Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

Welcome to Pingg. We take your privacy seriously. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you use our mobile application and services.

2. Information We Collect

2.1 Information You Provide

• Account information (name, email, username, profile picture)
• Optional .edu email for campus verification
• Content you post (text, photos, location tags)
• Communications with us or other users

2.2 Automatically Collected Information

• Location data (approximate location for showing nearby content)
• Device information (device type, operating system, unique identifiers)
• Usage data (how you interact with the app, features used)
• Log data (IP address, access times, app crashes)

3. How We Use Your Information

We use your information to:

• Provide and maintain the Service
• Show you relevant location-based content
• Enable you to interact with other users
• Improve and personalize your experience
• Moderate content and enforce our Community Guidelines
• Send you updates, notifications, and support messages
• Analyze usage patterns to improve the Service
• Detect and prevent fraud, abuse, and security issues

4. Location Data Privacy

We never share your exact location with other users. Here's how we handle location data:

• Other users only see approximate distances to posts (e.g., "0.3 mi away")
• Posts are tagged to general locations (e.g., buildings, areas) not precise coordinates
• Your real-time location is only used to show you relevant nearby content
• You can control location permissions through your device settings
• Location data is encrypted in transit and at rest

5. Information Sharing

We may share your information:

• Publicly: Your posts, username, and profile picture are visible to other users
• With Service Providers: Third parties who help us operate the Service (hosting, analytics, moderation)
• For Legal Reasons: When required by law or to protect rights and safety
• In Business Transfers: If Pingg is involved in a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets

We do not sell your personal information to third parties.

6. Data Security

We implement industry-standard security measures to protect your information, including:

• Encryption of data in transit (HTTPS/TLS)
• Encryption of sensitive data at rest
• Regular security audits and updates
• Access controls and authentication mechanisms

However, no method of transmission over the internet is 100% secure. We cannot guarantee absolute security.

7. Your Rights and Choices

You have the right to:

• Access, update, or delete your account information
• Control your location permissions through device settings
• Opt out of promotional communications
• Request a copy of your data
• Delete your account and associated data
• Report content or users that violate our policies

8. Data Retention

We retain your information for as long as your account is active or as needed to provide the Service. When you delete your account, we will delete or anonymize your personal information within 30 days, except where we are required to retain it for legal purposes.

9. Children's Privacy

Pingg is not intended for children under 13. We do not knowingly collect information from children under 13. If we learn we have collected such information, we will delete it promptly.

10. Third-Party Services

Pingg may contain links to third-party websites or services. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of these third parties. We encourage you to review their privacy policies.

11. International Users

If you are accessing Pingg from outside the United States, please note that your information may be transferred to, stored, and processed in the United States where our servers are located.

12. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of significant changes through the app or via email. The "Last updated" date at the top indicates when the policy was last revised.

13. Contact Us

If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or our data practices, please contact us at:

Email: privacy@pingg.app