Privacy Policy for Picha

1. Introduction

Welcome to Picha! This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you use our dating mobile application (the "App"). We understand that using a dating app involves sharing personal information, and we are committed to protecting your privacy. By using Picha, you agree to the practices outlined in this policy.

Please read this policy carefully to understand our practices regarding your information and how we will treat it. Your privacy is paramount to us, and we strive to be transparent about our data practices.

2. Information We Collect

a. Profile Information

To create your profile and enable matching with other users, we collect the following information that you voluntarily provide:

• Profile Details - This includes your name (or preferred name), age, gender identity, sexual orientation, relationship preferences, interests, bio/description, and other profile fields you choose to complete. This information is crucial for connecting you with compatible matches.
• Photos and Videos - Profile pictures and videos you upload to showcase yourself. These are visible to other users on the app.
• Username - Selected by you for display in the app.
• Email Address - Used for account verification, security notifications, important updates, and customer service.
• Phone Number - For account security, verification, and potential recovery (optional, but recommended for enhanced security).

b. Match Preferences and Activity Data

To improve our matching algorithm and provide relevant recommendations, we collect:

• Matching Preferences - Your stated preferences for potential partners, such as age range, location, interests, etc. This helps us refine your matches.
• Interaction Data - Information about your activity on the App, including profiles you view, like, dislike, match with, and chat with. This data helps us learn your preferences and improve matching over time.

c. Location Information

To connect you with nearby users and suggest local matches, we collect your location information:

• Precise Location Data - When you use location-based features (like discovering nearby singles), your device's precise location is collected with your permission. You can manage location sharing permissions through your device settings. Disabling precise location may limit the effectiveness of location-based matching.
• Approximate Location - Derived from your IP address or general location settings, used for broader location-based suggestions and features, even if precise location is disabled.

d. Communication Data

When you communicate with other users through Picha, we collect:

• Messages - Text, audio, video, and other content of your chats with other users. These are stored to facilitate communication between you and your matches. Note: While we strive to maintain privacy, please be mindful of the information you share in chats.
• Chat Metadata - Information about your chats, such as timestamps, participants, and read receipts. Used for delivering messages and improving the chat feature.

e. Technical and Usage Information

We collect technical data to ensure the App functions correctly, improve performance, and enhance user experience:

• Device Information - Including device type, operating system version, device identifiers (like advertising ID and device ID), hardware settings, browser type, and language settings.
• Usage Data - Information about your interactions within the App, such as pages viewed, features used, time spent in the App, taps, and swipes.
• Log Data - IP address, access times, referring website addresses, error reports, and device activity logs. Used for troubleshooting and security.
• Cookies and Similar Technologies - We may use cookies, web beacons, and similar tracking technologies to collect information about your activity on our App. This helps us understand usage patterns and personalize your experience.

3. How We Use Your Information

Your information is used to operate, personalize, improve, and secure Picha’s services. Specifically, we use your information for:

• Facilitating Matching and Connections - Using your profile information, preferences, location, and activity to suggest potential matches and connect you with other users. This is the core functionality of Picha.
• Creating and Managing Your Account - Setting up and managing your Picha account, including verification, security, and customer support.
• Personalizing User Experience - Tailoring content, recommendations, and features to your interests and location. Making your Picha experience more relevant and enjoyable.
• Operating and Improving the App - Analyzing usage data, monitoring app performance, conducting research and analytics, and testing new features to continuously improve Picha.
• Communication with You - Sending you important notifications (e.g., matches, messages), updates about the App, security alerts, and responding to your customer service requests. Keeping you informed about your Picha experience.
• Ensuring Safety and Security - Monitoring user activity, detecting and preventing fraud and abuse, enforcing our Terms of Service and Community Guidelines, and addressing safety concerns. Protecting our community and maintaining a safe dating environment.
• Legal Compliance - Complying with legal obligations, responding to legal requests, and preventing illegal activities.

4. Information Sharing and Disclosure

a. With Other Users (Profile Visibility)

Your profile information, photos, and public content are visible to other Picha users to facilitate connections. The extent of your profile visibility may depend on your app settings and the features you use. For example, your approximate location might be shown to nearby users to help them find you.

Remember that information you share in your profile and public posts is viewable by other users. Please be mindful of what personal information you choose to include in your public profile.

b. With Third-Party Service Providers

We use third-party service providers to support the operation and improvement of Picha. These providers assist us with services like:

• Hosting and Infrastructure - Storing and maintaining the App and its data.
• Data Analytics and Measurement - Understanding app usage and user behavior.