Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

Welcome to NomadSquad (com.nomadsquad.app). We are committed to protecting your personal information and your right to privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, share, and safeguard your data when you use the NomadSquad mobile application and website (collectively, the "Service").

By using NomadSquad, you agree to the terms of this policy. If you do not agree, please do not use the Service.

2. Information We Collect

Profile Data

When you create an account we collect:

• Name, profile photo, and biography
• Date of birth (used to verify you are 18 or older)
• Nationality and spoken languages
• Travel interests and travel style preferences
• Phone number or email address (depending on sign-up method)
• Instagram handle (optional, if you choose to link it)

Location Data

NomadSquad collects your device's GPS coordinates to power its core traveler-matching features. See Section 4 for full details.

Communications

• Messages you send in squad chats and direct messages
• Photos and media shared in conversations
• Trip participation and activity join records

Social Graph

• Connections, followers, and mutual travelers
• Profiles you have viewed
• Users you have blocked or reported

Device & Usage Data

• Device type, operating system version, and unique device identifiers
• Push notification token
• App session data, feature interactions, and crash reports
• IP address and approximate country (for fraud prevention)

3. How We Use Your Information

• Traveler matching — connecting you with travelers heading to the same destinations, with compatible interests and travel styles
• Proximity features — showing nearby travelers and local activities on the map
• Communication — delivering messages, trip updates, and activity notifications
• Safety — detecting and preventing fraud, abuse, and policy violations
• Product improvement — analyzing usage patterns to improve app features and performance
• Legal compliance — fulfilling obligations under applicable law

4. Location Data

Location is central to what NomadSquad does. We want to be completely transparent about how it works.

Foreground Location

When you have the app open and active, we collect your GPS coordinates to show you nearby travelers, activities, and destination communities in real time.

Background Location

With your permission, NomadSquad collects your location approximately every 60 seconds while the app runs in the background. This keeps your squad updated on your whereabouts without requiring you to have the app open. You can revoke background location access at any time in your device settings (iOS: Settings → NomadSquad → Location → While Using the App; Android: Settings → Apps → NomadSquad → Permissions → Location). Revoking this permission disables proximity-based features.

Privacy Obfuscation

Your exact coordinates are never shown to other users. All publicly visible location display uses a 500-metre radius approximation so others see your general area, not your precise position.

Location Retention

Location history is automatically purged after 30 days. Precise coordinates are stored server-side solely to power matching and are never sold or shared with advertisers.

Opt-Out

You can disable location sharing entirely from the Privacy Settings screen inside the app, or by revoking the location permission in your device settings.

5. Camera and Photo Library

NomadSquad requests access to your camera and photo library for the following purposes only:

• Capturing or selecting a profile photo
• Sending photos in squad chats and direct messages

Photos are uploaded to secure cloud storage. We do not scan, analyse, or use your photos for any purpose beyond displaying them within the app. You can revoke camera and photo library permissions at any time in your device settings without affecting other app functionality.

6. Push Notifications

We send push notifications for:

• New messages from other travelers
• Trip and activity updates
• Alerts about travelers near your current location
• Account and safety notifications

We do not use push notifications for advertising or sponsored content. You can manage or disable notifications in your device settings or within the Notification Settings screen in the app.

7. Microphone and Face ID

The NomadSquad app declares microphone and Face ID permissions in its system manifest for features that are planned but not yet active:

• Microphone — reserved for a future in-app voice messaging feature. We do not currently record, access, or transmit audio.
• Face ID — reserved for a future biometric login option. We do not currently use Face ID or any biometric data.

This policy will be updated before either feature becomes active, and you will be asked for explicit permission at that time.

8. Data Sharing and Third Parties

We do not sell your personal data. We do not share profile data with advertisers. We work with the following service providers:

• Firebase (Google LLC) — push notification delivery. Subject to Google's Privacy Policy.
• Google Analytics — anonymous website usage analytics only (not in-app).
• Expo / EAS — app build, distribution, and over-the-air updates.
• Cloud hosting & PostGIS — secure server infrastructure for data storage and geographic queries.

We may disclose data if required by law, to protect the rights of our users, or to prevent fraud or imminent harm.

9. Data Retention and Deletion

• Active account data — retained while your account is active
• Location history — automatically purged after 30 days
• Chat messages — retained for up to 12 months, or until you delete them
• Account deletion — email support@nomadsquad.app with subject "Account Deletion Request". Full deletion is processed within 30 days.

Aggregate or anonymised analytics data may be retained after account deletion as it cannot be linked back to you.

10. Your Rights

Depending on your location, you may have the following rights:

• Access — request a copy of the personal data we hold about you
• Correction — update inaccurate data directly in-app or via support
• Deletion — request full removal of your account and associated data
• Portability — request an export of your data in JSON format
• Opt-out of location tracking — revoke permission in device settings at any time
• EU/EEA residents (GDPR) — rights to object to processing, restrict processing, and lodge a complaint with your local supervisory authority
• California residents (CCPA) — right to know, delete, and opt out of sale (we do not sell data)

To exercise any of these rights, email support@nomadsquad.app with the subject line "Privacy Request".

11. Data Security

• All data is transmitted over HTTPS/TLS encrypted connections
• Passwords are hashed using industry-standard algorithms; we never store plaintext credentials
• Access to user data within NomadSquad is role-restricted on a need-to-know basis
• We conduct regular security reviews and dependency audits

No system is 100% secure. If you believe your account has been compromised, contact us immediately at support@nomadsquad.app.

12. Children's Privacy

NomadSquad is intended exclusively for users who are 18 years of age or older. We do not knowingly collect personal information from anyone under 18. If you believe a minor has created an account, please contact us immediately at support@nomadsquad.app and we will take prompt action to remove that account and its associated data.

13. Authentication Methods

NomadSquad supports three sign-in methods:

• Phone number — verified via one-time password (OTP). Your number is stored for account recovery and security purposes.
• Email and password — standard credential-based authentication.
• Google OAuth — sign in with your Google account. Governed by Google's own Privacy Policy. We receive your name and email address only.

14. International Data Transfers

NomadSquad is operated from and data may be processed in the United States and other countries. If you are located in the European Economic Area (EEA) or United Kingdom, we use appropriate safeguards for international transfers, including Standard Contractual Clauses where required by applicable law.

15. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. When we make material changes, we will notify you via push notification or in-app message, and update the "Last updated" date at the top of this page. Your continued use of NomadSquad after changes are posted constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.

16. Contact Us

For privacy-related questions, data requests, or to report a concern, please contact us at:

Email: support@nomadsquad.app
Please include "Privacy Request" in the subject line for faster routing.