1. Introduction

TrekTogether ("we," "our," or "us") is committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you use our web application.

2. Information We Collect

2.1 Information You Provide

• Account Information: Username, email address (when you create an authenticated account)
• Profile Information: Avatar, bio, WhatsApp number (optional), date of birth (optional)
• Content: Messages sent in city chats and direct messages

2.2 Automatically Collected Information

• Location Data: Approximate location (city-level) via browser geolocation and Google Maps API for city detection
• Session Data: Session identifiers for guest users, timestamps of activity
• Usage Data: Pages visited, features used, interaction with the application
• Device Information: Browser type, operating system, IP address

2.3 Cookies and Tracking

We use cookies and similar tracking technologies to maintain your session and improve your experience. See our Cookie Policy for details.

3. How We Use Your Information

• To provide and maintain our services
• To enable communication between users in city chats and direct messages
• To personalize your experience and display relevant content
• To send email notifications (only if you opt-in)
• To detect and prevent fraud, abuse, and security incidents
• To comply with legal obligations
• To improve and develop new features

4. Third-Party Services

We use the following third-party services that may collect and process your data:

5. Data Sharing and Disclosure

We do not sell your personal information. We may share your data only in these circumstances:

• Public Information: Messages in city chats are visible to all users in that city
• Profile Information: Your username, avatar, and bio are visible to other authenticated users
• With Your Consent: When you explicitly agree to share information
• Legal Requirements: When required by law or to protect rights and safety
• Service Providers: With third-party services listed above that help us operate

6. Your Rights (GDPR & CCPA)

Depending on your location, you have the following rights:

• Access: Request a copy of your personal data
• Correction: Update or correct inaccurate information
• Deletion: Request deletion of your account and data
• Portability: Receive your data in a structured, machine-readable format
• Opt-out: Unsubscribe from email notifications
• Object: Object to processing of your personal data
• Withdraw Consent: Withdraw consent for data processing

To exercise these rights, please contact us at dimonaco.james@gmail.com

7. Data Retention

We retain your information for as long as your account is active or as needed to provide services. When you delete your account, we will delete or anonymize your personal information within 30 days, except where we must retain it for legal obligations.

8. Security

We implement appropriate technical and organizational security measures to protect your data. However, no method of transmission over the internet is 100% secure. We cannot guarantee absolute security.

9. Children's Privacy

Our service is not intended for users under 18 years of age. We do not knowingly collect information from children under 18. If you become aware that a child has provided us with personal information, please contact us.

10. International Data Transfers

Your information may be transferred to and processed in countries other than your country of residence. These countries may have different data protection laws. By using our service, you consent to such transfers.

11. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of significant changes by posting the new policy on this page and updating the "Last updated" date.

12. Contact Us

If you have questions about this Privacy Policy, please contact us:

• Email: dimonaco.james@gmail.com
• Website: trektogether.app