This Privacy Policy explains how TripTalk ("we", "us", or "our") collects, uses, shares, and protects information when you use the TripTalk iOS app and related services (the "Service").
1. Information We Collect
A. Information you provide
- Account details such as email, username/display name, password (stored in hashed form by our systems), and profile bio
- Local identity information you choose to claim (for example home country or places you know)
- User Content you create: posts, questions, comments, photos, voice messages, chat messages, and saved items
- Support messages you send to us
- Purchase-related identifiers needed to restore or validate App Store transactions (we do not receive your full Apple payment card number)
B. Information collected automatically
- Device and app information (device model, OS version, app version, language)
- Log and diagnostic data (crash reports, performance, API errors)
- Approximate usage events (for example feature opens) to operate and improve the Service
- Push notification tokens if you enable notifications
- IP address and general network metadata when your device connects to our servers
C. Permissions you may grant on iOS
- Photo Library — to choose and share travel photos
- Camera — to capture photos to share
- Microphone — to record voice messages in chat
- Notifications — to receive alerts about messages or activity
- App Tracking Transparency (ATT) — only if we request permission to track across apps/websites owned by other companies; you can deny tracking
We only access these capabilities when you use related features and after the system permission dialog (where required).
D. Information from third parties
- Apple App Store / StoreKit for purchase validation and subscription status
- Hosting, delivery, and infrastructure providers that process data on our behalf
- AI providers that process prompts and related context needed to generate itineraries (see Section 4)
2. How We Use Information
We use information to:
- Create and manage your account
- Operate community, chat, Ask Locals, Local Score, and related features
- Provide optional AI trip planning and refinement
- Process memberships, coins, and restore purchases
- Send service-related messages and, if enabled, push notifications
- Moderate content, enforce rules, handle reports and blocks, and protect safety
- Debug, secure, and improve the Service
- Comply with law and respond to lawful requests
- With your consent where required, measure marketing effectiveness
3. How We Share Information
We do not sell your personal information.
We may share information with:
- Other users, when you choose to make profile details, posts, comments, local badges/scores, or messages visible in the Service
- Service providers who help us host, store media, send push notifications, analyze reliability, provide AI processing, or support operations (under contractual obligations to protect data)
- Apple, for in-app purchases and subscriptions
- Authorities or other parties when required by law, to protect rights and safety, or in connection with a merger, acquisition, or asset sale (with notice where required)
Blocked users will have limited ability to interact with you according to product rules, but previously shared public content may remain visible to others until removed.
4. AI Processing
When you use AI trip planning or refinement, the text and parameters you submit (such as destination, dates, budget, preferences) and limited account context needed for quotas may be sent to our servers and to third-party AI processors to generate a response. Do not include sensitive personal data in AI prompts that you do not want processed for that purpose. AI outputs may be stored with your account history so you can revisit plans.
5. Cookies and Similar Technologies
The mobile app itself does not primarily use browser cookies. Our websites (including Google Sites legal pages) may use cookies or similar technologies provided by the host. Server logs and SDKs may use identifiers described above.
6. Data Retention
We keep account and content data while your account is active and as needed to provide the Service. We may retain certain records longer for security, dispute resolution, legal compliance, or backups. When you delete content or your account, we will delete or anonymize personal data within a reasonable period, except where retention is required or permitted by law.
7. Your Choices and Rights
Depending on your location, you may have rights to access, correct, delete, or export personal data, or to object to / restrict certain processing. You can:
- Edit profile information in the app
- Use report/block tools
- Control iOS permissions in Settings → TripTalk
- Manage subscriptions in Apple ID settings
- Opt out of ATT tracking if prompted
- Contact support@triptalk.app to request account deletion or exercise privacy rights
We will respond within a reasonable time consistent with applicable law.
8. Children’s Privacy
TripTalk is not directed to children under 13 (or the equivalent minimum age in your region). We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under that age. If you believe a child has provided personal data, contact us and we will take appropriate steps to delete it.
9. International Transfers
We may process and store information in countries other than where you live. Where required, we use appropriate safeguards for cross-border transfers.
10. Security
We use reasonable administrative, technical, and organizational measures to protect personal information. No method of transmission or storage is 100% secure. Please use a strong unique password and protect your device.
11. Third-Party Links
The Service may link to third-party sites (including Google Sites pages for Terms, Privacy, and Support). Those sites are governed by their own privacy practices.
12. California / GDPR Style Disclosures (summary)
Categories of personal information: identifiers, contact data, user content, commercial purchase records, internet/device activity, approximate geolocation derived from IP if applicable, and inferences limited to product operation (for example membership tier or Local Score).
Purposes: see Section 2.
Sale/share for cross-context behavioral advertising: we do not sell personal information. If we ever use advertising SDKs that constitute “sharing” under California law, we will update this Policy and provide opt-out mechanisms where required.
Legal bases (EEA/UK where applicable): contract performance, legitimate interests (security, improvement), consent (certain permissions/tracking), and legal obligation.
13. Contact Us
Privacy questions or requests:
Email: support@triptalk.app
Help & Support: https://sites.google.com/view/technical-helping/Technical-support
Thank you for trusting TripTalk.