About tvusage
tvusage is a parental control and digital wellbeing application built by Codeseed. The app is designed exclusively for parents and guardians to monitor and manage their children's screen time on Android TV, Android phones, and Android tablets.
tvusage is a child monitoring application. When installed on a child's device, it tracks app usage, enforces screen time limits, and can restrict or block applications based on rules set by the parent or guardian. The app displays a persistent notification on the monitored device at all times while the monitoring service is active, ensuring the device user is aware that monitoring is taking place.
This privacy policy explains how we collect, use, and protect information when you use tvusage.
Who Should Use tvusage
tvusage is intended solely for use by parents or legal guardians to monitor and manage their minor children's device usage. By using this app, you confirm that:
- You are the parent or legal guardian of the child whose device is being monitored.
- You have the legal authority to install monitoring software on the child's device.
- You understand that tvusage will monitor and may restrict app usage on the device where it is installed.
tvusage must not be used to monitor another adult's device, including a spouse, partner, employee, or any other individual, regardless of whether they have given consent.
Information Collection and Use
Personal Information
When you create an account or use our service, we may collect your email address. This is used for account management, the tvusage remote feature, and customer support.
App Usage Data
tvusage collects the following data from the device where it is installed:
- Installed applications: The names and package identifiers of apps installed on the device.
- App usage statistics: How long each application is used, including start and end times of usage sessions.
- Screen time data: Total screen-on time and per-app usage duration.
- App restriction status: Which apps have been blocked, time-limited, or restricted by the parent.
This data is collected using the Android Usage Stats permission and is processed locally on the device to enforce screen time rules and display usage dashboards.
Accessibility Service
tvusage uses an Android Accessibility Service to detect which application is currently in the foreground. This is required to enforce app restrictions and screen time limits in real time. The accessibility service does not collect, read, or transmit the content displayed within applications. It is used solely to identify which app is active so that blocking and time-limit rules can be applied.
Third-Party Services
The app uses the following third-party services that may collect information used to identify you:
- Google Play Services
- Google Analytics for Firebase
- Firebase Crashlytics
How We Use Collected Data
The data collected by tvusage is used for the following purposes:
- Usage Dashboard: Displaying a summary of app usage and screen time to the parent or guardian.
- Screen Time Enforcement: Enforcing daily screen time limits, app-specific time limits, watch breaks, and usage hour schedules as configured by the parent.
- App Blocking: Restricting access to specific applications as configured by the parent.
- tvusage Remote (optional): If you log into the tvusage remote feature, the app securely transmits installed app data, usage statistics, and restriction settings to our servers. This allows the parent to view and manage screen time from a separate mobile device. Data transmitted to our servers is used solely to provide this remote management feature.
Persistent Notification
While tvusage's monitoring service is active on a device, the app displays a persistent notification in the device's notification area. This notification is always visible to the device user and clearly identifies that tvusage is running and monitoring app usage. The notification cannot be hidden or dismissed while monitoring is active.
Data Storage and Security
Data processed locally on the device remains on the device and is not transmitted to external servers unless the tvusage remote feature is enabled.
When the tvusage remote feature is used, data is transmitted to and stored on our servers using encryption in transit.
We use commercially reasonable measures to protect your data. However, no method of electronic transmission or storage is 100% secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.
Data Retention and Deletion
Local usage data on the device is retained as long as the app is installed.
Server-side data (for tvusage remote users) is retained as long as your account is active.
To request deletion of all data stored on our servers, email support@tvusage.app. We will process deletion requests within 30 days.
Uninstalling the app from the device removes all locally stored data.
Consent
tvusage requires consent before collecting data:
- When the app is opened for the first time, the user is presented with a consent screen explaining what data the app collects, how it is used, and the permissions required. The app does not begin monitoring until consent is granted.
- The parent or guardian who installs the app is responsible for ensuring they have the legal right to monitor the child's device.
Log Data
In the event of errors, we collect diagnostic data through third-party services (Firebase Crashlytics). This may include your device's IP address, device name, operating system version, app configuration, timestamps, and other diagnostic statistics. This data is used solely for debugging and improving the app.
Children's Privacy
tvusage is a parental control app that is installed on children's devices by their parents or guardians. The app collects device usage data (as described above) from the child's device under the authority and consent of the parent or guardian.
We do not knowingly collect personally identifiable information directly from children. The app does not require the child to create an account or provide personal information. If you believe a child has independently provided personal information to us, please contact us at support@tvusage.app so we can take appropriate action.
Permissions Required
tvusage requires the following permissions to function:
- Usage Stats Access: To track app usage times and screen time on the device.
- Display Over Other Apps: To show screen time alerts, watch break reminders, and app restriction notifications while other apps are in use.
- Accessibility Service: To detect the currently active application in order to enforce app blocking and time limits in real time. This service does not read or collect content displayed within apps.
- Foreground Service: To run the monitoring service continuously with a persistent, visible notification.
- Internet Access: To sync data with tvusage remote servers (when the remote feature is enabled) and to communicate with third-party analytics and crash reporting services.
- Boot Completed: To restart the monitoring service automatically after the device reboots.
- Disable Battery Optimization (optional): To ensure uninterrupted monitoring when the device is in battery-saving mode. This permission is optional and requested separately.
Service Providers
We may employ third-party companies and individuals to facilitate our service, perform service-related tasks, or assist in analyzing how our service is used. These third parties have access to personal information only to perform tasks on our behalf and are obligated not to disclose or use it for other purposes.
Links to Other Sites
The app may contain links to external sites not operated by us. We advise you to review the privacy policies of any external sites you visit. We have no control over and assume no responsibility for the content or practices of third-party sites.
Changes to This Privacy Policy
We may update this privacy policy from time to time. Changes will be posted on this page with an updated revision date. We encourage you to review this page periodically.
Contact Us
If you have any questions or suggestions about this privacy policy, contact us at support@tvusage.app.