Privacy Policy of VPN Shield App - Tools Mania Apps on Play Store
Privacy Policy
1. Introduction
Tools Mania Apps LLC ("we", "us", "our") provides the VPN Shield Android app ("the App"). This Privacy Policy explains what information the App handles, why, who receives it, and the choices you have. By using the App you agree to this policy. If you do not agree, please do not use the App.
VPN Shield is built around a simple principle: we do not monitor, record or store the websites you visit, the content of your traffic, your DNS queries, or your original IP address.
2. What We Do NOT Collect
- Browsing history or the websites and apps you access through the VPN
- The content of your traffic or DNS requests
- Your original (real) IP address tied to your VPN activity
- Connection timestamps or session records linked to you personally
- Your name, email address, phone number, contacts, SMS, call logs, photos or files
- Precise GPS location
You can use the App without creating an account.
3. Information We Handle
3.1 Information processed to run the VPN
- Server selection and connection status: the server location you choose and whether a connection attempt succeeded or failed, used to keep servers available and to fix errors. This is aggregated and not linked to your identity.
- Data usage and speed test results: shown to you inside the App and kept on your device. Speed tests exchange test data with a test server.
3.2 Information collected automatically by third-party services
| Service | Purpose | Data involved |
|---|---|---|
| Google Firebase (Analytics, Crashlytics, Performance Monitoring, Remote Config, Cloud Messaging) | App analytics, crash and performance diagnostics, remote settings, push notifications | Device model, OS version, app version, language, app-instance ID, crash logs, approximate (country-level) region, usage events, FCM token |
| Google AdMob and mediation partners (Meta Audience Network, Unity Ads) | Showing ads that support the free version of the App | Advertising ID, IP address (processed by ad networks to serve ads), device and network information, ad interaction data |
| Google Play Billing | Processing Premium subscriptions | Purchase token, subscription status. Payment details are handled by Google Play; we never see your card number. |
| Google User Messaging Platform (UMP) | Collecting and storing your consent choices where required (e.g. EEA, UK) | Consent status |
These providers process data under their own privacy policies. Because ad and analytics SDKs may receive your device's IP address when they communicate with their servers, your IP address is visible to them in that limited context, independent of the VPN tunnel's content.
3.3 Information stored only on your device
The following stay on your device and are not sent to us:
- Built-in browser data: tabs, history, bookmarks, downloads, site settings, and cookies. Incognito tabs do not save history. You can clear all of this from the App at any time.
- App preferences: theme, language, favorite servers, split-tunneling choices, shortcuts.
3.4 Split tunneling
If you use split tunneling, the App displays a list of installed apps so you can choose which ones bypass or use the VPN. This list is read on your device only to build that screen. Your selections are stored locally and are never uploaded.
4. How We Use Information
- To provide, maintain and secure the VPN service
- To diagnose crashes and improve performance and features
- To show ads and to fund the free version
- To verify and manage Premium subscriptions
- To send service notifications you have allowed
- To prevent abuse, fraud and illegal use of our servers
- To comply with legal obligations
5. Ads and Consent
The free version shows ads. Where required by law (for example in the EEA and UK), we ask for your consent through Google's UMP consent form before ads are personalized or an advertising ID is used for that purpose. You can change your choice at any time from the privacy/consent option in the App's settings, where available.
You can also reset or opt out of personalized ads on Android: Settings → Privacy → Ads (path may vary by device). Subscribing to Premium may remove or reduce ads.
6. Permissions
| Permission / capability | Why it is needed |
|---|---|
VPN service (Android VpnService) | Creates the encrypted VPN tunnel. Android shows a system dialog asking you to approve it. |
| Internet / network state | Connect to servers, detect connection status, run speed tests, and use the browser. |
| Notifications | Show the persistent VPN status notification and optional alerts. |
| Foreground service | Keep the VPN connection running while the App is in the background. |
| Installed-apps visibility | Split tunneling app selection (see 3.4). |
| Storage / downloads access | Save files downloaded in the built-in browser, where applicable. |
7. Sharing of Information
We do not sell your personal information. We share data only:
- With the service providers listed in Section 3.2, who process it on our behalf or under their own policies;
- To comply with law, a valid legal process, or to protect our rights, users or the public;
- In connection with a merger, acquisition or sale of assets, with notice to you where required.
Because we do not keep records of your browsing or traffic, we have no such activity data to provide in response to a request.
8. Data Retention
- VPN activity and traffic: not stored.
- Aggregated connection and diagnostic statistics: kept only as long as needed for operations and troubleshooting.
- Analytics and crash data: retained according to Firebase settings (typically up to 14 months for analytics; crash data for a limited period).
- Subscription records: kept by Google Play and, if applicable, by us as needed for accounting and legal compliance.
- On-device data: kept until you clear it or uninstall the App.
9. Data Security
We use industry-standard encryption for VPN traffic and secure connections (HTTPS/TLS) for communication with our services, and we limit access to systems. No method of transmission or storage is 100% secure, so we cannot guarantee absolute security.
10. Your Rights and Choices
Depending on where you live (for example under GDPR, UK GDPR, CCPA/CPRA and similar laws) you may have the right to access, correct, delete, restrict or port your data, to object to processing, to withdraw consent, and not to be discriminated against for exercising these rights.
- Clear local data: clear browser data and app data from the App or Android settings, or uninstall the App.
- Analytics / advertising ID: reset or delete your advertising ID in Android settings.
- Consent: change your ad consent in the App (where available).
- Subscriptions: cancel anytime in Google Play → Payments & subscriptions → Subscriptions.
- Requests: email us at the address in Section 14. We may need to verify your request, and we will respond within the time required by law.
California residents: we do not sell personal information. Ad networks may process identifiers for advertising; you can limit this via your device's ad settings.
11. Children's Privacy
The App is not directed to children under 16, and we do not knowingly collect personal information from them. If you believe a child has provided information, contact us and we will take steps to delete it.
12. International Transfers
Our service providers (such as Google, Meta and Unity) may process data in countries other than your own, including the United States. Where required, such transfers rely on appropriate safeguards, such as standard contractual clauses.
13. Acceptable Use
You must not use VPN Shield for unlawful activity, to harm others, or to abuse our network. We may restrict access to protect the service and other users.
14. Contact Us
Tools Mania Apps LLC
Email: toolsmania3@gmail.com
Website: toolsmania3.blogspot.com
15. Changes to This Policy
We may update this policy from time to time. The latest version will always be available at this page, with the effective date updated above. Significant changes may also be shown in the App. Continued use after changes means you accept the updated policy.
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