1. Who We Are

Steps Counter with AI ("the App") is developed and operated by MK Apps ("we", "us", "our"). We are an independent app development studio committed to building high-quality, privacy-respecting fitness applications.

Developer: MK Apps
Website: https://mkapps.app
Support Email: products@mkapps.app
Bundle Identifier: com.mkapps.stepai.liveactivitytracker

2. Data We Collect

We collect the minimum data necessary to provide you with an excellent step tracking and fitness coaching experience. Here is a complete overview of every data type the App accesses:

Data Type	Purpose	Storage
Step count	Core step tracking, goals, analytics, AI Coach insights	On-Device
Walking/running distance	Distance tracking, workout routes, analytics	On-Device
Active energy burned (calories)	Calorie tracking, calorie balance view, mission targets	On-Device
Flights climbed	Floor tracking, daily missions	On-Device
Exercise minutes	Active minutes tracking, daily missions	On-Device
Heart rate	Heart rate trend analytics (read-only)	On-Device
Wheelchair push count	Accessibility: wheelchair mode step equivalent	On-Device
GPS location (during workouts only)	Route mapping, distance calculation, elevation tracking	On-Device
Motion sensor data (accelerometer)	Real-time step counting via CoreMotion pedometer	On-Device
Profile information (name, height, weight, birth date, gender)	BMR/calorie calculation, stride length, AI Coach personalization	On-Device iCloud Backup
Step Battle data (participant names, scores)	Multiplayer step challenges with friends	iCloud CloudKit
App usage events (screen views, feature usage)	Analytics to improve app experience	Firebase Analytics
Crash logs	Identifying and fixing bugs	Firebase Crashlytics
Push notification token	Sending goal reminders and motivational notifications	Firebase Messaging

3. Apple Health (HealthKit) Data

Steps Counter with AI integrates with Apple Health (HealthKit) to provide comprehensive fitness tracking. This is the most sensitive data we access, and we treat it with the highest level of care.

What We Read from Apple Health

• Step count (HKQuantityType.stepCount)
• Walking + running distance (HKQuantityType.distanceWalkingRunning)
• Active energy burned (HKQuantityType.activeEnergyBurned)
• Flights climbed (HKQuantityType.flightsClimbed)
• Exercise minutes (HKQuantityType.appleExerciseTime)
• Heart rate (HKQuantityType.heartRate) — read-only for trend analysis
• Wheelchair push count (HKQuantityType.pushCount) — accessibility feature

What We Write to Apple Health

• Completed workouts (walking, running, hiking, cycling, wheelchair)
• Active energy burned during workouts
• Distance covered during workouts

You can grant or revoke HealthKit access at any time in Settings → Health → Data Access & Devices → Steps Counter. The App will continue to function with limited features if HealthKit access is denied.

4. Location Data

The App requests location permission ("When In Use") only for GPS workout tracking. Location data is used to:

• Map your walking, running, or hiking route in real-time
• Calculate distance, pace, elevation gain, and speed during workouts

We do not track your location in the background. Location data is collected only during active workouts when you explicitly start a GPS workout session. Route data is stored locally on your device and is never transmitted to our servers or any third party.

You can revoke location access at any time in Settings → Privacy & Security → Location Services → Steps Counter.

5. iCloud & CloudKit

The App uses Apple's CloudKit framework for two features:

iCloud Backup & Restore

When you choose to back up your data, the App saves your profile, settings, streaks, achievements, and the last 90 days of step data to your private iCloud database. This data is:

• Stored in your personal iCloud account, encrypted by Apple
• Accessible only by you and devices signed into your Apple ID
• Not accessible by MK Apps or any third party

Step Battles (Social Challenges)

When you create or join a Step Battle, participant names and step scores are synced via CloudKit to enable real-time multiplayer challenges. This data is shared only with the participants you explicitly invite via a share link. Battle data is stored in iCloud and is not accessible by MK Apps.

6. Firebase Services

We use the following Google Firebase services to improve app quality:

Firebase Analytics

We collect anonymized, non-personally-identifiable app usage events such as screen views, feature interactions (e.g., "workout started", "goal reached", "AI coach viewed"), and theme changes. This data helps us understand which features are most valuable and where to invest development effort.

Firebase Analytics does not receive any HealthKit data, health metrics, location data, or personal profile information. We do not use Firebase Analytics for advertising purposes.

Firebase Crashlytics

Crash reports are collected automatically when the App encounters an error. These reports include device type, operating system version, and the technical stack trace of the crash. Crashlytics does not collect personal information, HealthKit data, or location data.

Firebase Cloud Messaging (FCM)

We use FCM to send push notifications such as goal reminders, streak alerts, and Step Battle updates. Your device's push notification token is stored by Firebase to deliver these messages. You can disable push notifications at any time in Settings → Notifications → Steps Counter.

For more information about Firebase's data practices, please review Google Firebase Privacy Policy.

7. On-Device Data

The majority of your data is stored exclusively on your device using Apple's SwiftData framework and UserDefaults:

• Daily step records (steps, distance, calories, floors, active minutes per day)
• Workout history (type, duration, route coordinates, metrics)
• Achievements and personal bests
• XP level and streak data
• Daily missions progress
• Journey challenge progress (e.g., "Walk to Paris")
• AI Coach generated insights
• User profile (name, height, weight, birth date, gender, fitness objective)
• App preferences (theme, units, notification settings)

This data never leaves your device unless you explicitly choose to back up to iCloud.

8. Third-Party Services

The App integrates with the following third-party services:

Service	Provider	Purpose	Data Sent
Firebase Analytics	Google LLC	App usage analytics	Anonymized events, device type, OS version
Firebase Crashlytics	Google LLC	Crash reporting	Crash logs, device type, OS version
Firebase Cloud Messaging	Google LLC	Push notifications	Device push token
Apple HealthKit	Apple Inc.	Health data sync	Read/write per user permission (on-device only)
Apple CloudKit	Apple Inc.	iCloud backup & Step Battles	Profile, step data, battle scores (user's private iCloud)
Apple MapKit	Apple Inc.	Workout route display	Map tile requests (general area, not exact location)

We do not use any advertising SDKs, data brokers, or user tracking services. The App contains no ads.

9. Data Sharing & Disclosure

We do not sell, rent, trade, or otherwise share your personal data with third parties for their commercial purposes. Your data may only be disclosed in the following limited circumstances:

• With your consent: When you explicitly choose to share content (e.g., sharing an AI Coach insight card or Step Battle invite link)
• Service providers: Firebase (Google) receives anonymized analytics and crash data as described above
• Legal requirements: If required by law, regulation, legal process, or enforceable governmental request
• Safety: To protect the rights, safety, or property of MK Apps, our users, or the public

10. Data Retention

• On-device data: Retained until you delete the App or clear data manually. Daily step records are stored indefinitely on-device for long-term analytics.
• iCloud backups: Retained in your iCloud account until you delete them. We do not have access to delete your iCloud data.
• Firebase Analytics: Event data is retained for 14 months per Google's default retention policy, then automatically deleted.
• Firebase Crashlytics: Crash data is retained for 90 days.
• Push notification tokens: Retained until the token is refreshed by iOS or you uninstall the App.

11. Your Rights & Choices

You have full control over your data:

• Revoke HealthKit access: Settings → Health → Data Access & Devices → Steps Counter
• Revoke location access: Settings → Privacy & Security → Location Services → Steps Counter
• Disable push notifications: Settings → Notifications → Steps Counter
• Disable motion data: Settings → Privacy & Security → Motion & Fitness
• Delete all on-device data: Uninstall the App from your device
• Delete iCloud backup: Settings → [Your Name] → iCloud → Manage Storage
• Request data deletion: Email products@mkapps.app and we will guide you through deleting any associated data
• Request data export: Contact us and we will provide any data we hold about you in a portable format

12. Children's Privacy

Steps Counter with AI is not directed at children under the age of 13 (or the applicable age of digital consent in your jurisdiction). We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If you believe a child has provided us with personal information, please contact us at products@mkapps.app and we will promptly delete such information.

13. International Data Transfers

Your on-device data stays on your device and does not cross borders. Firebase Analytics and Crashlytics data may be processed by Google in the United States or other countries where Google maintains facilities. Google complies with applicable data protection frameworks for international transfers. iCloud data is processed by Apple in accordance with Apple's Privacy Policy.

14. Data Security

We implement the following security measures:

• On-device encryption: iOS encrypts all app data at rest when the device is locked (Data Protection)
• iCloud encryption: All CloudKit data is encrypted in transit (TLS) and at rest by Apple
• No external servers: We do not operate our own servers or databases that store your personal data
• No account system: The App does not require account creation, passwords, or email addresses, reducing attack surface
• HTTPS only: All network communication uses encrypted HTTPS connections

15. GDPR Compliance (EEA Users)

If you are located in the European Economic Area (EEA), United Kingdom, or Switzerland, you have additional rights under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR):

• Legal basis: We process your data based on your consent (HealthKit, location, notifications) and our legitimate interest (analytics, crash reporting) to improve the App
• Right of access: You can request a copy of all data we hold about you
• Right to rectification: You can correct inaccurate data directly in the App's settings
• Right to erasure: You can request deletion of your data by contacting us
• Right to data portability: You can request your data in a machine-readable format
• Right to withdraw consent: You can revoke any permission at any time via iOS Settings
• Right to object: You can object to processing based on legitimate interest
• Right to lodge a complaint: You have the right to file a complaint with your local data protection authority

To exercise any of these rights, contact us at products@mkapps.app. We will respond within 30 days.

16. CCPA Compliance (California Users)

If you are a California resident, the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) provides you with additional rights:

• Right to know: You can request disclosure of the categories and specific pieces of personal information we collect
• Right to delete: You can request deletion of your personal information
• Right to opt-out of sale: We do not sell your personal information. There is nothing to opt out of.
• Right to non-discrimination: We will not discriminate against you for exercising your CCPA rights

To exercise your CCPA rights, contact us at products@mkapps.app.

17. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. If we make material changes, we will notify you by updating the "Last Updated" date at the top of this page and, where appropriate, through an in-app notification. We encourage you to review this policy periodically.

Continued use of the App after changes are posted constitutes your acceptance of the revised policy.

18. Contact Us

If you have any questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or our data practices, please contact us:

• Email: products@mkapps.app
• Website: https://mkapps.app

We will do our best to respond to all inquiries within 7 business days.