Privacy Policy

Last updated: August 2, 2026

1. Introduction

Connect Buddy ("we", "us", "our") values your privacy. This Privacy Policy describes how we collect, use, process, and safeguard the information you provide when using our mobile application ("App") and associated websites.

2. Collection of Precise Location Data (GPS)

Connect Buddy is a nearby matcher and path-crossing connection app. In order to identify if you have crossed paths with other users, the App requires access to your device's precise location (GPS coordinate data).

Background Location Access:

If granted permission, Connect Buddy collects precise location data in the background (even when the App is closed, running in the background, or not in active use) to calculate path-crossing events with other users.

* Note: You can enable or disable precise location permissions or background location access at any time through your mobile device's system settings. If disabled, path-crossing features will be unavailable.

3. Device Permissions (Camera & Microphone)

To support in-app video and audio calls:

  • Camera: Access is used exclusively to capture and stream real-time video during video call sessions. No video feed or streams are saved or stored on our servers.
  • Microphone: Access is used to capture voice streams during audio or video calls. No audio is recorded or stored.

4. User Profile & Account Data

We collect user-provided details including name, date of birth, gender, bio description, photo uploads, and icebreaker choices ("Truth or Lie") to curate your profile interface. This profile is visible to other matched users in the app.

5. Chat Messaging & Media Security

Your chat messages and shared media files are protected:

  • Message Protection: All messages you send are protected with strong, industry-standard encryption when saved. Only you and your matched buddy can read them in your chat.
  • Photo & Media Protection: When you share photos, they are uploaded securely and stored with unique, randomized filenames. The private links to these photos are kept encrypted, making it impossible for unauthorized people to find or view them.
  • Safety & Moderation Review: To keep our community safe, prevent harassment, and enforce our guidelines, our moderation team may review chat messages or media if a user reports them or if flagged by automated safety systems.

6. User Safety, Moderation, & Blocking

Connect Buddy enforces zero tolerance for abusive content. We provide:

  • In-app reporting mechanism for user profiles or chat messages.
  • Instant blocking features that prevent blocked users from communicating, viewing profiles, or appearing on map interfaces.

7. Data Deletion & Account Deactivation

You maintain full control of your data. You can delete your account permanently inside the Profile settings screen. Once requested:

  • All database records, messages, matches, location log histories, and associated photos are deleted instantly and permanently from our active production database.

* Exception for Suspended Accounts: To prevent abuse and enforce security guidelines, accounts suspended/blocked due to violations of our Community Guidelines and App Rules cannot be deleted by users, and matching identifiers will be securely retained in our banned logs to prevent ban evasion.

8. Age Restrictions & Children's Privacy

Connect Buddy is strictly intended for individuals who are at least 18 years old (or the age of majority in your jurisdiction). We do not knowingly collect or solicit personal information from anyone under the age of 18. If we learn that we have collected personal information from a minor under 18, we will delete that information as quickly as possible.

9. Contact Us

If you have any questions, feedback, or complaints regarding this Privacy Policy, please contact our support desk at welcometodevelopers@gmail.com.