Fecal Matters

Privacy Policy

Last updated: March 25, 2026

We built this app, Fecal Matters, with the belief that your health data is deeply personal and deserves the highest level of protection. This Privacy Policy explains what data the App handles, how it is stored, and your rights regarding that data.

Our Core Principle

We do not operate servers. We do not maintain databases. We do not collect, store, transmit, or have access to your personal data. All data created within Fecal Matters is stored exclusively on your device and in your personal iCloud account through Apple’s CloudKit infrastructure.

Data the App Creates and Stores

Health Log Entries

When you log a session in Fecal Matters, the following data is recorded:

  • Pain intensity level (0–10, based on the Wong-Baker FACES® scale)
  • Bristol Stool Form type (1–7)
  • Session duration
  • Timestamp of the entry
  • Privacy setting (whether the post is public or private)

This data is stored in your personal iCloud account via Apple CloudKit. If you choose to make a post public, it is stored in CloudKit’s public database and visible to other users of the App. Private posts are stored in your private CloudKit database and are accessible only to you.

User Profile

Your profile consists of:

  • A handle (username) selected from randomly generated options
  • An avatar composed of a pain face, stool form badge, and color
  • Optional self-reported health conditions (e.g., IBS, Crohn’s, Celiac)
  • A public/private visibility setting

Your profile is stored in your private CloudKit database. We never ask for your real name, email address, phone number, or any other personally identifiable information.

Verified Accounts

In certain cases, individuals, businesses, or organizations may request a verified account with a custom username that includes personally identifying information. This is entirely opt-in and handled on a case-by-case basis. For example, if a public figure, such as Gavin Newsom, wishes to use Fecal Matters under their real name for personal or promotional purposes, we would verify them and assign a custom identifying username at their request.

Verified accounts are the only circumstance in which a user’s real identity may be associated with their profile. This never happens without the explicit consent of the account holder. Users who do not request verification remain fully anonymous.

Community Interactions

If you participate in the community by reacting to posts, your anonymous CloudKit user identifier is associated with the reaction. This allows the App to display reaction counts and prevent duplicate reactions. Your list of followed users is stored only on your device and is never uploaded to any server — not even to iCloud.

Local Device Storage

The App stores a small amount of data locally on your device for performance and preference purposes, including your audio settings, feed preferences, and a temporary cache of recent posts for faster loading. This data never leaves your device.

Apple HealthKit

With your explicit permission, Fecal Matters can write the following data to Apple Health:

  • Constipation symptoms (when Bristol type is 1–2)
  • Diarrhea symptoms (when Bristol type is 6–7)
  • Session duration as a mindfulness entry

Fecal Matters uses HealthKit in a write-only capacity. The App does not read any data from Apple Health. HealthKit integration is entirely optional and requires your explicit authorization through the standard iOS permissions dialog. You can revoke this access at any time through your device’s Settings.

What We Do Not Collect

To be explicit:

  • We do not collect your name, email, or any contact information — unless you voluntarily request a verified account with identifying information (see Verified Accounts above)
  • We do not use third-party analytics or tracking SDKs
  • We do not use third-party advertising networks, advertising identifiers, or ad-related tracking of any kind. Any promotions or sponsored content that may appear within Fecal Matters are managed entirely in-house and are never targeted based on your health data, usage behavior, or personal information
  • We do not track your location
  • We do not monitor your usage patterns, session frequency, or app behavior
  • We do not sell, share, or transfer any data to third parties
  • We do not use cookies, fingerprinting, or any form of cross-app tracking

Data Security

All data in transit between your device and iCloud is encrypted using TLS. Data at rest in your iCloud account is protected by Apple’s encryption standards. Because we do not operate our own servers, there is no secondary point of vulnerability — your data’s security is managed entirely by Apple’s infrastructure, which meets or exceeds industry standards for data protection.

Community Moderation

To maintain a safe and supportive community, the App includes moderation tools that allow designated administrators to review public posts and take action when community guidelines are violated. Moderation actions may include removing posts or restricting accounts from the public feed. Moderation applies only to content you have chosen to share publicly. Private posts are never subject to moderation review.

Your Rights and Control

  • Private by default. You can use Fecal Matters as a completely private health journal without ever sharing anything with the community.
  • Post-level control. Each individual post can be toggled between public and private at the time of creation.
  • Profile visibility. You control whether your profile is visible to the community.
  • HealthKit access. You can grant or revoke HealthKit write permissions at any time through iOS Settings.
  • Data deletion. Your private posts and profile data are stored in your personal iCloud account and are removed when you delete the App or your iCloud data. Posts you have shared publicly are stored in the app’s shared database and may persist after deletion. We recommend using the in-app option to delete your public posts before removing the App. If you have already deleted the App and would like your public posts removed, contact us and we will remove them on your behalf.

Children’s Privacy

Fecal Matters is not directed at children under the age of 13. We do not knowingly collect any information from children. Because the App requires an iCloud account and collects no personal information directly, access is governed by Apple’s own age and parental control policies.

Changes to This Policy

If we make changes to this Privacy Policy, the updated version will be posted on this page with a revised date. Because we do not collect your contact information, we are unable to notify you directly of changes. We encourage you to review this page periodically.

Contact

If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or your data, please contact us at:

support@fecalmatters.app