Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

VanLifers Connect ("we," "our," or "us") operates the VanLifers Connect mobile application (the "App"). This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you use our App.

By using the App, you agree to the collection and use of information in accordance with this policy.

2. Information We Collect

2.1 Information You Provide

• Account Information: Email address and password when you create an account.
• Profile Information: Name, age, gender, bio, van type, activities/interests, and profile photos (up to 3).
• Location Data: Your geographic location when you choose to share it, including your selected privacy level (exact, area, city, or hidden).
• Messages: Content of messages you send to other users through the App.
• Builder Profile: If you register as a van life builder, your specialties, hourly rate, service radius, and portfolio images.

2.2 Information Collected Automatically

• Device Information: Device type, operating system, and unique device identifiers.
• Usage Data: App interactions, features used, and crash reports (via Sentry).
• Push Notification Tokens: If you enable push notifications, we store your device token to deliver notifications.

2.3 Information from Third Parties

• Authentication: We use Clerk for authentication services. Clerk may collect information as described in their privacy policy.
• Payments: Subscription payments are processed by RevenueCat and Apple/Google. We do not store your payment card information.

3. How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect to:

• Provide, maintain, and improve the App.
• Create and manage your account.
• Display your profile to other users based on your privacy settings.
• Enable location-based discovery of nearby vanlifers and builders.
• Facilitate messaging between users.
• Process subscription payments and manage premium features.
• Send push notifications (with your consent).
• Monitor and analyze usage trends and preferences.
• Detect, prevent, and address technical issues and abuse.

4. How We Share Your Information

4.1 With Other Users

Your profile information (name, age, bio, photos, activities, van type) is visible to other App users. Your location is shared according to your chosen privacy level:

• Exact: Approximate location shown on map.
• Area: Location randomized within a small radius.
• City: Only city-level location shown.
• Hidden: Location not displayed to other users.

4.2 With Service Providers

We share information with third-party service providers that help us operate the App:

• Convex: Backend database and serverless functions.
• Clerk: Authentication and identity management.
• RevenueCat: Subscription and payment management.
• Sentry: Error tracking and performance monitoring.
• Expo: App development and push notification delivery.

4.3 As Required by Law

We may disclose your information if required to do so by law or in response to valid legal requests.

5. Data Storage and Security

• Your data is stored on Convex's secure cloud infrastructure.
• We use industry-standard security measures to protect your information.
• Authentication is handled through secure JWT tokens.
• We do not guarantee absolute security and encourage you to use strong passwords.

6. Your Rights and Choices

• Profile Visibility: You can control your location privacy settings within the App.
• Account Deletion: You can request deletion of your account and associated data by contacting us.
• Push Notifications: You can enable or disable push notifications through your device settings.
• Photo Management: You can add, remove, or change your profile photos at any time.

7. Children's Privacy

The App is not intended for users under the age of 16. We do not knowingly collect information from children under 16. If we learn that we have collected personal information from a child under 16, we will take steps to delete that information.

8. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of any changes by posting the new Privacy Policy within the App and updating the "Last Updated" date.

9. Invite-Only Community

VanLifers Connect is an invite-only community. Your invite code usage and referral information is tracked to maintain the integrity of our community.

10. Contact Us

If you have questions about this Privacy Policy, please contact us at:

privacy@vanlifersconnect.com