Privacy Policy – RunningMates
Last updated: 18-01-2026
RunningMates (“we”, “us”, “our”) values your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains what personal data we collect, why we collect it, and how we handle it when you use the RunningMates mobile application.
1. Who we are
RunningMates is a mobile application designed to help runners find running partners, organize runs, and communicate with each other.
Contact:
📧 runningmates.app@gmail.com
2. What data do we collect?
2.1 Account and identification data
When you use the app or create an account, we may process:
Email address (when signing in via email, Google, or Apple)
Unique user ID (Firebase)
Sign-in method (email, Google, Apple, or anonymous)
You can use the app anonymously. In that case, no email address is stored.
2.2 Profile information
You may optionally provide profile information, including:
Name or nickname
Age
Profile photo and optional additional photos
Language preference
This information may be visible to other users when viewing or joining runs.
2.3 Location data
RunningMates processes location data to show runs near you.
This may include:
A manually selected or GPS-based location
A chosen search radius
Distance calculations between locations
The app does not track your live location continuously and does not share real-time precise location with other users.
2.4 Run and usage data
When using the app, we process:
Created and joined runs
Run details such as distance, pace, and location
Participation history
Chat messages between run participants
This data is essential for the core functionality of the app.
2.5 Chat and communication
When you join a run, you can chat with other participants.
Chat messages:
Are only visible to involved participants
Are stored in Firebase Firestore
Are not used for advertising or analytics purposes
2.6 Photos and media
If you upload a profile photo or other images:
The app requests access to your camera or photo gallery
Images are compressed before upload
Images are stored securely in Firebase Storage
You can delete uploaded photos at any time.
2.7 Push notifications and device identifiers
RunningMates uses Firebase Cloud Messaging (FCM) to send push notifications.
For this purpose:
A unique notification token (device identifier) is stored
This token is linked to your account
Push notifications are used for:
Chat messages
Run-related activities
Important app updates
The notification token:
Is not used for advertising
Is not sold or shared with third parties other than Google (Firebase)
You can disable notifications at any time through your device settings.
2.8 Technical and diagnostic data
For maintenance and stability purposes, we may automatically collect technical information such as:
Device type
Operating system version
App version
Crash reports and error logs
This data cannot be directly used to identify you personally.
3. Security and abuse prevention
RunningMates uses Firebase App Check to protect the app and backend services from abuse.
This verifies that requests originate from a legitimate version of the app.
Depending on the platform, this may include:
Google Play Integrity (Android)
Apple App Attest or DeviceCheck (iOS)
These security checks do not collect personally identifiable information and are used solely to protect users and infrastructure.
4. App maintenance and updates
To ensure a safe and up-to-date experience, the app periodically checks:
The installed app version
The platform being used (Android or iOS)
This information is used to:
Determine whether updates are available
Enforce updates when required for security or functionality
5. Local storage on your device
RunningMates stores certain data locally on your device, including:
User preferences
The time of the last update check
Notification tokens
Temporary cached profile data
This data remains on your device and is only used to ensure proper app functionality.
6. Where is your data stored?
RunningMates uses Google Firebase, including:
Firebase Authentication
Cloud Firestore
Firebase Storage
Firebase Cloud Messaging
Data is stored on secure Google servers, which may be located inside or outside the EU, in compliance with applicable data protection laws and standard contractual clauses.
7. Do we share data with third parties?
We do not sell your personal data.
Data is only shared:
With Google (Firebase) for technical operation
With other users within the app (e.g. profile information and run details)
8. Your rights
You have the right to:
Access your personal data
Correct inaccurate data
Request deletion of your account and associated data
You can contact us at:
📧 runningmates.app@gmail.com
9. Security measures
We take appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect your data, including:
Encrypted connections (HTTPS)
Secure Firebase infrastructure
Restricted access to stored data
10. Changes to this policy
This Privacy Policy may be updated if the app or legal requirements change. The most recent version will always be available through the app or the Google Play Store.