SplitSec Privacy Policy

🔧 PLUGINS AND PERMISSIONS

Overview

SplitSec uses specific plugins and permissions exclusively for life-saving gunshot detection and emergency response functionality. All permissions are used transparently, with user consent, and solely for protecting users from active shooter threats.

Core Plugins

1. Capacitor Background Keep-Alive Plugin

Purpose: Maintains continuous background monitoring for 24/7 protection

Functionality:

• Runs persistent background service with foreground notification
• Implements floating indicator for service status visibility
• Handles service restart after system events or app closure
• Manages battery optimization exemptions for reliable operation
• Provides exact alarm scheduling for service persistence

Data Handling: No data collection or transmission; purely operational functionality

2. Capacitor TFLite Sound Classifier Plugin

Purpose: Real-time audio analysis using TensorFlow Lite machine learning

Functionality:

• Processes audio streams for gunshot detection
• Runs local ML inference on device
• Generates spectrogram visualizations for testing
• Provides confidence scores and classification results
• Handles audio file testing and batch processing

Data Handling: All processing occurs locally; no audio data leaves the device

Critical Safety Permissions

Audio Processing Permissions

• RECORD_AUDIO: Essential for real-time gunshot detection. Without microphone access, the app cannot fulfill its core life-saving purpose.
• MODIFY_AUDIO_SETTINGS: Optimizes audio capture for maximum detection accuracy. Critical for reliable threat identification.
• CHANGE_AUDIO_SETTINGS: Ensures audio processing continues reliably in background, maintaining consistent safety monitoring.

Background Service Permissions

• FOREGROUND_SERVICE: Maintains gunshot detection when app is closed, providing 24/7 protection.
• FOREGROUND_SERVICE_MICROPHONE: Android 14+ compliance for background microphone usage in safety services.
• FOREGROUND_SERVICE_SPECIAL_USE: Required for emergency/safety applications that need extended foreground service operation.
• START_FOREGROUND_SERVICES_FROM_BACKGROUND: Allows service restart after system events for uninterrupted protection.

Emergency Response Permissions

• SYSTEM_ALERT_WINDOW: Displays emergency alerts over any running app. Critical for immediate threat notification.
• USE_FULL_SCREEN_INTENT: Automatically launches emergency interface when gunshot detected. Every second counts in active shooter situations.
• SHOW_WHEN_LOCKED / TURN_SCREEN_ON: Ensures emergency access regardless of device lock state.
• VIBRATE: Provides haptic feedback for emergency alerts, critical for accessibility and noisy environments.

Service Reliability Permissions

• WAKE_LOCK: Prevents device deep sleep during critical audio processing. Ensures responsive emergency detection.
• REQUEST_IGNORE_BATTERY_OPTIMIZATIONS: Prevents aggressive battery optimization from disabling safety monitoring.
• SCHEDULE_EXACT_ALARM / USE_EXACT_ALARM: Schedules precise service restart intervals for continuous monitoring.
• RECEIVE_BOOT_COMPLETED: Automatically starts safety monitoring after device restart.

Notification Permissions

• POST_NOTIFICATIONS: Delivers critical emergency notifications. Required for Android 13+ apps sending notifications.

Optional Enhancement Permissions

Storage Permissions

• MANAGE_EXTERNAL_STORAGE: Enables emergency event logging and audio evidence saving. Optional feature for enhanced evidence collection.
• READ_MEDIA_AUDIO / READ_MEDIA_DOCUMENTS / READ_MEDIA_IMAGES: Allows users to test detection system with their own audio files and view spectrogram visualizations. Enhances user confidence and system verification.

Network Permissions (Currently Disabled)

• INTERNET / ACCESS_NETWORK_STATE: Reserved for future emergency service integration. No current data transmission.

Permission Justification for Safety

Every permission serves a specific safety purpose:

• Real-time audio analysis to detect gunshot sounds (RECORD_AUDIO, MODIFY_AUDIO_SETTINGS)
• Continuous background monitoring for 24/7 protection (FOREGROUND_SERVICE, WAKE_LOCK)
• Immediate emergency alerts that cannot be missed (SYSTEM_ALERT_WINDOW, VIBRATE)
• Reliable service operation for dependable protection (battery optimization, boot receiver)
• Emergency response capabilities for critical situations (full-screen intents, lock screen access)

Privacy and Security Commitments

Data Protection Guarantees

• Local Processing Only: All audio analysis occurs entirely on the user's device
• No Audio Transmission: Audio data never leaves the device or is sent to external servers
• No Permanent Storage: Audio is processed in real-time and immediately discarded
• No User Tracking: App does not collect, store, or transmit personal information
• Minimal Data Collection: Only emergency event timestamps and confidence levels are logged locally

User Control & Transparency

• Permission Explanations: Clear explanations provided before requesting each permission
• Graceful Degradation: App continues to function with reduced capabilities if optional permissions are denied
• Settings Access: Users can review and modify all permissions through Android settings
• Service Visibility: Background service runs with persistent notification showing current status

Compliance & Standards

• Google Play Policies: Fully compliant with Google Play Store permission policies
• Privacy Regulations: Adheres to GDPR, CCPA, and other applicable privacy laws
• Security Best Practices: Implements Android security guidelines and industry standards
• Regular Audits: Permissions and data handling practices regularly reviewed for compliance

User Experience & Permission Flow

Onboarding Process

• Clear Safety Mission: Users understand the app's life-saving purpose before permission requests
• Essential Permissions First: Critical safety permissions requested with detailed explanations
• Optional Features: Additional permissions requested only when users access specific features
• Ongoing Education: In-app guidance helps users understand how permissions enable safety features

Ongoing Transparency

• Status Indicators: Clear visual indicators show when safety monitoring is active
• Permission Review: Easy access to review and modify permission settings
• Feature Explanations: Contextual help explains how each permission contributes to user safety
• Troubleshooting: Guided assistance for users experiencing permission-related issues