AirGrid

Privacy Policy

AirGrid is an offline-first, peer-to-peer mesh chat app for Android. This privacy policy explains what data AirGrid accesses and how that data is handled. AirGrid is designed to keep messaging local to nearby devices and does not require, transmit, or store messages on a central server.

Summary

• AirGrid does not collect or transmit your chat messages to AirGrid servers.
• Local identity and cryptographic keys are generated and stored on-device.
• The app requires Bluetooth / Wi-Fi and may ask for location permissions as required by Android Nearby Connections.
• Safety reports are stored locally unless you choose to export or send them.

What the app stores on your device

• Messages: Chat messages are stored locally using SQLite. Messages remain on your device unless you or the app delete them.
• Local identity: A stable node ID and display name are stored in app preferences.
• Cryptographic keys: X25519 keypairs and related key material are generated locally and stored in secure storage. Private keys never leave your device.
• Known contacts: Persisted locally to allow encrypted private messages to be addressed to previously discovered peers.
• Safety reports: Reports you create are stored locally on your device unless you choose to export or send them.
• Optional location: Location may be processed and shared with connected peers only when you enable location sharing.

Permissions

To discover and connect with nearby devices AirGrid may request Android permissions for Bluetooth, Nearby Wi-Fi, location, and notifications.

• Bluetooth permissions for peer discovery and device-to-device transfer.
• NEARBY_WIFI_DEVICES for Wi-Fi Direct / Nearby Connections on newer Android versions.
• ACCESS_FINE_LOCATION where required by Nearby Connections or optional location sharing.
• Notification permission for the active mesh session notification.

Networking and third-party services

AirGrid uses the Android Nearby Connections runtime through Google Play Services for peer discovery and transport. Google Play Services is a third-party component; its behavior and any telemetry it performs are governed by Google's policies. AirGrid itself does not upload chat contents or keys to external servers.

Use of encryption

Private messaging uses X25519 key agreement and authenticated encryption where peers have exchanged public keys. Private encryption is opportunistic and is not a full verified identity system.

Store-and-forward

When delivering an encrypted private packet to an offline peer, AirGrid may temporarily hold an encrypted packet locally for a limited time so it can be forwarded when the recipient is next seen.

User-generated content and safety tools

AirGrid users create their own messages, media, display names, and nearby interactions. You are responsible for the content you send. The app includes local block and report controls for nearby users and messages. AirGrid does not operate a central moderation server for normal mesh messaging.

Data deletion

You can remove local messages, known contacts, and reset local identity within the app where available. Uninstalling the app typically removes its local data, but Android behavior may vary by device and OS version.

Children

AirGrid is intended for users who are at least 13 years old. Users between 13 and 17 should use AirGrid only with permission from a parent or guardian.

Terms of Use

Important: These terms are a practical draft for AirGrid's release process and should be reviewed by qualified legal counsel before public launch.

Acceptance

By using AirGrid, you agree to these Terms of Use and acknowledge AirGrid's safety limits. If you do not agree, do not use the app.

As-is service

AirGrid is provided "as is" and without warranties. Mesh communication depends on nearby devices, Google Play Services, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi Direct, Android permissions, battery settings, radio conditions, and distance.

Not for emergency or critical use

Do not rely on AirGrid for emergency, life-safety, rescue, medical, military, aviation, disaster-response, or other critical communications. Use official emergency channels and appropriate professional systems.

Delivery, location, and encryption limits

Nearby discovery, message delivery, encryption, relays, store-and-forward, walkie audio, and location sharing may fail, be delayed, or be inaccurate. Private encryption is opportunistic and is not a full verified identity system. Public nearby chat and routing metadata may be seen or handled by nearby AirGrid devices.

User responsibility and prohibited conduct

You are responsible for your messages, media, location sharing, conduct, and legal compliance. Do not use AirGrid to send illegal, harmful, threatening, abusive, harassing, sexually exploitative, hateful, impersonating, spam, or otherwise objectionable content.

Age requirement

You must be at least 13 years old to use AirGrid. If you are between 13 and 17, you may use AirGrid only with permission from a parent or guardian.

Blocking and reports

AirGrid includes local blocking and safety reporting tools. Reports are stored on your device unless you choose to export or send them. AirGrid does not operate a central moderation server for normal mesh messaging.

Limitation of liability

To the maximum extent permitted by law, the AirGrid maintainers are not liable for losses, damages, missed messages, inaccurate location, user content, third-party conduct, or reliance on the app for critical needs.

Changes

We may update these terms from time to time. Updates will appear on this page with a new "Last updated" date and may require in-app acceptance.

Contact

For questions about AirGrid, this Privacy Policy, or these Terms of Use, contact jayarous@gmail.com.

Maintainer: AirGrid project team