Privacy Policy for Automus

Last Updated: January 21, 2026

Introduction

Automus ("we", "our", or "us") is an Android Automotive media application that enables users to access and play Apple Music content in their vehicles. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you use our mobile application.

Information We Collect

1. Authentication Information

• Apple Music User Token: When you authenticate with Apple Music through our QR code authentication system, we receive and store a user token that identifies your Apple Music account.
• Storefront ID: We store your Apple Music region/storefront identifier to provide region-appropriate content.
• Last.fm Authentication (Optional): If you choose to connect your Last.fm account, we store your Last.fm session key locally on your device to enable scrobbling functionality.

2. Technical Information

• Network Data: Our app requires internet connectivity to communicate with Apple Music services and our authentication backend.
• Device Information: Standard Android device information necessary for app functionality (device type, Android version, manufacturer, model).
• Device Identifier: A hashed version of your Android device ID is collected for crash reporting purposes.

3. Usage Information

• Playback History: Information about the music you play through the app is processed locally on your device to provide playback functionality.
• Analytics Data: We collect anonymous usage analytics including:
  • App version and session information
  • Authentication status (whether you're logged into Apple Music and/or Last.fm)
  • Feature usage (e.g., tab selections, search usage, playback events)
  • Settings changes and preferences
  • Apple Music storefront region
• Crash and Error Reports: When the app crashes or encounters errors, we automatically collect diagnostic information including error messages, stack traces, device state, and app state to help us fix bugs and improve stability.

How We Use Your Information

We use the collected information for the following purposes:

1. Authentication: To authenticate your Apple Music account and maintain your login session.
2. Service Delivery: To enable music streaming and playback from Apple Music in your vehicle.
3. App Functionality: To provide core features including music browsing, playback control, and content recommendations.
4. Service Improvement: To maintain and improve app performance and user experience through analytics.
5. Bug Fixes and Stability: To identify, diagnose, and fix crashes and errors.
6. Feature Development: To understand which features are used and how to improve them.
7. Last.fm Integration (Optional): If enabled, to scrobble your listening history to your Last.fm account.

Data Storage and Security

Local Storage

• Authentication tokens are stored locally on your device using Android's SharedPreferences system.
• No personal information is transmitted to third parties except as necessary for Apple Music integration.

Security Measures

• We implement industry-standard security measures to protect your data.
• All communications with our authentication backend use HTTPS encryption.
• Authentication tokens are stored securely on your device.

Third-Party Services

Apple Music

Our app integrates with Apple Music services. When you use our app:

• You authenticate directly with Apple's authentication system.
• Music content is streamed directly from Apple's servers.
• Your usage is subject to Apple's Privacy Policy.

Last.fm (Optional)

If you choose to enable Last.fm scrobbling:

• You authenticate directly with Last.fm's authentication system.
• Your listening history is sent to Last.fm according to their scrobbling rules.
• Your usage is subject to Last.fm's Privacy Policy.
• You can disable scrobbling at any time in the app settings.

Firebase Analytics (Google)

We use Firebase Analytics to collect anonymous usage statistics:

• Firebase Analytics is provided by Google LLC.
• Data collected is used solely to improve app performance and user experience.
• No personally identifiable information is collected through analytics.
• Analytics data is subject to Google's Privacy Policy.
• Learn more about Firebase Analytics: Firebase Privacy Information

Firebase Crashlytics (Google)

We use Firebase Crashlytics for crash reporting and error tracking:

• Crashlytics automatically collects crash reports and diagnostic information when the app encounters errors.
• This helps us identify and fix bugs to improve app stability.
• Crash reports include device information, app state, and error details but no personal content.
• A hashed device identifier is used to track crash trends, but cannot be used to identify you personally.
• Crashlytics is subject to Google's Privacy Policy.

Authentication Backend

• We operate an authentication backend (automus.se) to facilitate the QR code authentication flow.
• This backend temporarily handles authentication session data during the login process.
• Authentication sessions expire after 5 minutes if not completed.

Data Sharing and Disclosure

We do not sell, trade, or rent your personal information to third parties. We may share information only in the following circumstances:

1. With Your Consent: When you explicitly authorize us to share information.
2. Service Providers:
   • With Apple Music to provide the core functionality of the app.
   • With Last.fm (if you enable scrobbling) to track your listening history.
   • With Google (Firebase) for analytics and crash reporting to improve the app.
3. Legal Requirements: If required by law or in response to valid legal process.
4. Safety and Security: To protect our rights, privacy, safety, or property, or that of our users.

Your Rights and Choices

Access and Control

• Logout and User Switching: You can log out or switch to a different Apple Music account by navigating to the Settings section in the app's main menu. This will display a QR code that you can scan with your phone to:
  • Logout: If you're already logged in on your phone, you'll see a "Disconnect" button to log out from the vehicle.
  • Switch Users: If you scan the QR code with a different phone/Apple Music account, the app will automatically switch to the new user.
• Data Deletion: When you log out, all stored authentication tokens, playback queue, cached metadata, and artwork are immediately removed from your vehicle's device. When switching users, the previous user's data is cleared before loading the new user's data.
• Account Management: Manage your Apple Music account and data through Apple's services.

Permissions

Our app requires the following Android permissions:

• INTERNET: To stream music and communicate with Apple Music services.
• FOREGROUND_SERVICE: To continue playing music while you use other apps.
• FOREGROUND_SERVICE_MEDIA_PLAYBACK: To properly manage media playback in the foreground.

Children's Privacy

Our app does not knowingly collect information from children under 13. If you are a parent or guardian and believe your child has provided us with personal information, please contact us, and we will take steps to delete such information.

Data Retention

• Authentication Tokens: Stored on your device until you log out (via Settings), switch users, or uninstall the app.
• Cached Data: Playback queue, metadata, and artwork are cached locally on your device and are automatically cleared when you:
  • Log out via the Settings menu
  • Switch to a different Apple Music account
  • Uninstall the app
• Session Data: Authentication session data on our backend is automatically deleted after 5 minutes or upon successful authentication/logout.
• No Long-Term Storage: We do not maintain long-term storage of your personal data on our servers.

Android Automotive Specific Information

As an Android Automotive OS application:

• The app runs in your vehicle's infotainment system.
• No UI activities are launched outside the vehicle's media interface.
• The app integrates with your vehicle's media playback controls.
• No location data or vehicle data is collected or accessed by this app.

International Data Transfers

If you use our app outside your home country, your data may be transferred to and processed in different countries where Apple Music services are hosted. We ensure appropriate safeguards are in place for such transfers.

Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of any changes by:

• Updating the "Last Updated" date at the top of this Privacy Policy.
• Providing notice through the app or other reasonable means.

Your continued use of the app after any changes constitutes your acceptance of the updated Privacy Policy.

Contact Us

If you have questions or concerns about this Privacy Policy, please contact us at:

Google Play Compliance

This app complies with Google Play's policies regarding:

• User data handling and security
• Prominent disclosure of data collection and usage
• Secure data transmission
• User consent for data collection

Legal Basis for Processing (GDPR)

If you are in the European Economic Area (EEA), our legal basis for collecting and using your information depends on the specific information and context:

• Contract Performance: To provide the services you've requested.
• Consent: Where you have given explicit consent.
• Legitimate Interests: To improve and optimize our services.