Privacy Policy

KavaConnect ("we," "us," or "our") operates the KavaConnect mobile application (the "app"). This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, and protect your information when you use the app. By creating an account or using the app, you agree to the practices described here.

1. Information We Collect
We collect information you provide directly and data gathered automatically when you use KavaConnect.

Information you provide:

Account details — email address and password (used for authentication).
Profile information — display name, unique nickname, bio, profile photo, and Instagram handle.
Kava preferences — selected "vibes," home state, and favorite bars.
Check-in content — messages and bar selections when you check in or plan a visit.
Bar owner & kava tender submissions — bar details, menu, photos, hours, and claim requests.
Data collected automatically:

Location — approximate device location (with your permission) to sort nearby kava bars and suggest check-ins.
Usage data — log data such as device type, app interactions, and crash reports to improve performance.
Notifications — an opt-in preference for browser notifications about friend requests.

2. How We Use Your Information
To create and manage your account and authenticate your identity.
To display your profile, check-ins, and activity to friends or the public (based on your visibility settings).
To show you nearby kava bars and distance information.
To send in-app notifications such as shouts, friend requests, RSVPs, and planned-visit alerts.
To process bar owner and kava tender verifications.
To maintain the security, integrity, and quality of the community.

3. Location Data
KavaConnect requests access to your device location only with your explicit permission, and only to sort kava bars by proximity and to suggest check-ins. Location is used on-device while the app is open and is not continuously tracked in the background. You can revoke location access at any time through your device settings, which will limit distance-sorting features but will not prevent app use.

4. Photos and Files
Profile photos and bar photos you upload are stored and displayed within the app. Bar owners may import photos from a connected Google Drive folder to populate bar galleries. We do not access your photo library beyond the files you explicitly choose to upload or connect.

5. How We Share Information
Your information is shared only as described below:

Other users: Your display name, nickname, avatar, and check-in activity are visible to friends or the public according to your check-in visibility preferences.
Bar owners & kava tenders: Limited profile details are shared when you submit a tender claim or bar owner request for verification.
Service providers: We use trusted third-party services (such as cloud hosting, authentication, and map providers) to operate the app. These providers process data only as necessary to deliver their services.
Legal compliance: We may disclose information if required by law or to protect the rights, safety, or property of our users.
We never sell your personal data.

6. Data Retention
We retain your profile and activity data for as long as your account is active. You may delete your account at any time from Settings, which permanently removes your profile, check-ins, and shifts. Some records may be retained in backup systems for a limited period before permanent deletion, and certain information may be kept where required by law.

7. Your Privacy Choices
Check-in visibility: Choose whether each check-in is visible to friends only or to the public. You can set a default in Settings.
Push notifications: Opt in or out of browser notifications for friend requests at any time.
Location: Grant or revoke location permission through your device settings.
Account deletion: Delete your account and associated data from Settings at any time.
8. Children's Privacy
KavaConnect is not directed to, and is not intended for use by, anyone under the age of 18. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If you believe a minor has provided us data, please contact us so we can delete it.

9. Data Security
We use reasonable administrative, technical, and physical safeguards to protect your information. However, no method of transmission or storage is completely secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.

10. Third-Party Links
The app may contain links to third-party websites such as Google Maps and Instagram. We are not responsible for the privacy practices or content of those sites and encourage you to review their policies.

11. Changes to This Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Material changes will be reflected by updating the "Last updated" date above. Continued use of the app after changes constitutes acceptance of the revised policy.

12. Contact Us
If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or your data, please reach out through the app's support channels.