Privacy Policy

Last updated: July 2025 · Effective: July 2025

PawShield ("we," "us," or "our") is committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how PawShield handles information when you use our mobile application ("App").

1. Overview

PawShield is built on the Nostr protocol — an open, decentralized, censorship-resistant communication network. By design, PawShield operates without centralized servers that store your personal data. We do not collect, store, or sell your personal information.

2. Information we do not collect

PawShield does not collect:

• Your name, email address, or phone number
• Your location data (the Map screen runs entirely on-device)
• Demographic or profile information
• Advertising identifiers or tracking cookies
• Crash analytics or behavioral telemetry
• Payment or financial information

3. How PawShield works

PawShield uses the Nostr protocol for all communication:

• Cryptographic identity: Your identity is a public/private keypair generated entirely on your device. Your private key never leaves your device.
• Messages: All messages are signed with your private key and may be encrypted using NIP-04 or NIP-44 end-to-end encryption. Encrypted messages are relayed through public Nostr relays as ciphertext — relay operators cannot read message content.
• Relays: PawShield connects to community-operated Nostr relay servers (e.g., wss://relay.damus.io). These relays forward signed events between users. Relay operators may log IP addresses and signed events in accordance with their own privacy policies.
• Local storage: Your private key, contacts, settings, and cached messages are stored locally on your device using encrypted device storage. We have no access to this data.

4. Voice & video calls

Voice and video calls initiated within PawShield use WebRTC peer-to-peer technology. Call signaling uses Nostr events. Audio and video streams are transmitted directly between participants and are not routed through PawShield servers.

5. Third-party relay servers

When you use PawShield, your signed Nostr events are broadcast to relays you configure. These relays are operated by independent third parties. We recommend reviewing the privacy policies of any relays you choose to connect to. Default relays included in the app are community relays with their own published policies.

6. Children's privacy

PawShield is not directed to children under the age of 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children.

7. Data security

Because PawShield does not transmit personal data to our servers, your primary data security depends on:

• Keeping your device secure and locked
• Safeguarding your Nostr private key (nsec)
• Choosing reputable Nostr relays

8. Changes to this policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify users of material changes by updating the "Last Updated" date. Continued use of the App constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.

9. Contact us

If you have questions about this Privacy Policy, please contact us at: