Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

Welcome to TownChat. We respect your privacy and are committed to protecting your personal data. This privacy policy explains how we collect, use, and safeguard your information when you use our GPS-powered local messaging platform.

2. Information We Collect

We collect the following types of information:

• Account Information: Email address, username, and password (encrypted)
• Location Data: GPS coordinates when you create posts (approximate location is shown by default for privacy)
• User Content: Posts, comments, messages, and images you share
• Usage Data: How you interact with the platform, including voting and messaging activity
• Device Information: Browser type, IP address, and device identifiers

3. How We Use Your Information

• To provide and maintain our service
• To show posts from users in your geographic area
• To enable messaging between users
• To prevent abuse and enforce our terms of service
• To improve and personalize your experience
• To send important service updates

4. Location Privacy

Your privacy is important to us. By default, we randomize your exact location by approximately 300 meters when displaying posts. This means other users see your general area, not your precise location. You can choose to share your exact location on individual posts if you wish.

5. Data Sharing

We do not sell your personal data. We may share information with:

• Service Providers: Third parties that help us operate our platform (hosting, analytics)
• Legal Requirements: When required by law or to protect our rights
• Other Users: Your public posts and profile are visible to other users

6. Advertising

We use Google AdSense to display advertisements. Google may use cookies and collect data to show personalized ads based on your interests. You can learn more about Google's privacy practices at Google Privacy Policy. You can opt out of personalized advertising at Google Ads Settings.

7. Cookies

We use cookies and similar technologies to maintain your session, remember your preferences, and analyze how our service is used. You can control cookies through your browser settings.

8. Data Security

We implement industry-standard security measures including encrypted passwords, secure HTTPS connections, and protection against common attacks. However, no method of transmission over the internet is 100% secure.

9. Your Rights

You have the right to:

• Access your personal data
• Correct inaccurate data
• Delete your account and associated data
• Object to processing of your data
• Export your data

10. Children's Privacy

TownChat is not intended for children under 13 years of age. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13.

11. Changes to This Policy

We may update this privacy policy from time to time. We will notify you of any changes by posting the new policy on this page and updating the "Last updated" date.

12. Contact Us

If you have questions about this privacy policy, please contact us at privacy@townchat.net