This privacy policy explains how SmartPath Apps (“we”) handles information in the PathGuard VPN – Free Proxy Android app (“the app”), which provides a VPN / proxy connection to protect your privacy and security on public and untrusted networks. By using the app you agree to this policy.
VPN and your traffic (VpnService disclosure)
PathGuard VPN uses Android's VpnService API. When you tap Connect and accept the Android VPN permission prompt, the app creates a device-level encrypted tunnel between your device and a remote VPN server so that your internet traffic is protected from others on your local network (for example public Wi‑Fi) and your IP address is masked from the websites you visit. This is the app's core functionality and is used only for your own privacy and security.
- Encryption: traffic is encrypted from your device to the VPN tunnel endpoint (server). After it leaves the server toward its destination it is protected only by whatever encryption the destination uses (e.g. HTTPS).
- No monetisation of traffic: we do not sell, share, rent or monetise your traffic or browsing data; we do not use your device as an exit node or relay for other users; we do not redirect or manipulate your traffic, inject ads into it, or route it through other countries for any purpose other than the server location you select.
- No activity logs: we do not log the websites you visit, the content of your traffic, DNS queries, or your original IP address associated with your activity.
- Limited connection data: to operate and protect the service we may process temporary, non-identifying technical data such as connection timestamps, chosen server, and aggregate bandwidth. This data is not linked to your browsing and is deleted automatically after a short period (no longer than 30 days).
- You can disconnect at any time from the app or from Android's notification / Settings → Network → VPN.
Information we collect
We do not require an account and we do not collect your name, phone number, contacts or precise location. Numbers, inputs and settings you enter are stored only on your device and are not sent to us. They are deleted when you clear the app's data or uninstall it.
Information collected automatically by third-party SDKs is described below.
Advertising (Google AdMob)
The app is free and ad-supported. It shows ads served by Google AdMob (Google LLC). To serve, limit and measure ads, the Google Mobile Ads SDK may collect and share with Google: your device's advertising ID, IP address (used to estimate approximate location), device and app information (model, OS version, app version, language), ad interactions, and crash/diagnostic data. Personalised ads are only shown where you have given consent (for example via the consent form shown in the EEA/UK); otherwise non-personalised ads are shown. You can reset or delete your advertising ID or opt out of personalised ads in Android Settings → Google → Ads. Learn more: How Google uses information from apps that use its services. Data sent to AdMob is encrypted in transit.
Crash and performance data
The app may use Google Play services / Firebase to collect anonymous crash reports and performance data (device model, OS version, app version, stack traces) to fix bugs. This data is not used to identify you.
Permissions
- Internet and network state – to load ads and VPN servers.
- Advertising ID (com.google.android.gms.permission.AD_ID) – used by Google AdMob as described above.
- BIND_VPN_SERVICE / foreground service – to run the VPN tunnel you start; notification permission to show the connection status.
- The app does not request access to your contacts, camera, microphone, SMS, files or precise location.
Sharing of data
We do not sell your personal data. Data is shared only with the service providers listed above (Google AdMob, Google Play / Firebase) for the purposes described, or when required by law.
Data security and retention
Data transmitted by the app is encrypted in transit (HTTPS/TLS). We do not keep personal data on our own servers other than the limited, short-lived connection data described above. Third-party providers retain data according to their own policies.
Your choices and data deletion
You can opt out of personalised ads in your device settings, clear app data, or uninstall the app at any time. To request access to or deletion of any data associated with you, email admin@smartpathapps.com; we respond within 30 days.
Children
The app is not directed at children under 13 and we do not knowingly collect data from children.
Changes
We may update this policy; the latest version is always at this page with its “last updated” date.
Contact
SmartPath Apps · Email: admin@smartpathapps.com