Privacy Policy

1. Overview

Merka ("the App") is a local-first personal finance application. This Privacy Policy explains how the App handles your information. We are committed to being transparent and honest about what data is and is not collected.

2. Data Stored on Your Device

All financial data you enter into the App is stored locally on your device only. This includes:

• Account names and balances
• Income and expense transactions
• Categories
• Planned payments and debts
• Financial goals
• Budget settings
• Currency preferences and app settings

This data is not transmitted to any server operated by the developer. It is not backed up to any cloud service by the App. It is not accessible to Oksana Kuskicheva unless you voluntarily send it (for example, by attaching an export file to a support message).

3. No Backend or Cloud Sync

The current version of Merka does not use a backend server or cloud synchronization. There is no user account system. No username, email address, or password is required to use the App.

4. No Required Registration

You can use the App without creating an account or providing any personal information. The App does not collect your name, email address, phone number, or any other identifying information.

5. JSON Export and Import

The App provides a JSON export feature that writes a backup file to your device's local storage. You control this file entirely — where it is saved, whether it is shared, and whether it is imported back into the App.

Oksana Kuskicheva does not receive or access this file unless you send it directly to support.

6. App Settings

The App stores your preferences (language, theme, selected currency) locally on your device using the device's local storage. These preferences are not transmitted to any server.

7. In-App Purchases and Payments

The App may offer optional premium features or subscriptions. If and when payments are enabled, they are processed through the platform's built-in payment system (Apple App Store or Google Play). Oksana Kuskicheva does not receive or store your payment card details. Payment transaction records are managed by Apple or Google per their respective privacy policies.

In the current version, if payment processing is not yet connected, no payment is processed and no payment information is collected.

8. Analytics and Crash Reporting

Analytics and crash reporting are not currently configured in this version of the App. No usage data, error logs, or behavioral analytics are collected or sent to any third party.

If analytics or crash reporting are added in a future version, this Privacy Policy will be updated prior to release and users will be notified through the App or App Store update notes.

9. OTA Updates

The App uses Expo's over-the-air update system (expo-updates). When an update is available, the app may contact Expo's update servers to retrieve a new bundle. This request may include technical information such as the app version and runtime version. No personal financial data is included in these requests. For more information, see Expo's privacy policy at expo.dev/privacy.

10. Third-Party SDKs

The App uses a limited set of open-source libraries for UI and functionality. To the best of our knowledge, none of the currently integrated libraries collect or transmit personal data.

11. Children's Privacy

The App is not directed at children under the age of 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If you believe a child has provided personal information through the App, please contact us at vkuskichev@gmail.com.

12. Changes to This Policy

If this Privacy Policy is updated, the new version will be published at https://merka.tech/privacy and reflected in the App's store listing. Continued use of the App after an update constitutes acceptance of the revised policy.

13. Contact

For privacy-related questions or requests, contact:

• Developer: Oksana Kuskicheva
• Email: vkuskichev@gmail.com
• Website: https://merka.tech