dots
dots

Privacy Policy

Effective Date: March 27, 2026

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:

Delete Your Account

dots – Account Deletion

1 Overview

The dots app allows users to delete their account directly from within the app. This page explains the process and what happens to your data after deletion.

2 How to Delete Your Account

  • 1 Open the dots app
  • 2 Go to your Profile / Settings
  • 3 Tap "Delete Account"
  • 4 Confirm the deletion request

3 What Happens When You Delete

  • Your account profile will be deleted
  • Your personal account data will be removed
  • Your app activity associated with the account will be deleted or anonymized where applicable
This action is permanent and cannot be undone. Make sure you want to proceed before confirming.

4 Data Retention

Some limited data may be temporarily retained for legal, security, fraud prevention, or technical compliance purposes, if required by applicable law.

5 Need Help?

If you're unable to delete your account from within the app or need further assistance, contact us at:

Child Safety Standards

Last updated: April 2026

1 Zero Tolerance Policy

At dots, we are committed to ensuring a safe environment for all users and have zero tolerance for child sexual abuse and exploitation (CSAE) or child sexual abuse material (CSAM).

dots strictly prohibits any content or behavior that involves:

  • Child sexual abuse material (CSAM)
  • Exploitation of minors
  • Grooming or predatory behavior
Any such activity will result in immediate account suspension and reporting to relevant authorities.

2 User Feedback and Reporting

Currently, users cannot directly report other users or content. However, users can raise concerns, including child safety issues, through the in-app Settings → Feedback (Talk to the builders - section) section. All submissions are reviewed promptly by our team.

If a valid concern is identified, our team will take immediate action, including restricting or permanently blocking the reported user account and escalating the matter where necessary.

3 Content Moderation

We actively monitor and moderate user-generated content using:

  • Automated detection systems
  • Manual review processes

4 Cooperation with Law Enforcement

dots complies with all applicable child safety laws and works with regional and national law enforcement agencies when required.

5 Prevention Measures

We take steps to prevent misuse of our platform, including:

  • Account monitoring
  • Restricting suspicious activity
  • Enforcing strict community guidelines

6 Contact Us

For child safety concerns, contact us at: