Privacy Policy

Effective Date: September 1, 2025

At WalksWays, we prioritize the privacy and security of our users. This Privacy Policy outlines how we collect, use, and protect your personal information when you use our app. By using the WalksWays app, you agree to the terms outlined in this policy.

1. Information We Collect

• Personal Information: When you sign up or log in, we collect personal information such as your name, email address, and username through Firebase Authentication. This information is used for account creation, user authentication, and social features.
• Profile Information: We collect profile information including display name, bio, location, website, and profile photos that you choose to share. This information is used to personalize your experience and enable social interactions.
• Location Data: We collect location data to provide you with route directions and track your progress during walks. However, we do not store your location data after the session ends. We only use location data temporarily for route tracking and providing directions.
• Media Uploads: If you choose to upload photos or other media (e.g., profile pictures, route images), these files are stored securely in Firebase Storage. Only you have access to your uploaded content.
• Social Interactions: We collect information about your social interactions including users you follow, routes you save, and your activity within the community features.

2. How We Use Your Information

• We use your personal data (such as your name, email, and username) for authentication, user identification, and communication related to your account and app activities.
• Your profile information is used to personalize your experience, enable social interactions, and help other users discover your content and routes.
• Your location data is used temporarily to provide directions and track your route while walking. We do not retain location data beyond the walk session.
• We use anonymized route data (including GPS coordinates) to improve the app's features, such as enhancing route recommendations. This data is stored without personal identifiers, ensuring that you remain anonymous.
• Your social interactions (follows, saves, etc.) are used to provide personalized recommendations, build your social feed, and enhance community features.

3. Data Sharing and Security

• We do not share your personal data with third parties, except as required by law or to comply with legal processes.
• All data exchanged between your device and our servers is encrypted using SSL encryption to protect it from unauthorized access.
• We have implemented strict Firebase Firestore rules to ensure that your data is only accessible to you. Your personal information (e.g., name, email) is stored securely and is only accessible by you.

4. Social Features and Privacy

• Profile Visibility: Your profile information (display name, bio, location, profile photo) is visible to other users to enable social interactions. You can control what information is displayed through your profile settings.
• Following System: When you follow other users, this information is visible to them and may be displayed in their followers list. Users you follow can see your public profile information.
• Route Sharing: Routes you create and save are associated with your profile and may be visible to other users based on your privacy settings.
• Community Features: Your activity within community features (likes, saves, comments) may be visible to other users to enhance the social experience.

5. Data Control and Deletion

• You have the ability to delete your walking history at any time from the app, which will remove any association between your personal data and the walking data.
• You can also delete your account at any time by contacting us through the app's support section.
• You can unfollow users and remove saved routes at any time through the app's interface.

6. User Consent

By using WalksWays, you consent to the collection of your personal information, location data, media uploads, and social interactions as described in this Privacy Policy. You have the right to withdraw consent at any time by deleting your account or opting out of location tracking.

7. Changes to the Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. When we do, we will notify users through the app and update the "Effective Date" at the top of this page. Continued use of the app after such changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.

8. Contact Us

If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy or our data practices, please contact us at contact@walksways.com.