Privacy Policy

Effective Date: 01/11/2024

Welcome to BuddyMate!
At BuddyMate, we are committed to protecting your privacy and ensuring that your personal information is handled securely and responsibly. This Privacy Policy outlines how we collect, use, disclose, and protect your information when you use our interest-based chatting and event app. By using BuddyMate, you agree to the practices described in this policy.

1. Information We Collect

We collect the following types of information to provide and improve our services:

a. Personal Information:

• Profile Information: Name, gender, email address, and location (geopoint) are required for creating and maintaining your user profile.

• Interests: We collect your selected activities (gym, movie, coffee, etc.) to match you with other users and improve your experience.

• Events: Details of events you create or join (event title, description, participants).

b. Location Data:

• We collect your real-time location (only with your permission) to show nearby users and events that match your interests. You can choose to allow or disable location access through your device settings.

c. Communication Data:

• Chats and Messages: We collect and store messages between users, including group chats in events, to facilitate conversations. We take steps to ensure this data is secure and only accessible to the intended participants.

d. Device Information:

• We may collect information about the device you use, such as IP address, operating system, and browser type, for security and app performance purposes.

2. How We Use Your Information

BuddyMate uses the collected information in the following ways:

• Matchmaking and Connections: To help you find and connect with users who share similar interests and are nearby.

• Event Creation and Participation: To allow you to create events or join existing ones, and to engage in group chats with other participants.

• App Functionality: To personalize your experience, manage your profile, and improve app performance.

• Notifications: To send you notifications about new messages, event invitations, and updates (you can manage these settings within the app).

• Security and Safety: To monitor for and prevent fraud, spam, and unauthorized use of our platform.

3. How We Share Your Information

We do not sell or rent your personal information to third parties. However, we may share your information in the following cases:

• With Other Users: Your profile, interests, and location will be visible to other users within a specified distance for matchmaking purposes.

• Legal Compliance: We may disclose your information if required by law or to protect the rights, property, or safety of BuddyMate, its users, or others.

• Service Providers: We may share your information with trusted third-party service providers who help us operate the app (e.g., hosting, analytics, customer support). These service providers are bound by strict confidentiality agreements.

4. Your Privacy Choices

You have control over your privacy settings:

• Profile Information: You can update or delete your profile at any time within the app.

• Location Access: You can enable or disable location access through your device settings.

• Interest Preferences: You can modify your interest choices in your profile to match with different users.

• Event Participation: You can join or leave events freely, and control which events you participate in.

5. Data Security

We take data security seriously. BuddyMate uses encryption, secure servers, and other technical measures to protect your personal information. However, no method of data transmission or storage is 100% secure, so we cannot guarantee absolute security.

6. Children's Privacy

BuddyMate is not intended for individuals under the age of 18. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If you are a parent or guardian and believe your child has provided us with personal information, please contact us so we can take appropriate action.

7. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices or for legal and operational reasons. We will notify you of any significant changes by posting the new policy within the app or by other means.

8. Contact Us

If you have any questions or concerns about this Privacy Policy or how we handle your personal information, please contact us at:

Email: buddymateapp@proton.me  

9. Account Deletion

Users can request account deletion within the BuddyMate app under Settings > Account. Alternatively, submit a request at https://forms.gle/uFPakSJ7oyu4UENj7  if you’ve uninstalled the app. We’ll delete your account and associated data within 5 days, except where required by law.