Privacy Policy

Last Updated:

CommUnity ("we," "us," or "our") is committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you use our mobile application ("App"). Please read this Privacy Policy carefully. By using the App, you consent to the data practices described in this policy.

1. Information We Collect

1.1 Information You Provide

We collect information that you provide directly to us, including:

• Account Information: Email address, password (stored securely and hashed), and any other information you provide during registration
• User-Generated Content: Reports, descriptions, images, and other content you post through the App
• Contact Information: Contact details you provide when reporting lost or found items
• Preferences: Notification preferences, distance radius settings, and unit preferences (kilometers or miles)

1.2 Automatically Collected Information

We automatically collect certain information when you use the App:

• Location Data: GPS coordinates and location information when you use location-based features
• Device Information: Device type, operating system, unique device identifiers, and mobile network information
• Usage Information: How you interact with the App, features you use, reports you view, and time spent in the App
• Push Notification Tokens: Device tokens used to send push notifications
• Log Data: IP address, access times, app crashes, and other diagnostic data

1.3 Information from Third-Party Services

We use third-party services that may collect information:

• Supabase: We use Supabase for authentication and database services. Supabase's privacy practices are governed by their own privacy policy.
• Expo: We use Expo services for push notifications, location services, and other app functionality. Expo's privacy practices are governed by their own privacy policy.

2. How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect to:

• Provide, maintain, and improve the App and its features
• Authenticate your identity and manage your account
• Process and display user-generated content, including reports and images
• Provide location-based services and filter content based on your location
• Send you push notifications based on your preferences and location
• Respond to your inquiries, comments, and requests
• Monitor and analyze usage patterns and trends
• Detect, prevent, and address technical issues, fraud, and security threats
• Comply with legal obligations and enforce our Terms of Service

3. How We Share Your Information

We do not sell your personal information. We may share your information in the following circumstances:

3.1 Public Content

Reports, descriptions, images, and location data you post are publicly visible to other App users within your selected distance radius. This information is shared to enable community features.

3.2 Service Providers

We may share information with third-party service providers who perform services on our behalf, including:

• Cloud hosting and database services (Supabase)
• Push notification services (Expo)
• Analytics and crash reporting services

These service providers are contractually obligated to protect your information and use it only for the purposes we specify.

3.3 Legal Requirements

We may disclose your information if required by law, court order, or governmental authority, or if we believe disclosure is necessary to protect our rights, protect your safety or the safety of others, investigate fraud, or comply with a legal process.

3.4 Business Transfers

In the event of a merger, acquisition, reorganization, or sale of assets, your information may be transferred as part of that transaction. We will notify you of any such change in ownership or control of your information.

4. Data Security

We implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect your information against unauthorized access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction. These measures include:

• Encryption of data in transit using SSL/TLS
• Secure password storage using industry-standard hashing algorithms
• Access controls and authentication mechanisms
• Regular security assessments and updates

However, no method of transmission over the Internet or electronic storage is 100% secure. While we strive to protect your information, we cannot guarantee absolute security.

5. Your Rights and Choices

Depending on your location, you may have certain rights regarding your personal information:

5.1 Access and Portability

You have the right to access the personal information we hold about you and to receive a copy of your data in a portable format.

5.2 Correction

You can update your account information, including email address and preferences, directly through the App settings.

5.3 Deletion

You may request deletion of your account and associated data by contacting us or using account deletion features in the App. We will delete your information except where we are required to retain it for legal purposes.

5.4 Opt-Out of Notifications

You can manage push notification preferences in the App settings or disable notifications through your device settings.

5.5 Location Services

You can disable location services through your device settings, though this may limit App functionality.

5.6 Do Not Track

The App does not currently respond to "Do Not Track" signals. We continue to review and may implement such signals in the future.

6. Children's Privacy

The App is not intended for children under 13 years of age. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If you are a parent or guardian and believe your child has provided us with personal information, please contact us immediately. If we become aware that we have collected information from a child under 13, we will take steps to delete such information.

7. International Data Transfers

Your information may be transferred to and processed in countries other than your country of residence. These countries may have data protection laws that differ from those in your country. By using the App, you consent to the transfer of your information to these countries.

8. Data Retention

We retain your information for as long as necessary to provide the App, comply with legal obligations, resolve disputes, and enforce our agreements. When you delete your account, we will delete or anonymize your personal information, except where we are required to retain it for legal purposes.

9. California Privacy Rights

If you are a California resident, you have additional rights under the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA):

• Right to know what personal information is collected, used, shared, or sold
• Right to delete personal information
• Right to opt-out of the sale of personal information (we do not sell personal information)
• Right to non-discrimination for exercising your privacy rights

To exercise these rights, please contact us using the information provided in Section 12.

10. European Privacy Rights (GDPR)

If you are located in the European Economic Area (EEA), you have additional rights under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR):

• Right to access your personal data
• Right to rectification of inaccurate data
• Right to erasure ("right to be forgotten")
• Right to restrict processing
• Right to data portability
• Right to object to processing
• Right to withdraw consent
• Right to lodge a complaint with a supervisory authority

To exercise these rights, please contact us using the information provided in Section 12.

11. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of any material changes by posting the updated Privacy Policy in the App and updating the "Last Updated" date. Your continued use of the App after such modifications constitutes your acceptance of the updated Privacy Policy.

12. Contact Us

If you have any questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or our data practices, please contact us at:

Email: communityappuo@gmail.com

For general support: communityappuo@gmail.com