Privacy Policy

Last Updated: April 17, 2026

1. Introduction

Beacon of New Beginnings ("we", "our", or "us") is committed to protecting the privacy and confidentiality of survivors of abuse and homelessness. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you use our mobile application.

2. Information We Collect

2.1 Personal Information

• Name and contact information (phone number, email address)
• Emergency contact details
• Location data (only when you explicitly share it for safety purposes)
• Account credentials

2.2 Sensitive Information

• Information about your situation (disclosed voluntarily in support requests)
• Messages and communications with our support staff
• Service usage records (counseling sessions, legal aid requests, etc.)

2.3 Support Plan Intake Information

When you use the AI-assisted support plan feature, the app collects:

• A free-text description of your presenting situation
• A list of the support areas you identify as relevant to you (for example: housing, education, psychosocial support)

This information is collected solely through the in-app intake form and is only transmitted to a third-party AI service after you explicitly consent (see Section 11). No names, phone numbers, email addresses, or other identifying details are included in what is sent.

2.3 Technical Information

• Device information
• App usage analytics
• Crash reports and error logs

3. How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect to:

• Provide emergency assistance and safety services
• Connect you with counseling, legal aid, and shelter services
• Facilitate communication with our support staff
• Generate personalised, programme-based support plans (with your consent, using AI — see Section 11)
• Improve our services and app functionality
• Ensure the safety and security of our users
• Comply with legal obligations

4. Information Sharing

We do NOT sell your personal information. We may share information only in these limited circumstances:

• With Your Consent: When you explicitly authorize us to share information with partner organizations (legal aid, counseling services, shelters)
• AI Support Plan Generation (with consent): When you choose to use the AI-assisted plan feature and grant permission in the app, your presenting situation description and selected support needs are sent to Google LLC via the Gemini AI service. No personally identifying information is included. See Section 11 for full details.
• Emergency Situations: When necessary to protect your safety or the safety of others
• Legal Requirements: When required by law or to protect our legal rights
• Service Providers: With trusted partners who help us operate our services (subject to strict confidentiality agreements)

5. Data Security

We implement industry-standard security measures to protect your information:

• End-to-end encryption for sensitive communications
• Secure data storage with access controls
• Regular security audits and updates
• Staff training on confidentiality and data protection

6. Your Rights

You have the right to:

• Access your personal information
• Correct inaccurate information
• Request deletion of your data
• Opt-out of non-essential communications
• Withdraw consent for data processing

7. Data Retention

We retain your information only as long as necessary to provide services or as required by law. You may request deletion of your account and data at any time through the app settings or by contacting us directly.

8. Children's Privacy

Our services are available to survivors of all ages. For users under 18, we take additional precautions to protect their privacy and may work with guardians or social services as appropriate.

9. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of significant changes through the app or via email.

11. AI-Assisted Features and Third-Party AI Services

11.1 What the Feature Does

The Beacon app includes an optional feature that uses artificial intelligence to generate a personalised, programme-based support plan. This feature is available to both survivors completing the self-intake form and to case managers reviewing a client's intake information.

11.2 Your Consent Is Required

Before any information is sent to an AI service, the app will display a clear consent prompt that explains what data will be shared, who it will be shared with, and how it will be used. You must actively approve this before the feature proceeds. You may decline at any time; declining does not prevent you from using any other part of the app, and a support plan can still be created manually.

Your consent preference is saved on your device. You may revoke it at any time through the app's settings.

11.3 What Data Is Sent

Only the following non-identifying information is transmitted:

• The free-text description of the presenting situation you entered in the intake form
• The support areas you selected (e.g. housing, education, psychosocial support)
• Any additional case context notes entered by a case manager

We do not send your name, phone number, email address, user ID, or any other information that directly identifies you.

11.4 Who Receives the Data

The data is processed by Google LLC via the Gemini AI API (ai.google.dev). Google's handling of data submitted to the Gemini API is governed by the Google Generative AI Terms of Service and Google's Privacy Policy.

11.5 How the Data Is Used

The data is used solely to generate a structured support plan response, which is then returned to the app and saved locally. Beacon of New Beginnings does not retain or log the data sent to Gemini beyond what is needed to complete a single request.

11.6 If You Do Not Consent

If you decline the AI consent prompt, the app will generate a support plan using a local, rule-based system that runs entirely on your device. No data is transmitted externally in this case.

12. Contact Us

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