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Rookery Privacy Policy

Effective Date: JULY 25, 2025
Last Updated: JULY 25, 2025

1. INTRODUCTION

Rookery, Inc. ("we," "us," "our," or "Company") respects your privacy and is committed to protecting your personal information. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, share, and protect your information when you use the Rookery mobile application ("App").

By using the App, you consent to the collection and use of your information as described in this Privacy Policy.

2. INFORMATION WE COLLECT

2.1 Personal Information

We collect the following personal information from you:

Account Information:

  • First and last name
  • Email address (from Google/Apple sign-in)
  • Phone number (E.164 format, verified via SMS)
  • Username (chosen by you)
  • Profile photo/avatar (optional)

Authentication Data:

  • Google account identifier (if using Google sign-in)
  • Apple account identifier (if using Apple sign-in)
  • Authentication tokens for secure access

Legal Compliance Data:

  • Age verification (18+ confirmation)
  • Terms of Service acceptance timestamp
  • Privacy Policy acceptance timestamp

2.2 Location Information

We collect precise location data from your device, including:

  • GPS Coordinates: Real-time latitude and longitude for pigeon flight tracking
  • Location History: Previous GPS coordinates for app functionality
  • City Information: Derived from GPS coordinates using geocoding services
  • Movement Patterns: Routes and distances traveled by virtual pigeons
  • Location Accuracy: Precision and timing of location data

Location data is essential to our core service and cannot be disabled while using the App.

2.3 Communications and Messages

We store and process:

  • Messages: Text content of messages sent through the App
  • Media Files: Photos, videos, and other media shared in messages
  • Message Metadata: Timestamps, delivery status, read receipts
  • Conversation Data: Participant lists, conversation history
  • Flight Data: Real-time tracking of message delivery via virtual pigeons

Note: Messages are currently stored in plaintext. End-to-end encryption may be implemented in future versions.

2.4 Social and Interaction Data

  • Friend Connections: Users you've added as friends or who have added you
  • Blocked Users: List of users you've blocked
  • Reports: Content and users you've reported for violations
  • Social Activity: Interactions with other users' content

2.5 App Usage and Analytics

  • Device Information: Device type, operating system, app version
  • Usage Patterns: Features used, time spent in app, session frequency
  • Performance Data: App crashes, errors, loading times
  • In-App Purchases: Purchase history, transaction details, virtual items owned
  • Pigeon Data: Virtual pigeon collection, stats, training activities

2.6 Technical Data

  • Device Identifiers: Unique device ID, advertising ID (if available)
  • Network Information: IP address, internet service provider
  • Push Notification Tokens: For delivering notifications to your device
  • App Logs: Technical logs for debugging and performance monitoring

3. HOW WE USE YOUR INFORMATION

3.1 Core App Functionality

  • Location Services: Track pigeon flights and calculate delivery times
  • Messaging: Deliver messages between users via virtual pigeons
  • Social Features: Connect users, manage friendships, enable communication
  • Account Management: Authenticate users, maintain profiles, provide support

3.2 Safety and Security

  • Fraud Prevention: Detect and prevent unauthorized access and suspicious activity
  • Content Moderation: Review reported content and enforce community guidelines
  • Safety Features: Enable blocking, reporting, and user protection measures
  • Security Monitoring: Protect against technical attacks and data breaches

3.3 App Improvement

  • Analytics: Understand how users interact with the App to improve features
  • Performance Optimization: Identify and fix technical issues
  • Feature Development: Design new features based on usage patterns
  • Quality Assurance: Test and validate app functionality

3.4 Legal Compliance

  • Age Verification: Ensure all users meet minimum age requirements
  • Terms Enforcement: Monitor compliance with Terms of Use
  • Legal Requests: Respond to valid legal process and government requests
  • Record Keeping: Maintain records as required by applicable laws

4. HOW WE SHARE YOUR INFORMATION

4.1 With Other Users

Information visible to other App users:

  • Your username and profile information
  • Your approximate location (when using location features)
  • Messages you send to them
  • Your pigeon collection and stats (if not hidden in privacy settings)
  • Your online status and activity (when enabled)

4.2 Service Providers

We share information with trusted third-party service providers:

Infrastructure Providers:

  • Google Firebase: Database, authentication, push notifications, analytics
  • Apple/Google: App store services, in-app purchases, device notifications
  • Mapbox: Location services and mapping functionality

Other Services:

  • Customer support platforms
  • Analytics and monitoring services
  • Security and fraud prevention services
  • Legal and compliance service providers

4.3 Legal Requirements

We may disclose your information when required by law:

  • In response to valid legal process (subpoenas, court orders)
  • To comply with regulatory requirements
  • To protect our rights, property, or safety
  • To prevent fraud or illegal activity
  • In connection with legal proceedings

4.4 Business Transfers

In the event of a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets, your information may be transferred to the new entity, subject to the same privacy protections.

5. DATA RETENTION

5.1 Account Data

  • Active Accounts: We retain your information as long as your account is active
  • Deleted Accounts: Most data deleted within 30 days of account deletion
  • Legal Requirements: Some data retained longer to comply with legal obligations

5.2 Specific Data Types

  • Messages: Retained until you or the recipient deletes them
  • Location Data: GPS coordinates purged within 24 hours of collection
  • City Information: Retained for app functionality
  • Analytics Data: Aggregated data retained for business purposes
  • Legal Compliance Data: Retained as required by law (typically 7 years)

5.3 Backup and Recovery

  • Backups: Data may persist in backups for up to 90 days after deletion
  • Recovery: Deleted data may be recoverable during backup retention period

6. DATA SECURITY

6.1 Security Measures

We implement industry-standard security measures:

  • Encryption: Data encrypted in transit and at rest
  • Access Controls: Limited access to authorized personnel only
  • Authentication: Multi-factor authentication for system access
  • Monitoring: Continuous monitoring for security threats
  • Regular Audits: Periodic security assessments and updates

6.2 Security Limitations

Despite our efforts, no system is completely secure. We cannot guarantee:

  • Absolute protection against all security threats
  • Prevention of all unauthorized access attempts
  • Complete protection of data during transmission
  • Security of information stored on your device

6.3 Data Breaches

In the event of a data breach:

  • We will investigate and contain the breach
  • We will notify affected users within 72 hours (when required by law)
  • We will provide information about what data was involved
  • We will offer guidance on protective measures you can take

7. YOUR PRIVACY RIGHTS AND CHOICES

7.1 Account Controls

  • Profile Settings: Control what information is visible to other users
  • Privacy Settings: Manage location sharing and visibility preferences
  • Blocking: Block other users from contacting or finding you
  • Account Deletion: Delete your account and associated data

7.2 Location Data Controls

  • Location Permissions: Manage location access through device settings
  • Location Sharing: Control who can see your location within the App
  • Location History: Request deletion of stored location data (where permitted)

Note: Location access is required for core app functionality. Disabling location services will prevent full use of the App.

7.3 Communication Preferences

  • Push Notifications: Control notification types and frequency
  • Marketing Communications: Opt out of promotional messages
  • Message Settings: Control who can send you messages

7.4 Data Rights (Where Applicable)

Depending on your location, you may have additional rights:

  • Access: Request a copy of your personal information
  • Correction: Request correction of inaccurate information
  • Deletion: Request deletion of your personal information
  • Portability: Request transfer of your data to another service
  • Restriction: Request limitation of how we process your data
  • Objection: Object to certain types of data processing

8. INTERNATIONAL DATA TRANSFERS

8.1 Global Operations

  • Our servers and service providers may be located outside your country
  • Your information may be transferred to and processed in other countries
  • We ensure appropriate safeguards are in place for international transfers

8.2 Data Protection Standards

  • We comply with applicable data protection laws (GDPR, CCPA, etc.)
  • We use standard contractual clauses and other approved transfer mechanisms
  • We ensure equivalent protection for your data regardless of location

9. CHILDREN'S PRIVACY

We do not knowingly collect information from anyone under 18 years of age.

  • The App is not intended for use by minors
  • We require age verification during account creation
  • If we learn that someone under 18 is using the App, we will immediately delete their account and data
  • Parents who believe their child has provided information to us should contact us immediately

10. CALIFORNIA PRIVACY RIGHTS (CCPA)

10.1 California Consumer Rights

If you are a California resident, you have the right to:

  • Know: What personal information we collect and how we use it
  • Delete: Request deletion of your personal information
  • Opt-Out: Opt out of the sale of personal information (we do not sell personal information)
  • Non-Discrimination: Receive equal service regardless of exercising your privacy rights

10.2 Information Categories

We collect the following categories of personal information:

  • Identifiers (name, email, phone, username)
  • Commercial information (purchase history)
  • Internet activity (app usage, interactions)
  • Geolocation data (GPS coordinates, location history)
  • Sensory data (photos, messages)
  • Inferences (user preferences, behavior patterns)

11. EUROPEAN DATA PROTECTION (GDPR)

11.1 Legal Basis for Processing

We process your personal data based on:

  • Consent: For location tracking and marketing communications
  • Contract Performance: To provide the App services you've requested
  • Legitimate Interests: For analytics, security, and app improvement
  • Legal Obligations: To comply with applicable laws

11.2 Data Protection Officer

For GDPR-related inquiries, contact our Data Protection Officer at: dpo@rookery.app

12. CHANGES TO THIS PRIVACY POLICY

  • We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time
  • We will notify you of material changes through the App or email
  • Continued use of the App after changes constitutes acceptance
  • Previous versions will be archived and available upon request

13. CONTACT INFORMATION

For privacy-related questions or requests, contact us at:

Email: contact@rookerysocial.app
Phone: Temporary number

Response Time: We will respond to privacy requests within 30 days (or as required by applicable law).

Last Updated: JULY 25, 2025

BY USING THE ROOKERY APP, YOU ACKNOWLEDGE THAT YOU HAVE READ AND UNDERSTOOD THIS PRIVACY POLICY AND CONSENT TO THE COLLECTION AND USE OF YOUR INFORMATION AS DESCRIBED HEREIN.