This privacy policy applies to the Vaktu – Prayer Times application for iOS, watchOS, and Android, developed and operated by Mert Topcu under the name Vaktu Studio ("we", "us", or "Service Provider"). Vaktu is provided as a free service with optional premium subscriptions. This service is intended for use "AS IS".
Overview
Vaktu is a prayer times application that helps Muslims observe their daily salah by providing accurate prayer time calculations, adhan notifications, qibla direction, and an Islamic (Hijri) calendar. We are committed to respecting your privacy and being transparent about the data we collect and why.
Vaktu does not require you to create an account, and we do not collect your name, email address, or any other personal identity information to use the core features of the app.
Information We Collect
Location Data
Vaktu requires access to your device's location in order to function correctly. Your location is used exclusively for the following purposes:
- Prayer Time Calculation: Your geographic coordinates (latitude, longitude, and altitude) are used to calculate accurate prayer times for your specific location using recognized astronomical methods (Diyanet, ISNA, MWL, Umm al-Qura, and others).
- Qibla Direction: Your coordinates are used to determine the precise direction toward the Kaaba in Mecca, Saudi Arabia.
- Automatic City Detection: Your location is used to display your current city name within the app.
Prayer time calculations are performed on your device. Your precise GPS coordinates are not transmitted to our servers or to any third party for tracking purposes.
Device & Usage Data
We may automatically collect certain technical information to help us maintain and improve the app:
- Device model, operating system, and version
- App version
- Crash logs and diagnostic data (via Firebase Crashlytics)
- General usage statistics (e.g., which features are used, session duration)
This data is collected in aggregate form and is not linked to your personal identity.
Subscription Data (Premium)
If you purchase a premium subscription, the transaction is processed entirely by Apple (App Store) or Google (Google Play). We do not receive or store your payment information, credit card number, or billing address. We only receive a confirmation of your subscription status to unlock premium features.
What We Do Not Collect
Vaktu does not collect or process:
- Your name, email address, or phone number (unless you contact us voluntarily)
- Contacts, photos, camera, or microphone data
- Health, fitness, or biometric data
- Browsing history or data from other apps
- Any data using Artificial Intelligence (AI) or machine learning technologies
Third-Party Services
Vaktu integrates the following third-party services, each of which has its own privacy policy:
- Google AdMob — Used to display advertisements in the free version of the app. AdMob may collect device identifiers and usage data to serve relevant ads.
- Firebase Crashlytics — Used to collect crash reports and diagnostic information to help us identify and fix bugs.
- Firebase Remote Config — Used to deliver configuration updates to the app without requiring a new version release.
Premium subscribers who have ad-free access will not receive advertisements through AdMob.
We do not sell, trade, or rent your personal information to third parties.
Widgets & Apple Watch
Vaktu offers home screen widgets (iOS and Android) and an Apple Watch companion app. These extensions access the same location data described above to display prayer times on your home screen or watch face. No additional data is collected through widgets or the Watch app beyond what is described in this policy.
Data shared between the main iOS app and its extensions (widgets, Watch app) is stored locally on your device within a shared App Group container and is not transmitted externally.
Notifications
Vaktu can send local notifications to alert you when a prayer time arrives. These notifications are generated entirely on your device based on calculated prayer times. They are not push notifications sent from a remote server. You can enable, disable, or customize notifications for each individual prayer within the app's settings.
Data Retention
Since Vaktu does not collect personal identity information, there is minimal data to retain. Crash logs and aggregated analytics are retained for a reasonable period to help improve the app, and are automatically purged over time.
If you contact us via email, we retain your correspondence for as long as needed to resolve your inquiry.
You can stop all data collection by uninstalling the application from your device.
Children's Privacy
Vaktu does not knowingly collect personally identifiable information from children under the age of 13 (or equivalent minimum age in relevant jurisdictions). The app does not target children, and no part of the service is designed to attract anyone under 13.
If we learn that a child under 13 has somehow provided personal information, we will delete it immediately. If you are a parent or guardian and believe your child has provided personal information, please contact us at vaktustudio@gmail.com.
Security
We take reasonable measures to protect the limited information we collect, including the use of industry-standard encryption and secure data handling practices. However, no method of transmission over the internet or method of electronic storage is 100% secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.
Your Rights
Depending on your jurisdiction, you may have the right to:
- Request access to the data we hold about you
- Request correction or deletion of your data
- Withdraw consent for data processing
- Opt out of personalized advertising (via your device's privacy settings)
To exercise any of these rights, contact us at vaktustudio@gmail.com. We will respond within a reasonable timeframe.
Changes to This Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. When we do, we will update the "Effective as of" date at the top of this page. We encourage you to review this policy periodically. Continued use of the app after changes have been posted constitutes your acceptance of those changes.
Your Consent
By using Vaktu, you consent to the collection and use of information as described in this Privacy Policy.
Contact Us
If you have any questions or concerns about this Privacy Policy or our data practices, please contact:
Mert Topcu – Vaktu Studio
Email: vaktustudio@gmail.com