Privacy Policy

1. About AdShield

This Privacy Policy explains how AdShield ("AdShield", "we", "us", or "our") handles information when you use the AdShield mobile application and related services (the "Service"). AdShield is designed to provide DNS-based ad and tracker blocking on your device.

If you do not agree with this Privacy Policy, please do not use the Service. If you have questions, contact us at cylemonvip@gmail.com.

2. How the Local VPN Works

AdShield uses Android's VPNService API to create a local VPN interface on your device. This local VPN is used to inspect DNS requests and compare requested domains against the bundled AdShield rule list. The local VPN is a core feature of the app.

• Local processing: AdShield checks DNS domain names on your device to decide whether to block or allow a request.
• No remote VPN tunnel: AdShield is not a traditional VPN service for anonymity, location changes, or encrypted tunneling to a remote VPN server.
• DNS forwarding: DNS requests that are not blocked may be forwarded to public DNS resolvers, currently Cloudflare DNS and Google Public DNS, to resolve the requested domain.
• Blocked requests: When a domain matches the rule list, AdShield responds locally and increments the blocked request count.

3. Information Processed on Your Device

AdShield stores and processes certain information locally on your device so the app can function:

• VPN protection status, such as whether protection is on, off, starting, or stopped.
• Blocked request counters, including blocked today, total blocked, and last blocked time.
• Rule list metadata, such as bundled rule version and update date.
• Browser allowlist settings, such as browser package names you choose to exclude from filtering.
• Your acknowledgement of the VPN and privacy disclosure.

This local app state is stored on your device and is generally removed when you uninstall the app or clear app data from your device settings.

4. Information We Collect or Receive

Depending on the app version, configuration, and your device settings, AdShield may collect or receive the following information:

• App analytics events: app launch, protection started or stopped, protection start failures, rule check events, legal link opens, push notification opens, and similar app interaction events.
• Ad blocking statistics: blocked request counts and count changes. These statistics do not include the domains you visited.
• Technical data: platform, app version, build number, locale, anonymous device identifier, anonymous session identifier, IP address associated with network requests, and basic diagnostic information.
• Push notification data: Firebase Cloud Messaging may generate and process a push token so we can send service-related notifications if you allow notifications.
• Support communications: information you choose to send us when you contact us, such as your email address, message content, and any screenshots or details you provide.

AdShield does not require an account, and we do not ask you to provide your name, address, payment card, or password to use the current app.

5. Information We Do Not Intentionally Collect

• We do not upload your browsing history to our analytics server.
• We do not upload a list of domains you visit to our analytics server.
• We do not read page content, messages, passwords, or files on your device.
• We do not sell your personal information.
• We do not use your data to build advertising profiles for sale to advertisers.

6. How We Use Information

We use information for the following purposes:

• To provide DNS-based ad and tracker blocking.
• To show blocked request statistics inside the app.
• To remember your allowlist and privacy disclosure choices.
• To measure app launches, feature usage, protection start conversion, retention, and reliability.
• To troubleshoot crashes, bugs, performance issues, and service availability.
• To send service-related notifications if notifications are enabled.
• To respond to support, privacy, legal, or security requests.
• To comply with applicable law and protect the rights, safety, and security of users, AdShield, and others.

7. Third-Party Services

AdShield uses service providers to operate and improve the app. These providers may process information on our behalf or according to their own policies:

• Google Firebase: used for Firebase Analytics and Firebase Cloud Messaging. Firebase may process app interaction events, device identifiers, push tokens, and technical information.
• AdShield analytics server: used to receive app usage events and aggregate metrics such as launches, actions, blocked count changes, conversion, and retention.
• Public DNS resolvers: unblocked DNS queries may be forwarded to Cloudflare DNS and Google Public DNS for domain resolution.
• Hosting and infrastructure providers: used to host policy pages, terms pages, APIs, and other operational infrastructure.

Third-party services may process data in countries different from where you live. Their processing may be subject to their own privacy terms.

8. Sharing of Information

We may share information only in limited circumstances:

• With service providers that help us operate, secure, analyze, host, or support the Service.
• With DNS providers when a DNS request must be resolved to provide internet connectivity.
• If required by law, legal process, court order, or government request.
• To protect rights, property, safety, security, prevent abuse, or investigate potential violations.
• In connection with a merger, acquisition, financing, restructuring, or sale of assets, subject to appropriate protections.

We do not sell personal information.

9. Data Retention

Local app settings and counters remain on your device until you delete them, clear app data, or uninstall AdShield. Analytics events and server logs are retained only as long as reasonably needed for product analytics, security, debugging, legal compliance, and business records. We may retain aggregated or de-identified information that no longer identifies you.

10. Your Choices and Rights

• You can stop VPN filtering at any time in the app or through Android system VPN settings.
• You can change notification permission in your device settings.
• You can delete local app data by clearing app storage or uninstalling the app.
• You can contact us to request access, correction, deletion, restriction, objection, or portability where these rights apply under your local law.
• You can request deletion of data associated with your support email or other information you provided to us by contacting us.

To make a privacy request, email cylemonvip@gmail.com. We may need to verify your request before responding. We may retain certain information when required or permitted by law, for security, fraud prevention, dispute resolution, or legitimate business purposes.

11. Children

AdShield is not directed to children under 13, and we do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If you believe a child has provided us personal information, contact us and we will take appropriate steps to delete it.

12. International Transfers

We and our service providers may process information in the United States, Singapore, and other countries. These countries may have data protection laws different from those in your location. We use reasonable safeguards designed to protect information as described in this Policy.

13. Security

We use reasonable technical and organizational measures designed to protect information. However, no method of transmission or storage is completely secure. We cannot guarantee that information will always remain secure.

14. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. The "Last Updated" date shows when this Policy was last revised. Your continued use of AdShield after a revised Policy is posted means you accept the updated Policy to the extent permitted by law.

15. Contact Us

If you have questions, requests, or concerns about this Privacy Policy, contact us at cylemonvip@gmail.com.