Privacy Policy

Effective 15 October 2026 · Applies to the HideLock app and hidelock.app · Operated by ArthaIQ

1. Who we are

HideLock is a privacy app for Android owned and operated by ArthaIQ (“ArthaIQ”, “we”, “us”, “our”), based in Indore, Madhya Pradesh, India. ArthaIQ is responsible for the personal data described in this policy. This policy explains what information the HideLock app and website handle, why, and the choices you have. It is written to meet the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023, the Information Technology Act, 2000 and its rules, and Google Play's User Data policy.

2. What stays on your phone

The following is stored only on your device, inside HideLock's private app storage. We do not collect, copy, upload or have access to it:

• Photos, videos, audio, documents and other files you hide in the vault
• Notes you write in the app
• Your PIN, unlock pattern and security question answer (stored in protected form)
• Pages you visit, cookies and downloads in the private browser, which are cleared when you close it
• The list of apps you choose to lock with App Lock

3. What we collect

Usage and crash data does not include the content of your vault, your PIN, or what you browse.

4. Cloud backup

Cloud backup is off by default. When you turn it on, HideLock uploads your vault files so you can restore them later. Backups are sent over encrypted connections and stored so that only you can access them. You can turn backup off and delete your backed-up data at any time from the app's settings, or by emailing us.

5. Permissions the app asks for

• Photos, videos and files (storage/media access): to move the files you choose into the vault and back out again.
• Camera: to take photos and videos directly into the vault.
• Usage access: used only by App Lock to tell when a locked app is opened, so it can show the lock screen. This information is processed on your phone and never sent to us.
• Display over other apps: to show the App Lock screen on top of a locked app.
• Internet: for the private browser, cloud backup, and anonymous crash and usage reports.
• Notifications: to tell you when a backup finishes or needs attention.

Each permission is requested only when you use the feature that needs it. You can refuse or withdraw any permission in your phone's settings; the related feature will stop working.

6. Sharing

We do not sell or rent your information, and we do not show ads. We share limited data only with:

• Google (Firebase and Google Play): for analytics, crash reporting and processing purchases, under Google's own privacy terms.
• Cloud storage providers: to store your backups, only if you turn backup on.
• Authorities: when Indian law, a court order or a valid government request requires it. Even then, we cannot hand over vault contents that exist only on your phone.

7. How long we keep data

• Vault files on your phone: until you delete them or uninstall the app.
• Cloud backups: until you delete them or ask us to.
• Support emails: up to 2 years, then deleted.
• Anonymous analytics and crash data: up to 14 months.

8. Security

Vault files are stored in HideLock's private storage, which other apps cannot read. Data we transmit is encrypted in transit. No system is perfectly secure, so please choose a PIN that others can't guess and keep a backup.

9. Your rights

Under the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023 you can ask us to access, correct or erase personal data we hold about you, withdraw consent, and nominate someone to exercise these rights for you. You can also raise a grievance with us and, if unresolved, with the Data Protection Board of India. To make a request, email [email protected]. We respond within 30 days.

Deleting your data

Deleting files in the app or uninstalling HideLock removes vault data from your phone. To delete cloud backups or any data we hold, use the delete option in settings or email us from the address linked to your request with the subject “Delete my data”.

10. Children

HideLock is not directed at children. It is intended for users aged 18 and above. Users under 18 should use it only with the consent and supervision of a parent or guardian. If we learn we hold personal data of a child without such consent, we will delete it.

11. Changes to this policy

If we make significant changes, we'll update the date above and notify you in the app. Continuing to use HideLock after a change means you accept the updated policy.

12. Grievance Officer and contact

Grievance Officer, ArthaIQ (for HideLock)
Indore, Madhya Pradesh, India
Email: [email protected]
Phone: +91 79745 54602

We acknowledge grievances within 24 hours and resolve them within 15 days.

Terms and Conditions

Effective 15 October 2026 · Operated by ArthaIQ

1. Accepting these terms

These terms are an agreement between you and ArthaIQ (“ArthaIQ”, “we”, “us”, “our”), the owner and operator of HideLock, based in Indore, Madhya Pradesh, India. By downloading, installing or using the HideLock app or website, you agree to these terms and to our Privacy Policy. If you don't agree, please don't use HideLock.

2. Who can use HideLock

You must be 18 or older, or have the permission and supervision of a parent or guardian. You must be able to enter a binding contract under Indian law.

3. Your licence

We give you a personal, non-exclusive, non-transferable, revocable licence to use HideLock on Android devices you own or control. You may not copy, modify, reverse-engineer, resell, or redistribute the app, or remove any notices from it, except where the law allows it.

4. Your PIN and your files

• You are responsible for keeping your PIN, pattern and security answer private.
• Your files are stored on your phone. We don't hold copies unless you turn on cloud backup.
• Uninstalling HideLock, clearing its app data, resetting your phone, or deleting the folders HideLock creates can permanently delete your hidden files. Back up first.
• If you forget your PIN and can't answer your security question, we may be unable to restore access.

5. Acceptable use

You agree not to use HideLock to store, hide or share content that is illegal under Indian law or the law where you live, including child sexual abuse material, content that infringes someone else's rights, or material obtained without consent. You also agree not to use HideLock to harass, stalk or spy on anyone, or to interfere with the app's security. We may end your access if you break these rules, and we will cooperate with law enforcement where required.

6. Cloud backup and paid features

Cloud backup is optional. Storage limits may apply. If we offer paid features, prices are shown in the app before you buy, payments are handled by Google Play, and our Refund Policy applies.

7. Third-party services

The private browser opens websites run by other people, and backup and payments rely on providers such as Google. We don't control those services and aren't responsible for their content or availability.

8. Updates and changes

We may update, change or remove features to improve HideLock or keep it secure. We may also stop offering the app. If we plan to discontinue it, we'll give reasonable notice in the app so you can export or back up your files.

9. Disclaimer

HideLock is provided “as is” and “as available”. While we work hard to keep it reliable and secure, we don't guarantee that it will be error-free, uninterrupted, or that no data will ever be lost. Keeping your own backup is the best protection.

10. Limitation of liability

To the extent the law allows, ArthaIQ is not liable for any indirect, incidental or consequential loss, or for loss of data caused by uninstalling the app, clearing app data, device failure, a forgotten PIN, or actions taken on your device by others. Our total liability for any claim is limited to the amount you paid us in the 12 months before the claim, or ₹1,000, whichever is higher. Nothing in these terms limits rights you have under the Consumer Protection Act, 2019.

11. Indemnity

You agree to compensate ArthaIQ for losses arising from your misuse of the app or breach of these terms.

12. Ending use

You can stop using HideLock at any time by uninstalling it, after backing up your files. We may suspend or end your access if you breach these terms.

13. Governing law

These terms are governed by the laws of India. Any dispute will be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts at Indore, Madhya Pradesh. Before going to court, please contact us so we can try to resolve the issue.

14. Changes to these terms

We may update these terms. We'll change the date above and notify you in the app for significant changes. Using HideLock after an update means you accept the new terms.

15. Contact

Email [email protected] or call +91 79745 54602.

Refund Policy

Effective 15 October 2026 · Operated by ArthaIQ

1. Free to use

HideLock is owned and operated by ArthaIQ, Indore, Madhya Pradesh, India. This policy covers refunds for purchases made in HideLock. Downloading and using HideLock's core features costs nothing, so there is nothing to refund for them.

2. Purchases through Google Play

All in-app purchases and subscriptions are processed by Google Play. We never see or store your card or UPI details.

• Within 48 hours of purchase: you can request a refund directly from Google Play through your order history at play.google.com, or the Play Store app under Payments & subscriptions.
• After 48 hours and within 7 days: email us at [email protected] with your Google Play order ID (it starts with “GPA.”). We'll review your request and reply within 2 business days.

3. When we give refunds

• You were charged twice for the same purchase
• You were charged but the feature wasn't unlocked, and our support team couldn't fix it
• The paid feature doesn't work as described on your device and we can't resolve it
• You were charged without authorising the purchase, reported promptly

4. When we can't give refunds

• Requests made more than 7 days after purchase, unless the law requires otherwise
• Subscription periods that have already been used. You can cancel anytime to stop future charges, and you keep access until the current period ends
• Files lost because the app was uninstalled, its data was cleared, or a PIN was forgotten without a backup
• Accounts suspended for breaking our Terms and Conditions

5. Cancelling a subscription

Open the Play Store, tap your profile picture, go to Payments & subscriptions, then Subscriptions, choose HideLock and tap Cancel subscription. Uninstalling the app does not cancel a subscription.

6. How refunds are paid

Approved refunds are issued by Google Play to your original payment method. They usually appear within 5 to 10 business days, depending on your bank or payment provider.

7. Contact

Email [email protected] or call +91 79745 54602. Please include your Google Play order ID so we can find your purchase quickly.