TapIn ("we", "our", or "us") is committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, and share information when you use the TapIn mobile application ("App"). By using TapIn, you agree to the practices described in this policy.
1. Information We Collect
We collect the following types of information:
- Account information: Your display name, email address, and profile photo when you create an account.
- Location data: Your real-time GPS coordinates to show you nearby public chats and connect you with people in your area. Location is only collected while the app is in use.
- Messages and content: Text messages, images, and "Moments" (short-lived photos/videos) you send or post within the app.
- Usage data: Information about how you interact with the app, such as chats joined and features used, to improve the experience.
- Device information: Device type and operating system version for technical support and bug fixes.
2. How We Use Your Information
- To connect you with other TapIn users who are physically nearby.
- To display your location-based public chat and show you Moments from nearby users.
- To facilitate private messaging between friends you have added.
- To send push notifications about nearby chat activity (if enabled).
- To improve, maintain, and secure the App.
- To respond to support requests.
3. Location Data
TapIn is a location-based app. We collect your precise GPS location while you use the app to place you in a geofenced public chat and display nearby content. Your exact coordinates are never visible to other users — only the general area name (e.g., "Downtown Toronto") is shown publicly. Location data is used in real time and is not retained on our servers beyond what is necessary for the active session.
You can disable location access at any time through your device settings. Without location permissions, core features of TapIn will not be available.
4. Sharing of Information
We do not sell your personal information. We may share data in the following limited circumstances:
- With other users: Your display name, profile photo, and content you post are visible to other nearby TapIn users.
- Service providers: We use Google Firebase (Firestore, Auth, Storage) to store and process data. Firebase is subject to Google's privacy policy.
- Legal requirements: If required by law or to protect the safety of users.
5. Moments (Temporary Content)
Moments are short-lived photo posts. Public Moments are visible to nearby users within the geofence; Friends Moments are visible only to users you have added as friends. Moments are automatically deleted after 24 hours. You can also delete your own Moments at any time by long-pressing your circle in the Moments strip.
6. Data Retention
- Messages in public chats are stored as long as the chat is active.
- Private messages are stored until you or the other party deletes the conversation.
- Profile data is retained until you delete your account.
- Your chat visit history is retained for 48 hours, then automatically purged.
7. Your Rights & Account Deletion
You have the right to:
- Access the personal data we hold about you.
- Request correction of inaccurate data.
- Delete your account and all associated data at any time via Profile → Delete Account.
- Opt out of push notifications in Profile → Notifications.
When you delete your account, your profile, messages, and Moments are permanently removed from our servers within 30 days.
8. Children's Privacy
TapIn is not directed at children under the age of 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If you believe a child has provided us with personal information, please contact us and we will delete it promptly.
9. Security
We use industry-standard security measures including Firebase Authentication, encrypted data transmission (HTTPS/TLS), and Firestore security rules to protect your data. However, no system is completely secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.
10. Third-Party Services
TapIn uses the following third-party services:
- Google Firebase — authentication, database, and file storage
- Expo (EAS) — app delivery and over-the-air updates
11. 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 in the app or via email. Continued use of TapIn after changes constitutes acceptance.
12. Contact Us
If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy, please contact us at:
hodan@securim.ca