Privacy Policy - Seahart

1. Introduction

Welcome to Seahart ("we," "our," or "us"). This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you use our Seahart application, website, and services (collectively, the "Service").

We are committed to protecting your privacy. Please read this Privacy Policy carefully. By accessing or using the Service, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by this Privacy Policy.

2. Information We Collect

We collect several types of information from and about users of our Service:

2.1 Information You Provide to Us

Account Information: When you register for an account, we collect your email address.
Profile Information: We collect information you provide in your user profile, such as your name and status text and pictures.
User Content: We collect content you create, share, or post to the Service, such as photos, videos, and status updates.
Communications: We collect information when you communicate with us directly.
Pod Information: We collect information about the pods you create or join, including pod names and member information.
Friend Information: If you invite friends to join your pod, we collect their email addresses solely for the purpose of sending invitations.

2.2 Information We Collect Automatically

Usage Information: We collect information about your interactions with the Service, such as the features you use and the actions you take.
Device Information: We collect information about the device you use to access the Service, including device type, operating system, and unique device identifiers.
Log Information: We collect log information when you use the Service, including access times, pages viewed, and your IP address.

3. How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect for various purposes, including:

Providing, maintaining, and improving the Service;
Processing and completing transactions;
Sending you technical notices, updates, security alerts, and support messages;
Responding to your comments, questions, and requests;
Developing new products and services;
Monitoring and analyzing trends, usage, and activities in connection with the Service;
Detecting, investigating, and preventing fraudulent transactions and other illegal activities;
Protecting the rights and property of Seahart and others.

4. Data Retention

We store different types of information for different periods:

Media Content (Images/Videos): We store media content (images/videos) for only 42 hours, after which it will be automatically deleted from our servers.
Text Status Updates: We store text status updates in our database as we plan to implement a feature allowing users to view their past status updates.
Account Information: We retain your account information for as long as your account is active or as needed to provide you with the Service.

If you delete your account, we will delete your account information and other personal information in accordance with our data retention policies. However, some information may remain in backup copies for a limited period or as required by law.

5. How We Share Your Information

We may share your information in the following circumstances:

With Other Users: When you use the Service, certain information will be visible to other users of the Service, such as your name, status picture, and status updates shared within your pods.
With Service Providers: We may share your information with third-party vendors, consultants, and other service providers who need access to such information to carry out work on our behalf.
For Legal Reasons: We may disclose your information if we believe that such action is necessary to comply with the law, protect our rights or the rights of others, or prevent fraud or abuse of our Service.
Business Transfers: If we are involved in a merger, acquisition, financing, or sale of business assets, your information may be transferred as part of that transaction.

We do not sell your personal information to third parties.

6. Your Rights and Choices

You have several rights and choices regarding your information:

Account Information: You can update your account information through the Service.
Pod Management: You can create, join, and leave pods, and manage pod settings through the Service.
Account Deletion: You can request to delete your account via the app. Once your account is deleted, you won't be able to log in anymore, and your data will be deleted in accordance with our data retention policies.
Communication Preferences: You can opt out of receiving promotional communications from us by following the instructions in those communications.

7. Data Security

We take reasonable measures to help protect your information from loss, theft, misuse, unauthorized access, disclosure, alteration, and destruction. However, no internet or electronic transmission is ever fully secure or error-free.

8. Children's Privacy

The Service is not directed to children under the age of 13, and we do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If we learn that we have collected personal information from a child under 13, we will promptly delete that information.

9. International Data Transfers

We may transfer, store, and process your information in countries other than your own. By accessing or using the Service, you consent to the transfer of your information to countries that may have different data protection rules than your country.

10. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. If we make material changes to this Privacy Policy, we will notify you by email or through the Service prior to the change becoming effective. Your continued use of the Service after the effective date of the revised Privacy Policy constitutes your acceptance of the revised terms.

11. Contact Information

If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy, please contact us at [email protected].