About E-Kaathi
E-Kaathi is a specialized mobile application designed to assist visually impaired individuals through Bluetooth-enabled smart walking stick technology. Our app connects to physical smart walking sticks equipped with ESP32-C3 microcontrollers to provide safety features including emergency SOS alerts and real-time location sharing with designated caretakers.
Information We Collect and How We Use It
1. Location Information
What we collect: Your real-time GPS coordinates and location history
Why we need it:
- To share your location with authorized caretakers for safety monitoring
- To send precise location data during emergency SOS situations
- To provide navigation assistance through your smart walking stick
Storage: All location data is stored locally on your device and only transmitted to your designated caretakers
2. Bluetooth Connectivity Data
What we collect: Bluetooth device connection information and communication data from your E-Kaathi smart walking stick
Why we need it:
- To maintain connection with your ESP32-C3 equipped walking stick
- To receive emergency SOS signals when you hold the SOS button for 5 seconds
- To provide real-time communication between your device and walking stick
3. Camera Access
What we collect: No photos or videos are collected or stored
Why we need it:
- To scan QR codes for connecting caretakers to your account
- To establish secure connections between blind users and their caretakers
4. Contact Information
What we collect: Phone numbers of designated caretakers
Why we need it:
- To send emergency SMS alerts during SOS situations
- To notify caretakers of your location during emergencies
Detailed Permission Usage
Bluetooth Permissions
Why We Need These:
- Connect to your E-Kaathi smart walking stick with ESP32-C3 microcontroller
- Receive SOS signals when you press and hold the emergency button for 5 seconds
- Maintain continuous connection for real-time safety features
Location Permissions
When We Use Your Location:
- Only when you're actively using the app or during an emergency
- Shared only with your approved caretakers
- Never sold or shared with third parties
Data Security
How We Protect Your Data
- Encryption: All data transmitted between your device and caretakers is encrypted
- Local Storage: Most data is stored locally on your device, not on external servers
- Secure Connections: Bluetooth and network connections use industry-standard security protocols
- No Third-Party Sharing: We never sell or share your data with third parties
- Authorized Access Only: Only you and your approved caretakers can access your location data
Emergency SOS System
How the SOS Feature Works
Activation: Press and hold the SOS button on your E-Kaathi stick for 5 seconds
What Happens:
- Your location is immediately shared with all designated caretakers
- SMS alerts are sent to caretaker phone numbers
- App notifications are sent to caretaker devices
- Your location continues to be updated every few seconds until help arrives
⚠️ During emergencies, location sharing cannot be disabled until the SOS is cancelled or acknowledged by a caretaker
Your Privacy Rights
You have the right to:
- Access Your Data: Request a copy of all data we have about you
- Delete Your Data: Request deletion of your account and all associated data
- Manage Caretakers: Add or remove authorized caretakers at any time
- Control Permissions: Enable or disable app permissions through your device settings
- Opt-Out of Location Sharing: Disable location sharing except during emergencies
Important: Some features like emergency SOS require certain permissions to function properly. Disabling these permissions may affect app functionality.
Contact Us
Questions About Your Privacy?
If you have any questions, concerns, or requests regarding this privacy policy or your data, please contact us:
Email: austrange.india@gmail.com
Phone: +91 93228 71984
Response Time: We typically respond within 48-72 hours
By using E-Kaathi, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to this Privacy Policy.
E-Kaathi - Empowering Independence Through Safe Navigation Technology
Version: 1.0
Effective Date: January 2025