1 Introduction
dots is a social discovery application that allows users to create, join, and explore nearby "vibes" and connect with others based on shared interests and location.
This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, and protect your information when you use the app.
2 Information We Collect
a) Information You Provide
- Phone number (used for authentication via Firebase)
- Name
- Profile photo
- Bio
- Selected interests ("vibes")
- Content you create (such as vibes, messages, and interactions)
b) Account & Technical Information
- Firebase User ID (UID)
- Internal user ID
- Device-related information (e.g., device type, app version)
- Log and usage data
- Analytics data (via Firebase Analytics)
c) Location Information
We collect precise location data when you use the app.
- Location is only accessed while the app is in use
- Used to show nearby vibes and users, and enable location-based interactions
- Initially, approximate/masked location may be shown
- In certain interactions (e.g., active vibe participation), more precise location may be visible
d) Communication Data
- Messages exchanged between users
- Interaction data within vibes
e) Notification Data
- Device push notification tokens (via Firebase Cloud Messaging)
3 How We Use Your Information
- Create and manage your account
- Authenticate users via phone number
- Show nearby vibes and relevant users
- Enable user interaction and messaging
- Send notifications (e.g., updates, messages, activity alerts)
- Improve app performance and user experience
- Monitor and analyze usage (via analytics)
- Maintain safety and prevent misuse
4 How Information Is Shared
We do not sell your personal data.
a) With Other Users
Since dots is a social app, your name, profile photo, bio, and vibes may be visible to other users. Your location may be shared depending on the context of a vibe.
b) With Service Providers
We use trusted third-party services to operate the app, including:
- Firebase (authentication, analytics, notifications)
- Mapbox (map services)
- Google Maps (location and map features)
c) Legal Requirements
We may disclose information if required by law or to protect rights, safety, or users.
5 Data Retention
We retain your information:
- As long as your account is active
- As necessary to provide services
- To comply with legal obligations and resolve disputes
6 Your Choices and Controls
- You can update your profile information within the app
- You can control location permissions via device settings
- You can disable notifications in device settings
Account Deletion
You can delete your account from within the app. Upon deletion, your personal data will be removed or anonymized, except where retention is required for legal purposes.
7 Security
We use reasonable technical and organizational measures to protect your data. However, no system is completely secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.
8 Children's Privacy
dots is not intended for children under the age of 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children.
9 Changes to This Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Any changes will be reflected with an updated "Effective Date."
10 Contact Us
If you have any questions or concerns about this Privacy Policy, you can contact us at: