Privacy Policy for Winnipen

Last updated: January 2025

Overview

Winnipen is a free mobile application that connects people through location-based posts and real-time interactions. This privacy policy explains how we handle your data and protect your privacy.

Data Collection

Winnipen collects the following data to provide its services:

Account Information

• Email Address: Used for account creation and authentication via Firebase
• Username: Display name for your posts and interactions
• Profile Information: Optional profile details you choose to share

Location Data

• When collected: When you create posts or use location-based features
• Purpose: To show posts on the map and enable location-based interactions
• Storage: Stored securely in our database to display posts on the map

User-Generated Content

• Posts: Text, images, and location data you share
• Comments: Comments and replies you make on posts
• Interactions: Likes, saves, and other engagement data
• Profile Pictures: Images you choose to upload as your profile picture

Photo Library Access

• When requested: Only when you choose to change your profile picture or save images from posts
• Purpose: To allow you to select images from your photo library for your profile picture or save images from posts to your device
• What we access: Only the specific images you select - we do not access your entire photo library
• Storage: Profile pictures are stored securely on Cloudinary; saved images go directly to your device

Push Notifications

• Push Tokens: Device tokens for sending notifications
• Purpose: To notify you of comments, likes, and other interactions
• Storage: Stored securely and only used for app notifications

Data Usage

We use your data to:

• Provide location-based posting and interaction features
• Send push notifications for app interactions
• Enable real-time communication between users
• Improve app functionality and user experience
• Ensure app security and prevent abuse
• Moderate content to maintain a safe community environment
• Allow you to customize your profile with photos

Data Sharing

Third-Party Services

Winnipen uses the following third-party services:

• Firebase Authentication: For secure user authentication
• Cloudinary: For secure image and media storage
• MongoDB: For secure data storage
• Expo Push Notifications: For sending app notifications
• Socket.IO: For real-time features

Data Security

• All data is encrypted in transit and at rest
• User passwords are never stored (handled by Firebase)
• Images are stored securely on Cloudinary with access controls
• Location data is only used for app functionality

Data Retention

• Account Data: Retained until you delete your account
• Posts: Retained until you delete them or your account
• Location Data: Retained only as long as your posts exist
• Push Tokens: Retained until you log out or delete the app

Your Rights

You have the right to:

• Access your personal data
• Correct inaccurate data
• Delete your account and associated data
• Opt out of push notifications
• Export your data

Content Moderation

To maintain a safe community environment, Winnipen includes:

• User Reporting: Users can report inappropriate content, harassment, spam, or other violations
• Content Review: All reported content is reviewed and appropriate action is taken
• Community Guidelines: Clear guidelines for acceptable content and behavior
• Account Actions: Users who violate guidelines may have their content removed or accounts suspended

Children's Privacy

Winnipen is suitable for users 13 and older. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13.

Changes to This Policy

We may update this privacy policy occasionally. Changes will be posted on this page with an updated "Last updated" date.

This privacy policy is effective as of January 2025.