Helical Edge Privacy Policy

Effective Date: January 29, 2026

Helical Edge (“we,” “us,” or “our”) operates the Helical Edge archery ballistics application (the “App”) and associated website (the “Website”). We are committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you use the App or Website, create an account, or interact with our services. Please read this policy carefully. If you do not agree with the terms of this Privacy Policy, please do not access or use the App or Website.

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of material changes by posting the new Privacy Policy on our Website and updating the effective date. You are advised to review this Privacy Policy periodically for any changes.

1. Information We Collect

Personal Information You Provide:

  • Account information: Email address and password (hashed and salted).
  • Profile and archery data: Bow setup details including sight marks, peep height, arrow mass/weight, draw length, arrow speed (IBO or measured), nock height/point of impact data, stabilizer setup notes, sight brand/model, and any custom notes or configurations you enter.
  • Subscription-related information: Your subscription status, expiry date, and plan type (stored as metadata; actual payment processing occurs through WP Engine).
  • Communications: Any messages you send us via support, email, or contact forms.

Automatically Collected Information:

  • Device and usage data: IP address, device type, operating system, browser/app version, unique device identifiers, app usage statistics (e.g., features accessed, session duration), and error logs.
  • Authentication data: Firebase Auth tokens and session information.

Camera Usage (App Only):

  • When using the pin sight alignment feature, the App may access your device’s camera to overlay predicted pin layouts behind your physical sight cage. Camera access is used in real time only for visual guidance and is not recorded, stored, or transmitted.

Payment Information:

  • We do not collect, store, or process credit card or payment method details. All payments and subscription management are handled exclusively by WP Engine (our third-party payment processor). WP Engine may share limited transaction status (e.g., success/failure, subscription ID) with us for account provisioning.

We do not collect sensitive personal information such as racial or ethnic origin, religious beliefs, health data (beyond general archery equipment details), biometric data, or precise geolocation unless you voluntarily provide it in notes.

2. How We Collect Your Information

  • Directly from you when you register, log in, enter bow data, or contact us.
  • Automatically through the App and Website using Firebase SDKs (Authentication, Firestore) and standard web/app technologies.
  • From WP Engine when they notify us of successful payment or subscription changes via webhook.

3. How We Use Your Information

We use your information to:

  • Provide, maintain, and improve the App and Website.
  • Process authentication and sync your archery data across your logged-in devices.
  • Enable real-time ballistics calculations and features.
  • Manage your subscription status and access to premium features.
  • Communicate with you about your account, updates, support requests, or important notices.
  • Prevent fraud, abuse, or security issues.
  • Comply with legal obligations.
  • Aggregate anonymous usage data for internal analytics (no personal identification).

We do not use your data for automated decision-making that produces legal or similarly significant effects.

4. How We Share Your Information

We share information only in limited circumstances:

  • With Google Firebase / Google Cloud: Your email, password hash, and all archery profile data are stored in Firebase Firestore and authenticated via Firebase Auth. Google acts as our data processor and stores data in accordance with its security standards (primarily US-based regions).
  • With WP Engine: Limited subscription metadata (user ID, subscription status) for account provisioning. Payment details stay with WP Engine and their payment processor (e.g., Stripe).
  • Service Providers: We may use trusted vendors for hosting, email delivery, customer support tools, or analytics, all bound by strict data processing agreements.
  • Legal Requirements: If required by law, subpoena, court order, or government request.
  • Business Transfers: In the event of merger, acquisition, or sale of assets, your data may be transferred as part of the transaction.
  • With Your Consent: Only with your explicit permission.

We do not sell your personal information to third parties.

5. Data Storage and Security

Your data is stored in Google Firebase Firestore, which employs industry-standard security measures including encryption at rest and in transit (TLS), access controls, and regular audits. Passwords are never stored in plain text.

We implement reasonable administrative, technical, and physical safeguards. However, no system is completely secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security. You are responsible for keeping your password confidential.

6. Data Retention

We retain your account information and archery data for as long as your account remains active. Upon account deletion or subscription cancellation, we will delete or anonymize your personal data within 30 days, except where retention is required for legal or security purposes (e.g., fraud prevention). Aggregated anonymous usage data may be kept indefinitely.

7. Children’s Privacy

The App and Website are not intended for children under 13 (or 16 in certain jurisdictions). We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If we learn we have collected such data, we will delete it immediately. Parents/guardians: contact us if you believe your child has provided information.

8. International Data Transfers

Our primary data storage is in the United States. If you are located outside the US, your information will be transferred to and processed in the US. By using the App or Website, you consent to this transfer. We rely on Standard Contractual Clauses or other approved mechanisms where required for international transfers.

9. Your Rights and Choices

Depending on your location, you may have rights to:

  • Access, update, or delete your personal information.
  • Opt out of certain processing.
  • Data portability.
  • Withdraw consent.
  • Lodge a complaint with a supervisory authority.

California Residents (CCPA/CPRA): You have the right to know what personal information we collected, request deletion, opt out of sales (we do not sell data), and request correction. We do not discriminate against CCPA rights exercisers.

To exercise your rights, contact us at the email below. We will respond within the legally required timeframe (typically 30–45 days).

10. Third-Party Links and Services

The App/Website may contain links to third-party sites (e.g., archery retailers or resources). We are not responsible for their privacy practices. Review their policies before providing information.

11. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

The Website may use essential cookies for authentication and functionality. The App does not use third-party advertising or analytics trackers. You can manage cookie preferences through your browser settings.

12. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy to reflect changes in our practices or for legal reasons. We will post the revised policy with a new effective date and notify you of significant changes via email or in-app notice.