1. Introduction
This Privacy Policy describes how Ebb (referred to as "the Application", "we", "us", or "our"), developed and published by Galerkin Labs, handles your information. Ebb is an Android utility designed to help users regain control of their digital focus by detecting and intercepting addictive short-form video feeds (such as Instagram Reels, YouTube Shorts, and TikTok).
We believe that privacy is not merely a policy—it is an architectural requirement. Ebb is engineered from the ground up to operate completely offline, with zero data collection, zero analytics, and zero external transmission.
2. Privacy by Architecture: Zero Internet Permission
Unlike typical mobile applications, Ebb does not include the standard Android Internet permission (android.permission.INTERNET) in its application manifest.
Because Ebb is built without network privileges, it is technically and physically impossible for the app to send your data, telemetry, preferences, or screen contents to any remote server or third party. This guarantee is enforced directly by the Android operating system sandbox.
You can verify this at any time in Android system settings under Settings > Apps > Ebb > Permissions, where you will see that no network permissions are requested or held.
3. Prominent Disclosure: Android Accessibility Service
In compliance with Google Play Developer Policies regarding the Accessibility API (android.permission.BIND_ACCESSIBILITY_SERVICE), this section explicitly explains how and why this API is utilized.
Why Ebb Uses the Accessibility API
Ebb uses Android's Accessibility Service API exclusively for its core functionality: detecting when a targeted short-form video interface is active on screen and helping you exit or block that feed according to your configured preferences.
What the Accessibility Service Observes
-
Active App Package & UI State: Ebb listens for window state change events (
TYPE_WINDOW_STATE_CHANGED) to determine if a supported social media application (such as YouTube, Instagram, or TikTok) has entered its short-form video view. - Navigation Action: When a blocked feed is detected and protection is active (i.e. not currently in a temporary user pause or during scheduled quiet hours), Ebb triggers a system Back action or presents the Ebb pause screen.
What the Accessibility Service NEVER Does
- NO Personal Data Capture: Ebb does NOT read, capture, inspect, or process personal text messages, passwords, emails, financial info, photos, contacts, or browser history.
- NO Keystroke Logging: Ebb does NOT monitor, record, or track keyboard inputs or typing.
- NO Audio or Camera Access: Ebb does NOT record audio, video, or capture screenshots.
- NO Data Storage or Transmission: All accessibility inspection occurs ephemerally in RAM in fractions of a millisecond and is immediately discarded. Nothing is logged or saved to persistent storage.
4. Device Permissions
Beyond the Accessibility Service, Ebb requests only the minimum set of standard system permissions necessary to function reliably on modern Android devices:
| Permission | Purpose | Data Collected |
|---|---|---|
POST_NOTIFICATIONS |
Used on Android 13+ to send you a notification when a temporary hold-to-pause period expires and protection resumes. | None. Triggered locally via Android AlarmManager. |
VIBRATE |
Provides subtle haptic tactile feedback when a feed is blocked or when completing the hold-to-pause ring. | None. |
RECEIVE_BOOT_COMPLETED |
Allows Ebb to reschedule any active pause expiration alarms or quiet hours routines after your device restarts. | None. Handled locally by a system broadcast receiver. |
REQUEST_IGNORE_BATTERY_OPTIMIZATIONS |
Ensures aggressive OEM battery savers do not terminate the accessibility service unexpectedly in the background. | None. Standard system intent. |
5. Local Storage & User Data
Ebb uses standard Android SharedPreferences solely on your device. The only data stored consists of:
- Your chosen theme preference (Dark, Light, or System default).
- Your selected pause duration (e.g., 5, 10, or 15 minutes) and active pause timestamps.
- Your scheduled quiet hours configuration (start time, end time, active days).
- Toggles for which individual apps or feeds you have chosen to block.
This configuration data is private to the application sandbox, never leaves your phone, and is deleted automatically when the application is uninstalled.
6. Third-Party Services & Analytics
Ebb contains zero third-party SDKs. Specifically:
- No Google Analytics or Firebase Analytics.
- No crash reporting SDKs (e.g., Crashlytics, Sentry).
- No advertising networks (e.g., AdMob, Unity Ads).
- No third-party trackers, social login providers, or cookies.
No third parties have access to your device, usage patterns, or data through Ebb.
7. Children's Privacy (COPPA Compliance)
Ebb is a digital wellbeing tool that does not collect, retain, or solicit personal information from anyone, including children under the age of 13 (or under the age of 16 in certain jurisdictions). Because no data is collected, Ebb complies fully with the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) and the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).
8. User Rights & Data Control
Because Ebb collects no personal data and has no remote servers, you maintain complete, absolute control over the application at all times:
- Disable Accessibility: You can pause or revoke the Accessibility Service at any moment via Android Settings > Accessibility > Ebb.
- Clear Stored Preferences: You can reset all preferences at any time via Android Settings > Apps > Ebb > Storage > Clear Data.
- Complete Erasure: Uninstalling Ebb immediately deletes all local preferences from your device.
9. Policy Updates
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time if we introduce new local features or in response to regulatory and Google Play Developer policy updates. Any changes will be published directly to this page with an updated "Effective Date".
10. Contact Us
If you have any questions, concerns, or feedback regarding this Privacy Policy or Ebb's privacy practices, please contact us:
- Publisher: Galerkin Labs
- Email: support@galerkinlabs.com
- Website: https://galerkinlabs.com