LinkNow

Legal

Privacy Policy

Please read this Privacy Policy carefully. Continued use of LinkNow means you agree to everything below.

1. Information We Collect

1.1 Information You Provide

  • Account Information: Name, username, email address, phone number, birthday, gender
  • Profile Information: Profile photo, bio, interests, occupation, education, company
  • Preferences: Age range preferences, distance preferences, language, privacy settings
  • Communications: Messages, voice recordings, photos, and videos you send through the Service
  • Student Verification: .edu email address (optional) for student badge

1.2 Information Collected Automatically

  • Location Data: Real-time GPS coordinates when location services are enabled
  • Device Information: Device type, operating system, browser type, IP address
  • Usage Data: Features used, time spent in app, interactions with other users
  • Connection Data: Users you connect with, messages sent/received, profile views

1.3 Information from Third Parties

  • Backend Services: We use Google Firebase for authentication, real-time database, and cloud storage
  • SMS Verification: We use Twilio to send verification codes to your phone
  • Email Services: We use Zoho SMTP for email communications
  • Cloud Storage: We use Replit Object Storage to store media files

2. How We Use Your Information

  • Account Management: Email, phone number, username, password
  • Proximity Matching: GPS location, preferences (age, distance)
  • Profile Display: Photos, bio, interests, occupation
  • Messaging: User ID, message content, media files
  • AI Recommendations: We use your profile data (interests, bio, occupation) to provide smart connection recommendations
  • Analytics: Profile views, connections, demographics, activity patterns
  • Safety & Moderation: Reports, block lists, message content
  • Customer Support: Email, support inquiries, account details
  • Service Improvement: Usage patterns, feature engagement, crash reports

3. How We Share Your Information

3.1 With Other Users

  • Public Profile: Name, photos, bio, interests, occupation, age, student badge (visible to nearby users)
  • Location: Approximate distance (e.g., "150 feet away"), not exact coordinates
  • Activity Status: Online/offline status (when location updated within 2 minutes)
  • Connections: Mutual connections count

3.2 With Service Providers

  • Google Firebase: Authentication, real-time database, and cloud storage services
  • Twilio: Phone number for SMS verification
  • Zoho: Email address for transactional emails and support
  • Replit: Hosting, database, and object storage services

3.3 For Legal Reasons

We may disclose your information if required by law, court order, or:

  • To comply with legal obligations
  • To protect the rights, property, or safety of LinkNow, our users, or the public
  • To prevent fraud, abuse, or illegal activity
  • In connection with a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets

3.4 With Your Consent

We will share your information with third parties only when you provide explicit consent.

3.5 Account Verification & SMS Messages

We use phone and email verification to keep accounts secure. We may send SMS and email messages for account verification, password resets, security alerts (for example, new sign-ins or multiple failed attempts), and phone number updates. These messages are strictly transactional and are never used for marketing.

SMS messages are sent via Twilio and, where applicable, through A2P 10DLC registration. Messages include opt-out instructions where required. These are strictly transactional and may include brief references or links to our Help Center where necessary. Examples of transactional messages include verification codes, password resets, sign-in alerts, and phone update confirmations.

Retention: Verification codes are retained for a short period (5 minutes) and phone numbers are used for verification and account security only. For more information about how we use your contact details, see the sections on Information We Collect and Data Retention.

4. Location Data & Privacy

Important: LinkNow requires location access to function. Here's how we handle your location:

  • Real-Time Tracking: We track your GPS coordinates only when location services are enabled
  • Privacy Control: You can disable location sharing at any time (Settings -> toggle location)
  • Data Display: Other users see your distance (e.g., "200 feet"), not exact coordinates
  • Auto-Hide: Set a timer (15min - 4hr) to automatically disable location after a period
  • Retention: Location history is not stored long-term; only the last updated location is kept
  • Discovery: Only users within your selected distance range (50ft - 100mi) can see you

5. Data Retention

  • Account Information: Until you delete your account
  • Messages: Until deleted by user or account closure
  • Location Data: Last location only (overwritten on update)
  • Photos/Media: Until deleted by user or account closure
  • Analytics Data: Aggregated data retained indefinitely
  • Verification Codes: 5 minutes after sending
  • Reported Content: Until investigation complete + 30 days

6. Your Privacy Rights & Controls

6.1 Account Controls

  • Profile Visibility: Control who can see your profile (Anyone, Friends only)
  • Messaging Privacy: Choose who can message you (Anyone, Friends only)
  • Location Toggle: Enable/disable location sharing instantly
  • Auto-Hide: Automatically hide profile after set time period
  • Block Users: Prevent specific users from seeing you or messaging you

6.2 Data Rights

  • Access: Request a copy of your personal data
  • Correction: Update incorrect information in Settings -> Personal Details
  • Deletion: Permanently delete your account (Settings -> Personal Details -> Delete Account)
  • Portability: Request your data in a machine-readable format
  • Opt-Out: Withdraw consent for specific data processing

6.3 Communication Preferences

  • Email Notifications: Manage email preferences in Settings
  • Push Notifications: Control in device settings
  • Marketing: Opt out of promotional communications (we don't send marketing by default)

7. Security Measures

We take data security seriously and implement:

  • Encryption: HTTPS/TLS encryption for all data transmission
  • Password Security: Passwords hashed using bcrypt (10 rounds)
  • Session Management: Secure, httpOnly cookies for authentication
  • Two-Factor Authentication: Optional TOTP-based 2FA for enhanced security
  • Access Controls: Role-based access to databases and systems
  • Regular Audits: Periodic security reviews and updates
  • Account Protection: Automatic session invalidation for disabled/banned accounts

8. Children's Privacy

  • Age Restriction: LinkNow is only for users 18 years and older. We do not knowingly collect information from anyone under 18.
  • If we discover a user is under 18, we will immediately terminate their account
  • Parents who believe their child has created an account should contact us immediately
  • We verify age during signup through birthday validation

9. International Users & Data Transfers

  • Data Location: Your data is stored on servers in the United States
  • International Transfers: By using LinkNow, you consent to data transfer to the US
  • EU Users: We comply with GDPR requirements for EU data subjects
  • California Users: See section 11 for CCPA rights

10. Cookies and Tracking

  • Essential Cookies: Required for authentication and session management
  • No Advertising Cookies: We do not use third-party advertising or tracking cookies
  • Local Storage: Used to store preferences and temporary onboarding data
  • Analytics: We may use first-party analytics to improve the Service

11. California Privacy Rights (CCPA)

California residents have additional rights:

  • Know: Request disclosure of personal information collected
  • Delete: Request deletion of personal information
  • Opt-Out: Opt out of sale of personal information (we don't sell your data)
  • Non-Discrimination: We won't discriminate against you for exercising your rights

12. Changes to Privacy Policy

  • We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time
  • We will notify you of material changes via in-app notification or email
  • Continued use after changes constitutes acceptance
  • Review this policy periodically for updates

13. Third-Party Services

LinkNow integrates with:

  • Twilio: SMS verification (A2P 10DLC) — used for verification codes and security alerts; messages include opt-out instructions and a privacy link when required.
  • Zoho: Email services (see Zoho Privacy)
  • Replit: Infrastructure and storage (see Replit Privacy)

14. Apple Tracking & Privacy

14.1 App Tracking Transparency (ATT)

LinkNow complies with Apple's App Tracking Transparency policy. We will request your permission before tracking your activity across third-party apps and websites.

  • User Permission: You will see an ATT prompt asking for permission to track. You can allow or deny at any time.
  • No Ad Targeting: We do not use personalized advertising. Denying tracking does not affect your app experience.
  • Core Analytics: We collect limited analytics for app improvement purposes only (no cross-site tracking).

14.2 Privacy Labels

Our App Store privacy label lists all data we collect and how it's used. You can view this label on the LinkNow App Store page.

14.3 IDFA & Device Identifiers

  • We do not use Advertising Identifier (IDFA) for ad targeting or tracking
  • We collect fingerprint-resistant identifiers only for account security

15. Contact Us & Data Requests

For privacy-related questions, data requests, or to exercise your rights:

  • Email: support@linknowapp.com
  • Subject Line: "Privacy Request" or "Data Access Request"
  • In-App: Settings -> Help & Support -> Contact Support
  • Response Time: We will respond within 30 days

16. Data Processing Lawful Basis (GDPR)

We process your data based on:

  • Consent: You provide consent by creating an account and using LinkNow
  • Contract Performance: Processing necessary to provide the Service
  • Legitimate Interests: Improving service, preventing fraud, ensuring safety
  • Legal Obligation: Compliance with applicable laws and regulations

Final Note

By using LinkNow, you acknowledge that you have read and understood this Privacy Policy.