Privacy Policy

Last updated: September 2026. This English version is a courtesy translation; the German version is legally binding.

1. Controller

Johannes Kleeschulte
Leinenstraße 40
59556 Lippstadt
Germany
Email: johannes.kleeschulte@gmail.com

2. Data minimization by design

Dead Man's Switch was built to collect as little data as possible. There is no sign-up, no user account, and no developer-run server that stores your data. All settings (alarm timers, phone numbers, emergency message) stay exclusively on your device.

3. Data processed when an alarm triggers

When an alarm triggers, the following data leaves your device — only to the contacts you set up yourself:

Precise location: determined and added as a Google Maps link to the alert SMS.
SMS content: your custom emergency message plus the location link, sent to the phone numbers you configured.
Call: the app dials a number you configured, using your device's regular phone function.

This transfer only happens based on your own prior configuration (you choose the numbers and text) and exists solely to enable help in an emergency. No data is sent to the developer, to advertising partners, or to any other third party.

4. Permissions and why they're needed

Make phone calls – for the call alarm.
Send SMS – for the SMS alarm.
Location – for the location link in the alert SMS.
Phone state – to detect when an alarm call is answered.
Display over other apps – so the call alarm works reliably on a locked screen.
Exclude from battery optimization – so Android doesn't stop background monitoring early.

5. No cloud, no tracking, no ads

The app contains no third-party analytics, tracking, or advertising SDKs. No movement profiles are created, stored, or analyzed.

6. Deletion

Since no data is stored on a developer-run server, there is nothing to delete there. Uninstalling the app removes all locally stored settings from your device.

7. Your rights

Under the GDPR you generally have the right to access, rectification, erasure, restriction of processing, data portability, and objection. Since no personal data is stored by the developer, these rights typically have nothing to act on. For questions, contact the email address above.