Privacy Policy for the Ahoy! app

Overview

Buzz Factory, LLC ("we," "our," or "us") is committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, and safeguard your information when you use the Ahoy! mobile application. Age Requirement: Ahoy! is intended for users 18 years of age and older. By using our app, you confirm that you are at least 18 years old.

How We Use Your Information

We use your information to: - Find Matches: Connect you with nearby users who share your circles (colleges, sports teams, military communities, etc.) - Provide Notifications: Alert you when matches are nearby - Enable Communication: Facilitate in-app messaging between matched users - Improve the App: Analyze usage patterns to enhance features and performance - Account Management: Maintain and secure your account

Location Tracking

- Always-On Location: When enabled, Ahoy! tracks your location in the foreground and background to detect nearby matches - Precision: Location is updated based on your movement (100m-1000m intervals depending on speed) - Control: You can start or stop location tracking at any time in the app settings - Visibility: Your real-time location is only shared with the system to detect proximity; other users see your distance from them but not your exact coordinates - Muting: You can mute specific circles at certain locations or for specific time periods

Information Sharing

> Who Can See Your Information Other Users Can See: - Your display name - Shared circles (when you match and are nearby) - Approximate distance from them - Social media usernames (if you've added them to your profile) We Never Share: - Your email address - Your exact location coordinates - Your circles with users you haven't matched with - Any information with third parties for advertising or marketing > Third-Party Services We use the following services to operate the app: - Firebase (Google): Authentication, database, cloud messaging, and analytics - Apple Services: Push notifications and in-app purchases (if applicable) These services may collect information as described in their respective privacy policies.

Data Storage and Security

- Cloud Storage: Your data is stored securely using Firebase Firestore with industry-standard encryption - Local Storage: Some data is cached locally on your device for offline functionality - Security Measures: We implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect your data against unauthorized access, alteration, or deletion

Your Rights and Choices

You have the right to: - Access Your Data: View all information we have about you - Update Information: Edit your circles, profile, and preferences at any time - Delete Your Account: Permanently remove your account and associated data - Stop Location Tracking: Disable location services at any time - Control Notifications: Manage notification preferences in your device settings

Data Retention

Active Accounts: We retain your data while your account is active - Deleted Accounts: When you delete your account, your personal data is permanently removed within 30 days - Location History: Location data is used in real-time for matching and is not stored long-term

Children's Privacy

Ahoy! is not intended for users under 18 years of age. We do not knowingly collect information from anyone under 18. If we become aware that a user is under 18, we will promptly delete their account and associated data.

Push Notifications

- We use push notifications to alert you about nearby matches - You can disable notifications in your device settings - We use Firebase Cloud Messaging (FCM) for push notification delivery

Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of significant changes by: - Posting the new policy in the app - Updating the "Last Updated" date - Sending an in-app notification (for material changes) Your continued use of Ahoy! after changes are posted constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.

Contact Us

If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or your data, please contact us at: Company: Buzz Factory, LLC Email: support@buzz-factory.co Website: www.buzz-factory.co

Legal Basis for Processing (GDPR)

If you are in the European Economic Area (EEA), our legal basis for collecting and using your information includes: - Consent: You have given clear consent for us to process your data for specific purposes - Legitimate Interests: Processing is necessary for our legitimate interests (providing location-based matching) and does not override your rights - Contract: Processing is necessary to fulfill our service to you

Your California Privacy Rights (CCPA)

If you are a California resident, you have the right to: - Know what personal information we collect - Request deletion of your personal information - Opt-out of the sale of your information (we do not sell your information) - Non-discrimination for exercising your privacy rights To exercise these rights, please contact us using the information above.

Data Transfers

Your information may be transferred to and processed in countries other than your country of residence. We ensure appropriate safeguards are in place to protect your data in accordance with this Privacy Policy.

--- By using Ahoy!, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to this Privacy Policy.