Privacy Policy

1. Overview

This policy explains how APU Lost & Found collects, uses, stores, and protects information when students, staff, and administrators use the platform.

2. Information We Collect

We may collect your name, email address, student or staff ID, faculty or department, phone number, profile picture, authentication identifier, item reports, uploaded item photos, claim descriptions, ownership evidence, claim decisions, and notification activity.

3. How Information Is Used

Information is used to operate accounts, publish found-item listings, verify ownership claims, return belongings, provide status notifications, prevent misuse, maintain audit records, and improve the reliability of the service.

4. Public Listing Information

Item names, categories, general locations, dates, descriptions, status, and item photos may be visible to signed-in users. Avoid including private contact details, identification numbers, financial details, or other sensitive information in public descriptions.

5. Claims And Evidence

Claim descriptions and uploaded ownership evidence are used for administrator review. This information is not intended for public display and should only contain details necessary to demonstrate ownership.

6. Service Providers

The platform uses Firebase services for authentication, database storage, file storage, hosting, and server functions. Google Sign-In may process authentication information when selected. Information entered for AI-assisted item descriptions may be sent securely to the configured AI provider solely to generate the requested description.

7. Local Storage And Cookies

The website may use browser storage and authentication cookies to maintain your session, remember application data, and support the interface. Signing out clears private cached collections from the browser.

8. Data Retention

Information is kept for as long as needed to operate the lost-and-found process, resolve claims, maintain appropriate administrative records, meet institutional requirements, and address misuse or disputes. Data that is no longer required may be removed or anonymised.

9. Security

Reasonable technical controls are used to restrict access according to account role, protect uploaded files, and prevent unauthorised changes. No online system can guarantee absolute security, so users should protect their credentials and report suspicious activity.

10. Your Choices

You may review and update profile details through your account. You may also request correction or deletion of information where appropriate, subject to records that must be retained for security, claim verification, or administrative purposes.

11. Policy Changes

This policy may be updated when the platform, service providers, or institutional requirements change. The latest revision date will be displayed at the top of this page.

12. Contact

Questions or requests about privacy and personal information can be directed to support.found@apu.edu or the responsible APU administrative office.