Privacy Policy

This Privacy Policy explains how Coding Wizards ("we", "us", "our") collects, uses, discloses, and protects information in connection with the FocusShield mobile and desktop applications and the focusshield.co.za website (together, the "Service"). By using the Service, you agree to the practices described here.

1. Who we are

FocusShield is developed and operated by Coding Wizards, based in South Africa. For any privacy questions, contact us at focus-support@codingwizards.co.za.

2. Information we collect

2.1 Information you provide directly

• Contact details you submit through our contact form or email (name, email address, message content, and selected subject/priority).
• Account information, if and when account creation is offered (such as an email address and password or sign-in identifier).
• Payment-related information for Windows subscriptions, which is collected and processed by our third-party payment processor — we do not store full card numbers ourselves.

2.2 Information collected automatically through the app

To provide focus-session blocking, FocusShield needs certain device permissions. Depending on your platform, this may include:

• Usage access / accessibility permissions — used locally on your device to detect and block the specific apps and websites you choose to restrict during a session. This information is processed on-device to enforce blocking and is not sold or used for advertising.
• Session and configuration data — such as which apps/sites you've selected to block, session duration, and schedule, so the app can function as intended.
• Basic device and diagnostic information — such as device model, operating system version, and crash/error logs, used to fix bugs and improve stability.

2.3 Information collected through our website

Our website may use cookies and similar technologies for essential site functionality and, where enabled, basic analytics to understand how visitors use the site. See our Cookie Policy section below for details and how to manage your preferences.

3. How we use information

• To provide, operate, and maintain the Service, including enforcing focus sessions you configure.
• To respond to support requests, bug reports, and business inquiries.
• To process subscription payments for the Windows app.
• To maintain the security, integrity, and performance of the Service, including diagnosing technical issues.
• To improve the Service and understand aggregate usage trends.
• To comply with legal obligations.

We do not sell your personal information, and we do not use app-blocking data (which apps or sites you restrict) for advertising purposes.

4. Legal basis for processing

Where South Africa's Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA) or other applicable data protection law requires a legal basis, we rely on: your consent (e.g., for optional cookies), performance of a contract (e.g., providing the Service or processing a subscription you purchased), our legitimate interests (e.g., securing and improving the Service), and compliance with legal obligations.

5. Sharing of information

We do not sell personal information. We may share limited information with:

• Service providers who help us operate the Service, such as hosting providers, payment processors (for Windows subscriptions), and app distribution platforms (e.g., Google Play).
• Legal and safety purposes, where we believe disclosure is required by law, regulation, or legal process, or to protect the rights, property, or safety of Coding Wizards, our users, or others.
• Business transfers, if Coding Wizards is involved in a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets, in which case information may be transferred as part of that transaction, subject to this Policy or a successor policy.

6. Data retention

We retain personal information only for as long as necessary to provide the Service, comply with our legal obligations, resolve disputes, and enforce our agreements. Configuration data used for app-blocking generally stays on your device and is deleted when you uninstall the app or clear its data.

7. Data security

We use reasonable technical and organizational measures to protect information against unauthorized access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction. No method of transmission or storage is completely secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.

8. Your rights

Depending on where you live, you may have the right to access, correct, delete, or restrict the processing of your personal information, and to object to certain processing or withdraw consent at any time. South African users have rights under POPIA; users in the European Economic Area, UK, or elsewhere may have rights under GDPR or equivalent local law. To exercise these rights, contact us at focus-support@codingwizards.co.za. You may also have the right to lodge a complaint with your local data protection authority (in South Africa, the Information Regulator).

9. Children's privacy

FocusShield is not directed at children under the age of 13 (or the minimum age required in your jurisdiction), and we do not knowingly collect personal information from children below that age. If you believe a child has provided us with personal information, please contact us so we can delete it.

10. International data transfers

Coding Wizards is based in South Africa, and information may be processed or stored in South Africa or other countries where our service providers operate. Where information is transferred internationally, we take steps intended to ensure it receives an adequate level of protection.

11. Cookies

Our website uses cookies to remember your preferences and, where enabled, to understand aggregate site usage. You can control cookies through the cookie banner shown on your first visit, or at any time via the "Cookie Preferences" link in the footer, as well as through your browser settings. For more detail, see our Terms of Service or contact us directly.

12. Third-party links and services

Our website and app may contain links to third-party sites or services (such as app stores or payment processors) that are governed by their own privacy policies. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of third parties.

13. Changes to this policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Material changes will be reflected by an updated "Last updated" date at the top of this page, and where appropriate, we will provide additional notice.

14. Contact us

If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or how we handle your data, contact us at focus-support@codingwizards.co.za.

This document is provided for general informational purposes and does not constitute legal advice.