Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

Welcome to CollegePads. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you use our mobile application and services. Your privacy is important to us, and we are committed to protecting your personal information.

2. Information We Collect

Personal Information You Provide:

• Account Information: Email, name, date of birth, gender, college
• Profile Information: Photos, bio, academic details, housing preferences
• Communication Data: Messages and match interactions
• Housing Information: Property details and roommate criteria

Automatically Collected Information:

• Location Data: Approximate location for matching (with permission)
• Device Information: Device type, OS, unique identifiers
• Usage Data: App interactions and time spent
• Technical Data: IP address, app version

3. How We Use Your Information

Primary Purposes:

• Connect you with compatible roommates and housing
• Enable messaging between matched users
• Verify profiles and ensure user safety
• Enhance app functionality and user experience

Secondary Purposes:

• Provide customer support
• Comply with legal requirements
• Conduct analytics and research

4. Information Sharing

With Other Users:

• Profile Information: Visible to potential matches based on your preferences
• Location: Approximate area only (never exact address)
• Communication: Messages shared only with matched users

With Third Parties:

• Service Providers: Cloud hosting, analytics, customer support
• Legal Requirements: When required by law or to protect rights and safety
• Business Transfers: In case of merger, acquisition, or asset sale

We Never Sell Your Data: We do not sell, rent, or trade your personal information to third parties for marketing purposes.

5. Data Security

We implement industry-standard security measures to protect your personal information:

• Encryption of data in transit and at rest
• Regular security audits and updates
• Access controls and authentication
• Secure cloud infrastructure

6. Your Rights and Choices

Account Control:

• Profile Management: Update or delete profile information
• Privacy Settings: Control who can see your profile
• Account Deletion: Delete your account and associated data

Communication Preferences:

• Notifications: Control push notifications and emails
• Marketing: Opt out of promotional communications
• Location: Enable/disable location services

7. Data Retention

• Active Accounts: Data retained while account is active
• Deleted Accounts: Most data deleted within 30 days
• Legal Requirements: Some data retained for legal compliance
• Safety Records: Violation reports retained for safety purposes

8. Children's Privacy

CollegePads is intended for users 18 years and older. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 18. If we become aware of such collection, we will delete the information immediately.

9. International Data Transfers

Your information may be transferred to and processed in countries other than your own. We ensure appropriate safeguards are in place to protect your data during such transfers.

10. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of any material changes by posting the new policy in the app and updating the "Last Updated" date.

12. State-Specific Rights

California Residents (CCPA):

California residents have additional rights including:

• Right to know what personal information is collected
• Right to delete personal information
• Right to opt-out of sale (we don't sell data)
• Right to non-discrimination

European Residents (GDPR):

EU residents have rights including:

• Right of access and portability
• Right to rectification and erasure
• Right to restrict processing
• Right to object to processing