Welcome to Novaq, a digital wellness platform designed to help families and caregivers monitor and support elder well-being through technology.
This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, and protect your personal information when you use our mobile app, website, and other related services ("Services").
By using Novaq, you agree to this Privacy Policy.
If you do not agree, please do not use our Services.
1.Information We Collect
We collect the following types of information to deliver and improve our Services:
a. Personal Information
- —Elder account details: full name, age, gender, email address, and username
- —Family access data: linked username, relationship to elder, and login credentials
b. Health & Activity Data
Collected from in-app inputs and device sensors (if enabled):
- —Medication reminders
- —Mood and activity logs
- —SOS alerts or emergency notifications (coming soon)
- —Sleep, heart rate, and step data (if connected to a wearable)
- —AI conversation history and context (when using the Nova assistant)
- —Documents uploaded for AI-powered analysis (Nova Desk)
Note: This data is used for wellness insights only — not for medical diagnosis or treatment.
c. Technical Data
- —Device type, operating system, and app version
- —Precise GPS location, for geofencing safe zones and emergency SOS features
Includes background location data collected when the app is closed or not in use
- —IP-based general location
- —Device fingerprint (screen resolution, timezone, hardware info) for secure device verification
- —Crash logs and app performance data
- —Cookies or similar identifiers (for website analytics)
2.How We Use Your Information
Novaq uses your data to:
- —Provide core app functionality (reminders, dashboards, alerts)
- —Improve service quality and fix performance issues
- —Notify families about changes or trends in an elder's data
- —Send updates about app improvements, offers, or health tips
- —Power AI-assisted features like the Nova assistant and document analysis
- —Comply with laws and protect against misuse of the service
We do not sell, rent, or trade your personal data with anyone.
3.How We Share Information
We only share your data in the following limited situations:
- —With Family Members: Authorized family accounts can view certain wellness data for connected elders.
- —With Service Providers: We use secure third-party vendors to operate Novaq, including: Supabase (database and backend), Google Gemini API (AI features via our secure proxy), Twilio (SMS for emergency alerts), Vercel Analytics (website performance), and Microsoft Outlook/Nodemailer (email). All providers are bound by data protection agreements.
- —For Legal Reasons: We may disclose information if required by law, court order, or government request.
- —During Business Changes: If Novaq merges or is acquired, your data may transfer to the new owner — but we'll notify you first.
Your private health and personal information will never be shared for advertising or unrelated purposes.
4.Data Storage & Security
- —Your information is securely stored on encrypted servers hosted by trusted cloud providers.
- —We use SSL encryption for all transmissions between the app, website, and servers.
- —Only authorized Novaq staff can access your data, and only when necessary for support or maintenance.
- —Regular audits are performed to ensure compliance and protection against data breaches.
On-Device Storage
Certain data (including health logs, workout progress, user preferences, and emergency contacts) is stored locally on your device using secure on-device databases. This data remains on your device unless actively synced to our servers.
5.Device Permissions & Background Data Access
The Novaq mobile app requests certain device permissions to deliver its core safety and health monitoring features. Each permission is used strictly for the purposes described below. You can revoke any permission at any time through your device's Settings, though doing so may limit certain features.
Location (Including Background Location)
Novaq collects precise GPS location data, including when the app is closed or not in use. This is required for the geofencing safe-zone feature, which monitors whether the elder has left a designated safe area and alerts caregivers automatically. Background location is also used for the SOS emergency feature so that your position can be shared with emergency contacts even if the app is not actively open.
Microphone (Audio Recording)
Microphone access is used solely for the speech-to-text feature within the Nova AI assistant, allowing you to speak instead of type. Audio is processed in real time and is not stored, recorded, or transmitted to our servers.
Camera
Camera access is used to capture images or scan documents for the Nova Desk document analysis feature and for profile photo capture. Images are processed locally or transmitted securely to our AI service for analysis and are not shared with third parties.
Contacts
Contact list access is used to allow you to quickly select emergency contacts from your phone's address book. We only read the contacts you explicitly select — we do not upload, store, or sync your full contact list to our servers.
Body Sensors (Including Background Access)
When connected to a compatible wearable device, Novaq may read heart rate, step count, and other body sensor data, including when the app is closed or not in use. This enables continuous health monitoring and allows caregivers to be alerted to abnormal readings even when the elder is not actively using the app.
Always-On Background Service
Novaq runs a persistent foreground service (shown as a notification on your device) to keep the SOS emergency alerting and health monitoring features active at all times. This ensures that the geofence, emergency alerts, and vitals monitoring continue to function reliably even when the app is in the background.
Activity Recognition
Novaq uses activity recognition to detect physical activities such as walking, running, and being stationary. This data is used for step counting, activity logging, and detecting potential falls or unusual inactivity.
Your control: All permissions are requested at runtime with a clear explanation before you grant them. You can revoke any permission at any time via your device's Settings > Apps > Novaq > Permissions.
6.Your Rights
Depending on your region, you may have rights such as:
- —Access — Request a copy of data we hold
- —Correction — Update inaccurate info
- —Deletion — Delete account & data
- —Opt-out — Stop marketing emails
- —Portability — Export your health data
You can exercise these rights anytime by emailing us at novaq.app@outlook.com
7.Data Retention
We keep your personal and health data only as long as necessary to provide our Services or meet legal obligations.
When your account is deleted, we permanently remove or anonymize your information within 30 days, unless law requires otherwise.
8.Age Restriction
MINORS ARE STRICTLY PROHIBITED
Novaq is designed exclusively for users aged 18 years and older. We do not permit any individual under the age of 18 to create an account, access, or use our Services under any circumstances. There is no parental or guardian consent option.
We do not knowingly collect personal data from individuals under 18. If we discover that a user is under 18, their account will be terminated immediately and all associated data will be permanently deleted without notice. If you believe a minor has accessed Novaq, contact us immediately at novaq.app@outlook.com.
9.Cookies & Tracking Technologies
Our website and app use cookies, analytics tools, and device identification technologies to improve performance, security, and user experience.
- —Vercel Analytics: We use Vercel Analytics to measure website performance and page views. This collects anonymized browsing data.
- —Device Fingerprinting: We generate a device fingerprint (from screen size, timezone, and hardware info) solely for secure device verification when accessing the family dashboard.
- —Custom Analytics: We track anonymized usage events (page views, feature usage) across our platforms to improve the service. Events are tagged by platform and stored securely in our database.
You can disable cookies in your browser settings, but some features may not function properly.
10.AI & Automated Processing
Novaq uses artificial intelligence to enhance your experience. Here is how AI is used:
Nova AI Assistant
- —Conversations are processed through Google Gemini via our secure server-side proxy
- —Your conversation history is stored to provide continuity and context
- —AI can help manage your schedule, log health data, and provide wellness tips
Nova Desk (Document Analysis)
- —Documents and images you upload are NOT sent to the AI for analysis (handled client-side)
- —AI identifies potential concerns and suggests improvements
- —Analysis results can be exported as PDF reports
Important AI Limitations:
- • AI outputs are informational only — not medical advice
- • AI responses may be incomplete or inaccurate
- • AI models do not train on your personal data
- • Always consult qualified professionals for medical decisions
11.International Data Transfers
If you access Novaq from outside Nigeria, your data may be transferred to and processed in countries with different data protection laws.
We ensure all transfers comply with international privacy standards.
12.Updates to This Policy
We may revise this Privacy Policy occasionally.
When we do, we'll post the updated version on our website and notify you through the app or email.
The "Last Updated" date will reflect the latest version.
13.Contact Us
If you have questions or concerns about this Privacy Policy or how we handle your data, reach out to us at:
novaq.app@outlook.com
novq.app