Privacy Policy

1. About Crest

Crest is a menopause symptom tracking app designed to help women understand their health patterns. Crest is operated by Fem Valetudo Pty Ltd (ACN 693 141 623).

2. Our Privacy Commitment

3. Information Stored on Your Device

The following information is stored locally on your device and is never uploaded to our servers unless you explicitly opt in to research participation:

• Symptom tracking data (physical and mental health symptoms, severity, duration, notes)
• Medication information (names, dosages, schedules, adherence logs)
• Period tracking data (dates, flow intensity, related symptoms)
• Personal preferences and settings

4. Analytics Data We Collect

To improve the app experience, we collect anonymous usage analytics through Firebase Analytics. This includes:

• Which features are used (e.g., symptom tracking, medication reminders)
• App performance data (crashes, load times)
• General usage patterns (session duration, screens viewed)
• Device type and operating system version

This analytics data is anonymous and cannot be linked to your health information. We use it solely to understand how people use Crest so we can make improvements.

5. Data We Do Not Collect

We do not collect:

• Your name, email address, or contact information (unless you contact us directly)
• Precise location data
• Advertising identifiers
• Your health data (unless you opt in to research - see below)

6. Optional Research Participation

If you opt in to research participation:

• Your symptom and tracking data will be anonymised (all identifying information removed)
• Anonymised data will be securely transmitted to research partners
• Data will be used for academic research on menopause and workplace productivity
• Research findings may be published in academic journals and reports
• You can withdraw from research participation at any time in Settings

Research participation is:

• Completely optional - the app works fully without it
• Covered by ethics approval from Macquarie University Human Research Ethics Committee
• Subject to a separate consent process within the app

Your individual data will never be identifiable in any research outputs. Only aggregated, anonymised findings will be published.

7. Your Rights

You have full control over your data:

• Access: All your data is visible within the app at any time
• Export: You can export your data as a PDF or CSV file
• Delete: You can delete any or all of your data within the app settings, or by uninstalling the app
• Withdraw from research: If you've opted in, you can opt out at any time in Settings

Since your health data is stored locally on your device, deletion is immediate and permanent. Note that any anonymised data already contributed to research cannot be withdrawn as it cannot be identified as yours.

8. Data Security

Your data is protected by your device's built-in security features, including device encryption and passcode/biometric protection. We recommend:

• Keeping your device software up to date
• Using a strong passcode or biometric authentication
• Not sharing your device unlock credentials with others

Any data transmitted for research purposes is encrypted in transit and stored securely in accordance with Australian privacy legislation and university research data governance requirements.

9. Third-Party Services

Crest uses the following third-party services:

• Firebase Analytics (Google): Anonymous usage analytics to improve the app. Firebase Privacy Policy
• Apple App Store: For app distribution and in-app purchases. Apple Privacy Policy

We do not use advertising networks or sell data to third parties.

10. Website Enquiries

If you submit an enquiry through our website contact form, we collect your name, email address, organisation (if provided), and message. This information is used solely to respond to your enquiry and is not shared with third parties.

11. Children's Privacy

Crest is intended for adults aged 18 and over. We do not knowingly collect information from children under 18.

12. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Any changes will be reflected in the app and on our website with an updated "Last Updated" date. Material changes to research data handling will be communicated to users who have opted in to research participation.

13. Contact Us

For questions specifically about research participation, you may also contact the Macquarie University Human Research Ethics Committee at ethics@mq.edu.au.