Privacy Policy

Effective January 11, 2025

PetSociety ("we", "our", or "us") 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.

1. Information We Collect

We collect information you provide directly, including:

• Account information: Name, email, profile data
• Pet information: Pet name, type, breed, age, photos, descriptions
• Content you post: Text, images, videos, comments
• Location data: General location for nearby features (only with your permission)
• Device information: Device type, operating system, unique identifiers
• Usage data: App interactions, features used, timestamps

2. Camera and Photo Access

We request camera and photo library access to allow you to:

• Take photos of your pets for posts and profiles
• Upload images from your device
• Capture moments during live streams
• Share visual content with the community

Camera access is only used when you actively choose to take a photo within the app. We do not access your camera in the background.

3. How We Use Your Information

We use collected information to:

• Provide, maintain, and improve the Service
• Personalize your experience and provide recommendations
• Analyze usage patterns to improve user experience
• Send push notifications (with your consent)
• Communicate with you about the Service
• Detect and prevent fraud or abuse
• Comply with legal obligations

4. Cookies and Tracking

We use cookies and similar technologies to:

• Keep you signed in to your account
• Remember your preferences
• Analyze how you use the app
• Improve our services

You can control cookies through your device settings, though this may affect app functionality.

5. Data Sharing

We may share your information in the following circumstances:

• With other users: Your public profile, posts, and pet information are visible to other users
• Service providers: Third-party services that help us operate the app
• Aggregated data: We may share aggregated, de-identified data that cannot identify you personally for analytics and research purposes
• Legal requirements: When required by law or to protect our rights
• Business transfers: In connection with a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets

We do not sell your personally identifiable information to third parties.

6. Third-Party Services

Our app uses third-party services that may collect information for purposes such as:

• Push notifications and analytics
• Authentication and sign-in services
• Live streaming and real-time communication
• Cloud storage and hosting

These third-party services have their own privacy policies governing their use of your data.

7. Data Retention

We retain your data as follows:

• Account data: Retained while your account is active and up to 30 days after deletion
• Content you post: Retained until you delete it or your account
• Usage analytics: Retained for up to 24 months in aggregated form
• Legal records: Retained as required by applicable law

You can request deletion of your account at any time through the app settings.

8. Your Rights and Choices

You have the right to:

• Access: Request a copy of your personal data
• Correction: Update or correct inaccurate data
• Deletion: Request deletion of your account and data
• Portability: Export your data in a portable format
• Opt-out: Disable push notifications in your device settings
• Withdraw consent: Revoke permissions for location, camera, or photos

To exercise these rights, go to Settings in the app or contact us at support@thepetsociety.app.

9. Data Security

We implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect your data, including:

• Encryption of data in transit (HTTPS/TLS)
• Secure password hashing
• Access controls and authentication
• Regular security assessments

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

10. Children's Privacy

Our service is not intended for children under 13 years of age. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If you believe we have collected information from a child under 13, please contact us immediately and we will delete it.

11. International Data Transfers

Your data may be transferred to and processed in countries other than your own, including the United States. These countries may have different data protection laws. By using the Service, you consent to such transfers. We ensure appropriate safeguards are in place for international transfers.

12. California Privacy Rights (CCPA)

If you are a California resident, you have additional rights under the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA):

• Right to Know: Request what personal information we collect, use, and disclose
• Right to Delete: Request deletion of your personal information
• Right to Opt-Out: Opt out of the sale of personal information
• Non-Discrimination: We will not discriminate against you for exercising your rights

To exercise your California privacy rights, contact us at support@thepetsociety.app.

13. European Privacy Rights (GDPR)

If you are in the European Economic Area, you have additional rights under GDPR:

• Legal basis: We process your data based on consent, contract performance, and legitimate interests
• Right to object: You may object to processing based on legitimate interests
• Right to restrict: You may request restriction of processing in certain circumstances
• Supervisory authority: You have the right to lodge a complaint with your local data protection authority
• Withdraw consent: You may withdraw consent at any time without affecting prior processing

14. 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 "Effective" date at the top indicates when this policy was last revised. Your continued use after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.