Privacy Policy for Flare
Effective Date: November 5, 2025
Last Updated: November 5, 2025
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.
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.
- Phone Number (Optional): If you choose to verify your phone number, it is encrypted on your device and stored in an unreadable, hashed format. We use this solely for contact-based friend discovery.
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 or GIFs you attach. Important: All flare data is automatically deleted after 30 days.
- Comments: Any comments you post on flares are stored in our database. Comments are deleted when the associated flare is deleted (after 30 days).
Location Data is NOT Stored:
- We do not store your location data on our servers in any capacity.
- Location information is used only locally on your device to display nearby flares on the map.
- When you create a flare, you manually select a location for that specific event. This location is associated with the flare, not with your account.
- Location services are only used when you actively use the map feature and can be disabled at any time in your device settings.
- We store only photos you explicitly choose to upload to the App.
- Photos may be used for:
- Profile pictures
- Flare event images
- You maintain full control over your uploaded photos and can delete them at any time.
- Photos associated with flares are automatically deleted after 30 days when the flare expires.
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.
- 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).
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
3.1 Data Storage
- Account Data: Stored securely in Firebase (Google Cloud) infrastructure until you delete your account.
- Flare Data: Automatically deleted after 30 days.
- Phone Numbers: Encrypted on your device using SHA-256 hashing before storage. Stored in hashed format only.
- Photos: Stored in Firebase Cloud Storage with secure access controls.
3.2 Data Retention
- Account Information: Retained until you delete your account.
- Flares and Comments: Automatically deleted after 30 days from flare creation.
- Analytics Data: Retained for up to 14 months in aggregate, anonymized form.
3.3 Data Security
We implement industry-standard security measures including:
- Encryption in transit (HTTPS/TLS)
- Secure authentication through Firebase Authentication
- Phone number hashing with SHA-256
- 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.
4.1 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 service providers have access to your information only to perform tasks on our behalf and are obligated to protect your 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
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 have the right to delete your account at any time:
- Go to Settings → Privacy & Safety → Delete Account
- All your data will be permanently deleted, including:
- Account information (name, email, username)
- Profile picture and bio
- Friends and group memberships
- Flares you created
- Comments you posted
Account deletion is immediate and cannot be undone.
5.3 Control Location Services
You can enable or disable location services at any time:
- In iOS Settings → Flare → Location
- Choose “Never,” “While Using the App,” or “Always”
- The App works with location services disabled, but you won’t see nearby flares on the map
5.4 Manage Push Notifications
You can control push notifications:
- In the App: Settings → Notifications
- In iOS Settings → Notifications → Flare
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 sava.stosic3@gmail.com, and we will delete the information immediately.
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 sava.stosic3@gmail.com.
If you have any questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or our data practices, please contact us:
Email: sava.stosic3@gmail.com
We will respond to your inquiry within 30 days.
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 phone number (encrypted and hashed)
- Photos you choose to upload
- Flare content (auto-deleted after 30 days)
- Basic usage analytics
❌ What We DON’T Collect:
- Your location history or real-time location
- Your photo library without permission
- Your contacts without permission
- Payment information
🔒 How We Protect Your Data:
- All data encrypted in transit
- Phone numbers hashed with SHA-256
- Secure Firebase infrastructure
- Account deletion available anytime
🚫 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.