Privacy Policy

Social Compass (“Social Compass”, “we”, “us”, or “our”) provides a real-time, crowdsourced nightlife guide that helps users understand the current vibe and busyness of local venues. We are committed to protecting your privacy and being transparent about how we collect, use, and share information.

By using the Social Compass mobile app and website (together, the “Services”), you agree to the collection and use of information in accordance with this Privacy Policy.

If you do not agree with this Privacy Policy, please do not use the Services.

1. Information We Collect

We collect the following categories of information when you use Social Compass:

1.1 Information You Provide to Us

• Account information (if/when accounts are added): Name, email address, username, profile photo, and any other details you choose to provide when creating or updating an account.
• Vibe votes and check-ins: When you vote on a venue’s vibe (e.g., Empty, Lively, Packed) or check in to a venue, we store your vote and associate it with a time, an approximate location, and the venue. These votes are typically processed and displayed in aggregate and not under your name publicly.
• Communications: If you contact us by email or through in-app forms (for support, feedback, or other reasons), we collect the information you provide, such as your name, email, and message content.

1.2 Information We Automatically Collect

• Device information: Device model, operating system, app version, language, and timezone.
• Usage data: In-app actions such as screen views, taps, session length, error logs, and basic analytics (for example, which features are used most).
• Approximate location data: With your permission, we use your device’s location services to determine an approximate location so we can show nearby venues and allow you to vote on venues around you. We do not need or use continuous background location tracking; we generally request location only while the app is in use.
• IP address and general network data: Used for security, fraud prevention, and approximate geolocation when precise location is not available.

1.3 Information from Third Parties

• Sign-in and social logins (if enabled in the future): If you choose to sign in with a third-party provider (such as Google or Apple), we may receive basic profile information (for example, name and email) as permitted by that provider.
• Analytics and crash reporting: We may use third-party services (such as Google Analytics for Firebase or similar tools) to help us understand app performance and usage patterns.

2. How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect for these purposes:

• Provide and maintain the Services: Show nearby venues and allow you to vote Empty, Lively, or Packed; aggregate votes to display real-time crowd and vibe information.
• Improve and personalize the user experience: Understand which features are used most and how the app performs; optimize venue recommendations and improve overall usability.
• Security and fraud prevention: Detect, investigate, and prevent fraudulent or abusive use of the Services; maintain the integrity of the voting system.
• Communications: Respond to your support requests and feedback; send important service-related notices (for example, changes to this Privacy Policy or terms).
• Legal and compliance obligations: Enforce our Terms of Use; comply with applicable laws, regulations, and lawful requests.

We use your information only where we have a legal basis, including your consent, performance of a contract (providing the Services), legitimate interests (such as app security and product improvement), and compliance with legal obligations.

3. How We Share Your Information

We do not sell your personal information. We may share information in the following limited circumstances:

• Service providers and vendors: We may share information with trusted third-party service providers who perform services on our behalf, such as hosting, analytics, crash reporting, email delivery, or customer support. These providers are only authorized to use your information as necessary to provide services to us and must handle it in accordance with this Privacy Policy and applicable data protection laws.
• Aggregated and de-identified data: We may share or publicly display aggregated or de-identified information that does not reasonably identify you.
• Legal requirements and protection of rights: We may share information if we believe it is reasonably necessary to comply with law, enforce our Terms, protect the Services, or protect the rights and safety of Social Compass and users.
• Business transfers: If we are involved in a merger, acquisition, reorganization, sale of assets, or similar transaction, your information may be transferred as part of that transaction.

4. Location Data

Social Compass uses location data to help you discover nearby venues and ensure that vibe votes are relevant to the venues around you.

• We generally only access your location while you are using the app, unless you specifically allow otherwise in your device settings.
• You can disable location permissions at any time in your device settings, but some features may not work correctly without location access.

5. Cookies and Similar Technologies (Website)

If you use our website or web app, we may use cookies or similar tracking technologies to keep you signed in, remember preferences, and understand how visitors use the site so we can improve it.

You can manage cookie preferences through your browser settings. If you disable cookies, some website features may not function correctly.

6. Data Retention

We keep your information only for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes described in this Privacy Policy, unless a longer retention period is required or permitted by law.

• Vibe votes and aggregated metrics may be kept as anonymized or de-identified data for analytics and product improvement.
• Account-related information (if accounts are used) is retained while your account is active and for a reasonable period after you close it.
• Support communications may be retained as needed for recordkeeping and training.

When information is no longer needed, we will delete or de-identify it in a reasonable manner.

7. Your Rights and Choices

Depending on your location and applicable law, you may have some or all of the following rights regarding your personal information:

• Access, correction, deletion, restriction/objection, portability, and withdrawal of consent.

To exercise these rights, please contact us at the email address in the Contact Us section below. We may need to verify your identity before responding.

You can also adjust permissions in your device settings, control notifications, or uninstall the app at any time.

8. Children’s Privacy

Social Compass is intended for use by individuals who are at least 18 years old (or the age of majority in their jurisdiction). We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13 or under the minimum age required by applicable law.

If we become aware that we have collected personal information from a child without appropriate consent, we will delete it as quickly as possible.

9. Data Security

We take reasonable technical and organizational measures to protect your information. However, no method of transmission or storage is completely secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.

10. International Data Transfers

Your information may be processed and stored in countries outside your own. Where required by law, we will implement appropriate safeguards to protect your information.

11. Third-Party Links and Services

The Services may contain links to third-party websites, apps, or services. We are not responsible for their privacy practices, and we encourage you to review their policies.

12. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will revise the “Last updated” date at the top when changes occur. Your continued use of the Services after updates constitutes acceptance of the new terms.

13. Contact Us

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

Social Compass – Privacy Inquiries
Email: thesocialcompassapp@gmail.com
Address: Social Compass, LLC
14152 SW 152nd Ct
Miami, FL 33196, USA

14. California Privacy Rights (CCPA/CPRA)

If you are a California resident, you have additional rights under the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) and the California Privacy Rights Act (CPRA).

• Right to Know: Request categories and specific pieces of collected information, sources, purposes, and third parties shared with.
• Right to Delete: Request deletion of personal information, subject to legal exceptions.
• Right to Correct: Request correction of inaccurate personal information.
• Right to Data Portability: Request a portable copy of your data.
• Right to Opt Out of Sale or Sharing: Social Compass does not sell or share personal information as defined under California law.
• Right to Non-Discrimination: We will not discriminate against you for exercising your rights.

To submit a request, email thesocialcompassapp@gmail.com. We may verify your identity before fulfilling requests.

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