Privacy Policy

2. Device Sensor Access & Kinematic Data

To detect footfalls and calculate walking cadence, Step Counter Free accesses your smartphone or tablet's built-in 3-axis accelerometer through the standard HTML5 DeviceMotionEvent API:

• No GPS or Geolocation Tracking: We never request or access your device's GPS coordinates, latitude/longitude, or geographical location. Distance is estimated mathematically using your stride length calibration, not location tracking.
• No Camera or Microphone Access: The platform does not request, access, or record video, photography, or ambient microphone audio.
• Transient In-Memory Processing: Raw acceleration values (X, Y, and Z axis vectors) are processed strictly in volatile device memory (RAM) using mathematical filters. Raw motion sensor readings are never recorded, logged, or uploaded to any remote server.
• Explicit iOS Consent: On Apple devices running iOS 13 and later, Mobile Safari enforces an explicit permission prompt. You must tap "Allow" to grant motion access. You can revoke this permission at any time within your Safari browser settings.

3. Client-Side Data Storage (window.localStorage)

Step Counter Free saves your session preferences, daily step records, 7-day visual history, and hydration counters strictly inside your web browser’s local storage (window.localStorage):

• Stored Locally on Your Device: All activity records remain on the specific physical device and browser you use to access the site.
• Zero Server Synchronization: We do not operate remote user databases or cloud synchronization backends. We have no technical means to view, access, or monetize your step history.
• User Control & Deletion: You retain complete control over this data. You can delete all stored records at any time by clearing your browser cache and cookies, using private/incognito browsing, or clicking the "Reset Data" option in Settings.
• CSV Data Portability: You can export your step history anytime via the "Export CSV" button to download a plaintext copy of your logged walking sessions.

4. Cookies & Third-Party Advertising Partners

To maintain Step Counter Free as a complimentary, universally accessible tool without charging subscription fees or requiring paid downloads, we may partner with reputable third-party advertising networks, including Google AdSense.

Third-party vendors, including Google, use cookies to serve ads based on a user's prior visits to this website or other websites on the internet:

• Google DART Cookie: Google’s use of advertising cookies enables it and its partners to serve ads to our users based on their visit to our site and/or other sites across the internet.
• Opt-Out of Personalized Advertising: Users may opt out of personalized advertising by visiting Google Ads Settings. Alternatively, you can opt out of third-party vendor cookies by visiting www.aboutads.info or Your Online Choices (for European users).
• Log Files: Standard web hosting infrastructure automatically logs basic diagnostic technical records (e.g., standard HTTP request headers, browser user-agent, referring URL, timestamp) for security monitoring, DDoS mitigation, and server integrity. These logs do not contain personal fitness or sensor data.

5. European Union & UK General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)

If you are a resident of the European Economic Area (EEA) or the United Kingdom, you are entitled to specific rights regarding your personal data under the GDPR:

6. California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA / CPRA)

Under the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) and the California Privacy Rights Act (CPRA), California residents have specific statutory rights:

• No Sale or Sharing of Personal Information: We do not sell, rent, or trade your personal information, daily step records, or fitness metrics to third parties.
• Right to Know & Delete: You have the right to request what personal information is collected and to request its deletion. All fitness data is under your direct control in your browser's local storage.
• Non-Discrimination: We will never discriminate against you, deny access, or alter your experience if you exercise your privacy rights.

7. Children’s Online Privacy Protection (COPPA)

Step Counter Free does not knowingly collect or solicit personal information from children under the age of 13 (or under 16 in the EEA). Because our website does not offer registration or accept user submissions of personal contact information, we comply fully with the requirements of COPPA.

8. Updates to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our technological features, legal obligations, or browser standards. The "Last Updated" date at the top of this document will always denote the most recent revision.

9. Privacy Inquiries & Contact Information

If you have any questions, concerns, or legal inquiries regarding this Privacy Policy or our client-side data handling procedures, please contact our Data Protection Officer: