Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

WalkTogether ("we," "our," or "us") is committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you use our mobile application and related services (collectively, the "Service"). We understand the sensitive nature of spiritual and religious information and handle all data with the utmost care and respect.

2. Age Requirements and Restrictions

2.1 Minimum Age

You must be at least 14 years old to use WalkTogether. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 14 years of age.

2.2 COPPA Compliance

Our Service is not directed to children under 13 years of age, and we do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If we learn that we have collected personal information from a child under 13, we will take steps to delete such information as soon as possible. If you believe we have collected information from a child under 13, please contact us immediately at info@walktogether-app.com.

2.3 Regional Availability

• Ages 14-17: Available only in the United States and Canada
• Ages 18+: Available worldwide

2.4 Age Verification

We verify user ages through a combination of methods including self-declaration during registration, device-based age signals, and regional availability restrictions. Users aged 14-17 are required to verify they are in the United States or Canada through location services. Users under 18 may be required to provide additional verification if we have reason to believe age information is inaccurate.

2.5 Built-in Safety Safeguards

For users between 14 and 17 years old, we have implemented comprehensive safety safeguards including age-segregated communication, content monitoring and daily safety tips in prayer partner chats and guidelines reminders to ensure a safe environment.

2.6 Parental Rights

Parents or guardians of users aged 14-17 may contact us to:

• Review the personal information we have collected from their child
• Request deletion of their child's personal information
• Refuse to permit further collection or use of their child's information
• Request information about our data practices regarding minors

To exercise these rights, please contact us at info@walktogether-app.com with verification of your parental relationship.

3. Information We Collect

3.1 Personal Information

• Account information (name, email address, age verification)
• Profile information (spiritual interests, denominational affiliation if provided)
• Location data (country/region for age verification and service availability)

3.2 Spiritual and Religious Information

• Prayer requests and spiritual check-ins
• Faith streak data and spiritual habits tracking
• Bible reading progress and devotional interactions
• Community participation and prayer partner connections

3.3 Communication Data

• Messages exchanged with prayer partners (age-segregated)
• Community posts and interactions
• Support communications

3.4 Technical Information

• Device identifiers and app usage analytics
• Log files and crash reports
• App performance and feature usage data

4. How We Use Your Information

4.1 Service Provision

• Provide daily devotions, Bible verses, and faith actions
• Track spiritual habits and maintain faith streaks
• Facilitate age-appropriate connections with prayer partners
• Deliver personalized spiritual content

4.2 Safety and Age Verification

• Verify age eligibility and regional availability
• Ensure age-segregated communication (14-17 with 14-17, 18+ with 18+)
• Monitor and moderate community interactions for safety

4.3 Communication and Support

• Send service-related notifications and updates
• Provide customer support and respond to inquiries
• Share community encouragement and faith-building content

5. Comprehensive Safety and Protection Measures

5.1 Age-Segregated Communication

Our Prayer Partner messaging feature strictly enforces age segregation:

• Users aged 14-17 can only be matched with and communicate with other users aged 14-17 in prayer partner chat
• Users aged 18+ can only be matched with and communicate with other users aged 18+ in prayer partner chat
• Cross-age group communication in prayer partner chat is technically prevented
• Note: The Prayer Wall and Community Hub are accessible to all age groups with appropriate safety measures

5.2 Extra Safeguards for Ages 14-17

Teen users receive additional protection measures:

• Advanced Language Filters: AI-powered systems detect and block inappropriate language and content
• Image Sharing Restrictions: Photo sharing is disabled or heavily moderated for all teen interactions
• AI Contact Blocking: Automatic detection and blocking of phone numbers, email addresses, social media handles, and external links
• Daily Safety Recaps: Daily safety tips delivered in prayer partner chats and community guidelines reminders
• Teen-Focused Reporting: Specialized reporting options for bullying, inappropriate content, and safety concerns

5.3 Universal Protection Features (All Users)

All users, including adults 18+, benefit from these safety measures:

• Language Filtering: Bad word detection and inappropriate content filtering in prayer partner chat
• Moderated Image Sharing: Image sharing is disabled or heavily moderated for all users
• AI Contact Protection: Automatic blocking of attempts to share phone numbers, emails, social media handles, or external links in prayer partner chat
• 24/7 Content Monitoring: Continuous automated and human oversight of community interactions
• Quick Report System: Easy-to-use reporting tools for inappropriate behavior or content

5.4 AI-Powered Safety Technology

Our advanced safety systems include:

• Machine learning algorithms trained to detect inappropriate content and behavior patterns
• Real-time scanning of all text communications for prohibited content
• Automatic pattern recognition to identify and prevent contact information sharing
• Behavioral analysis to detect potential safety risks and unusual activity

5.5 Human Moderation and Oversight

In addition to automated systems, we maintain:

• Trained human moderators reviewing flagged content and user reports
• Regular community guideline updates based on emerging safety trends
• Escalation procedures for serious safety concerns
• Coordination with appropriate authorities when legally required

6. Information Sharing and Disclosure

6.1 We Do Not Sell Your Information

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

6.2 Limited Sharing

We may share your information only in the following circumstances:

• With Other Users: Profile information you choose to share with prayer partners and community members (age-appropriate)
• Service Providers: Trusted third parties who assist in operating our Service (analytics, hosting, customer support)
• Legal Requirements: When required by law or to protect our rights and users' safety
• Business Transfers: In the event of a merger or acquisition (users will be notified)

7. Third-Party Services

Our Service may use third-party services for:

• Analytics and app performance monitoring
• Cloud storage and data hosting
• Push notifications
• Payment processing (for premium features)

These services have their own privacy policies, and we encourage you to review them.

8. Data Security

We implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect your information, including:

• Encryption of data in transit and at rest
• Regular security assessments and updates
• Access controls and authentication measures
• Special protection for spiritual and religious data

9. Data Retention

We retain your information for as long as necessary to provide our services and fulfill the purposes outlined in this Privacy Policy. Spiritual and religious information is retained with particular care and may be deleted upon request, subject to legal requirements.

10. Your Rights and Choices

10.1 Access and Control

You have the right to:

• Access your personal information
• Update or correct your information
• Delete your account and associated data
• Control privacy settings and data sharing preferences

10.2 Communication Preferences

You can opt out of promotional communications while still receiving service-related messages.

10.3 Data Portability

You may request a copy of your data in a portable format.

11. International Users

If you are accessing our Service from outside the United States, please be aware that your information may be transferred to, stored, and processed in the United States where our servers are located and our central database is operated.

12. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of any significant changes by:

• Posting the updated policy in the app
• Sending a notification through the app or email
• Updating the "Last updated" date at the top of this policy

13. Contact Us

If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy or our privacy practices, please contact us:

14. Special Notice for Parents and Guardians

If your child (aged 14-17) is using WalkTogether, we encourage you to:

• Review this Privacy Policy with them
• Discuss online safety and appropriate faith community behavior
• Monitor their use of chat and community features
• Contact us if you have any concerns about their use of the Service

15. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

15.1 Types of Cookies We Use

We use cookies and similar tracking technologies to enhance your experience. Types of cookies include:

• Strictly Necessary Cookies: Required for the Service to function properly, including authentication and security
• Analytics Cookies: Help us understand how users interact with our app to improve functionality
• Preference Cookies: Remember your settings and preferences

15.2 Mobile Tracking

We may collect mobile advertising identifiers (IDFA on iOS, GAID on Android) for analytics and attribution purposes. You can limit tracking through your device settings.

15.3 Managing Cookies

You can control cookies through your device settings. However, disabling certain cookies may limit your ability to use some features of our Service.

16. Third-Party Services

16.1 Service Providers We Use

We share data with the following categories of third-party service providers:

• Cloud Infrastructure: Firebase (Google) for hosting, authentication, and database services
• Analytics: Firebase Analytics and App Store Analytics for usage insights
• Push Notifications: Firebase Cloud Messaging and Apple Push Notification Service
• Payment Processing: Apple App Store for in-app purchases and subscriptions
• AI Services: OpenAI API for Bible Companion chat functionality
• Content Moderation: AI-powered content filtering services for safety and compliance

16.2 Third-Party Privacy Policies

Each service provider has its own privacy policy. We recommend reviewing:

• Google/Firebase Privacy Policy: https://firebase.google.com/support/privacy
• Apple Privacy Policy: https://www.apple.com/legal/privacy/
• OpenAI Privacy Policy: https://openai.com/privacy/

17. Legal Basis for Processing (GDPR)

For users in the European Economic Area (EEA), we process your personal data based on the following legal grounds:

• Consent: When you provide explicit consent for specific purposes (e.g., marketing communications)
• Contract: To provide the Service you've requested and maintain your account
• Legitimate Interest: For analytics, fraud prevention, and service improvement
• Legal Obligation: To comply with age verification requirements and safety regulations

You have the right to withdraw consent at any time without affecting the lawfulness of processing based on consent before withdrawal.

18. Your California Privacy Rights (CCPA/CPRA)

18.1 Information for California Residents

If you are a California resident, you have specific rights under the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) and California Privacy Rights Act (CPRA):

18.2 Right to Know

You have the right to know what personal information we collect, use, disclose, and sell about you.

18.3 Right to Delete

You have the right to request deletion of your personal information, subject to certain exceptions.

18.4 Right to Opt-Out

We do not sell your personal information to third parties. If our practices change, we will update this policy and provide you with the right to opt-out.

18.5 Right to Non-Discrimination

We will not discriminate against you for exercising your privacy rights.

18.6 Categories of Personal Information

We collect the following categories of personal information:

• Identifiers (name, email, unique user ID)
• Demographic information (age, location region)
• Religious information (prayer requests, spiritual preferences)
• Internet activity (app usage, interactions)
• Device information (device type, operating system)

18.7 How to Exercise Your Rights

To exercise your California privacy rights, email us at info@walktogether-app.com with "California Privacy Rights" in the subject line. We will verify your identity and respond within 45 days.

19. State Privacy Laws (Virginia, Colorado, Connecticut, Utah)

Residents of Virginia, Colorado, Connecticut, and Utah have similar privacy rights as California residents under their respective state privacy laws:

• Right to confirm whether we process your personal data
• Right to access your personal data
• Right to correct inaccuracies in your personal data
• Right to delete your personal data
• Right to obtain a copy of your personal data (data portability)
• Right to opt-out of targeted advertising (we do not engage in targeted advertising)
• Right to opt-out of sale of personal data (we do not sell personal data)

To exercise these rights, contact us at info@walktogether-app.com.

20. Data Retention Periods

We retain different types of data for specific periods:

• Account Information: Retained while your account is active, plus 30 days after deletion
• Messages and Prayer Requests: Retained for 1 year after deletion, unless you request immediate removal
• Analytics Data: Aggregated and anonymized after 26 months
• Safety and Moderation Logs: Retained for 3 years for legal compliance and safety purposes
• Payment Records: Retained for 7 years for tax and accounting purposes
• Support Communications: Retained for 2 years

You may request earlier deletion of certain data by contacting us, subject to legal and safety requirements.

21. Data Breach Notification

21.1 Our Commitment

We take data security seriously and have implemented measures to protect your information. In the event of a data breach that affects your personal information, we will:

21.2 Notification Timeline

• Notify affected users within 72 hours of discovering the breach (GDPR requirement)
• Notify relevant data protection authorities as required by law
• Provide information about what data was affected
• Explain steps we're taking to address the breach
• Recommend actions you can take to protect yourself

21.3 Contact for Security Issues

If you discover a security vulnerability, please report it immediately to info@walktogether-app.com with "Security Issue" in the subject line.

22. Automated Decision-Making and AI

22.1 AI-Powered Features

We use artificial intelligence and automated decision-making for:

• Prayer Partner Matching: AI algorithms match you with prayer partners based on your selected spiritual focus area
• Content Moderation: Automated systems scan messages for inappropriate content, prohibited contact information, and safety concerns
• Bible Companion: AI-powered chat assistant for Bible questions and spiritual guidance
• Safety Monitoring: Behavioral analysis to detect unusual activity or potential safety risks

22.2 Right to Human Review

You have the right to:

• Request human review of automated decisions that affect you
• Contest automated moderation decisions
• Request a different prayer partner match
• Opt-out of certain automated features (where feasible)

To request human review, contact info@walktogether-app.com.

22.3 Limitations of AI

Our AI systems are designed to enhance safety and user experience but are not perfect. Automated moderation may occasionally flag appropriate content or miss inappropriate content. We encourage users to report any concerns directly.

23. International Data Transfers

23.1 Data Storage Location

Your data is primarily stored and processed in the United States, where our servers and service providers are located.

23.2 Transfers from the EEA

If you are located in the European Economic Area (EEA), United Kingdom, or Switzerland, we transfer your personal data to the United States using appropriate safeguards, including:

• Standard Contractual Clauses approved by the European Commission
• Ensuring our service providers comply with GDPR requirements
• Implementing technical and organizational security measures

23.3 Your Rights Regarding International Transfers

You may request information about the safeguards we use for international data transfers by contacting info@walktogether-app.com.

24. Data Protection Contact

For privacy-related questions, data protection inquiries, or to exercise your privacy rights, contact us at:

For GDPR-related inquiries from EEA residents, please include "GDPR Request" in your subject line.

25. Do Not Sell My Personal Information

We do not sell your personal information. We do not and will not sell, rent, or trade your personal information to third parties for monetary or other valuable consideration. This applies to all users, including California residents and residents of other states with similar privacy laws.

If our practices change in the future, we will update this Privacy Policy and provide you with the ability to opt-out of any sale of personal information.