Privacy Policy for The Plot

1. Introduction

This Privacy Policy ("Policy") describes the manner in which ThePlot LTD ("Company," "we," "us," or "our") collects, processes, and protects personal data when users ("you," "your") access and use ThePlot mobile application ("App"). By accessing or using the App, you acknowledge and consent to the practices set forth in this Policy.

2. Data Collection

While using Our Service, We may ask You to provide Us with certain personally identifiable information that can be used to contact or identify You. Personally identifiable information may include, but is not limited to:

• Name and Username: For account identification and social features
• Email Address:For account verification, authentication, and essential communications
• Password:Stored using bcrypt hashing with salt for security (via Firebase Authentication)
• Date of Birth:Full date (day, month, year) for age verification - you must be 16 or older
• Country/Region: For improved search results and local content recommendations
• Account Creation Metadata: IP address, device information, timestamp
• Terms & Privacy Acceptance:Explicit consent records with version numbers, timestamps, and IP addresses

• Gender/Sex:Options include "Other," "Male," "Female," "Non-binary," "Prefer not to say"
• Pronouns: For respectful social interactions
• Bio Information: Maximum 500 characters for profile description
• Favourite Place: One location to highlight on your profile

We respect your privacy — we do not sell, rent, or trade your personal information (such as your name or email address) to third parties. Your personally identifiable information is used solely to provide and improve the App, and to communicate with you when necessary.

3. Purpose and Use of Data

• To provide and improve the App’s functionality and services.
• To display trip details and user-generated content on maps.
• To facilitate social interactions within the App.
• To analyse user engagement and improve the App experience.
• To contact You regarding service updates and features (if you have provided your email).
• For analytics, trends, marketing improvements, and your experience.
• To build and maintain a shared database of places, using information submitted by users, to enhance the experience for all users. By submitting place information, you consent to its inclusion in this public/shared database.

4. Photo Storage and User Content

• Photos are stored on Google Firebase.
• Photos are kept according to retention policies.
• Photos are not edited beyond necessary performance optimisations.
• Visibility is governed by your privacy settings.

5. Data Usage

Usage Data includes IP addresses, browser types, visit dates and durations, and device identifiers. This may be collected automatically.

6. Data Sharing and Third Parties

• Google Places API, Mapbox for maps, analytics services, and social media platforms.
• Business transfers and partnerships.
• Only shared with your consent or legal basis.

7. User Rights

• Access, correct, delete, or object to data usage in app and via email.
• Request actions to be done in app or by emailing info@theplot.world

8. Data Retention

Data is retained as long as necessary for the purposes in this policy and as required by law.

9. Delete Your Personal Data

You may delete your data via your account or request deletion directly. Some data may be retained where legally necessary.

10. Children's Privacy

We do not knowingly collect data from children under 16. Contact us if you believe this has occurred.

11. Legal Compliance

We comply with GDPR and relevant laws. Data may be disclosed to comply with legal obligations or protect safety and rights.

12. Business Transfers

If we are acquired or merged, your data may be transferred to the new entity.

13. External Links

We are not responsible for privacy policies or content of third-party websites linked from our Service.

14. Changes

We may update this policy. Changes are posted on this page with the updated date.

15. Device Permissions

• Camera Access: The App requests access to your device camera only to allow you to take photos and upload them to the App.
• Photo Library Access: The App may request access to your photo library to let you select and upload images.
• Location Data: We do not access your device’s real-time GPS location. Any location information in the App is manually entered by you.

We do not collect or track your real-time GPS location. Any location data stored in the App is entered by you manually, solely for the purpose of displaying your travel history. We do not access real-time location from device GPS, and location data can be removed by user at anytime.

16. Legal Basis for Processing and Data Storage

Legal Basis: We process your personal data based on:
• Contractual Necessity: To provide the App’s services and functionality.
• Consent: You voluntarily provide information, such as uploading photos or submitting travel locations.
• Legitimate Interests: To analyse app usage, improve features, and maintain a safe community.
• Data Storage: Your personal data is stored securely on servers located in the United Kingdom and European Union. Data is retained only as long as necessary to provide the service or as required by law.