Privacy Policy

Introduction

Block is developed and maintained by Wouter Verlaek ("I", "me", or "the developer"). The app is provided free of charge, with optional paid features available through in-app purchases. The Service is provided "as is".

This Privacy Policy explains how personal data is processed when you use the app, in accordance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and other applicable EU privacy laws.

By using the app, you acknowledge that you have read and understood this Privacy Policy.

Local processing of screen-time and usage data

Block processes screen-time, app usage, and blocking information locally on your device in order to provide usage statistics and enforce user-configured limits.

• This data is stored only on your device
• It is never transmitted to the developer
• It is never shared with third parties
• The developer has no access to individual screen-time or app usage data

Data collected via third-party services

The app uses third-party services that may process limited technical information such as device identifiers, IP address, approximate location, and interaction data. The following services are used:

• Google Play Services
• Google AdMob
• Firebase Analytics
• Firebase Crashlytics

These services act as data processors. I remain the data controller under GDPR.

Analytics

Firebase Analytics is used to understand how the app is used at a high, aggregated level — for example to evaluate which features are commonly used.

Examples of analytics data include aggregated counts of blocked features and general feature usage trends. Analytics data:

• Is collected in aggregated and pseudonymous form
• Does not include app names, URLs, website content, or screen content
• Cannot be used to identify individual users or reconstruct individual usage behaviour

Legal basis: legitimate interest (GDPR Art. 6(1)(f)), and consent where required by law or platform policy.

Advertising

The app may display advertisements provided by Google AdMob. Where required by law (including in the Netherlands and the EU), advertisements are shown only after you provide consent, or as non-personalised ads if consent is not given. You can manage or withdraw your consent at any time via the app's consent dialog or settings.

Legal basis: consent (GDPR Art. 6(1)(a)).

Crash reports and diagnostics

When the app crashes or encounters an error, technical diagnostic data may be collected through Firebase Crashlytics, such as device model, operating system version, app version, and the time and circumstances of the crash. This data is used solely to improve app stability and reliability.

If you choose to submit a bug report, you may voluntarily include additional diagnostic information. Where possible, this information is anonymised.

Legal basis: legitimate interest (GDPR Art. 6(1)(f)).

Accessibility Service

Block uses Android's Accessibility Service to enable its core functionality.

The Accessibility Service is used to detect when specific apps, websites, or in-app features (for example, short-form video feeds such as YouTube Shorts or Instagram Reels) are active, in order to enforce user-configured blocking rules.

Important clarifications:

• The Accessibility Service does not read or store screen content
• It does not record keystrokes, text input, passwords, or personal communications
• Detection is limited to identifying which app, website, or in-app feature is currently active
• All processing happens locally on the device

In limited cases, aggregated analytics events (for example, that a blocking rule was triggered) may be sent to analytics services. These events do not include app names, URLs, website content, or screen content, and cannot be used to identify individual users.

Device Administrator

Block may optionally use Android's Device Administrator permission. This permission is used only if explicitly enabled by the user, and allows the app to prevent unauthorised uninstallation while blocking rules are active. You can disable Device Administrator access at any time through your device settings.

Data retention

• Screen-time and usage data stored locally on your device remain there until you delete the app or reset the data
• Analytics and crash data are retained by third-party providers for limited periods in accordance with their own retention policies
• Optional diagnostic reports are retained only as long as necessary to investigate and resolve issues

Children and parental responsibility

Block may be used by minors under the supervision of a parent or legal guardian. The app does not knowingly collect personal data from children. Parents and guardians are responsible for configuring the app appropriately for their children.

If you believe that personal data relating to a child has been collected inadvertently, please contact me and appropriate action will be taken.

Your rights under GDPR

If you are located in the EU or EEA, you have the right to request information about what personal data is processed, have it corrected or deleted, object to or restrict processing, and withdraw consent at any time. You also have the right to lodge a complaint with your national data protection authority. To exercise any of these rights, please contact me using the details below.

Security

Reasonable technical and organisational measures are used to protect data. However, no method of electronic transmission or storage is 100% secure, and absolute security cannot be guaranteed.

Changes to this Privacy Policy

This Privacy Policy may be updated from time to time. Changes will be posted on this page and take effect immediately after publication. You are encouraged to review this policy periodically.

Contact

If you have any questions or requests regarding this Privacy Policy, please contact me at apps.wverlaek@gmail.com.