Privacy Policy

Last updated: March 2026

1. Controller

The controller responsible for data processing is:
T. Stephan, Kookamp 40, 46354 Südlohn, Germany
E-Mail: info@exoda.de

2. Overview of Data Processing

DogPing is a mobile app for dog owners. The app processes personal data only to the extent necessary to provide its features. Below we inform you about the type, scope, and purpose of data processing.

3. Data Collected

3.1 Anonymous Authentication

To use the app, an anonymous Firebase user account is created automatically. No personal data such as name or email address is collected. Only a randomly generated anonymous user ID (UID) is stored.

3.2 Location Data (LOCATION)

DogPing collects and processes location data (GPS / network location) to display nearby dog owners. Specifically:

3.2.1 "Live Visible" – Foreground and Background Location

When the app starts, the "Live Visible" feature is automatically activated by default if you are on the home screen and the app is in the foreground. You can manually deactivate "Live Visible" at any time; it will then remain off for the current day. Location sharing is limited to a maximum of 120 minutes and ends automatically afterwards.

When "Live Visible" is active, the following data is stored in your user profile in Firebase Cloud Firestore:

The location is updated only when moving and transmitted at low intervals (approximately every few minutes). No movement histories and no location histories are stored – only the current location is always overwritten.

3.2.2 Background Location

When "Live Visible" is active and you leave the app, DogPing can continue updating your location in the background:

3.2.3 "Last Active" (without location)

Independently of "Live Visible", DogPing saves a timestamp of when you last used the app. This value can be stored for up to 12 months and is used in the radar to display users as "last active" – without location and without distance display.

3.2.4 Map Display

The location of other users is displayed on a map (Google Maps) when the respective user was active within the last 24 hours. For inactive users, the map remains hidden.

3.2.5 Your Control

You can at any time:

As soon as you deactivate "Live Visible", DogPing stops all location usage completely. Your profile can then no longer be found by location. The last saved location is no longer updated and is not used for live display.

3.2.6 Sharing of Location Data

Location data is used exclusively for app features. It is transferred to Google Firebase (for storing and providing the radar feature) and to Google Maps (for map display). It is not passed on to any other third parties.

3.3 Dog Profile Data

Profile data you voluntarily enter (dog name, breed, size, gender, temperament, profile picture) is stored in Firebase Cloud Firestore and Firebase Storage to display it to other users.

3.4 Chat Messages

Chat messages are stored in Firebase Cloud Firestore and are only visible to the participants in the conversation.

3.5 Status Posts

Photos and texts you share in the status feed are stored in Firebase Storage and Cloud Firestore. Status posts are automatically deleted after 28 days.

3.6 DogSpot Data

When you share a dog-friendly location (DogSpot), its GPS position is stored along with type information and any rating.

3.7 Photos and Camera

To create a profile picture and share status posts, DogPing may access your camera and/or photo gallery. Access occurs only after you have granted the corresponding system permission. Photos taken or selected are stored in Firebase Storage and shown to other users (profile picture) or shared in the status feed. DogPing does not access your photo gallery or camera independently.

3.8 Push Notifications

OneSignal (OneSignal Inc., USA) is used for push notifications. OneSignal receives a device identifier (push token) and basic device metadata (operating system, device type, language, app version). This data is associated with your anonymous UID and used exclusively for sending push notifications. You can disable push notifications at any time in your device settings.

3.9 In-App Purchases

In-app purchases (subscriptions) are processed via Apple App Store or Google Play Store. DogPing only stores the purchase status (active/inactive) linked to your anonymous UID.

4. Purpose of Data Processing

4a. No Sale of Data

DogPing does not sell personal data to third parties. Your data is used exclusively for the purposes stated in this privacy policy and is only transmitted to the processors listed in Section 6.

5. Legal Basis

Data processing is based on your consent (Art. 6(1)(a) GDPR) and for contract performance (Art. 6(1)(b) GDPR). Location processing only occurs after explicit activation by you.

6. Third Parties / Processors

7. Retention Period

7a. Account Deletion and Data Deletion

You can delete your account and all associated data at any time directly in the app. To do so, open your Profile and tap the "Delete account and all data" button at the bottom. After a confirmation, the following data will be irreversibly removed:

Deletion is complete, server-side, and cannot be undone. After deletion, the app automatically closes.

8. Your Rights

Under the GDPR you have the following rights:

9. Data Security

Data transmission is encrypted (TLS/SSL). Firebase provides industry-standard security measures in accordance with ISO 27001. Anonymous authentication minimises the scope of personal data.

10. Website Analytics

This website does not use cookies or tracking tools. No analysis of user behaviour takes place on this website.

11. Target Audience and Child Protection

DogPing is intended for persons aged 16 and over. The app is not intended for children. We do not knowingly collect data from children under 16. Should we become aware that a child under 16 is using the app, the relevant data will be deleted immediately.

12. Changes

We reserve the right to adapt this privacy policy as necessary to reflect changes in legislation or changes to the app.