Privacy Policy
Looking for a more visualized explanation? Check out our Privacy Explained page for an in-depth look at how we protect your data.
Our Commitment to Privacy
At My Group Online, privacy isn't an afterthought—it's our foundation. We built this app specifically to provide attendance tracking without compromising anyone's privacy, especially children and school groups.
Location Permission and Data Collection
My Group Online uses Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) technology for proximity detection only. We request location permission for technical reasons required by mobile operating systems, but we do not access, collect, transmit, or store your GPS location or geographic coordinates.
Why We Request Location Permission
- Android BLE Requirement: Android OS requires location permission to scan for Bluetooth Low Energy devices. This is a platform requirement, not our choice.
- Background Activity (Participants Only): When participants broadcast their presence, we use motion/activity detection to keep the app active in the background (e.g., when your phone is in your pocket or bag). This ensures continuous BLE broadcasting without draining your battery.
- No GPS Data Collected: Despite requesting these permissions, we do not access your GPS location, geographic coordinates, or track where you are on a map.
- Proximity Detection Only: We only detect when your device is near the guide's device using BLE signal strength (RSSI).
- No Location History: We do not create movement patterns, location history, or track your whereabouts over time.
What We Don't Collect
- GPS Location Data: We never access, collect, or store your GPS coordinates or geographic location.
- Location History: We do not track movement patterns or create location histories.
- Participant Accounts: We do not require accounts for participants.
- Contact Lists: We don't access your contacts or phone book.
- Photos or Files: No access to your media or documents.
What We Do Collect
- Proximity Data via Bluetooth: Using Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), we detect when participants are near the guide based on signal strength. This is proximity detection, not location tracking—we know you're nearby (within Bluetooth range), not where you are geographically.
- Bluetooth Signal Strength: We use BLE Received Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI) to estimate distance between devices, not to determine geographic location.
- Anonymous Identifiers: Each device gets a random, anonymous ID that changes regularly and cannot be linked to your identity.
- Participant Identity Information (Optional): If you choose to provide your name and phone number when joining a group, this information is shared with the group guide only (not with other participants). See "Participant Identity Info" section below for details.
- Usage Analytics: Basic app performance data to improve reliability (crashes, errors, etc.). This data is anonymized and never contains location information.
Participant Identity Info (Name & Phone)
If you choose to provide your name and phone number when joining a group, we make this information available to the group guide so the guide can identify participants for attendance and safety purposes. This information is:
- Visible to: The group guide only (not to other participants)
- Used for: Participant identification for the guide, group safety and coordination, and support if needed
- Stored for: Up to 7 days, then automatically deleted
- Immediate deletion: You can delete this information earlier at any time from within the app
- Not used for: Marketing, advertising, data brokerage, or unrelated profiling
- Sharing: Not shared beyond the guide and our service providers (for operational purposes only), except as required by law
- Fully optional: Providing your name and phone number is completely optional based on your choice to participate with identification
You have control: This feature is optional. Proximity detection remains anonymous by default. You only share identity information if you choose to provide it, and you can delete it immediately at any time.
How Bluetooth Low Energy Works
BLE technology is the same used in AirTags, fitness trackers, and contactless payments. It's designed for privacy and efficiency. Your phone broadcasts a simple "I'm here" signal that only the guide's device can read. No geographic location, no GPS tracking, no surveillance.
Why Location Permission? Mobile operating systems require location permission for two technical reasons:
- BLE Scanning (Android): Android requires location permission to scan for Bluetooth devices, preventing potential location inference from public Bluetooth beacons.
- Background Activity: When you join a group as a participant, we use device motion/activity detection (part of location services) to keep your BLE broadcast active when your phone is in your pocket or bag. This ensures you remain visible to your guide without manual intervention.
Important: Despite these permissions, My Group Online does not access your GPS, does not collect or transmit geographic coordinates, and does not track where you are located. We only use Bluetooth signal strength (RSSI) to detect proximity—whether you're within range of the guide (typically 30-100 feet), not where on Earth you are.
Safe for Children
My Group Online is designed to be COPPA-compliant and safe for school groups. No personal information is required from participants of any age. Parents and teachers can trust that children's privacy is fully protected.
Data Retention
We retain different types of data for specific periods:
- Proximity/Attendance Session Data: Stored only for the duration of the active group session. Once a group is closed, all associated data is permanently deleted within 30 days.
- Participant Identity Info (Name/Phone): Stored for up to 7 days maximum, then automatically deleted. You can delete this information immediately at any time from within the app.
- Analytics/Crash Logs: Anonymized performance data retained as needed to improve app reliability.
Your Rights
You have the right to:
- Request deletion of any data associated with your account
- Export your data
- Opt out of analytics
- Close your account at any time
Contact Us
If you have questions about privacy, please contact us at: support@mygrouponline.com
Frequently Asked Questions
Does My Group Online track people's location?
No. The app does not use GPS, does not collect geographic coordinates, and does not track your location at any time. We use Bluetooth Low Energy to detect proximity only—whether you're near the guide, not where you are on a map.
Why does the app request location permission?
Location permission is required for two technical reasons: (1) Android requires it to scan for Bluetooth devices, and (2) to monitor device motion/activity to keep BLE broadcasting active in the background when your phone is in your pocket. Despite these permissions, we do not access GPS, do not collect geographic coordinates, and only use Bluetooth for proximity detection.
Does the app work in the background?
Yes. When you join a group as a participant, your phone continues broadcasting your presence via Bluetooth even when the app is in the background or your phone is locked. We use motion/activity detection (not GPS) to keep this connection alive, ensuring you remain visible to your guide without needing to keep the app open.
Do you collect participant names or phone numbers?
Only if a participant chooses to provide them when joining a group. This information is visible to the guide only (not other participants), stored for up to 7 days, and can be deleted immediately by the participant at any time. Participants do not need accounts, emails, or profiles.
Is attendance anonymous?
Proximity detection is anonymous by default. If a participant chooses to provide their name and phone number, that identity information is shared with the guide for attendance purposes only. Providing identity information is completely optional.
Is this suitable for schools and youth organizations?
Yes. The app was designed to minimize data collection and support privacy-sensitive environments.
How is this different from other attendance apps?
Most attendance apps rely on accounts, check-ins, or location tracking. My Group Online provides attendance visibility without those requirements.