Privacy Policy

CoWorkNChill

Introduction

CoWorkNChill ("we," "our," or "us") is committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you use our mobile application and web platform (collectively, the "Service"). Please read this Privacy Policy carefully.

Browsing Without an Account

You can browse parts of the Service — including announcements, polls, and places — before creating an account. To support this, we open an anonymous session with our authentication provider that is identified only by a random device-generated ID. This anonymous session does not include your name, email, or any other personal information, and it is not linked to a real account unless and until you sign up. Guest sessions cannot like, comment, vote, or post content.

Information We Collect

Personal Information You Provide

We collect information you voluntarily provide when you:

• Create an account (name, email address, mobile number)
• Complete your user profile (location, occupation, interests, birthdate, birthplace)
• Upload profile images or other content
• Add payment handles for splitting bills with other users (e.g., Venmo or Zelle links)
• Participate in events, discussions, polls, or surveys
• Contact us for support

Information Collected Automatically

When you use our Service, we may automatically collect:

• Device information (device type, operating system, unique device identifiers)
• Usage data (app features used, time spent, user interactions)
• Location data (with your permission, for finding nearby events, places, and workspaces)
• Log data (IP address, access times, browser type, referring URLs)
• Crash and performance diagnostics

Information from Third Parties

We may receive information from:

• Firebase/Google services for authentication, storage, and analytics
• Google Maps/Places for address search and venue information
• Public databases for venue and location information

We do not process payments and do not receive information from payment processors. Any payment handles you add to your profile (e.g., Venmo, Zelle) are used only to help you and other users settle bills directly with each other.

How We Use Your Information

We use collected information to:

• Provide and maintain our Service
• Create and manage your account
• Connect you with other professionals and events
• Send notifications about events, matches, and app updates
• Improve our Service through analytics and user feedback
• Ensure security and prevent fraud
• Comply with legal obligations
• Communicate with you about your account and our Service

Information Sharing and Disclosure

With Other Users

We share certain profile information with other users to facilitate networking:

• Name, profile photo, occupation, and interests
• Event participation and public comments
• Professional background (as you choose to share)

With Third-Party Service Providers

We share information with trusted partners who help us operate our Service:

• Firebase/Google Cloud: Data storage, authentication, analytics, crash reporting, and push notifications
• Google Maps/Places: Location search and mapping
• Cloud storage providers: For storing user-uploaded content
• Communication services: For sending notifications and updates

Legal Requirements

We may disclose information if required by law or in response to:

• Court orders or legal process
• Government requests or investigations
• Protection of our rights, property, or safety
• Prevention of fraud or illegal activities

Business Transfers

In connection with any merger, acquisition, or sale of assets, user information may be transferred to the acquiring entity.

Data Storage and Security

Security Measures

We implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect your information:

• Encryption of data in transit and at rest
• Regular security assessments and updates
• Access controls and authentication requirements
• Secure data centers and infrastructure

Data Retention

We retain your information for as long as necessary to:

• Provide our Service and fulfill transactions
• Comply with legal obligations
• Resolve disputes and enforce agreements
• Improve our Service

You may request deletion of your account and associated data at any time.

Your Privacy Rights

Access and Control

You have the right to:

• Access, update, or correct your personal information
• Delete your account and associated data
• Export your data in a portable format
• Opt-out of certain communications
• Control privacy settings and data sharing preferences

Location Data

You can control location data collection through:

• Device settings (enable/disable location services)
• App settings (choose location sharing preferences)
• Account settings (control location-based features)

Marketing Communications

You can opt-out of promotional emails by:

• Using unsubscribe links in emails
• Updating your account preferences
• Contacting us directly

Push Notifications

You can control push notifications through:

• Device notification settings
• App notification preferences
• Account settings

Children's Privacy

Our Service is intended for users 18 years of age and older (see Eligibility in our Terms of Service). We do not knowingly collect personal information from anyone under 18. If we become aware that we have collected personal information from someone under 18, we will delete that information promptly.

International Data Transfers

Your information may be transferred to and processed in countries other than your country of residence. We ensure appropriate safeguards are in place to protect your information in accordance with this Privacy Policy and applicable laws.

California Privacy Rights (CCPA)

If you are a California resident, you have additional rights under the California Consumer Privacy Act:

• Right to know what personal information is collected
• Right to delete personal information
• Right to opt-out of the sale of personal information
• Right to non-discrimination for exercising privacy rights

European Union Privacy Rights (GDPR)

If you are in the European Union, you have rights under the General Data Protection Regulation:

• Right of access to your personal data
• Right to rectification of inaccurate data
• Right to erasure ("right to be forgotten")
• Right to restrict processing
• Right to data portability
• Right to object to processing
• Rights regarding automated decision-making

Third-Party Services

Our Service may contain links to third-party websites, applications, or services. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of these third parties. We encourage you to review their privacy policies.

Firebase/Google Services

We use Firebase services provided by Google, which are governed by Google's Privacy Policy. Firebase services we use include:

• Authentication (including anonymous guest sessions)
• Cloud Firestore (database)
• Cloud Storage
• Cloud Functions
• Analytics
• Crashlytics
• Remote Config
• Cloud Messaging (push notifications)

We also use Google Maps and Google Places for location search and mapping features.

Updates to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy periodically. We will notify you of any material changes by:

• Posting the updated policy in the app
• Sending an email notification
• Displaying a prominent notice in the app

Your continued use of the Service after changes become effective constitutes acceptance of the updated Privacy Policy.

Contact Information

Dispute Resolution

Any disputes regarding this Privacy Policy will be resolved through:

1. Direct communication with our privacy team
2. Mediation services (if applicable)
3. Arbitration or legal proceedings as required by law