Privacy Policy

1. Introduction & Scope

This Privacy Policy describes how LocalConnect ("we", "us", "Platform") handles personal data of users in India.

By using the app, you acknowledge that you have read this policy. If you do not agree, please discontinue use of the Platform.

2. Information We Collect

We collect information you provide directly and data generated through your use of the Platform:

• Identity & contact: name, mobile number, WhatsApp number, optional email.
• Profile content: photo, date of birth, gender, bio, professional roles, work/service/business details, rates, availability.
• Location: GPS coordinates, state, city, village, pincode — for nearby discovery.
• Communications: in-app messages, support chat messages, and related metadata.
• Activity: saved cards, card-save alerts, subscription and payment records.
• Device data: local app storage for session, preferences, and cached inputs.

3. How We Use Your Information

We use collected data to operate and improve LocalConnect:

• Display your profile card in the Discover feed to nearby users.
• Enable search, filter, save, and share of profile cards.
• Deliver in-app messages and card-save alert notifications.
• Process subscription plans and maintain payment history.
• Provide customer support through Live Support Chat.
• Maintain platform safety — detect abuse, fraud, or policy violations.
• Improve app performance and user experience on the Platform.

4. Legal Basis & Consent (India)

We process personal data in accordance with applicable Indian law, including the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023 (DPDP Act) and the Information Technology Act, 2000.

By registering and using the Platform, you consent to processing necessary to provide the service. You may withdraw consent by deactivating or deleting your account, subject to legal retention requirements.

5. Location Data

LocalConnect uses device location (GPS) to show nearby profile cards and calculate distance in Discover.

• Location permission is requested through your device settings.
• If GPS is off, nearby results may be inaccurate or limited.
• You may update location fields manually in Profile Center.
• We do not continuously track your movement in the background beyond what is needed for the Discover feature.

6. Profile Visibility & Public Information

Information on your active profile cards may be visible to other users in Discover based on your card type, active toggle, and location settings.

• Personal Profile details form your base public identity on the Platform.
• Work, Service, and Business cards show extended details when the card is ON in Profile Center.
• Turning a card OFF or deactivating your account hides profiles from public Discover.
• Other users may save or share your public card — you will receive an alert when someone saves your card.

7. Sharing & Third Parties

We do not sell your personal data. We share data only as needed to operate the Platform:

• Cloud hosting & database: Supabase (data storage for profiles, messages, notifications, payments).
• WhatsApp: when you or another user taps WhatsApp on a card, you leave the app and WhatsApp's own privacy policy applies.
• Future payment gateways: production launch may use RBI-authorised payment processors — their policies will apply at checkout.
• Legal requirements: we may disclose data if required by law, court order, or to protect platform safety.

8. Data Storage & Security

Your data is stored on secure cloud infrastructure (Supabase). We implement reasonable technical and organisational measures to protect against unauthorised access, loss, or misuse.

Security practices continue to evolve. No system is 100% secure — please use a strong device lock and protect your login credentials.

9. Data Retention

We retain your data for as long as your account is active and as needed to provide the Platform.

• If you deactivate your account, public visibility stops but certain records may be retained for legal, safety, or dispute purposes.
• Messages and support history may be retained for a reasonable period for platform operations.
• You may request deletion by contacting support — we will process requests in accordance with applicable Indian law.

10. Your Rights

Under applicable Indian data protection law, including the DPDP Act, you may have the following rights:

• Access — request a summary of personal data we hold about you.
• Correction — update inaccurate information through Profile Center or by contacting support.
• Erasure — request deletion of your account and associated data, subject to legal exceptions.
• Withdraw consent — stop using the Platform or deactivate your account.
• Grievance — raise a complaint regarding data handling (see Section 14).

11. Children's Privacy

LocalConnect is intended for users aged 18 and above. We do not knowingly collect personal data from children under 18 without verifiable parental or guardian consent.

If you believe a minor has created an account without consent, please contact us and we will take appropriate steps.

12. Device Permissions & Local Storage

The app may request the following device permissions:

• Location — for nearby Discover results.
• Camera / Photo library — for profile photo upload.
• Local storage (AsyncStorage) — to keep you logged in and remember language preference.
• You can revoke permissions anytime through your device settings, though some features may stop working.

13. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Changes will be posted in the app under About & Legal → Privacy Policy.

Continued use after an update constitutes acceptance of the revised policy. Material changes may be communicated through the app or other reasonable notice.

14. Contact & Grievance Redressal

For privacy-related questions, data access requests, or grievances under the DPDP Act, contact us through:

• In-app: Account → Help & Support → Live Support Chat
• Email: support@localconnect.in
• About & Legal → Contact / Support for phone and email details
• A designated Grievance Officer will be appointed before public launch in India as required by applicable law.