalities
- Identify and fix technical issues
- Optimize device performance and reliability
3.4 Communication
- Send you service-related notifications
- Respond to your inquiries and support requests
- Provide important updates about our Service
- Send security alerts and system notifications
3.5 Security and Compliance
- Protect against unauthorized access and security threats
- Verify user identity and prevent fraud
- Comply with legal obligations and enforce our terms
- Investigate and resolve disputes
4. Data Storage and Security
4.1 Data Storage
Your information is stored on secure servers. We use:
- Database: MySQL database with encrypted connections
- MQTT Broker: Secure MQTT communication for device control
- Cloud Services: AWS services for Alexa integration and file storage (S3)
4.2 Security Measures
We implement industry-standard security measures to protect your information:
- Encryption: All passwords are encrypted using secure hashing algorithms
- Authentication: OAuth2 and JWT token-based authentication
- Secure Communication: HTTPS for all API communications
- Access Control: Role-based access controls and user authentication
- Regular Security Audits: Periodic security assessments and updates
Note: While we strive to protect your personal information, no method of transmission over the Internet or electronic storage is 100% secure. We cannot guarantee absolute security.
5. Data Sharing and Disclosure
5.1 Third-Party Services
We may share your information with trusted third-party service providers:
- Amazon (Alexa): For voice assistant integration and device control
- Google (Google Home): For voice assistant integration and device control
- Cloud Service Providers: For hosting, storage, and infrastructure services
These third parties are bound by confidentiality obligations and are only permitted to use your information to provide services to us.
5.2 Legal Requirements
We may disclose your information if required to do so by law or in response to valid requests by public authorities (e.g., court orders, government agencies).
5.3 Business Transfers
In the event of a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets, your information may be transferred to the acquiring entity.
5.4 No Sale of Personal Data
We do not sell, rent, or trade your personal information to third parties for marketing purposes.
6. Data Retention
We retain your personal information for as long as necessary to provide our Service and fulfill the purposes outlined in this Privacy Policy. Specifically:
- Account Data: Retained while your account is active and for a reasonable period after account closure
- Device Data: Retained to maintain device configurations and history
- Usage Data: Retained for service improvement and analytics purposes
- Legal Requirements: We may retain information longer if required by law or for legitimate business purposes
When we no longer need your information, we will securely delete or anonymize it.
7. Your Rights and Choices
7.1 Access and Update
You have the right to:
- Access your personal information stored in our system
- Update or correct your account information through the app
- Modify device names, nicknames, and room assignments
- Change your password and MPIN
7.2 Account Deletion
You can request deletion of your account by:
- Using the account deletion feature in the app (requires mobile number and MPIN verification)
- Contacting our support team
Upon account deletion, we will remove your personal information, though some data may be retained for legal or legitimate business purposes.
7.3 Disconnect Third-Party Services
You can disconnect Amazon Alexa or Google Home integration at any time through the respective platform settings or by revoking access in the app.
7.4 Data Portability
You have the right to request a copy of your personal data in a structured, commonly used format.
8. Children's Privacy
Our Service is not intended for children under the age of 13. 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, and we will delete such information from our systems.
9. International Data Transfers
Your information may be transferred to and maintained on servers located outside of your country of residence. By using our Service, you consent to the transfer of your information to India and other countries where we operate.
10. Third-Party Links
Our Service may contain links to third-party websites or services. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of these third parties. We encourage you to read their privacy policies before providing any information to them.
11. Changes to This Privacy Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of any changes by:
- Updating the "Last Updated" date at the top of this policy
- Sending you a notification through the app or email
- Displaying a prominent notice in the app
Your continued use of the Service after any changes indicates your acceptance of the updated Privacy Policy.
12. Compliance with Indian Laws
As a company operating in India, we comply with applicable Indian data protection laws, including the Information Technology Act, 2000 and the Information Technology (Reasonable Security Practices and Procedures and Sensitive Personal Data or Information) Rules, 2011.
14. Consent
By using the SwitchLink Smart Home application and services, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by this Privacy Policy. If you do not agree with this policy, please do not use our Service.