Privacy Policy

Scope of this policy

This policy applies to the NetWard Android product family, including the launcher app, the VPN app, and the shared product shell used to open these experiences. The policy covers how the apps interact with Android system capabilities, what categories of information may be processed on device, and how current product functions depend on that processing.

Launcher features and local data

NetWard Launcher is designed to function as an Android home screen replacement. To do that, it maintains local workspace state such as app placement, folders, widget placement, selected home pages, and other interface configuration data on the device.

• Home screen layout and folder organization may be stored locally so the launcher can restore your workspace.
• Installed app labels, icons, package names, and placement metadata may be processed to render launcher surfaces.
• Widget configuration and placement may be stored locally so widgets can be restored and moved across pages.

VPN features and session state

NetWard VPN provides node-based VPN connection flows, connection state visibility, session timing, traffic status display, and foreground service handling. The app may process session-related information on device such as selected node, connection state, elapsed time, transfer rate display, and local settings used to manage reconnect or disconnect behavior.

• Selected node and local VPN configuration values may be stored to restore the current user choice.
• Connection state such as connecting, connected, or disconnected may be processed to update the interface.
• Traffic and timing values may be processed locally to display current VPN session status.

Permissions we request

The current project declares Android permissions that correspond to launcher and VPN behavior. Permission declarations are used only in connection with the product functions they support.

• android.permission.REQUEST_DELETE_PACKAGES is used if a user initiates uninstall actions from launcher flows.
• android.permission.EXPAND_STATUS_BAR is used to support launcher gestures related to the notification panel where supported.
• android.permission.FOREGROUND_SERVICE and android.permission.FOREGROUND_SERVICE_SPECIAL_USE are used to run the VPN session as an active foreground service.
• Android's VPN authorization flow is requested before a VPN tunnel can be created.
• Notification permission may be requested on supported Android versions so VPN foreground status can be shown properly.

Foreground notification behavior

When the VPN is active or being established, Android may require a foreground service notification. That notification is used to show current VPN service presence and status. If notification permission is granted after a connection flow has already started, the app may refresh the current foreground notification so the ongoing VPN session becomes visible immediately.

Installed app visibility and package events

The launcher includes a package change receiver for events such as package added, removed, replaced, and changed. These events help the launcher keep its app list and home layout synchronized with the actual apps available on the device.

• Package event processing is used for launcher consistency, not for unrelated profiling.
• The launcher may react to app install, uninstall, or update events to refresh home content.

How information is used

Information handled by the apps may be used to:

• Render launcher pages, app grids, folders, widgets, search results, and related home screen UI.
• Maintain local VPN settings, node selection, session state, and status display.
• Support Android system integrations required for launcher and VPN features.
• Diagnose product behavior, crashes, or state inconsistencies if such tooling is added or enabled in a future version.

Sharing and disclosure

We do not state here that personal information is sold. Information may be disclosed where required by law, legal process, or valid government request, or where needed to protect the rights, safety, and operation of the product family. If third-party service integrations are introduced in later versions, this policy should be updated accordingly.

Data retention

Locally stored launcher state, VPN preferences, and related configuration data may remain on the device until removed by the user, cleared through app data controls, or replaced by later saved state. Session-specific information used only for display may be retained only as long as needed for the current product workflow.

Security

We use reasonable technical measures appropriate to the current product design to protect locally handled information and product state. No system can guarantee absolute security in all circumstances, especially when operating across device software, system APIs, and network conditions outside our control.

Children

The product family is not intended for children where local law requires parental consent or imposes restrictions on software of this type. Users should have the legal ability to authorize launcher replacement behavior and VPN-related system permissions in their jurisdiction.

International use

VPN functionality may involve network paths, node selections, or service infrastructure associated with jurisdictions different from the user's location. Users are responsible for understanding the legal and regulatory framework that applies to VPN use in their region.

Your choices

• You may choose whether to set NetWard Launcher as your Android home app.
• You may choose whether to grant VPN authorization and notification permission where requested.
• You may stop using the product, clear app data, or uninstall the apps subject to your device and Android version.

Policy changes

We may update this Privacy Policy to reflect product changes, legal requirements, or operational updates. When that happens, the revised policy should be published with an updated effective date.

Contact

For privacy and support questions, contact ticket_l004@creativetelevisionlab.com.