Hood Privacy Policy

Last updated: 2025-09-01

This Privacy Policy explains how Hood (“we”, “our”, “us”) collects, uses, and safeguards your information when you use our mobile and web applications (the “Services”). By using Hood, you agree to this policy. If you do not agree, please do not use the Services.

1. Data We Collect

• Account Information: Name, email address, profile photo, and Google account ID (via Google Sign-In).
• Profile & Usage: Phone number (if provided), rating history, online status, activity history (created and accepted requests), and app interaction logs.
• Location Data: GPS-based coordinates to enable ~100-meter proximity features and request tagging. Location sharing can be optional during active requests; you can control this in Settings.
• Content You Provide: Request titles/details, categories, urgency flags, images you upload, and messages sent in request-specific chats.
• Device & Notifications: Firebase Cloud Messaging (FCM) device tokens for push notifications, device and app metadata (e.g., platform, version).
• Diagnostics: Crash and performance data to maintain and improve the Services.

2. How We Use Your Data

• Authenticate you with Google Sign-In and maintain your session.
• Show nearby requests within ~100 meters and filter results by distance.
• Enable creation, acceptance, confirmation, and completion of requests.
• Provide request-specific real-time chats and store message history.
• Send push notifications for messages, request updates, and important alerts.
• Prevent abuse, maintain platform integrity, and resolve disputes.
• Improve performance, reliability, and user experience.

3. Legal Bases

We process data to perform our contract with you (provide core features), based on your consent (e.g., notifications, optional location sharing), and for legitimate interests (security, service improvement). Where required, we rely on your consent for processing precise location and notifications.

4. Sharing & Disclosure

We do not sell your data. We may share limited data with:

• Service Providers: Firebase Authentication, Cloud Firestore, Firebase Storage, and FCM to deliver core functionality.
• Law Enforcement: When required by applicable law or to protect rights, safety, and property.
• Other Users: Only as needed for core functionality (e.g., your name, photo, rating, and request details for context).

5. Data Retention

We retain data only as long as necessary for the purposes outlined above or as required by law. You may request deletion of your account and data (see Your Rights).

6. Your Rights & Controls

• Access, correction, and deletion of your personal data.
• Control over location sharing, profile visibility, and notification preferences.
• Opt-out of non-essential communications.

7. Children’s Privacy

Hood is not directed to children under 13 (or the minimum age in your jurisdiction). We do not knowingly collect data from children. If you believe a child has provided personal data, contact us for removal.

8. Security

We use industry-standard safeguards, including encryption in transit and at rest. No method of transmission or storage is 100% secure; we continuously improve our protections.

9. International Transfers

Your information may be processed and stored in data centers outside your country. We take measures to protect your data as required by applicable laws.

10. Changes to this Policy

We may update this policy. Material changes will be posted here with a new “Last updated” date. Continued use after updates constitutes acceptance.

11. Contact

For questions or requests (including data deletion), email privacy@yourdomain.com.

12. Google Play Data safety summary

For the Google Play Data safety form, Hood may collect: Personal info (name, email, photo), Location (precise during active use), Messages (in-app chat), App activity (request actions), and Device IDs (FCM token). Data is used for app functionality, communication, and security; not sold; shared only with service providers (Firebase). Data is encrypted in transit and at rest, and can be deleted on request.