Privacy Policy

FriendsMap ("we", "us", or "our") is committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you use our mobile application and website (collectively, the "Service").

By using the Service, you agree to the collection and use of information in accordance with this policy. If you do not agree, please do not use the Service.

1. Information We Collect

We collect information you provide directly to us and information collected automatically when you use the Service.

Information you provide

• Phone number (used for account creation and authentication)
• Display name and profile photo (optional)
• Contact list (only with your explicit permission, to help you find friends)
• Messages sent through the in-app chat
• AR tags and content you create
• Event information you create or register for

Information collected automatically

• Precise location data (only when location sharing is enabled)
• Device identifiers (for push notifications)
• Usage data and crash reports (to improve the app)
• App version and device model

2. How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect to:

• Provide, operate, and maintain the Service
• Display your location to friends you have authorized
• Send you push notifications about friend activity and events
• Enable in-app chat and social features
• Process event invitations and ticket operations
• Identify and fix bugs, improve performance
• Comply with legal obligations

3. Location Data

Location data is the core of our Service and we treat it with the highest level of care.

• Your precise location is only shared with users you have explicitly authorized.
• You can stop sharing your location at any time with a single tap.
• We do not share your location data with advertisers or third-party data brokers.
• Location data is transmitted over encrypted connections.
• You can request deletion of all your location history at any time.

4. Information Sharing

We do not sell, trade, or rent your personal information to third parties. We may share information in the following limited circumstances:

• With your consent: When you share your location with friends, those friends can see it.
• Service providers: We use Firebase (Google) for authentication, database, and push notifications. These providers process data on our behalf under strict data processing agreements.
• Legal requirements: If required by law, regulation, or court order.
• Safety: To protect the safety of our users or the public.

5. Data Retention

We retain your personal information for as long as your account is active or as needed to provide the Service. Live location data is ephemeral and not stored long-term. Chat messages are retained until you delete them. You may request deletion of your account and all associated data at any time by contacting us.

6. Security

We implement industry-standard security measures including TLS encryption in transit, Firebase Security Rules for data access control, and regular security reviews. However, no method of transmission over the internet is 100% secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.

7. Children's Privacy

FriendsMap is not directed to children under 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If we become aware that we have collected personal data from a child under 13 without parental consent, we will delete that information promptly. Parents who believe their child has provided us with personal information should contact us at contact@friendsmap.me.

For users between 13–17, we offer a parental approval feature where a parent or guardian can authorize their child's account registration.

8. Your Rights

Depending on your jurisdiction, you may have the right to:

• Access the personal information we hold about you
• Correct inaccurate or incomplete information
• Request deletion of your personal information
• Opt out of certain data processing
• Data portability
• Lodge a complaint with your local data protection authority

To exercise any of these rights, contact us at contact@friendsmap.me.

9. Contact List Access

If you grant FriendsMap permission to access your contacts, we use that data solely to show you which of your contacts are already on FriendsMap so you can connect with them. We do not upload your full contact list to our servers. Contact matching is performed on-device where possible.

10. Push Notifications

We use Firebase Cloud Messaging to send you push notifications about friend activity, messages, and events. You can disable push notifications at any time in your device settings or in the FriendsMap app settings.

11. Third-Party Services

Our Service uses the following third-party services, each with their own privacy policies:

• Google Firebase – authentication, database, storage, analytics
• HERE Technologies – map rendering and navigation
• Hostinger – email delivery (for invitations)

12. International Data Transfers

Your information may be transferred to and processed in countries other than your country of residence. Firebase infrastructure is primarily located in the United States. By using the Service, you consent to such transfers. We take appropriate safeguards to ensure your data is protected in accordance with applicable law.

13. Cookies and Tracking

Our mobile app does not use cookies. Our website (friendsmap.ca) may use essential cookies to ensure proper functionality. We do not use tracking or advertising cookies.

14. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of significant changes by posting the new policy on this page with an updated "Last updated" date. We encourage you to review this policy periodically.

15. Canadian Privacy Law (PIPEDA)

FriendsMap is a Canadian company and complies with the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA). If you are a Canadian resident, you have the right to access your personal information and request corrections. Contact our Privacy Officer at contact@friendsmap.me.

16. California Privacy Rights (CCPA)

If you are a California resident, you have the right to know what personal information we collect, to request deletion of your personal information, and to opt-out of the sale of your personal information. We do not sell personal information. To exercise your rights, contact us at contact@friendsmap.me.

17. European Privacy Rights (GDPR)

If you are located in the European Economic Area, your personal data is processed under the GDPR. Our legal bases for processing include your consent (for location sharing), performance of a contract (for providing the Service), and legitimate interests. You have the right to object to certain processing and to lodge a complaint with your supervisory authority.

18. Enterprise and Business Accounts

If you use FriendsMap through an enterprise or business account, additional data processing terms may apply as agreed between FriendsMap and your organization. Contact us to request a Data Processing Agreement.

19. Contact

If you have questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or our data practices, please contact us:

Email: contact@friendsmap.me
Website: friendsmap.ca