Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

Welcome to Pathsie. We respect your privacy and are committed to protecting your personal data. This privacy policy will inform you about how we collect, use, and safeguard your personal information when you use our mobile application and services.

2. Information We Collect

2.1 Information You Provide

• Account Information: Name, email address, profile photo, and password
• Profile Data: Outdoor activity preferences, experience level, bio, and location
• Trip Information: Trip details, routes, checklists, and planning data
• Content: Photos, videos, comments, and messages you share
• Emergency Contacts: Contact information for safety features

2.2 Automatically Collected Information

• Location Data: GPS coordinates when recording routes or using map features (with your permission)
• Device Information: Device type, operating system, unique device identifiers
• Usage Data: App features used, pages viewed, and interaction patterns
• Route Data: GPX/KML tracking data when you record outdoor activities

2.3 Third-Party Data

• Weather Data: From integrated weather services for trip planning
• Map Data: From mapping service providers
• Authentication: If you sign in with Apple, Google, or other OAuth providers

3. How We Use Your Information

We use your information to:

• Provide and maintain the Pathsie app and services
• Connect you with other outdoor enthusiasts
• Enable trip planning, route tracking, and safety features
• Send emergency notifications to your designated contacts when safety features are activated
• Display your profile and activities to other users (based on your privacy settings)
• Process and split expenses among trip members
• Provide weather forecasts and location-based recommendations
• Improve our services and develop new features
• Send important updates about your account and trips
• Respond to your requests and provide customer support
• Ensure security and prevent fraud or abuse

4. Information Sharing and Disclosure

4.1 With Other Users

Your profile information, trips marked as public, and shared content are visible to other Pathsie users. You control what information is public through your privacy settings.

4.2 With Trip Members

When you join a trip, other trip members can see your profile information, contributions, expenses, and location data shared within the trip.

4.3 Emergency Contacts

When you activate safety features, your location and status may be shared with your designated emergency contacts.

4.4 Service Providers

We may share information with trusted third-party service providers who help us operate Pathsie, including:

• Cloud hosting and storage providers
• Analytics and performance monitoring services
• Customer support tools
• Payment processors (for future premium features)
• Map and weather data providers

4.5 Legal Requirements

We may disclose your information if required by law or in response to valid requests by public authorities, including to meet national security or law enforcement requirements.

5. Data Storage and Security

We implement industry-standard security measures to protect your personal information:

• Encryption of data in transit and at rest
• Secure authentication and password protection
• Regular security audits and updates
• Access controls and monitoring
• Secure cloud storage infrastructure

Your data is stored on secure servers provided by trusted cloud service providers. We retain your information only as long as necessary to provide our services and fulfill the purposes outlined in this policy.

6. Your Privacy Rights and Choices

6.1 Access and Update

You can access and update your account information and profile data through the app settings at any time.

6.2 Privacy Settings

You control who can see your profile, trips, and activities through in-app privacy settings. You can make trips private or public, control your visibility on the explore map, and manage who can contact you.

6.3 Location Data

You can control location permissions through your device settings. You can choose to share your location only while using the app, always, or never. Some features (like route recording) require location access.

6.4 Marketing Communications

You can opt out of marketing emails by following the unsubscribe link in any marketing email or by adjusting your notification preferences in the app.

6.5 Data Deletion

You can request deletion of your account and associated data by contacting us at privacy@pathsie.com. Please note that some information may be retained for legal or operational purposes.

6.6 Data Portability

You can export your route data in GPX or KML format directly from the app. For other data exports, please contact us at privacy@pathsie.com.

7. Children's Privacy

Pathsie is not intended for children under 13 years of age. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If you are a parent or guardian and believe your child has provided us with personal information, please contact us at privacy@pathsie.com.

8. International Data Transfers

Your information may be transferred to and processed in countries other than your country of residence. These countries may have different data protection laws. By using Pathsie, you consent to the transfer of your information to our facilities and service providers around the world.

9. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this privacy policy from time to time. We will notify you of any significant changes by posting the new policy in the app and updating the "Last updated" date. Your continued use of Pathsie after changes are posted constitutes your acceptance of the revised policy.

10. Contact Us

If you have questions, concerns, or requests regarding this privacy policy or our data practices, please contact us at:

11. Region-Specific Rights

11.1 European Economic Area (EEA) Users

If you are located in the EEA, you have additional rights under GDPR including:

• Right to access your personal data
• Right to rectification of inaccurate data
• Right to erasure ("right to be forgotten")
• Right to restrict processing
• Right to data portability
• Right to object to processing
• Right to withdraw consent at any time
• Right to lodge a complaint with a supervisory authority

11.2 California Residents

If you are a California resident, you have rights under the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) including:

• Right to know what personal information is collected
• Right to know whether personal information is sold or disclosed
• Right to opt-out of the sale of personal information (we do not sell personal information)
• Right to deletion of personal information
• Right to non-discrimination for exercising CCPA rights