FamSinyal App Permissions
We state plainly what each permission FamSinyal requests is for. You can use the app's core features without granting the optional permissions.
1. Background location — prominent disclosure
If location permission is set to “Allow all the time” on the child's device, FamSinyal collects location even when the app is closed or not in use — roughly once a minute, or after about 30 metres of movement. This data is used so that the parents in the family can see where the child is and reach them in an emergency (SOS).
This permission is optional. If you do not grant it the app keeps working; location is then shared only when an SOS is sent and while the app is open.
The permission is requested only after an in-app screen explaining what it is for, and it can be withdrawn at any time from the device settings.
Background tracking is never silent. While protection is active, a notification that cannot be dismissed is shown on the child's device: *“FamSinyal protection mode is on — your location is shared with your family.”*
2. Full list of permissions requested
This list matches the app's `AndroidManifest.xml`.
| Permission | What it is used for | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Location<br>`ACCESS_FINE_LOCATION` / `ACCESS_COARSE_LOCATION` | Determining the child device's location when an SOS is sent and while the app is open. This is the app's core function. | Required |
| Background location (“Allow all the time”)<br>`ACCESS_BACKGROUND_LOCATION` | Sharing location while the app is closed or not in use. Without it the app still works — location is then sent only on SOS and while the app is open. Requested after an in-app explanation screen. | Optional |
| Foreground service<br>`FOREGROUND_SERVICE` / `FOREGROUND_SERVICE_LOCATION` | Preventing the operating system from terminating the location service while protection mode is on. A notification that cannot be dismissed is shown on the child's device; the app is not hidden. | Required |
| Post notifications<br>`POST_NOTIFICATIONS` | Delivering SOS, “I'm safe”, low-battery and offline alerts. | Required |
| Usage access<br>`PACKAGE_USAGE_STATS` | The screen-time summary. Granted manually from the device settings, optional, and can be switched off at any time. Only the application name and time spent are read; no content is read. | Optional |
| Internet and network state<br>`INTERNET` / `ACCESS_NETWORK_STATE` | Syncing data with the server and determining connection type for the “offline” alert. | Required |
3. Permissions we never request
We do not request the following under any circumstances:
- Camera and microphone
- Contacts
- SMS, messaging content, call logs and phone state
- Accessibility service
- Files and photos on the device
- Drawing over other apps (overlay)
The screen-time feature uses the *Usage access* permission, but only the application name and duration are read; app content, conversations, what was watched and keystrokes are never collected.
4. Withdrawing permissions
On Android you can withdraw any permission at any time: Settings → Apps → FamSinyal → Permissions. When location permission is withdrawn, the app stops collecting data immediately.
If you want your data deleted entirely, use the account and data deletion page — withdrawing a permission does not delete existing records.
5. A note on battery use
While background location sharing is on, the location service runs continuously and battery use increases. You can use the app without granting this permission; location is then shared only on SOS and while the app is open.
Some manufacturers' aggressive battery management can stop the protection service. The app detects this and shows the parent a “setup incomplete” warning.
6. Contact
Questions about permissions: destek@hulaguhanlabs.com.tr. See also our Privacy Policy.