Privacy Policy

Quick Summary

We collect information to provide our services, which include hardware and product design, software development, AI systems, IP research, SEO consulting, mobile applications and our website. We protect your data with strong security. You have rights to access, correct, or delete your information. We follow New Zealand privacy laws and international standards.

This Privacy Policy explains how Four Birds Limited ("we," "us," "our," or "Company") collects, uses, shares, and protects your personal information when you use our website, mobile applications, consulting engagements, and related services (collectively, the "Services"). Our services span hardware and product design, software and web development, AI and intelligent systems, IP research and strategy, and digital presence and SEO.

By using our Services, you agree to this Privacy Policy.

1. Information We Collect

Personal Information You Provide

When you register or contact us, we collect:

• Account Information: Name, email address, and login details
• Content You Create: Photos, documents, files, designs, or other content you provide
• Project Information: Briefs, specifications, and materials shared during consulting or design engagements
• Support Messages: When you contact us for help
• Payment Information: Processed securely through third-party payment providers

Information Collected Automatically

Our apps and website automatically collect:

• Device Information: Your device type, operating system, and app version
• Usage Data: How you use our apps, which features you access, and time spent
• Location Data: Your approximate location from your IP address, and precise location only with your permission
• Technical Data: Crash reports and performance information to fix problems

Cookies and Similar Technologies

We use cookies and similar tools to:

• Remember your preferences and settings
• Analyze how our services are used
• Show relevant advertisements
• Ensure our services work properly

You can control cookies in your browser settings. Some features may not work if you disable cookies.

2. Why We Use Your Information

To Provide Our Services

• Create and maintain your account
• Deliver our services, including hardware design, software development, AI systems, IP research and SEO consulting
• Provide customer support
• Process payments and transactions
• Send important service updates

To Improve Our Services

• Analyze usage patterns to enhance user experience
• Fix technical problems and improve performance
• Develop new features based on user needs
• Conduct research and analytics

To Communicate With You

• Respond to your questions and support requests
• Send security alerts and important notices
• Share marketing communications (with your consent)
• Notify you of policy changes

Legal Basis for Processing (GDPR)

We process your information based on:

• Your Consent: When you give explicit permission
• Contract Performance: To provide services you've requested
• Legitimate Interests: For business operations, security, and improvements
• Legal Compliance: To meet legal requirements

3. How We Share Your Information

Service Providers

We work with trusted companies that help us operate our services:

• Analytics: PostHog for understanding how users interact with our apps
• Customer Support: Chatbase for providing help and support
• Infrastructure: Vercel, Google Cloud, and Supabase for hosting and storing data
• Advertising: Google Ads, Meta Ads, Apple App Store ads, and Google Play Store ads

These companies can only use your information to help us provide our services.

When Required by Law

We may share your information to:

• Comply with legal requests or court orders
• Protect our rights and the safety of our users
• Investigate fraud or security issues
• Enforce our Terms of Service

Business Changes

If we merge with another company or sell our business, your information may be transferred as part of that transaction. We'll notify you of any such changes.

We Don't Sell Your Information

We never sell your personal information to other companies for money.

4. International Data Transfers

Your information may be processed in different countries:

• Primary Processing: New Zealand, United States, and EU countries
• Service Providers: Countries where our technology partners operate
• Protection: We use legal safeguards like Standard Contractual Clauses to protect your data
• EU Users: New Zealand has EU adequacy status, providing strong protection for data transfers

5. How Long We Keep Your Information

Retention Periods

• Account Data: 1 year after your last login
• Usage Analytics: Up to 3 years in aggregated form
• Support Messages: 2 years after resolution
• Legal Requirements: Longer if required by law

When You Delete Your Account

• Personal information deleted within 30 days
• Some anonymized data may remain for analytics
• Certain information kept for legal or safety reasons

6. Your Privacy Rights

All Users Can:

• Access: See what personal information we have about you
• Correct: Update incorrect information
• Delete: Request deletion of your personal information
• Port: Get your data in a common format (where possible)
• Withdraw: Remove consent for processing based on consent

EU/UK Users Also Have Rights To:

• Object: Stop processing based on legitimate interests
• Restrict: Limit how we process your information
• Complain: File complaints with data protection authorities

California Users Also Have Rights To:

• Know: Learn about information collection and sharing
• Opt-Out: Stop sale or sharing of personal information
• Non-Discrimination: Not be treated differently for exercising rights

How to Exercise Your Rights

1. 1. Email Us: Send requests to hello@fourbirds.co.nz
2. 2. Verify Identity: We'll confirm your identity for security
3. 3. Response Time: We'll respond within 30 days
4. 4. In-App Settings: Use privacy controls in our mobile apps

7. Data Security

How We Protect Your Information

• Encryption: Your data is encrypted when stored and transmitted
• Access Controls: Only authorized staff can access systems
• Regular Testing: We test our security regularly
• Staff Training: Our team is trained on data protection

If Something Goes Wrong

• We'll investigate and fix security incidents quickly
• We'll notify affected users as required by law
• We'll report serious breaches to authorities within 72 hours
• We'll take steps to prevent similar incidents

Your Role in Security

• Keep your account password secure
• Log out of shared devices
• Report suspicious activity to us immediately

8. Children's Privacy

Age Requirements

• Our services are not for children under 13
• We don't knowingly collect information from children under 13
• If we discover we have a child's information, we'll delete it immediately

For Parents

If you believe your child has provided information to us:

• Contact us immediately at hello@fourbirds.co.nz
• We'll verify the situation and delete the information
• We'll take steps to prevent future collection

9. Third-Party Links and Services

External Websites

• Our services may link to other websites
• Those sites have their own privacy policies
• We're not responsible for their privacy practices
• Read their policies before providing information

Integrated Services

When you use third-party services through our platform:

• Those services have separate privacy policies
• Your use is subject to their terms
• We recommend reviewing their practices

10. Region-Specific Information

New Zealand Users

• Privacy Act 2020: We comply with New Zealand privacy principles
• Collection Notices: We provide required information about data collection
• Overseas Transfers: We tell you when data goes overseas and ensure protection
• Breach Notification: We'll notify you of breaches that could cause serious harm
• Complaints: Contact the Privacy Commissioner at privacy.org.nz

European Union/United Kingdom Users

• Legal Basis: Processing based on consent, contract, legitimate interests, or legal compliance
• Data Protection Officer: Contact dpo@fourbirds.co.nz for GDPR matters
• Supervisory Authority: File complaints with your local data protection authority
• Adequacy: New Zealand has EU adequacy status for data transfers

California Users

• CCPA/CPRA Rights: Enhanced rights detailed in Section 6
• Shine the Light: Request information about disclosure practices
• Do Not Track: We don't currently respond to Do Not Track signals
• Categories: We collect identifiers, internet activity, and geolocation data

11. Platform-Specific Information

Platform Compliance

• Apple Privacy Labels: Accurately declared in App Store listings
• Google Data Safety: Comprehensive disclosure in Play Store
• Privacy Manifests: Required files for iOS apps using sensitive APIs

App Permissions

• Location: Only requested when needed for specific features
• Camera/Photos: Only for features that require media access
• Notifications: You can control notification preferences
• Contacts: Only if you choose to invite friends

Account Deletion

• Web-based Deletion: Available at www.fourbirds.co.nz/delete-account
• In-App Option: Delete account through app settings
• Verification: Identity confirmation required for security
• Timeline: Account deleted within 30 days of verification

12. Updates to This Policy

How We Make Changes

• We review this policy regularly
• Material changes require user notification
• Non-material changes posted with effective date
• Continued use means acceptance of updates

How We Notify You

• Email: Registered users notified of significant changes
• In-App: Notifications for policy updates
• Website: Updated policy posted prominently
• Choice: Option to reject material changes by closing account

13. Contact Information

General Privacy Questions

Email: hello@fourbirds.co.nz

Website: www.fourbirds.co.nz

Response Time: Within 5 business days

Data Protection Officer

Email: dpo@fourbirds.co.nz

Purpose: GDPR compliance, data subject requests, privacy matters

Response Time: Within 30 days

Account Deletion

Website: www.fourbirds.co.nz/delete-account

Email: hello@fourbirds.co.nz (subject: Account Deletion)

Complaints and Concerns

• New Zealand: Privacy Commissioner at privacy.org.nz
• EU/UK: Local data protection authority
• California: California Attorney General's Office