Batuara

Privacy Policy

Last updated: 24 June 2026

This Privacy Policy explains how CognitoBit ("we", "us", or "our") collects, uses, and protects your information when you use the Batuara mobile application and related services (the "App"). Batuara helps friends, families, and groups track shared expenses and settle balances. By using the App, you agree to the practices described in this policy.

1. Information We Collect

1.1 Information you provide

• Phone number — used to create and sign in to your account. We verify your phone number using a one-time password (OTP).
• Profile details — such as your name, email address, and an optional profile photo you choose to add.
• Expense and group data — the groups you create or join, expenses, bills, splits, settlements, notes, and balances you record in the App.

1.2 Contacts (optional)

With your explicit permission, the App can access your device contacts so you can quickly add friends and group members by name and phone number. Contact information is used only to help you connect with people you choose. We do not upload your entire address book for advertising, and we do not sell your contacts.

1.3 Photos and media (optional)

If you choose to set a profile picture or attach an image, the App uses your device's image picker to access the specific photo you select. We do not scan or access other photos on your device.

1.4 Information collected automatically

• Device and connection data — such as network state and basic technical information needed for the App to function and connect to our servers.
• Usage and diagnostic data — basic logs that help us keep the service reliable and troubleshoot issues.

2. How We Use Your Information

• To create and secure your account and verify your identity via OTP.
• To provide core features: tracking shared expenses, splitting bills, calculating who owes whom, and recording settlements.
• To let you add and connect with friends and group members.
• To operate, maintain, and improve the App and its reliability.
• To communicate with you about your account or important updates.
• To comply with legal obligations and prevent fraud or abuse.

3. How We Share Information

We do not sell your personal information. We share data only in these limited cases:

Recipient	Purpose
Other members of your groups	Your name and the shared expenses, splits, and balances within a group are visible to the other members of that group.
OTP / messaging provider (MSG91)	To send and verify the one-time password used to sign you in.
Cloud hosting and infrastructure providers	To securely store data and run the backend services that power the App.
Legal authorities	When required by law, regulation, or valid legal process, or to protect rights, safety, and security.

4. Data Retention

We keep your information for as long as your account is active or as needed to provide the App. When you delete your account, we delete or anonymize your personal information within a reasonable period, except where we are required to retain it to comply with legal obligations, resolve disputes, or enforce our agreements. Note that records of shared expenses may remain visible to other group members where required to preserve the integrity of a group's balances.

5. Data Security

We use industry-standard safeguards — including encrypted connections (HTTPS) and access controls — to protect your information. However, no method of transmission or storage is completely secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.

6. Your Rights and Choices

• Access and update — you can view and edit your profile information within the App.
• Permissions — you can grant or revoke contacts and photo access at any time in your device settings.
• Account and data deletion — you may request deletion of your account and associated personal data by contacting us at the email below. We will process verified requests within a reasonable timeframe.

7. Children's Privacy

The App is not intended for children under the age of 13 (or the minimum age required in your jurisdiction). We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If you believe a child has provided us with personal information, please contact us so we can remove it.

8. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. When we make material changes, we will update the "Last updated" date above and, where appropriate, notify you through the App. Your continued use of the App after changes take effect constitutes acceptance of the revised policy.

9. Contact Us