Privacy Policy & Terms of Service for LinkUp

Effective Date: July 5, 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 and Terms of Service 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 agree to these Terms of Service and consent to the practices described in this policy. If you do not agree, please discontinue use immediately.

2. End User License Agreement (EULA) & Community Standards

2.1 License Grant

Subject to your compliance with these Terms, we grant you a limited, non-exclusive, non-transferable license to use the LinkUp App for personal, non-commercial purposes.

2.2 Zero Tolerance Policy for Objectionable Content

We maintain a strict zero-tolerance policy for objectionable content and abusive behavior. This includes, but is not limited to:

• Harassment, bullying, or threats of violence
• Hate speech, discrimination, or content targeting individuals based on race, religion, gender, sexuality, or other protected characteristics
• Sexually explicit content, nudity, or sexually suggestive material
• Content promoting illegal activities, drug use, or violence
• Spam, fraudulent schemes, or misleading information
• Content that violates intellectual property rights
• Doxxing or sharing personal information without consent

2.3 Content Moderation & Enforcement

• Automated Filtering: We employ automated systems to detect and filter objectionable content before it appears in the App
• 24-Hour Response Guarantee: We commit to reviewing and acting on all reported objectionable content within 24 hours
• Immediate Action: Upon confirmation of policy violations, we will immediately remove the offending content and suspend or permanently ban the user responsible
• Zero Warnings: Serious violations may result in immediate account termination without prior warning

2.4 User Reporting & Blocking Mechanisms

3. Information We Collect

3.1 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.
• Safety Reports: Information provided when reporting objectionable content or users.

3.2 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.
• Content Moderation Data: Automated scans and human review logs for safety and compliance.

3.3 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.

3.4 Notifications Data

Push Tokens: Generated by Firebase Cloud Messaging to deliver notifications, including safety alerts and content moderation updates.

4. How We Use Your Information

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

5. Data Sharing & Disclosure

5.1 Service Providers

• Firebase (Google LLC): Authentication, database, storage, and push notifications.
• Mixpanel, Inc.: Analytics and usage tracking.
• Render, Inc.: Backend hosting services.
• Content Moderation Services: Third-party AI and human moderation services for safety compliance.

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

5.2 Legal Compliance & Safety

When required by law, or to protect our rights and user safety, we may disclose data to law enforcement, regulators, or to respond to subpoenas. This includes sharing information about policy violations when legally required.

5.3 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.

6. 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.
• Maintain safety records for content moderation and user protection.

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

7. 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 (subject to safety retention requirements).
• 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.

8. 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 immediately to have it deleted.

9. Security Measures

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

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

10. 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

11. Prohibited Uses & Account Termination

12. Changes to This Privacy Policy and Terms

We may update this Privacy Policy and Terms of Service 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.
3. Important safety-related changes will be communicated immediately.

13. Contact Us

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

Last updated: July 5, 2025

By continuing to use LinkUp, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.