Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

Welcome to RoomieFinder. We respect your privacy and are committed to protecting your personal data. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you use our website, mobile application, and services (collectively, the "Service").

This Privacy Policy complies with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and other applicable data protection laws.

2. Information We Collect

2.1 Information You Provide

We collect information you provide directly to us, including:

• Account Information: Name, email address, phone number, date of birth, and password
• Profile Information: Photos, bio, occupation, lifestyle preferences, interests, and compatibility answers
• Listing Information: Property details, photos, location, pricing, and amenities
• Communication Data: Messages you send through our platform
• Payment Information: Billing details (processed securely through third-party payment processors)
• Verification Documents: ID or other documents for identity verification (optional)

2.2 Information We Collect Automatically

When you use our Service, we automatically collect:

• Device Information: Device type, operating system, browser type, and unique device identifiers
• Usage Data: Pages viewed, features used, time spent, and interaction data
• Location Data: Approximate location based on IP address or precise location if you grant permission
• Cookies and Tracking: We use cookies and similar technologies to track your activity (see Section 6)
• Log Data: IP address, access times, and error logs

2.3 Information from Third Parties

We may receive information about you from:

• Social Media: If you sign up using Google or other social login, we receive basic profile information
• Other Users: Information shared about you in messages or reports
• Analytics Providers: Aggregated analytics data about your use of the Service

3. How We Use Your Information

We use your information for the following purposes:

3.1 Provide and Improve Our Service

• Create and manage your account
• Match you with compatible roommates
• Display your profile and listings to other users
• Enable messaging and communication
• Process payments and transactions
• Provide customer support
• Improve and personalize your experience
• Develop new features and services

3.2 Safety and Security

• Verify your identity
• Detect and prevent fraud, abuse, and security incidents
• Enforce our Terms of Service
• Respond to legal requests and prevent harm

3.3 Communications

• Send you service-related notifications and updates
• Send you promotional emails (with your consent, which you can withdraw)
• Respond to your inquiries and requests

3.4 Analytics and Research

• Analyze usage patterns and trends
• Conduct research to improve matching algorithms
• Measure the effectiveness of our marketing campaigns

3.5 Legal Basis (GDPR)

We process your data based on:

• Contract: To provide the Service you've signed up for
• Legitimate Interests: To improve our Service, ensure safety, and communicate with you
• Consent: For marketing communications and optional data processing
• Legal Obligations: To comply with applicable laws

4. How We Share Your Information

4.1 With Other Users

Your profile information, photos, and listings are visible to other users of the Service. You control what information you include in your profile.

4.2 Service Providers

We share information with third-party service providers who help us operate our Service:

• Cloud hosting providers (e.g., Firebase, Vercel)
• Payment processors
• Email service providers
• Analytics providers (e.g., Google Analytics, Vercel Analytics)
• Customer support tools

These providers are contractually obligated to protect your data and use it only for the services they provide to us.

4.3 Legal Requirements

We may disclose your information if required by law or if we believe it's necessary to:

• Comply with legal obligations, court orders, or government requests
• Enforce our Terms of Service
• Protect the rights, property, or safety of RoomieFinder, our users, or the public
• Detect, prevent, or address fraud, security, or technical issues

4.4 Business Transfers

If we are involved in a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets, your information may be transferred to the acquiring entity. We will notify you before your information becomes subject to a different privacy policy.

4.5 Aggregated Data

We may share aggregated or anonymized information that does not directly identify you for research, marketing, or other purposes.

5. Your Rights and Choices

Under GDPR and other data protection laws, you have the following rights:

5.1 Access and Portability

You can access and download your personal data from your account settings. You have the right to request a copy of your data in a portable format.

5.2 Correction

You can update your profile information at any time through your account settings. If you need help correcting inaccurate data, contact us.

5.3 Deletion

You can delete your account at any time through your account settings. Note that some information may be retained for legal or legitimate business purposes (e.g., to prevent fraud, resolve disputes).

5.4 Objection and Restriction

You can object to or request restriction of certain data processing activities. For example, you can opt out of marketing emails by clicking "unsubscribe" in any email.

5.5 Withdraw Consent

Where we process your data based on consent, you can withdraw your consent at any time.

5.6 Lodge a Complaint

You have the right to lodge a complaint with your local data protection authority if you believe we've violated your privacy rights.

To exercise any of these rights, contact us at privacy@roomie-finder.com

6. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

We use cookies and similar tracking technologies to collect information about your browsing activities. Cookies are small data files stored on your device.

Types of Cookies We Use:

• Essential Cookies: Required for the Service to function (e.g., authentication)
• Analytics Cookies: Help us understand how you use the Service (e.g., Google Analytics)
• Functional Cookies: Remember your preferences and settings
• Marketing Cookies: Track your activity for advertising purposes

You can control cookies through your browser settings. Note that disabling certain cookies may affect the functionality of our Service.

7. Data Security

We implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect your personal data against unauthorized access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction. These measures include:

• Encryption of data in transit (HTTPS/TLS)
• Encryption of sensitive data at rest
• Access controls and authentication
• Regular security assessments
• Employee training on data protection

However, no method of transmission or storage is 100% secure. While we strive to protect your data, we cannot guarantee absolute security.

8. Data Retention

We retain your personal data for as long as necessary to provide the Service and fulfill the purposes outlined in this Privacy Policy. Retention periods vary depending on the type of data and legal requirements:

• Account Data: Retained while your account is active and for a reasonable period after deletion
• Messages: Retained until you delete them or your account is deleted
• Transaction Records: Retained for accounting and legal requirements (typically 7 years)
• Analytics Data: Aggregated and anonymized after 26 months

9. International Data Transfers

Your information may be transferred to and processed in countries other than your country of residence. We use services like Firebase (Google) and Vercel, which may store data in various locations globally.

When transferring data outside the European Economic Area (EEA), we ensure appropriate safeguards are in place, such as:

• Standard Contractual Clauses approved by the European Commission
• Adequacy decisions by the European Commission
• Certification frameworks (e.g., EU-U.S. Data Privacy Framework)

10. Children's Privacy

Our Service is not intended for users under the age of 18. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If you become aware that a child has provided us with personal data, please contact us, and we will take steps to delete such information.

11. Third-Party Links

Our Service may contain links to third-party websites or services. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of these third parties. We encourage you to review their privacy policies before providing them with any personal information.

12. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of material changes by:

• Posting the new Privacy Policy on our website
• Updating the "Last Updated" date at the top of this page
• Sending you an email notification (for significant changes)

Your continued use of the Service after changes become effective constitutes your acceptance of the new Privacy Policy.

13. Contact Us

If you have any questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or our data practices, please contact us at: