Privacy Policy

Overview

Grouse is designed with privacy as a core principle. The app works offline-first: your private data never leaves your device unless you explicitly create or join a shared space. We do not run advertising, we do not build behavioral profiles, and we do not sell your data.

Who we are

Grouse is operated by Softverse, based in the Slovak Republic (EU). For the purposes of the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), Softverse is the data controller for shared-space data. You can reach us at grouse@softverse.space.

What data Grouse stores

Private spaces (local only)

If you use Grouse without creating a shared space, all your data (shopping lists, archived lists, and loyalty and gift cards) is stored exclusively on your device using the platform's local database. Nothing is transmitted to any server.

Shared spaces (synced)

When you create or join a shared space, the following information is transmitted over HTTPS and stored on our servers (Microsoft Azure, West Europe region):

• The email address of the space owner (used only for password reset and space verification)
• A hashed space password
• Shopping list items, archived lists, and loyalty and gift cards belonging to the shared space
• Device identifiers for sync attribution (a device name you choose in the app)
• Timestamps and version counters required for conflict-free synchronisation

This data is associated with your space, not a personal account. There is no user profile, no username, and no tracking of individual identity.

Legal basis for processing

We process shared-space data only to provide the synchronisation service you asked for. This is how we perform our contract with you (GDPR Art. 6(1)(b)). Local, offline data never leaves your device and is not processed by us. We do not process your data for advertising, profiling, or any purpose beyond running the app's features.

What we do not collect

• We do not collect analytics or behavioral tracking data
• We do not use advertising SDKs or third-party trackers
• We do not access your contacts, camera, microphone, or location
• We do not share any data with third parties for commercial purposes
• We do not build profiles of your purchasing habits or preferences

Payments

The optional Grouse Sharing subscription is sold and processed entirely by the app store you bought it from (currently Apple's App Store). Grouse and Softverse never receive or store your payment-card details, billing address, or any other payment information. On your device, the app only reads your subscription entitlement status (active or expired) from the store, and we do not build a payment profile or link purchases to your identity.

Where your data is stored

Shared space data is stored on Microsoft Azure infrastructure in the West Europe region (Netherlands). Data is transmitted over HTTPS. Data at rest is not additionally encrypted beyond what Azure provides by default at the infrastructure level.

Data retention

Shared space data is retained for as long as the space exists. When a space owner deletes a space, all associated data is marked for deletion and permanently removed within 30 days. Local (private) data is deleted when you uninstall the app or clear app data.

Your rights

Under the GDPR and similar laws, you have the right to access, correct, delete, export, or restrict processing of your personal data, and to object to processing. Because shared-space data is tied to a space rather than a personal account, the fastest way to erase it is to delete the space from within the app (available to the space owner), which permanently removes all associated data within 30 days. For any other request, contact us at grouse@softverse.space and we will respond within 30 days. You also have the right to lodge a complaint with your local data protection authority (in Slovakia: Úrad na ochranu osobných údajov SR).

Children

Grouse is not directed at children under the age of 13. We do not knowingly collect data from children.

Changes to this policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Material changes will be noted on this page with a new effective date. Continued use of the app after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.

Contact

If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or your data, please email us at grouse@softverse.space or visit softverse.space.