BuildAlert App Privacy Policy

Last updated: 28 September 2026

This Privacy Policy explains how the BuildAlert mobile app (Android and iOS, package name uk.buildalert.app) collects, uses, and protects your information. BuildAlert ("we", "our", or "us") is committed to protecting your privacy.

The app uses the same BuildAlert account as our website. For how we handle data on buildalert.uk itself - including planning application data, billing, and letter sending - see our main website Privacy Policy. This page covers everything specific to the app: the device permissions it asks for and how it uses them.

1. Who We Are

BuildAlert is a platform that provides access to publicly available planning application data and allows users to identify potential construction opportunities and send marketing letters to property owners. The app is a native companion to our website, built for account holders to manage leads and letter templates on the go.

For the purposes of data protection law, BuildAlert acts as a data controller for personal data collected through the app.

Email: info@buildalert.uk

2. Information the App Collects

Account Information

Signing in on the app uses the same BuildAlert account as the website: name, email address, business name, and address. See the website Privacy Policy for full detail on this data.

Payment and Transaction Information

Card and payment details are collected and processed directly by our payment provider, Stripe - BuildAlert never receives or stores your full card number. We do store a reference to your Stripe customer record, and a record of each transaction (credits purchased, amount, date, and transaction type) against your account, so we can show your purchase history and manage your subscription.

Photos

If you choose to upload a company logo, the app asks for access to your photo library so you can select an image. We only access the specific photo you pick - the app does not scan or upload your photo library in the background.

Push Notifications

If you allow notifications, the app registers a device push token (via Firebase Cloud Messaging on Android, and Apple Push Notification service on iOS) so we can alert you about new leads and account activity. You can disable notifications at any time in your device settings.

Face ID / Biometric Sign-In

If you enable Face ID or fingerprint sign-in, this is handled entirely by your device's own operating system. Your biometric data never leaves your device and is never sent to or stored by BuildAlert - the app only receives a yes/no confirmation that your device unlocked successfully.

Crash and Diagnostic Data

To find and fix crashes, the app automatically collects crash reports, device model, operating system version, and app version through our crash reporting provider, Sentry. We do not send your IP address or any personal identifiers with this data. We use it only to diagnose and fix problems.

Device and Push Notification Identifiers

If you enable notifications, we store a push notification token, your device platform (iOS or Android), device name, and app version against your account, so we know where to deliver notifications. This is removed when you sign out or disable notifications.

Location

The app does not request or access your device's precise or approximate location. Maps shown in the app display property addresses from planning application data, not your own location.

Planning Application Data

As on the website, the app gives you access to planning application information collected from publicly available local authority planning portals.

3. How We Use This Information

• To provide your account, leads, and letter templates inside the app

• To send you push notifications about new leads and account activity, if enabled

• To let you attach a company logo to your letter templates

• To diagnose crashes and improve the app's reliability

• To process payments and manage your subscription

• To respond to support requests

4. Who We Share Data With

We do not sell personal data.

The app relies on the following third-party services:

• Firebase / Google - delivers push notifications to Android devices

• Apple - delivers push notifications to iOS devices

• Sentry - collects crash reports and device diagnostics so we can fix bugs

• Stripe - processes payments and manages subscriptions

• Expo - our app development platform, used to build and deliver app updates

• Printing and mailing providers - to post physical letters you create in the app

These providers only process data on our behalf and are required to protect it. We may also disclose information if required by law.

5. Permissions the App Requests

Depending on your device, the app may ask for the following permissions:

• Photo library - to select a company logo to upload

• Notifications - to alert you about new leads and account activity

• Face ID / biometrics - as an optional, on-device sign-in method

The app does not request camera, microphone, contacts, or location permissions. You can review or revoke any permission at any time in your device's settings.

6. Data Retention

Account information is retained for as long as your account is active. Transaction records and records of letters sent are retained after account closure for as long as UK tax and accounting law requires us to keep them. Push notification tokens and device information are deleted when you sign out or disable notifications. Crash and diagnostic data is retained by Sentry for a limited period to support debugging, after which it is automatically deleted.

7. Deleting Your Account and Data

You can delete your account from inside the app under Settings → Delete my account, or use our web form at buildalert.uk/delete-account if you no longer have the app installed. See that page for what gets deleted and what we're required to keep.

8. Your Data Protection Rights

Under UK data protection law you may have the right to:

• request access to personal data we hold about you

• request correction of inaccurate information

• request deletion of your personal data

• request restriction of processing

• object to certain types of data processing

• request transfer of your data

Requests can be made by contacting us at info@buildalert.uk.

9. Children's Privacy

The app is intended for business use and is not directed at children. We do not knowingly collect personal data from children.

10. Data Security

We implement appropriate technical and organisational measures to protect personal data from unauthorised access, loss, misuse, or disclosure. Authentication tokens are stored securely on your device using your operating system's secure storage. However, no service can guarantee absolute security.

11. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Any updates will be published on this page and the "Last updated" date will be revised.

12. Contact Information

If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy or how your data is handled, please contact:

BuildAlert

Email: info@buildalert.uk