Privacy Policy

1. Information We Collect

1.1 Information You Provide

When you create an account and use KindredAccess, you provide:

Category	Information Collected
Account Information	Email address, username, password
Profile Information	Display name, age, location, bio, photos
Preferences	Connection types, accessibility needs, communication style, energy levels
Communications	Messages, chat history, reports

1.2 Automatically Collected Information

We automatically collect:

• Device Information: IP address, browser type, device type, operating system
• Usage Data: Pages visited, features used, time spent, interactions
• Location Data: Approximate location based on IP address (if you enable precise location, we collect that too)
• Cookies: Session cookies, preference cookies, analytics cookies

2. How We Use Your Information

2.1 Core Services

We use your information to:

• Create and maintain your account
• Match you with compatible users
• Display your profile to potential connections
• Enable messaging and communication
• Provide personalized recommendations

2.2 Safety and Security

• Verify accounts and prevent fraud
• Investigate and prevent violations of our Terms
• Respond to reports and safety concerns
• Protect against spam and abuse
• Maintain platform security

2.3 Communication

• Send you service updates and notifications
• Respond to your support requests
• Send important account information
• Notify you of matches and messages (if enabled)

2.4 Improvement and Analytics

• Analyze platform usage to improve features
• Understand user behavior and preferences
• Test new features and functionality
• Conduct research (aggregated, anonymized data only)

3. How We Share Your Information

3.1 With Other Users

Your profile information is visible to other users based on your privacy settings:

• Public Information: Display name, age, location (city/state), photos, bio, looking for, accessibility needs
• Compatibility Data: Match percentage and compatibility breakdown
• Activity Status: Current availability status (if you enable it)

3.2 Service Providers

We share information with trusted third-party service providers who help us operate the platform:

• Hosting Services: To store data and run the platform
• Email Services: To send you important emails
• Analytics: To understand platform usage (anonymized data)
• Payment Processors: If we add paid features (we don't store payment info)

3.3 Legal Requirements

We may disclose your information if required by law or to:

• Comply with legal process (subpoenas, court orders)
• Protect our rights and property
• Prevent fraud or abuse
• Protect user safety in emergencies

3.4 Business Transfers

If KindredAccess is acquired or merged, your information may be transferred to the new owner.

4. Data Retention

We retain your information:

• Active Accounts: As long as your account is active
• Deleted Accounts: We delete most data within 90 days of account deletion
• Legal Requirements: Some data may be retained longer if required by law
• Safety Records: Reports and safety-related data retained for user protection

5. Your Privacy Rights (GDPR & CCPA)

5.1 Access and Control

You have the right to:

• Access (Article 15): Request a copy of your personal data - Export your data
• Rectification (Article 16): Correct inaccurate information - Edit your profile
• Erasure (Article 17): Request account and data deletion - Delete your account
• Portability (Article 20): Receive your data in a machine-readable format (JSON) - Export your data
• Restriction (Article 18): Request limited processing - Contact us
• Opt-Out: Unsubscribe from marketing emails via notification settings

5.2 Privacy Settings

Control your privacy through your settings:

• Who can see your profile
• Who can message you
• What information is visible
• Notification preferences
• Location sharing options

5.3 Data Retention

For detailed information about how long we keep different types of data, please see our Data Retention Policy.

6. Data Security

We protect your information through:

• Encryption: HTTPS encryption for all connections
• Password Security: Encrypted password storage
• Access Controls: Limited employee access to personal data
• Security Monitoring: Regular security audits and monitoring
• Secure Hosting: Industry-standard secure hosting infrastructure

6.1 Photo Privacy Protections

We take special care with your photos:

• EXIF Data Removal: When you upload photos, we automatically strip metadata including GPS coordinates, camera information, and timestamps. This protects your privacy by removing hidden location data from your images.
• Photo Moderation: New profile photos are reviewed before being publicly visible to ensure they meet our community guidelines. Your existing photo remains visible until a new one is approved.
• Secure Storage: All photos are stored in authenticated-access-only storage and are not accessible to the public internet directly.

7. Cookies and Tracking

7.1 Types of Cookies

• Essential Cookies: Required for the platform to function
• Preference Cookies: Remember your settings
• Analytics Cookies: Help us understand usage patterns

7.2 Managing Cookies

You can control cookies through your browser settings. Note that disabling essential cookies may affect platform functionality.

8. Children's Privacy

KindredAccess is not intended for users under 18. We do not knowingly collect information from children. If we discover that a child has provided information, we will delete it immediately.

9. International Users

If you use KindredAccess from outside [Your Country], your information may be transferred to and processed in [Your Country]. By using the platform, you consent to this transfer.

10. California Privacy Rights

California residents have additional rights under CCPA:

• Right to know what personal information is collected
• Right to know if personal information is sold (we don't sell your data)
• Right to deletion
• Right to non-discrimination for exercising privacy rights

11. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of significant changes via email or through the platform. Your continued use after changes constitutes acceptance.

12. Contact Us

13. Additional Resources

• Terms of Service
• Community Guidelines
• Data Retention Policy
• Export Your Data
• Delete Your Account
• Contact Us