Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

Welcome to Hey Neighbour ("we," "our," or "us"). We are committed to protecting your privacy and handling your personal information with care. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you use our mobile application (the "App").

By using Hey Neighbour, you agree to the collection and use of information in accordance with this policy. If you do not agree with our policies and practices, please do not use our App.

2. Information We Collect

2.1 Personal Information

When you register and use Hey Neighbour, we may collect:

• Name and display name
• Email address
• Profile picture
• Authentication credentials (via Apple Sign-In or Google Sign-In)
• User-provided profile information (travel details, interests, children/pets, favourite locations)

2.2 Location Information

Hey Neighbour is a location-based service. We collect and process your device's location data when you use the App to:

• Show you nearby neighbours and community members
• Display location-based help requests
• Enable proximity-based features
• Calculate distances for requests and responses

Location data is collected only when the App is in use (foreground location permission). You can control location permissions through your device settings.

2.3 User-Generated Content

We collect content you create in the App, including:

• Help requests you post
• Responses to other users' requests
• Messages and conversation threads
• Photos and images you upload

2.4 Technical and Usage Information

• Device information (type, operating system, unique device identifiers)
• App usage data and analytics
• Log data (IP address, access times, app features used)
• Session information and authentication tokens

3. How We Use Your Information

We use the collected information for:

• Core App Functionality: Enable neighbour discovery, help requests, and community features
• Location Services: Match you with nearby users and relevant location-based content
• Communication: Facilitate conversations between community members
• Account Management: Maintain your profile, preferences, and session
• Safety and Security: Prevent fraud, enforce our terms, and protect users
• Improvements: Analyse usage patterns to improve the App and develop new features
• Customer Support: Respond to your inquiries and provide assistance
• Legal Compliance: Comply with applicable laws and regulations

4. Information Sharing and Disclosure

4.1 With Other Users

Certain information is visible to other Hey Neighbour users to enable community features:

• Your display name and profile picture
• Profile information you choose to share
• Help requests you post
• Your responses to community requests
• Approximate location (for neighbour discovery, not your exact address)

4.2 Service Providers

We use third-party service providers to support the App:

• Firebase (Google): Authentication, database, cloud storage, and hosting
• Apple: Apple Sign-In authentication
• Google: Google Sign-In authentication

These providers have access to your information only to perform services on our behalf and are obligated to protect your information.

4.3 Legal Requirements

We may disclose your information if required by law, court order, or governmental authority, or to protect our rights, property, or safety, or that of our users.

4.4 Business Transfers

If we are involved in a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets, your information may be transferred. We will notify you of any such change.

5. Data Security

We implement appropriate technical and organisational security measures to protect your personal information:

• Encryption of data in transit and at rest
• Firebase Security Rules to control data access
• Secure authentication via Apple and Google
• Regular security assessments and updates

However, no method of transmission over the internet or electronic storage is 100% secure. While we strive to protect your information, we cannot guarantee absolute security.

6. Data Retention

We retain your personal information for as long as necessary to provide our services and fulfill the purposes outlined in this policy. When you delete your account:

• Your account is marked as deleted (soft delete)
• You can no longer log in or access the App
• Your profile is hidden from other users
• Your help requests are hidden
• Data is preserved for legal and security purposes

For permanent data deletion, please contact us at hello@hey-neighbour.com.au

7. Your Rights and Choices

7.1 Access and Update

You can access and update your profile information directly in the App's Profile screen.

7.2 Location Permissions

You can control location permissions through your device settings. Note that disabling location access will limit core App functionality.

7.3 Account Deletion

You can delete your account through the App's Profile screen. This performs a soft delete that hides your data but preserves it. For complete data deletion, contact us.

7.4 Marketing Communications

You can opt out of promotional emails by following unsubscribe instructions or contacting us. You will still receive essential service-related communications.

7.5 Data Rights (GDPR/CCPA)

Depending on your location, you may have additional rights including:

• Right to access your personal data
• Right to correct inaccurate data
• Right to delete your data
• Right to restrict or object to processing
• Right to data portability
• Right to withdraw consent

To exercise these rights, contact us at hello@hey-neighbour.com.au

8. Children's Privacy

Hey Neighbour is not intended for children under 13 years of age. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If you believe we have collected information from a child under 13, please contact us immediately.

9. International Data Transfers

Your information may be transferred to and processed in countries other than your country of residence, including the United States where our service providers (Firebase/Google) operate. We ensure appropriate safeguards are in place for such transfers.

10. Third-Party Links

The App 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 read their privacy policies.

11. 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 policy in the App and updating the "Last Updated" date. Your continued use of the App after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.

12. Contact Us

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