Privacy Policy for Flare

Effective Date: November 5, 2025

Last Updated: September 25, 2026

Introduction

Flare ("we," "us," or "our") is committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, store, and protect your information when you use the Flare mobile application (the "App"). By using Flare, you agree to the collection and use of information in accordance with this policy.

1. Information We Collect

1.1 Information You Provide

Account Information:

• Name: We collect your full name for account creation and to display to other users.
• Email Address: We collect your email address for account creation, authentication, and communication purposes.
• Username: We collect your chosen username to uniquely identify your account and enable other users to find you.
• SMS Verification (Optional): The full number you enter is sent to Firebase Authentication (Google) for SMS verification and linked to your account. Google stores verification numbers and uses them to help prevent spam and abuse across its services. See Firebase’s phone authentication documentation.
• Contact Matching (Optional): Flare stores a SHA-256 hash of your verified number with your account identifier so people who have your number can find you. With contacts permission, Flare sends hashes of accessible contact phone numbers to Firebase to look for matching accounts. Contact names and original address-book numbers are processed on your device. Hashing is not encryption and does not make a phone number anonymous.

Profile Information:

• Profile Picture: You may choose to upload a profile picture. We store only the photos you explicitly choose to upload.
• Bio: Any biographical information you choose to add to your profile.

User-Generated Content:

• Flares: When you create a flare (event), we collect the flare name, description, activity type, time, and any photos you attach.
• Comments: Comments and photos you post on flares are stored using our database and cloud storage services.

1.2 Location Information

Device Location and Flare Locations:

• We do not save your device's current location or location history in Flare's database. The location records we store are the locations you choose for flares, used for app functionality.
• Your precise device location is used locally to center the map and find nearby flares. To retrieve nearby events, the App sends approximate geographic search areas derived from that location to Firebase.
• When you create a flare, we store its selected coordinates, place information, and geographic search region with the event and its creator identifier. These locations support event discovery and display and are visible to users who can access the flare.
• If you choose your current location as a flare's meeting point, that selected location is stored as part of the flare. Apple provides map search and place-lookup services.
• Location access is optional and can be managed in iOS Settings → Flare → Location.

1.3 Photos and Media

• We store only photos you explicitly choose to upload to the App.
• Photos may be used for:
  • Profile pictures
  • Flare event images
  • Comment photos
• Use the available profile, flare, and comment controls to manage your uploaded content. Contact us about removal requests that these controls do not address.
• An event's expiration does not automatically delete its photos or other stored content.

1.4 Usage and Analytics Data

We collect limited analytics data to improve the App:

• App Usage Patterns: Which features you use and how often.
• Crash Reports: Technical information about app crashes to help us fix bugs.
• Performance Metrics: App loading times and performance data.
• Device Information: Device type, operating system version, and app version.

This data is collected through Firebase Analytics and is used solely to improve app performance and user experience.

1.5 Blocking and Safety Data

If you block another user, we store a record of that block (the blocked user's ID and the date) in your account data. This is used to:

• Prevent the blocked user from seeing your flares and profile
• Remove them from your friends list
• Filter their content from your experience

You can unblock users at any time in Settings → Privacy & Safety.

1.6 Information We Do NOT Collect

• We do not track your location continuously.
• We do not access your photo library without permission.
• We do not read your contacts unless you explicitly grant permission.
• We do not collect payment information (the App is free).

2. How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect for the following purposes:

2.1 To Provide App Functionality

• Create and manage your account
• Enable you to create and discover flares
• Connect you with friends
• Send push notifications about flare activity
• Display your profile information to other users

2.2 To Improve Our Services

• Analyze app usage patterns to improve features
• Fix bugs and technical issues
• Optimize app performance

2.3 To Communicate With You

• Send important updates about the App
• Respond to your support requests
• Notify you about changes to this Privacy Policy

2.4 To Ensure Safety and Security

• Prevent fraud and abuse
• Enforce our Terms of Service
• Comply with legal obligations

3. How We Store and Protect Your Information

3.1 Data Storage

• Account Data: Stored in Firebase (Google Cloud) infrastructure.
• Flare Data: Stored in our database, including after an event expires.
• Phone Numbers: Firebase Authentication receives the full verification number. Contact discovery separately stores a SHA-256 hash of your verified number with your account identifier.
• Photos: Stored in Firebase Cloud Storage with secure access controls.

3.2 Data Retention

Retention depends on the type of information, the purposes for which it is used, and applicable legal requirements. Flares stop appearing as active events after they expire, but expiration does not automatically delete their records, comments, or media.

Usage and diagnostic analytics data may be associated with account or device identifiers. Retention varies by data type and service-provider settings.

See Section 5.2 for account-deletion information and how to contact us about remaining personal information.

3.3 Data Security

We implement industry-standard security measures including:

• Encryption in transit (HTTPS/TLS)
• Secure authentication through Firebase Authentication
• SHA-256 hashes are used for contact matching; this does not replace Firebase’s processing of the verification number
• Secure access controls on databases
• Regular security updates

However, no method of transmission or storage is 100% secure. While we strive to protect your information, we cannot guarantee absolute security.

4. Information Sharing and Disclosure

4.1 We Do NOT Sell Your Data

We do not sell, rent, or trade your personal information to third parties for any purpose.

4.2 Service Providers

We use the following trusted third-party services to operate the App:

• Firebase (Google): For authentication, database, cloud storage, and analytics.
• Apple: For Apple Sign-In authentication (if you choose this option).
• Google: For Google Sign-In authentication (if you choose this option).

These providers process information to deliver their services. For phone authentication, Google also uses verification numbers to help prevent spam and abuse across Google services.

4.3 Public Information

The following information is visible to other users of the App:

• Your name and username
• Your profile picture and bio
• Flares you create (if public)
• Comments you post
• Your RSVP status on flares

4.4 Legal Requirements

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

• Valid legal processes (subpoenas, court orders)
• Requests from law enforcement or government agencies
• Protection of our rights, property, or safety

5. Your Rights and Choices

5.1 Access and Update Your Information

You can access and update your information at any time through the App settings:

• Edit your name, bio, and profile picture
• Change your email or password
• Update notification preferences

5.2 Delete Your Account

You can initiate account deletion in Settings → Delete Account. This starts removal of your account and associated data, but does not guarantee immediate erasure of every related record or stored file. Some records may remain after the account-deletion process. Contact us at support@shootaflare.com about any remaining personal information or to make a deletion request. Requests are subject to applicable law.

5.3 Control Location Services

You can enable or disable location services at any time:

• In iOS Settings → Flare → Location
• Choose whether to allow location access while using the App
• The App works with location services disabled, but cannot use your device location to center the map or find nearby flares

5.4 Manage Push Notifications

You can control push notifications:

• In the App: Settings → Notifications
• In iOS Settings → Notifications → Flare

5.5 Contact Discovery

You can choose whether to sync contacts for friend discovery:

• In the App: Settings → Privacy & Safety
• Disable contact sync to stop contact-based friend suggestions

6. Children's Privacy

Flare is not intended for children under the age of 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If you are a parent or guardian and believe your child has provided us with personal information, please contact us at support@shootaflare.com so we can investigate and address the information in accordance with applicable law.

Minimum Age: 13 years old

7. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices or for legal reasons. When we make changes:

• We will update the "Last Updated" date at the top of this policy
• We will notify you through the App or via email
• Continued use of the App after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy

We encourage you to review this Privacy Policy periodically.

8. Data Processing and International Users

Your information may be transferred to and processed in countries other than your own. By using Flare, you consent to the transfer of your information to the United States and other countries where our service providers operate.

We ensure that all data transfers comply with applicable data protection laws.

9. Third-Party Links

The App may contain links to third-party websites or services (such as social media platforms for sharing). We are not responsible for the privacy practices of these third parties. We encourage you to read their privacy policies.

10. California Privacy Rights

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

• Right to know what personal information we collect
• Right to delete your personal information
• Right to opt-out of the sale of personal information (note: we do not sell your information)

To exercise these rights, contact us at support@shootaflare.com.

11. Contact Us

If you have any questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or our data practices, please contact us:

Email: support@shootaflare.com

We handle privacy requests in accordance with applicable legal requirements and response deadlines.

12. Summary of Key Points

For your convenience, here's a summary of our privacy practices:

✅ What We Collect:

• Name, email, username for your account
• Optional verification number sent to Firebase Authentication; a separate hash is stored for contact discovery
• Photos you choose to upload
• Flare content, comments, and attached photos
• Basic usage analytics

❌ What We DON'T Collect:

• A saved history of your device's current location; selected flare locations are stored as described in Section 1.2
• Your photo library without permission
• Your contacts without permission
• Payment information

🔒 How We Protect Your Data:

• All data encrypted in transit
• Contact matching uses SHA-256 hashes, which are not encryption or anonymization
• Secure Firebase infrastructure
• Account-deletion controls and a contact route for privacy requests

🚫 We NEVER:

• Sell your data to third parties
• Share your information for marketing
• Track you outside the App
• Use your data for purposes other than operating Flare

Thank you for trusting Flare with your information. Your privacy matters to us.