Privacy Policy for LinkUp

Effective Date: May 30, 2025

1. Introduction

Welcome to LinkUp (the “App”), developed and operated by LinkUp (“we”, “us”, or “our”). Your privacy is important to us. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your personal information in order to comply with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), German data protection laws (BDSG), and the requirements of Apple’s App Store and Google Play Store.

By using the App or our website (linkup-app.com), you consent to the practices described in this policy. If you do not agree, please discontinue use.

2. Information We Collect

2.1 Personal Data You Provide

• Registration & Profile: Name, email address, profile photo, age and any other information you choose to share (e.g., bio).
• Content: Activities, comments, activity photos, and activity details, you create or upload.

2.2 Usage & Device Data

• Usage Metrics: Actions within the App (pages viewed, buttons tapped), collected via Mixpanel for analytics and service improvement.
• Device Information: Device model, operating system version, unique device identifiers, IP address, and mobile network information.

2.3 Location Data

Approximate or Precise Location: With your explicit consent, we collect your location to show nearby activities, powered by Google Maps and Apple Maps integration. You may enable or disable location permissions in your device settings at any time.

2.4 Notifications Data

Push Tokens: Generated by Firebase Cloud Messaging to deliver notifications. We do not associate these tokens with personally identifying data beyond your account.

3. How We Use Your Information

• Operate & Improve the App: Provide core features (event browsing, messaging), personalize your experience, and troubleshoot issues.
• Analytics & Insights: Analyze trends and user behavior via Mixpanel to optimize performance and new features.
• Communications: Send account-related notices, security alerts, updates, newsletters, and promotional messages (you may opt out at any time).
• Notifications: Deliver real-time event reminders and announcements via Firebase Messaging.
• Legal & Security: Prevent fraud, abuse, and enforce our Terms of Service; comply with legal obligations.

4. Data Sharing & Disclosure

4.1 Service Providers

• Firebase (Google LLC): Authentication, database, storage, and push notifications.
• Mixpanel, Inc.: Analytics and usage tracking.
• Render, Inc.: Backend hosting services.

All processors act on our behalf under strict confidentiality and GDPR-compliant data-processing agreements.

4.2 Legal Compliance & Safety

When required by law, or to protect our rights, we may disclose data to law enforcement, regulators, or to respond to subpoenas.

4.3 User-Directed Sharing

If you choose to make content or activities public (e.g., sharing to social media), that data becomes visible to others and subject to their privacy policies.

5. Data Retention

We retain your personal data only as long as necessary to:

• Fulfill the purposes described above.
• Comply with legal obligations (e.g., tax, record-keeping).
• Resolve disputes and enforce agreements.

Upon account deletion or your request, we’ll erase or anonymize your data, except where retention is required by law.

6. Your Rights

Under GDPR (for EU users) and other applicable laws, you have the right to:

• Access: Request a copy of your personal data.
• Rectification: Correct inaccurate or incomplete data.
• Erasure (“Right to be Forgotten”): Delete your personal data.
• Restriction: Limit processing in certain circumstances.
• Portability: Receive your data in a structured, machine-readable format.
• Object: Challenge processing based on legitimate interests.
• Withdraw Consent: At any time for processing that relies on your consent.

To exercise any right, email us at support@linkup-app.com. We will respond within one month.

7. Children’s Privacy

Our services are not intended for children under 16 (or under 13 in the U.S.). We do not knowingly collect data from minors. If you believe we have collected data from a child, please contact us to have it deleted.

8. Security Measures

• Encryption: Data in transit via HTTPS/TLS; sensitive data at rest.
• Access Controls: Role-based access and least-privilege principle.
• Monitoring & Auditing: Regular security reviews and vulnerability assessments.

Although we strive to protect your information, no system is completely secure.

9. Third-Party Links & Services

The App may contain links to third-party websites (e.g., social media, Google Maps). We are not responsible for their privacy practices. Please review their policies:

• Firebase Privacy & Security
• Mixpanel Privacy Policy
• Apple Maps Platform Terms of Service
• Google Maps Platform Terms of Service

10. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy to reflect changes in our practices or legal requirements. We will:

1. Post the revised policy with a new Effective Date.
2. Notify you via in-app notice or email for material changes.

11. Contact Us

For questions or concerns about this policy or our practices, reach out to:

Email: support@linkup-app.com

Last updated May 30, 2025.