Privacy Policy

This Privacy Policy explains how CommonUnity (“we”, “us”, “the Organization”) collects, uses, and shares information when you use the CommonUnity mobile app and related services (the “Service”).

1. Who we are

CommonUnity is published by CommonRoot Studio Apps and provides software for adults (18+) to discover and participate in local events. Contact: support@commonunity.app

2. Information we collect

• Account data: email address, password (stored securely by our auth provider), date of birth (for 18+ eligibility), display name / username, hobbies you select, and account timestamps.
• Profile & participation: events you create or join, reactions, reviews, friend connections, reports you submit, and trust/participation signals derived from platform activity.
• Event content: titles, descriptions, requirements, venue text, and optional map coordinates you provide when creating or editing events.
• Location (optional / situational):
  • Nearby discovery (opt-in): device location to sort events closest-first; refreshes infrequently for privacy.
  • Event pin: location when you choose “use my location” while creating/editing an event.
  • Event-day attendance check-in: if you joined an event that is currently underway and the event has a map pin, the app may collect sparse location samples while the app is open to confirm presence. You can also confirm attendance with a host code instead. Background location is not required for early-access builds.
• Device & notifications: push notification tokens (if enabled), app preferences (language, theme, reminder settings), and basic technical logs needed to operate and secure the Service.
• Support: messages and details you send through support / live-agent requests.

3. How we use information

• Provide and improve account, discovery, RSVP, hosting, and attendance features
• Verify eligibility (18+), send transactional emails (OTP, password reset, account changes)
• Moderate content, investigate reports, and protect community safety
• Enforce our Terms (including immediate bans for prohibited / explicit content) and operate admin tools for authorized staff (support, moderation, abuse response)
• Comply with applicable law

We do not sell your personal data.

4. How we share information

• Other users: limited public profile signals (e.g. username tag, trust-related display, event participation where the product surfaces it).
• Service providers: infrastructure and email providers that process data on our behalf (for example authentication/database hosting and transactional email).
• Legal / safety: when required by law or to protect users, the Service, or others from harm or abuse.

5. Messaging

CommonUnity does not provide direct in-app messaging between members. Connections are intended to happen in person at events.

6. Retention & account deletion

We retain account and activity data while your account is active and as needed for safety, dispute resolution, backups, and legal obligations.

You can permanently delete your account in the app under Account settings → Delete account, or follow the web instructions at /delete-account/. Verified email requests to support@commonunity.app are completed within 30 days.

7. Security

We use industry-standard safeguards appropriate to a consumer app (encrypted transport, access controls, server-side authorization). No method of transmission or storage is 100% secure.

8. Children

The Service is for users 18+. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 18. If you believe a minor has created an account, contact us to remove it.

9. Your choices

• Decline or revoke location permission in system settings (some features will be limited)
• Disable push reminders in app settings
• Delete your account in-app or via the delete-account page
• Request access or correction by emailing support@commonunity.app

South African privacy rights (POPIA)

If you are in South Africa, you have the right to request access to, correction of, or deletion of your personal information that we hold, subject to applicable law. You may also lodge a complaint with the South African Information Regulator regarding data processing disputes: inforegulator.org.za. Contact us at support@commonunity.app to exercise these rights.

10. International users

We may process data in the European Union / other regions where our providers operate. By using the Service, you understand your information may be processed outside your home country subject to applicable safeguards.

11. Changes

We may update this policy. We will post the updated version here and update the effective date. Material changes may also be communicated in-app or by email where appropriate.

12. Contact

Privacy questions: support@commonunity.app