1. Overview
Zarko ("the App") is an app and website blocker for iOS that helps you stay focused by making it deliberately hard to quit early — you can only unlock blocked apps before a session ends by completing a quick physical or mental challenge. This Privacy Policy explains what information the App collects, how it's used, and your rights.
By installing or using the App, you agree to this Privacy Policy. If you do not agree, please discontinue use of the App.
2. Information We Collect
The following information is collected or processed by the App.
| Data Type | Purpose | Storage |
|---|---|---|
| Blocked Apps, Categories & Websites Your selection of what to block during focus sessions |
Core blocking functionality | Device only |
| Focus Session History Duration, intensity level, streaks, unlock attempts |
Stats & streak tracking | Device only |
| Theme & Achievement Progress | Reward / collection features | Device only |
| Motion Data Accelerometer, gyroscope, step count |
Detecting in-app challenge gestures (e.g. shake, flip, walk) — momentarily, while the challenge is on screen | Processed on-device, never stored or transmitted |
| Notification Preferences | Scheduling your optional streak reminder | Device only |
| Anonymous Usage Analytics Session/unlock event parameters (duration, intensity, success/failure) — no PII |
App improvement | Firebase Analytics |
| Crash Reports | Stability & bug fixing | Firebase Crashlytics |
| Location Data | Not collected | Not collected |
| Account / Login | Not applicable — no account system exists | Not collected |
| iCloud Sync | Not implemented in the current version | N/A |
* Even our analytics never receive which specific apps, categories, or websites you choose to block — only anonymized session parameters such as duration and intensity level.
3. Firebase Analytics
Zarko uses Firebase Analytics (Google LLC) to understand how the app is used and to guide improvements.
Firebase Analytics collects only anonymous, aggregated data such as:
- Focus session starts, completions, and early exits (duration, intensity level)
- Unlock challenge outcomes (success/failure, attempt number)
- Device type, OS version, and app version
For details on how Firebase handles data, please refer to the Firebase Privacy Policy.
4. How We Use Information
Collected information is used solely for the following purposes.
- App Services: Blocking the apps, categories, and websites you choose during a focus session, running the unlock challenge, and tracking your streak
- Reminders: Scheduling a local streak reminder notification, only if you turn it on
- Improvement: Understanding feature usage via Firebase Analytics to guide development
We do not sell or share your data with any third parties for marketing purposes.
5. Third-Party Services
| Service | Purpose | Privacy Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Firebase Analytics | Anonymous usage analytics for app improvement | View → |
| Firebase Crashlytics | Crash reporting for app stability | View → |
| Apple Screen Time (FamilyControls / DeviceActivity / ManagedSettings) |
On-device app & website blocking | View → |
| Apple App Store | App distribution | View → |
6. Data Retention & Deletion
- Session History, Streaks, Achievements, Theme Progress: Stored only on your device and permanently deleted when you uninstall the App.
- Blocked App/Website Selection: Stored in a container shared only between the App and its Screen Time system extensions, deleted on uninstall.
- Analytics & Crash Data: Retained per Google's data retention policy for Firebase.
7. Your Rights
Depending on your region, you may have the following rights.
- Right of Access: Request a copy of your personal data
- Right of Rectification: Correct inaccurate data
- Right to Erasure: Request deletion of your data
- Right to Restriction: Request limitation of processing
Since Zarko has no account system, most of these rights are already satisfied simply by uninstalling the App. For anything else — including analytics data tied to your device — please contact us at the address below.
8. Age Rating & Children's Privacy
Zarko's unlock challenge is skill-based, not chance-based — there is no gambling, wagering, or anything exchangeable for cash involved (see Section 1). Please refer to the App Store listing for the current official age rating.
Zarko is not intended for use by anyone under the age required by your local App Store's rating system, and we do not knowingly collect information from children.
If you believe a child has used the App, please contact us so we can take appropriate action.
9. Security
Session, streak, and achievement data is stored using iOS SwiftData and UserDefaults, protected by the device's file system encryption.
Your blocked app and website selections never leave your device — blocking is enforced entirely on-device via Apple's ManagedSettings framework. Zarko has no server to transmit this data to.
10. Changes to This Policy
This policy may be updated due to changes in law or service updates. We will notify you of significant changes via in-app notice or this page.
Changes take effect upon posting to this page. Continued use of the App after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.
11. Contact Us
For questions about this Privacy Policy or to exercise your rights, please reach out.
We aim to respond within 5 business days.