privacy
policy.
Introduction
Welcome to ForFriendSake ("we," "our," or "us"). We are committed to protecting your privacy and ensuring you have a positive experience when using our mobile application. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you use the ForFriendSake app.
By using ForFriendSake, you agree to the collection and use of information in accordance with this policy. If you do not agree with our policies and practices, please do not use our app.
If you have any questions about this policy or how your data is handled, please use the contact details in section 13.
Information We Collect
We collect the following information to power the core features of ForFriendSake.
| data | why we collect it |
|---|---|
| Email Address | Account authentication and communication |
| Username | Your chosen display name within the app |
| Profile Photo | Optional avatar displayed in your profile and squads |
| Phone Number | Account verification and security purposes |
| Location data | Verify attendance at activities via GPS check-in; show nearby activities on the map |
| Squad memberships & created squads | Core squad functionality |
| Activities created, joined, or checked in to | Activity planning and point tracking |
| Points earned & leaderboard standings | Squad competition and global rankings |
| Messages sent in squad chats | Real-time squad communication |
| Device type, OS version, push token | App delivery and push notifications |
Location data is collected only when you actively use location-based features — checking in, creating activities with a location, or browsing the map. We do not track your location in the background.
How We Use Your Information
We use the collected information only for the purposes described below. We do not use your data for advertising or sell it to any third party.
| purpose | details |
|---|---|
| Account Management | Create and manage your account, authenticate users, verify identity |
| Core Functionality | Enable squads, activities, check-ins, leaderboards, and point tracking |
| Location Verification | Verify attendance at activities and award points accordingly |
| Communication | Push notifications about squad activities, challenges, and app updates |
| App Improvement | Analyse usage patterns via Firebase Analytics to improve app features |
| Security | Detect and prevent fraud, abuse, and security incidents |
| Legal Compliance | Comply with applicable laws and regulations |
How We Share Your Information
Within the app, your information is visible to other users as follows:
Squad Members see your username, profile photo, activity participation, and check-ins
Leaderboards display your username and points publicly to other squads
Activities you create or join are visible to squad members and, if public, to other users on the map
Third-party service providers we use:
| service | purpose |
|---|---|
| Google Firebase | Authentication, database (Firestore), cloud storage, analytics, push notifications |
| Apple Services | App Store distribution and in-app services |
These third parties access your information only to perform specific tasks on our behalf and are obligated not to disclose or use it for any other purpose.
We may also disclose your information if required by law or in response to valid requests by public authorities (e.g. a court or government agency).
Data Security
We implement appropriate technical and organisational security measures to protect your personal information.
Encryption in transit and at rest Firebase Authentication Firestore security rules Regular security updates Rate limiting
Data Retention & Deletion
We retain your personal information for as long as necessary to provide you with our services, comply with legal obligations, and resolve disputes.
When you delete your account, we will delete or anonymise your personal information within 30 days, except where we are required to retain it for legal purposes.
You can request account deletion by contacting us at the email address in section 13. Upon deletion, your data will be permanently removed from our systems.
Your Rights and Choices
Access and Update — You can access and update your personal information through the app's profile settings at any time.
Location Services — You can control location permissions through your device settings. Disabling location services will limit check-in and map features.
Push Notifications — You can manage push notification preferences through your device settings or within the app.
Account Deletion — Contact us to permanently delete your account and all associated data.
Data Portability — You may request a copy of your personal data by contacting us.
Analytics and Tracking
We use Firebase Analytics to understand how users interact with our app. Firebase Analytics may collect app usage statistics, device information, crash reports, and performance data.
This data is aggregated and does not personally identify individual users. For more information, visit firebase.google.com/support/privacy.
Children's Privacy
ForFriendSake is not intended for users under the age of 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If you become aware that a child has provided us with personal information, please contact us and we will take steps to delete such information.
Users between 13 and 17 should use the app with parental awareness, in line with Apple's age guidelines for the App Store.
International Data Transfers
Your information may be transferred to and maintained on computers located outside of your state, province, country, or other governmental jurisdiction where data protection laws may differ.
By using ForFriendSake, you consent to the transfer of your information to the United States and other countries where our service providers operate.
California Privacy Rights
If you are a California resident, you have certain rights under the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA):
Right to know Right to deletion Right to opt-out Right to non-discrimination
Changes to This Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. When we do, we will update the "Last Updated" date at the top of this page. For significant changes, we will make reasonable efforts to notify you via an in-app notification on the next launch after the update.
Continued use of ForFriendSake after a policy update constitutes your acceptance of the revised terms. If you do not agree with any changes, you should stop using the app and contact us to delete your account.
Contact Us
If you have any questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or our data practices, please reach out: