Privacy Policy

Last updated: August 1, 2025

What We Collect

We keep data collection to an absolute minimum. In most cases, we collect nothing at all unless you explicitly provide it.

We do not:

• Ask for or store passwords; all authentication is handled by the OAuth providers (Google, GitHub, etc.)
• Track your activity across the web
• Use third-party analytics, advertising, or tracking tools

We do collect information which you explicitly provide. At the time of writing, this only includes your phone number so that you may opt-in to receiving SMS notifications from IoT services.

You may opt out of receiving SMS notifications at any time by logging into the service and navigating to the settings page.

No Third-Party Sharing

We do not sell, rent, or share your information with third parties. We also do not use third-party advertising, analytics, or tracking technologies. Period.

Session Cookies (Not Tracking Cookies)

We use a single encrypted cookie solely for the purpose of keeping you signed in. This cookie:

• Is only accessible by Apeworks-owned domains (e.g. auth.ape.works, iot.ape.works, etc.)
• Is encrypted using a secure secret key
• Is not used for advertising, analytics, or cross-site tracking

This is the only browser-based storage we use, and it exists strictly to enable a secure login session.

How We Use Information

We use the minimal information we collect only to:

• Authenticate you into the system
• Maintain secure sessions
• Improve reliability and performance
• Facilitate the use of IoT services

Data Retention

• Authentication sessions are retained only as long as necessary to keep you logged in.
• Server logs are kept temporarily (typically less than 30 days) for security and debugging purposes and are not linked to individual users.
• Server logs by Twilio, our SMS provider, are kept in accordance with their Terms of Service.

Changes to This Policy

If we change this policy, we’ll update the “Last Updated” date and may notify you via the email address provided by your login provider if the changes are substantial. We won’t make changes that reduce your privacy protections without clear notice and choice.

Contact Us

If you have questions or requests related to this policy or your data, you can contact: [email protected]