Privacy Policy

Your Privacy Matters

GabAI is built for the visually impaired community. We are transparent about every piece of data we use — and we keep it to the minimum required to run the app.

Last updated: August 2, 2026

This Privacy Policy applies to the GabAI Blind Assist mobile application available on the Google Play Store. By using GabAI you agree to the data practices described below. If you do not agree, please discontinue use of the application.

What We Collect & Why

Every permission GabAI requests has a specific, limited purpose.

Camera On-Device Only

GabAI uses your device camera exclusively for real-time obstacle detection powered by our YOLOv11 AI model. All video processing happens entirely on your device — no images, frames, or video streams are ever transmitted to any server or stored anywhere outside your phone. Your camera feed never leaves your device.

Microphone Not Recorded

The microphone is used to receive voice commands while the app is actively running. Speech recognition functionality is provided by your device's operating system and may be processed according to the privacy practices of the platform provider (such as Google or Apple). GabAI does not record, store, or retain voice recordings.

GPS Location Session Only

Your GPS location is collected only during active caregiver sessions you explicitly initiate. Location data is shared in real time with your paired caregiver via Firebase Realtime Database. Once the session ends, location sharing stops. No location history is retained; session data is automatically purged after the session closes.

Firebase Anonymous Authentication No Identity

GabAI signs you in anonymously through Firebase Authentication. This generates a random, anonymous user ID (UID) that is not linked to any personal identity — no name, email address, phone number, or any other personally identifiable information is collected. The UID is used solely to scope your session data in the database.

Firebase Realtime Database Session State

During an active caregiver session, GabAI stores session state in Firebase Realtime Database. This includes your current location, session status (active/paused), current proximity alerts, emergency SOS triggers, and a temporary log of detected obstacles and statistics. This data exists only for the duration of the active session to allow your caregiver to assist you. When a session ends or the app is closed, this data is immediately deleted.

Third-Party Services Firebase & OS Services

GabAI does not sell, rent, or share your data for advertising or commercial purposes. We utilize Google Firebase exclusively to enable caregiver session features, and your device's native speech recognition services for voice commands. These operate under their respective corporate privacy policies.

Data Retention & Deletion

GabAI does not maintain persistent user profiles. Session data, including location and obstacle detection logs, is intended to exist only during an active caregiver session and is deleted from our Firebase Database when the caregiver session ends or the application closes normally. Your anonymous Firebase UID is used to scope your session data and is not linked to your name, email address, or other direct personal identifiers. If you wish to request explicit data deletion, please contact us at the email below.

Children's Privacy

GabAI is not directed at children under the age of 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If you believe a child has provided us with personal data, please contact us immediately and we will delete it.

Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Changes will be reflected by updating the "Last updated" date at the top of this page. Continued use of GabAI after any changes constitutes acceptance of the revised policy. We encourage you to review this page periodically.

Governing Law

This Privacy Policy and your use of GabAI are governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the Republic of the Philippines, including the Data Privacy Act of 2012 (Republic Act No. 10173) and its implementing rules and regulations. Any disputes arising out of or in connection with this policy shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the competent courts of the Philippines.

Contact Us

If you have questions, concerns, or data deletion requests regarding this Privacy Policy, please reach out:

GabAI Development Team

gabaicapstone@gmail.com

We will respond within 5 business days.