Privacy Policy

Overview

WhatsDirect ("the App") is developed and maintained by LinksGroups Engine. This Privacy Policy explains what information is collected, how it is used, and your rights as a user.

By using WhatsDirect, you agree to the practices described in this policy. If you do not agree, please discontinue use of the App.

Information We Collect

WhatsDirect does not collect, store, or transmit any personally identifiable information (PII) to our servers. The App operates entirely on your device.

The following data is stored locally on your device only and never leaves it:

• Recent phone numbers you have messaged (last 5, stored in app preferences)
• Your WhatsApp app preference (WhatsApp or WhatsApp Business)
• WhatsDirect Pro subscription status
• App settings and click counters for ad frequency

This data is cleared automatically when you uninstall the App.

Third-Party Services

The App integrates the following third-party SDKs. Each has its own privacy policy governing how they handle data:

• Google Play Services — platform services required for app operation
• Google AdMob — serves advertisements; may use device advertising ID
• Google UMP (User Messaging Platform) — manages GDPR/consent for ad personalisation
• Firebase Analytics — anonymous usage analytics (screen views, events)
• Firebase Crashlytics — crash reporting; collects stack traces and device info on crashes
• Firebase Cloud Messaging — enables push notifications
• Google Play Billing — processes the WhatsDirect Pro subscription securely through Google Play
• Google Play In-App Updates — delivers app updates through the Play Store

We do not integrate Facebook or any social-media SDKs.

Advertising & Ad Identifiers

The App displays banner, interstitial, and rewarded advertisements via Google AdMob. AdMob may use your device's advertising ID to serve relevant ads based on your interests. You can reset or opt out of personalised ads at any time through your device's Settings → Google → Ads.

If you subscribe to WhatsDirect Pro, all advertisements are hidden for the duration of your active subscription and no ad-related data collection occurs within the App.

Log Data & Crash Reports

If the App crashes, Firebase Crashlytics automatically collects diagnostic information including:

• Device model and Android version
• App version and build number
• Stack trace of the crash
• Timestamp of the event

This data is used solely to identify and fix bugs. It is not linked to your identity and is not sold to third parties.

Permissions Used

• INTERNET — required to load ads and communicate with Firebase
• ACCESS_NETWORK_STATE — checks connectivity before loading ads
• POST_NOTIFICATIONS — (Android 13+) allows push notifications if enabled
• AD_ID — accesses the advertising ID for Google AdMob

The App does not request contacts, camera, microphone, location, or storage permissions.

Children's Privacy

WhatsDirect is not directed at children under the age of 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If you believe a child under 13 has used the App and their data may have been collected by a third-party SDK, please contact us immediately at info@linksgroups.com and we will take appropriate action.

Data Retention & Deletion

All locally stored data (recent numbers, preferences) is deleted when you uninstall the App. To erase this data without uninstalling, use Settings → Apps → WhatsDirect → Clear Data on your device.

Crash and analytics data held by Firebase is subject to Google's own retention policies (typically 90 days for Crashlytics, up to 14 months for Analytics).

Security

All network communications in the App use HTTPS. We rely on industry-standard security measures provided by Google (Firebase, AdMob, Play Billing). No method of electronic transmission is 100% secure, but we take reasonable steps to protect your information.

Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Any changes will be posted on this page with an updated effective date. Continued use of the App after changes constitutes acceptance of the revised policy.

Contact Us

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

LinksGroups Engine
Email: info@linksgroups.com