Privacy Policy

Forward SMS ("we", "our", or "us") is committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, and safeguard your information when you use our iOS application and related services.

1. Information We Collect

1.1 Information You Provide

When you use Forward SMS, you may provide the following information:

• Destination Addresses: Email addresses, phone numbers, Telegram chat IDs, webhook URLs, or API endpoints where you want messages forwarded
• Rule Configuration: Your forwarding rules, schedules, and preferences
• SMS Content: Text messages that you choose to forward through the app

1.2 Automatically Collected Information

We automatically collect certain information when you use our app:

• Device Information: iOS version, device model, and app version
• Usage Data: Analytics about app usage, feature adoption, and error logs
• Performance Data: App crashes and technical diagnostics

2. How We Use Your Information

We use your information solely for the following purposes:

• Message Forwarding: To deliver your SMS messages to your specified destinations
• Service Operation: To provide, maintain, and improve the Forward SMS service
• Communication: To send you service-related notifications and respond to your inquiries
• Analytics: To understand how users interact with our app and improve functionality
• Security: To detect and prevent fraud, abuse, or technical issues

3. Data Processing and Storage

3.1 Privacy-First Architecture

Forward SMS is designed with privacy as a core principle:

• On-Device Processing: Messages are processed directly on your iPhone whenever possible
• No Message Storage: We do not store the content of your SMS messages on our servers
• Direct Delivery: For Slack, Discord, MS Teams, and Custom API destinations, messages are sent directly from your device to those platforms without passing through our servers

3.2 Server-Based Forwarding

Only Email and Telegram forwarding require our server as an intermediary:

• Temporary Processing: Messages pass through our servers only long enough to be delivered to your email or Telegram
• No Retention: Message content is immediately deleted after successful delivery
• Encrypted Transit: All data transmitted to our servers uses industry-standard encryption (HTTPS/TLS)

3.3 Configuration Data

Your forwarding rules and destination addresses are:

• Stored locally on your device using iOS secure storage
• Optionally synced via iCloud if you enable iCloud sync (subject to Apple's privacy policy)
• Only transmitted to our servers when necessary for Email or Telegram forwarding

4. Data Sharing and Disclosure

We do not sell, trade, or rent your personal information. We may share your information only in the following circumstances:

• With Your Consent: When you explicitly authorize us to share information
• Service Providers: With trusted third-party services that help us operate our app (e.g., cloud hosting, analytics)
• Legal Requirements: When required by law, court order, or government regulation
• Protection of Rights: To protect our rights, privacy, safety, or property, or that of our users

5. Third-Party Services

Forward SMS integrates with third-party platforms that you choose to use:

• Email Providers: Messages forwarded to email are subject to your email provider's privacy policy
• Telegram: Messages forwarded to Telegram are subject to Telegram's privacy policy
• Slack, Discord, MS Teams: Messages forwarded to these platforms are subject to their respective privacy policies
• Custom APIs: Messages forwarded to custom endpoints are governed by the privacy policy of that service

We are not responsible for the privacy practices of these third-party services.

6. Data Security

We implement reasonable security measures to protect your information:

• Encryption of data in transit using TLS/HTTPS
• Secure storage of configuration data on your device
• Regular security audits and updates
• Limited access to user data by our team

However, no method of transmission over the internet or electronic storage is 100% secure. While we strive to protect your information, we cannot guarantee absolute security.

7. Your Rights and Choices

You have the following rights regarding your information:

• Access: Request access to the personal information we have about you
• Correction: Update or correct your information within the app
• Deletion: Delete your forwarding rules and configuration data at any time
• Opt-Out: Disable analytics tracking in the app settings
• Data Portability: Export your forwarding rules and configuration

8. Children's Privacy

Forward SMS is not intended for users under the age of 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If you believe we have inadvertently collected such information, please contact us immediately.

9. International Data Transfers

Your information may be transferred to and processed in countries other than your country of residence. These countries may have data protection laws that differ from your jurisdiction. By using Forward SMS, you consent to such transfers.

10. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of significant changes by:

• Posting the new Privacy Policy in the app
• Updating the "Last Updated" date at the top of this policy
• Sending you a notification (for material changes)

Your continued use of Forward SMS after changes become effective constitutes acceptance of the revised policy.

11. California Privacy Rights

If you are a California resident, you have additional rights under the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA):

• Right to know what personal information is collected, used, shared, or sold
• Right to delete personal information held by us
• Right to opt-out of the sale of personal information (note: we do not sell personal information)
• Right to non-discrimination for exercising your privacy rights

12. European Privacy Rights (GDPR)

If you are located in the European Economic Area (EEA), you have rights under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR):

• Right to access, rectify, or erase your personal data
• Right to restrict or object to processing
• Right to data portability
• Right to withdraw consent at any time
• Right to lodge a complaint with a supervisory authority

13. Contact Us

If you have questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or our data practices, please contact us:

• Email: sakharovapps@gmail.com
• Telegram: @smsforwardingapp_bot

By using Forward SMS, you acknowledge that you have read and understood this Privacy Policy and agree to its terms.