Privacy Policy for EventFinder

Last Updated: October 31, 2024

1. Introduction

Welcome to EventFinder ("we," "our," or "us"). We respect your privacy and are committed to protecting your personal data. This privacy policy explains how we collect, use, store, and protect your information when you use our EventFinder mobile application (the "App").

2. Information We Collect

2.1 Information You Provide

Account Information: Email address, display name, profile photo
Event Information: Events you create, including titles, descriptions, locations, dates, and images
Profile Data: Bio, interests, and other information you choose to add to your profile
Chat Messages: Messages you send in event-specific chat rooms
Payment Information: Processed securely through Stripe (we do not store credit card details)

2.2 Information We Collect Automatically

Location Data: With your permission, we collect your location to show nearby events and provide map functionality
Device Information: Device type, operating system, unique device identifiers
Usage Data: App interactions, features used, events viewed, search queries
Analytics Data: App performance, crash reports, and usage statistics via Firebase Analytics

3. How We Use Your Information

We use your information for the following purposes:

Provide Services: Enable event discovery, creation, and management
Location-Based Features: Show nearby events on the map and in lists
Communication: Send push notifications about events, chats, and app updates
Payment Processing: Process payments for premium features, featured events, and advertising services
Personalization: Customize content and recommendations based on your preferences
Analytics: Understand how users interact with the app to improve functionality
Security: Protect against fraud, abuse, and unauthorized access
Legal Compliance: Comply with legal obligations and enforce our terms

4. Data Storage and Security

We use industry-standard security measures to protect your data:

Firebase/Firestore: Your data is stored securely on Google Cloud Platform
Encryption: Data is encrypted in transit and at rest
Authentication: Secure authentication via Firebase Authentication
Access Controls: Strict access controls and security rules

        Note: While we implement robust security measures, no method of
        transmission over the internet is 100% secure. We cannot guarantee absolute security.
    

5. Third-Party Services

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

Firebase (Google): Authentication, database, storage, analytics, and messaging
Stripe: Payment processing for premium features and advertising
Google Maps: Location services and map display
Coil (Image Loading): Efficient image loading and caching

These services have their own privacy policies:

6. Data Sharing and Disclosure

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

Public Information: Events you create are visible to other users; your profile name and photo may be displayed in event chats
Service Providers: With trusted third parties who help us operate the app (Firebase, Stripe, etc.)
Legal Requirements: When required by law, court order, or government request
Business Transfers: In connection with a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets
Safety: To protect the rights, safety, and security of our users or the public

7. Your Rights and Choices

You have the following rights regarding your data:

Access: Request a copy of the data we have about you
Correction: Update or correct your information via the app's edit profile feature
Deletion: Request deletion of your account and associated data
Opt-Out: Disable push notifications in app settings or device settings
Location: Revoke location permissions in device settings (some features may be limited)
Analytics: Disable analytics tracking in app settings

8. Children's Privacy

EventFinder is not intended for children under 13 years of age. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If we discover that we have collected data from a child under 13, we will delete it immediately.

9. Location Data

EventFinder uses your location to:

Show events near you on the map and in lists
Allow you to set event locations when creating events
Target advertisements within a 50km radius (if you choose to create ads)

You can disable location services at any time in your device settings, but this will limit the app's core functionality.

10. Push Notifications

With your permission, we send push notifications for:

New messages in event chats you've joined
Updates about events you're attending
Important app announcements

You can disable notifications in app settings or device settings.

11. Advertising and Monetization

EventFinder offers advertising services:

Ad Cards: Advertisements shown in the event feed
Banners: Promotional banners at the top of the screen
Featured/Premium Events: Paid promotion options for event organizers

Advertisers may use location data (within a 50km radius) to target ads. We do not share your personal information with advertisers beyond anonymous location-based targeting.

12. Data Retention

Account Data: Retained while your account is active
Events: Retained for 90 days after the event date, then archived
Chat Messages: Retained for 180 days
Analytics Data: Aggregated and anonymized after 26 months
Deleted Accounts: Data deleted within 30 days of account deletion request

13. International Data Transfers

Your data may be stored and processed in any country where we or our service providers operate. By using EventFinder, you consent to the transfer of your data to countries outside your country of residence, which may have different data protection rules.

14. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this privacy policy from time to time. We will notify you of significant changes via:

In-app notification
Email (if provided)
Updated "Last Updated" date at the top of this policy

Continued use of the app after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.

15. Contact Us

If you have questions, concerns, or requests regarding this privacy policy or your data, please contact us:

Email: support@eventfinder.com

Response Time: We aim to respond within 48 hours

16. GDPR Compliance (For EU Users)

If you are in the European Union, 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

To exercise these rights, please contact us at the email above.

17. CCPA Compliance (For California Users)

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

Right to know what personal information is collected
Right to know whether personal information is sold or disclosed
Right to say no to the sale of personal information
Right to access your personal information
Right to equal service and price

Note: We do NOT sell your personal information.