Privacy Policy

Introduction

Welcome to JoinMate! We are committed to protecting your privacy and ensuring the security of your personal information. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you use our mobile application and services.

Information We Collect

Personal Information

When you create an account or use our services, we may collect:

• Name and contact information (email, phone number)
• Profile information (age, interests, event preferences)
• Payment information (processed securely through our payment partners)
• Identity verification documents (when required for hosting events)
• Emergency contact information (for event safety)

Usage Information

We automatically collect information about how you use our app:

• Device information (type, operating system, unique identifiers)
• App usage data (features used, time spent, interactions)
• Location data (with your permission, for nearby event recommendations)
• Photos and content you share through the app

Communication Data

• Messages between users and hosts (for safety and quality purposes)
• Customer support interactions
• Reviews and ratings you provide

How We Use Your Information

Service Provision

• Create and manage your account
• Connect you with local events and hosts
• Process event bookings and payments
• Provide customer support
• Send important service updates and event notifications

Safety and Security

• Verify user identities for trust and safety
• Monitor for fraudulent activities
• Investigate violations of our terms of service
• Provide emergency assistance when needed

Improvement and Personalization

• Recommend relevant events based on your interests and location
• Improve our app features and user experience
• Analyze usage patterns to enhance our services
• Send personalized event notifications (with your consent)

Information Sharing and Disclosure

With Hosts and Other Users

To facilitate event bookings and participation, we share relevant information:

• Your name and profile information with event hosts
• Contact information for event coordination
• Reviews and ratings (publicly visible)

Service Providers

We work with trusted third-party service providers for:

• Payment processing (Stripe, Razorpay)
• Cloud storage and hosting (AWS, Google Cloud)
• Analytics and app performance (Firebase, Mixpanel)
• Customer support tools

Legal Requirements

We may disclose information when required by law or to:

• Comply with legal processes or government requests
• Protect our rights, property, or safety
• Investigate fraud or security issues
• Enforce our terms of service

Data Security

We implement robust security measures to protect your information:

• End-to-end encryption for sensitive communications
• Secure data storage with regular backups
• Regular security audits and penetration testing
• Employee access controls and privacy training
• Secure payment processing with PCI compliance

Your Role in Security

• Use strong, unique passwords
• Enable two-factor authentication
• Report suspicious activities immediately
• Keep your app updated

Your Privacy Rights

Access and Control

• Access: Request a copy of your personal data
• Correction: Update or correct inaccurate information
• Deletion: Request deletion of your account and data
• Portability: Export your data in a structured format
• Objection: Opt out of certain data processing activities

Communication Preferences

• Control marketing email preferences
• Manage push notification settings
• Choose location sharing permissions

Location Information

JoinMate uses location data to enhance your experience:

How We Use Location

• Show nearby experiences and adventures
• Provide directions to meeting points
• Enable location-based safety features
• Improve local recommendations

Location Controls

• You can enable/disable location services anytime
• Choose between "Always," "While Using App," or "Never"
• Location data is not shared with other users without consent

Children's Privacy

JoinMate is designed for users 18 years and older. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 18. If you believe a child has provided us with personal information, please contact us immediately so we can delete such information.

Family Travel

For family experiences, the adult account holder is responsible for:

• Providing information about accompanying minors
• Ensuring parental consent for participation
• Supervising minors during experiences

International Data Transfers

As JoinMate operates globally, your information may be transferred to and processed in countries other than your own. We ensure appropriate safeguards are in place:

• Data processing agreements with international partners
• Compliance with applicable data protection laws
• Standard contractual clauses for EU data transfers
• Regular audits of international data handling

Data Retention

We retain your information only as long as necessary:

• Account Data: Until you delete your account
• Transaction Records: 7 years for legal and tax purposes
• Support Communications: 3 years for quality assurance
• Safety Records: 5 years for security purposes

After these periods, data is securely deleted or anonymized.

Updates to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy periodically to reflect changes in our practices or legal requirements. We will:

• Notify you of significant changes via email or app notification
• Post the updated policy on our website
• Provide a summary of key changes
• Give you time to review before changes take effect