Privacy Policy

Last updated: May 5, 2026  |  Version 1.2.0

GDPR CCPA/CPRA APPI (Japan) EU AI Act Art.50 My Health MY Data Act

Contents

  1. Data We Collect & Consent Records
  2. Purposes & Legal Bases
  3. HealthKit Data
  4. Location Data
  5. Storage, Security & Retention
  6. Deletion & Account Removal
  7. Third-Party Services & Sub-processors
  8. iOS & watchOS Permissions
  9. Children's Privacy
  10. International Privacy Regulations
  11. Automated Processing & Profiling
  12. Data Breach Notification
  13. Cookies & Local Storage
  14. Policy Changes & Re-consent
  15. Contact & Rights Requests
This is the legally binding version of our Privacy Policy. In-app text is provided for offline reference only. Always refer to this page (routerun.jp/en/privacy) for the authoritative current version.

Kenji Suzuki, operating as RouteRun ("we", "us", or "our"), respects your privacy and is committed to protecting your personal data in accordance with the Act on the Protection of Personal Information (APPI, as amended 2022), the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), CCPA/CPRA, the Washington My Health MY Data Act, EU AI Act Article 50, and other applicable laws.

Data Controller: Kenji Suzuki (trade name: RouteRun) — Tokyo, Japan (full address provided on request) — support@routerun.jp

1. Data We Collect & Consent Records

1.1 Location Data

1.2 HealthKit Data (GDPR Art.9 Special Category)

Health data constitutes special-category data under GDPR Article 9. We process it only with your explicit consent, obtained at registration.

1.3 Account Information

1.4 Consent Records (GDPR Art.7(1) accountability)

Consent records are retained for up to 7 years in accordance with legal obligations.

1.5 Device & Usage Data

This information is securely stored via Firebase Authentication and Firestore (asia-northeast1 region, Tokyo).

2. Purposes & Legal Bases

PurposeLegal Basis (GDPR)
Running route generation & run record storageContract performance (Art.6(1)(b))
AI coaching & personalisationExplicit consent (Art.6(1)(a) & Art.9(2)(a))
HealthKit health data processingExplicit consent (Art.9(2)(a))
App improvement, bug fixes, analyticsLegitimate interests (Art.6(1)(f))
Legal compliance & rights protectionLegal obligation (Art.6(1)(c))
Support & enquiry handlingContract performance / Legitimate interests
We never sell or share your personal data with third parties for their own marketing purposes.
For processing based on legitimate interests, we have conducted a balancing test assessing our interests against your rights. Details are available on request.

3. HealthKit Data

Data Accessed

Storage Policy

Run data including heart rate and calorie information is stored encrypted in Google Firebase (asia-northeast1, Tokyo region) for multi-device sync. When AI coaching is used, VO2 Max estimates, HRV, and recovery scores are transmitted to the Gemini API (see §7).

Safeguards

Apple's guidelines prohibit sharing HealthKit data with its advertising network or data brokers. We do not do so.
Under Japan's APPI (Art.2(3)), health data obtained from HealthKit (heart rate, VO2 Max, HRV, etc.) constitutes sensitive personal information (yōhairyo kojin jōhō). Explicit consent is obtained before collection (APPI Art.20(2)).

4. Location Data

4.1 Purpose & Collection

GPS coordinates of your running routes are stored in Google Firebase (asia-northeast1) to maintain your run history.

4.2 GPS Data After Account Deletion (Important Disclosure)

Critical-1 Disclosure: Upon account deletion, personally identifiable GPS route data is deleted within 30 days. Aggregated, anonymised route statistics from which all personal identifiers have been removed (route-tendency data not linked to any individual) may be retained to improve app safety and quality. This is treated as truly anonymous data (outside GDPR scope). To request deletion confirmation, contact support@routerun.jp.

4.3 Disabling Location Access

Disabling location access will prevent core features such as route generation and run recording.

5. Storage, Security & Retention

5.1 Storage Location

Your data is stored in Google Cloud / Firebase in the asia-northeast1 (Tokyo) region. AI coaching inference is processed via Vertex AI (Gemini API) — see §7.1 for Google LLC sub-processor details on processing regions.

5.2 Security Measures

5.3 Retention Periods

Data TypeRetention Period
Account information & run recordsDuration of account. Deleted within 30 days of deletion request.
AI coaching conversation logsMost recent 12 months; older records auto-deleted.
Consent recordsUp to 7 years per legal obligation.
BackupsFully purged within 90 days of account deletion.
Error logs / crash reportsUp to 90 days (non-identifying form).
Service operation logs (Cloud Logging)Up to 30 days (auto-deleted). User IDs in logs are SHA-256 hashed.
Support enquiry data (name, email, message)Up to 2 years after resolution, then deleted. Stored in Firestore (asia-northeast1) or email (fallback).

5.4 BigQuery Analytics Data (Important Disclosure)

Critical-4 Disclosure: We use BigQuery for AI coaching quality analytics. Processing uses a pseudonymous ID derived from your Firebase UID via HMAC-SHA256. This ID cannot be directly re-identified, but remains personal data under GDPR and APPI. BigQuery analytics data is fully purged within 90 days of source data deletion. See §11 for further details.

6. Deletion & Account Removal

6.1 Account Deletion

  1. Open the app → Settings → Profile → Delete Account
  2. Re-authenticate to confirm your identity
  3. All run records and personal data are deleted
  4. A confirmation email is sent from support@routerun.jp
This action is irreversible. Data cannot be recovered after deletion.

6.2 Individual Data Deletion

6.3 Withdrawing Consent

7. Third-Party Services & Sub-processors

7.1 Sub-processor List

EntityRoleProcessing RegionSafeguards
Google LLC (US) Cloud infrastructure (Firebase/Firestore/Cloud Functions), AI coaching (Gemini API), analytics (BigQuery), mapping (Routes API) Data storage: asia-northeast1 (Tokyo)
AI & route processing: US servers
Google Cloud DPA, EU SCC (Module 2), EU-US DPF
Apple Inc. (US) HealthKit access, in-app purchase, Sign in with Apple, Passkey Apple-managed infrastructure Apple Privacy Policy
Zipcloud Postal code lookup (address auto-fill at registration only) Japan Search data is not stored

7.2 AI Coaching & Cloud Processing (EU AI Act Art.50 Transparency)

AI Chatbot Disclosure (EU AI Act Art.50(2)): AI coach "Ayumu" is an AI system, not a human. Responses are generated by artificial intelligence via the Gemini API (Google LLC).
AI-Generated Content Labelling (EU AI Act Art.50(1)): Coaching advice generated by Ayumu is AI-synthesised content.

Data transmitted to Google LLC:

Not transmitted: Your name, email address, or precise GPS coordinates.

7.3 Maps & Other Services

7.4 Website Chat

The AI chat on our support page transmits your message text, session ID, and up to 10 turns of conversation history to Google Cloud Platform (US) for processing. IP addresses are temporarily processed server-side for rate limiting. Data is handled under this Privacy Policy. Chat responses are generated by AI (Google Gemini).

8. iOS & watchOS Permissions

8.1 Location Services (Required)

Permission level: "While Using" or "Always" (background collection during active runs only)

Disable: Settings → Privacy & Security → Location Services → RouteRun

8.2 HealthKit (Optional)

Supported OS: iOS 26 or later, watchOS 26 or later

Disable: Settings → Health → Data Access & Devices → RouteRun

8.3 Notifications (Optional)

Run completion, goal achievements, weekly digest from AI coach, etc.

Disable: Settings → Notifications → RouteRun

8.4 Apple Watch (Optional)

Standalone run recording on Apple Watch, real-time heart rate monitoring, automatic iPhone sync.

8.5 Motion & Fitness (Optional)

Step counting, distance measurement, activity tracking.

Disable: Settings → Privacy & Security → Motion & Fitness → RouteRun

8.6 Sign in with Apple & Passkey (Optional)

Sign in with your Apple ID, or use a Passkey (FIDO2/WebAuthn) with biometric authentication. The passkey private key is stored only in your device Keychain and is never sent to our servers.

8.7 Face ID / Touch ID (when using Passkey)

Biometric data is stored exclusively within your device's Secure Enclave and can never be read by us or any third party.

9. Children's Privacy

9.1 Age Requirements

9.2 Unintended Collection

If we become aware that we have inadvertently collected information from a child under 13, we will delete it promptly. Contact us at support@routerun.jp.

10. International Privacy Regulations

10.1 Japan (APPI)

We handle personal information as a Personal Information Handling Business Operator in compliance with the Act on the Protection of Personal Information (as amended 2022).

Cross-border Transfer Disclosure (APPI Art.28):
Destination country: United States
US legal framework: No comprehensive federal data protection law; FTC enforces industry self-regulation.
Google LLC safeguards: Google Cloud Data Processing and Security Terms (including SCCs) provide appropriate protections.

Automated processing disclosure (APPI Art.35-8): The AI coaching feature automatically generates a coaching profile from your run history and HealthKit metrics. You can opt out via app Settings → AI Coach.

10.2 European Economic Area (GDPR)

Under the EU General Data Protection Regulation, you have the following rights:

Right of Access

Request a copy of your personal data.

Right to Rectification

Request correction of inaccurate personal data.

Right to Erasure

Request deletion of your personal data.

Right to Restriction

Request restriction of processing under certain conditions.

Right to Portability

Receive your data in a structured, machine-readable format (GPX/CSV).

Right to Object

Object to processing based on legitimate interests.

Right to Withdraw Consent

Withdraw consent for consent-based processing at any time.

Rights re: Automated Decisions (Art.22)

Request an explanation of and human review of AI coaching automated processing.

Data processing region: User and analytics data is stored in asia-northeast1 (Tokyo). AI coaching inference (Vertex AI / Gemini) is processed on Google infrastructure, which may include the US. See §7.1.

Cross-border transfers: Because Google LLC is a US entity, transfers rely on Standard Contractual Clauses (SCC 2021/914, Module 2) and the EU-US Data Privacy Framework (DPF).

You also have the right to lodge a complaint with your national data protection authority (EDPB member list).

EU Representative (GDPR Art.27): We are in the process of appointing an EU representative. Until that appointment is complete, EEA residents may direct GDPR enquiries to support@routerun.jp.

10.3 California Residents (CCPA/CPRA)

10.4 Washington State (My Health MY Data Act)

Under the Washington My Health MY Data Act (HB 1155), you have the following rights regarding consumer health data:

Exercise rights: support@routerun.jp

10.5 United Kingdom

For UK residents, the UK GDPR and Data Protection Act 2018 apply. You may lodge a complaint with the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO): ico.org.uk.

10.6 Governing Law

This Privacy Policy is governed by the laws of Japan (APPI). For EEA residents, GDPR takes precedence; for California residents, CCPA/CPRA; for Washington State residents, My Health MY Data Act. EEA residents retain the right to bring proceedings in their country of residence under mandatory consumer protection laws notwithstanding the Tokyo venue clause.

11. Automated Processing & Profiling

11.1 AI Coaching Profile Generation

We automatically analyse your running history to generate a personal coaching profile (training phase, typical pace range, estimated fitness level). This profile is used to improve AI coaching response quality.

Under GDPR Art.22, you have the right to object to solely automated decisions based on this profiling. Opt out via Settings → AI Coach → Coaching Profile.

Legal basis (GDPR Art.22): Explicit consent per Art.22(2)(c).

Logic description: Run distance, pace, and HealthKit metrics (heart rate, VO2 Max, etc.) are input to the Gemini LLM which generates coaching advice.

Human review: To request an explanation of AI coaching automated processing or human review, email support@routerun.jp with the subject line "GDPR-Art22-Review". We respond within 30 days.

11.2 Coaching Style Optimisation

Based on your feedback (thumbs up/down), coaching tone is automatically adjusted using multi-armed bandit optimisation. This processing does not produce legal or similarly significant effects.

11.3 Weekly Digest Auto-generation

Every Sunday, your weekly running statistics are automatically processed through Gemini AI to generate a performance digest. This is within the scope of your AI coaching consent.

12. Data Breach Notification

In the event of a security breach affecting your personal data:

13. Cookies & Local Storage

Essential Cookies

Required for basic website functionality (session management, security). These are set without consent.

Analytics Cookies

Google Analytics is used to analyse website usage (visitor counts, page views, etc.). Analytics cookies are only set after you select "Accept all" in the consent banner. You can withdraw consent at any time by clearing local storage or choosing "Essential only" in the banner.

In-App Cookies

When legal documents are displayed within the app via WKWebView, cookies are used for session management only. Browsing history and input data are not collected.

Cookie & Storage Inventory

NameTypePurposeExpiryParty
_gaCookieGA client ID2 yearsThird-party (Google)
_ga_N224LHTCPTCookieGA session2 yearsThird-party (Google)
rr_consent_v1localStorageConsent preferencePersistentFirst-party
rr-langlocalStorageLanguage preferencePersistentFirst-party
localStorage items cannot be cleared via browser cookie settings. Clear them via your browser's storage settings.

California Privacy Rights (CCPA/CPRA) — Your Privacy Choices

California residents may exercise the following rights:

Submit rights requests to: support@routerun.jp

14. Policy Changes & Re-consent

If we update this Privacy Policy, we will notify you in advance via in-app notification or email. For material changes (new processing purposes, new third-party disclosures, etc.), we will obtain fresh consent. If the current policy version changes, you will be presented with a re-consent prompt at next login.

Regarding AI-generated content labelling obligations under EU AI Act Art.50(4) (applicable from August 2026), we are planning implementation to meet that obligation.

15. Contact & Rights Requests

For privacy enquiries or to exercise your rights, contact us at:

RouteRun Privacy & Data Protection

Email: support@routerun.jp

Support page: routerun.jp/support

Hours: Monday–Friday, 10:00–18:00 JST

EEA residents' GDPR rights requests will receive a response within 1 month of receipt (GDPR Art.12(3)). Complex requests may be extended to a maximum of 2 months; we will inform you of any extension with the reason. A confirmation email will be sent upon completion of deletion.

EU Representative (GDPR Art.27): We are in the process of appointing an EU representative. Until appointment is complete, EEA residents may direct GDPR enquiries to support@routerun.jp. You may also lodge a complaint directly with your national data protection authority.
Effective: 1 January 2025
Last updated: 5 May 2026 (Version 1.2.0)