1. Scope and Purpose
1.1
This Privacy Policy applies to personal information collected through Blin on mobile devices (iOS), our websites, customer support channels, and any offline interactions where this Policy is referenced.
1.2
It explains what information we collect, why we collect it, how we use and share it, the rights available to you, data retention and security practices, and how to contact us.
1.3
This Policy works together with any supplemental terms (for example, paid feature terms) and the App Store or Google Play terms that govern in-app purchases and platform-specific data processing.
2. Definitions
2.1
"Personal Data" or "Personal Information" means any information that identifies or reasonably can identify an individual.
2.2
"UGC" means User-Generated Content such as posts, photos, trip logs, comments, and gear lists that users upload or share through Blin.
2.3
"Process" or "Processing" means collection, storage, use, transfer, disclosure, modification, or deletion of Personal Data.
3. Eligibility and Age Limitations
3.1
Blin is intended only for individuals 18 years of age or older. By registering or using the Services you represent and warrant that you are 18 or older.
3.2
We do not knowingly collect Personal Data from children under 18. If we become aware that we have collected Personal Data from a person under 18, we will promptly take steps to delete such data unless otherwise required by law.
3.3
Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation (CSAE): We have zero tolerance for CSAE. Any content that depicts or promotes CSAE is strictly prohibited. We will immediately remove such content and report suspected CSAE to law enforcement and relevant authorities as required by law.
4. Information We Collect — Categories and Examples
4.1 Account and Profile Information
Name or chosen display name, email address, profile photo, username, bio, and optional profile fields you provide.
4.2 Authentication and Account Data
Password hashes, password reset tokens, sign-in logs, and two-factor authentication data if enabled.
4.3 User-Generated Content (UGC)
Trail logs, photos, videos, written posts, comments, gear lists, trip summaries, timestamps and other content you upload or create.
4.4 Device and Technical Information
Device model, operating system, app version, unique device identifiers, IP address, mobile carrier, and crash or diagnostic data.
4.5 Location Data
Geolocation information from your device (real-time or approximate) when you enable location features; route data and GPS traces you choose to upload.
4.6 Usage and Engagement Data
How you use the App, pages viewed, features used, times and frequency of use, and interactions with other users.
4.7 Payment and Transaction Data
Billing name, payment method metadata (last four digits, card brand) and transaction records for paid features; full payment card details are processed by third-party providers and not stored by Blin.
4.8 Communications Data
Messages you send to other users, support requests, and correspondence with Blin customer support.
4.9 Other Information
Any additional information you voluntarily provide, such as survey responses or contest entries.
5. How We Collect Information
5.1 Directly from You
When you register, complete a profile, upload UGC, set goals, join paid groups, send messages, or contact support.
5.2 Automatically
Through cookies, app analytics, logs, and device signals while you use the App.
5.3 From Third Parties
Social networks (if connected), analytics providers, advertising partners, payment processors, and public sources where legally permitted.
5.4 User Choices
Many data collection activities require your explicit consent or device-level permission, such as location access.
6. Purposes of Use — How We Use Your Information
6.1 Provide and Operate the Service
To create and manage accounts, display routes and trip logs, enable messaging, and deliver core functionality.
6.2 Personalization and Recommendations
To tailor content, suggest routes, highlight nearby hikers, and generate achievement reports.
6.3 Analytics and Product Improvement
To analyze usage, diagnose issues, test features, and improve performance and security.
6.4 Communication
To send transactional notices, security alerts, and optional marketing communications if you opt in.
6.5 Payments and Billing
To process transactions and provide paid features via authorized payment processors.
6.6 Safety and Moderation
To detect misuse, enforce community standards, and investigate suspected violations.
6.7 Legal Compliance
To comply with laws, respond to lawful requests, and protect rights and safety.
6.8 Aggregated Research
To create anonymized datasets that do not identify individuals.
7. Legal Bases for Processing (Where Applicable)
7.1
Our legal bases may include performance of a contract, legitimate interests, consent, and compliance with legal obligations.
7.2
If you withdraw consent, certain features may become unavailable.
8. Information Sharing, Disclosure and Third Parties
8.1 Service Providers
Trusted vendors supporting hosting, analytics, customer service, and payment processing.
8.2 Other Users
Information you choose to make public, including UGC and profile details, will be visible according to your settings.
8.3 Business Transfers
Data may be transferred during mergers, acquisitions, or asset sales with required notice.
8.4 Legal Requests
We may disclose data when required by law or necessary to protect rights and safety.
8.5 Aggregated Data
Non-identifiable data may be shared for research or reporting.
9. User-Generated Content (UGC) — Rights and Moderation
9.1 Ownership
You retain ownership of content you submit.
9.2 License
You grant Blin a worldwide, non-exclusive, royalty-free license to use UGC for operating and promoting the Services.
9.3 Moderation
We may remove or restrict content that violates our policies and suspend repeat offenders.
9.4 Copyright
Infringement claims may be submitted to biko.ink@service and will be handled according to applicable law.
10. Sensitive Information
10.1
We do not intentionally collect sensitive data unless voluntarily provided.
10.2
If submitted, you consent to its processing consistent with this Policy.
11. Location Data and Route Data — Controls
11.1
Precise location is collected only with permission.
11.2
You control route visibility through privacy settings.
11.3
Consider limiting public sharing of live locations to protect personal safety.
12. Data Retention and Deletion
12.1
Data is retained only as long as necessary for service delivery and legal compliance.
12.2
You may delete your account via the App or by contacting biko.ink@service.
12.3
Data export requests are supported where technically feasible.
13. Security Measures
13.1
We use administrative, technical, and physical safeguards including encryption and access controls.
13.2
No system is completely secure; breach notifications will be issued as required by law.
13.3
Users should safeguard login credentials and report unauthorized activity promptly.
14. International Data Transfers
14.1
Data may be processed in countries outside your residence.
14.2
Appropriate safeguards are implemented where legally required.
15. Analytics, Advertising and Cookies
15.1
Third-party analytics help us understand usage trends.
15.2
We may provide personalized promotions using limited data.
15.3
Cookies and similar technologies enhance functionality and security.
16. Paid Features and Financial Information
16.1
Payments are processed by third-party providers.
16.2
Transaction records are retained for compliance and support.
16.3
Refunds follow platform policies.
17. User Rights and Choices
17.1
You may access, correct, or update your data.
17.2
You may request deletion or restriction where permitted by law.
17.3
Data portability is available upon verified request.
17.4
Marketing communications can be opted out at any time.
18. Community Safety, Reporting and Enforcement
18.1
Users may report harmful or illegal content via in-app tools or email.
18.2
We investigate reports and may remove content or suspend accounts.
18.3
Abuse of reporting tools may result in enforcement action.
19. International Privacy Rights (GDPR, CCPA and Others)
19.1
EU users may exercise GDPR rights including access, erasure, and objection.
19.2
California residents may submit disclosure or deletion requests under applicable law.
19.3
We honor additional regional rights where legally required.
20. Changes to This Privacy Policy
20.1
We may update this Policy periodically; the Effective Date reflects the latest version.
20.2
Material updates will be communicated via the App, email, or other reasonable methods.
20.3
Continued use of the Services indicates acceptance of the revised Policy.