Privacy Policy for Same City App

Last updated: May 31, 2026
App name: Same City
Platforms: iOS and Android
Developer: Ann Marie BercawThis Privacy Policy applies to the Same City mobile application.By using the app, you agree to this Privacy Policy.INTRODUCTIONSame City is a proximity-based social app that helps users identify when confirmed friends are nearby. This policy explains how information is collected, used, shared, and protected, along with your available controls.INFORMATION COLLECTEDThe app collects data necessary to provide account, proximity, invitation, notification, Catalyst, and connection suggestion features.Account Information• Android: Sign in with Google
• iOS: Sign in with Apple or GoogleWe store:• Email address (including Apple private relay email if used)
• Display name
• Profile image URL
• Username created in the appYour display name, username, and profile photo form a public profile that other signed-in Same City users can view—for example when searching by username, receiving or viewing friend requests and invites, or seeing suggested connections. Your account email address is not part of this public profile.Profile Photo and Camera• You can upload a profile photo from your camera or photo library
• Photos are stored in cloud storage and shown in your public profile to other signed-in Same City users
• Profile image files may be accessible to anyone who has the image link (for example, to load photos in the app)
• The camera can also be used to scan QR codes for adding friendsLocation DataIf permission is granted, the app collects:• Approximate latitude and longitude (reduced precision)
• Grid identifiers ("gridId") based on approximate ~5 km grid cells
• General area or city label
• Timestamp of location updatesExact location is not shared with other users.Friend and Relationship DataWe store:• Friend requests and statuses
• Confirmed friendships
• Blocked users
• Related timestamps and identifiersInvite DataWhen using invite features, we store:• Sender identifier and display name
• Invite codes or links
• Invitee email or username (if provided)Device ContactsIf you use invite or Catalyst features, you may grant access to your device contacts.When access is granted, the app reads contact names, phone numbers, and email addresses on your device to help you choose recipients.Contact information is used only on your device for these features. It is not uploaded to our servers or shared with other users.Catalyst (Connection Prompts)The Catalyst feature provides periodic connection prompts.We load Catalyst prompt content from our servers (Firestore).When you transmit a Catalyst, you choose a contact from your device and an external app (such as Messages, WhatsApp, email, or the system share sheet).Message composition and delivery are handled by the app you choose. We do not receive or store the messages you send.Suggested ConnectionsWe may suggest other users you might know based on mutual friends and shared connections.To generate suggestions, we use your confirmed friend relationships and public profile information.Suggestions show limited public profile details (such as display name, username, and profile photo) along with mutual connection context.The same public profile fields may be visible to other signed-in users when they look you up by username or interact with your friend requests or invites.Device and Notification Data• Firebase Cloud Messaging (FCM) token used for push notificationsOn iOS:• Notifications are delivered through Apple's push system via Firebase
• No separate APNs token is stored beyond Firebase's handlingLocal Device StorageThe app stores limited data locally, such as:• Recent approximate location and timestamp
• App preferences
• Signed-in user IDHOW INFORMATION IS USEDWe use data to:• Authenticate users and manage accounts
• Enable proximity-based features
• Detect when friends are within approximately 50 km
• Display your recent location and update time
• Manage friendships, invites, and blocks
• Send notifications (friend requests and nearby alerts)
• Provide Catalyst connection prompts
• Suggest potential friends based on mutual connections
• Help you invite friends and open external messaging apps when you choose
• Improve reliability, security, and prevent abuseWe do not sell your data or use it for third-party advertising profiles.LOCATION INFORMATIONPurposeLocation data is used for:• Nearby friend detection
• Displaying your status in the appPrecision• Locations are snapped to a fixed grid of roughly 5 km (reduced precision; not exact GPS).
• Grid-based identifiers reduce precision and help protect privacyWhen Location Is CollectedDepending on your settings, location is collected:• While using the app
• During limited background events (if enabled)The app is not designed to continuously track your exact movements.What Friends Can See• Nearby status within an approximate range
• Not your exact location, address, or full historyPer-Friend Controls• You can disable proximity sharing for specific friends
• This does not require removing them as a friendUser ControlYou can change permissions at any time in device settings.Disabling location limits proximity functionality.Geocoding ServicesThe app uses:• Google Maps Geocoding API
• Apple or Android location servicesThese services convert coordinates into general area or city-level information. Stored data remains reduced in precision.PUSH NOTIFICATIONSUsed for:• Nearby friend alerts
• Friend requestsNotifications are delivered via Firebase Cloud Messaging (FCM).Permissions are requested after meaningful actions (not immediately on app launch).You can manage notifications in device settings.THIRD-PARTY SERVICESWe use trusted services to operate the app:Firebase (Google)• Authentication
• Cloud Firestore
• Cloud Messaging (FCM)
• Storage
• Cloud FunctionsGoogle Services• Google Sign-In
• Google Maps Geocoding APIApple Services• Sign in with Apple
• Apple push notification system (via Firebase)These providers process data according to their own privacy policies.DATA SHARINGWe share data only when necessary:• With other signed-in Same City users (public profile: display name, username, and profile photo—including in username lookup, friend requests, invites, and suggested connections)
• With confirmed friends (optional contact card fields you provide, and approximate proximity information when mutual per-friend sharing is enabled)
• With service providers (to operate the app)
• For legal or safety reasonsWe do not sell personal information.DATA RETENTION• Data is retained while your account is active
• Data is deleted or anonymized after account deletion, subject to legal or operational requirementsDATA SECURITYWe apply safeguards including:• Encrypted data transmission
• Authentication controls
• Restricted accessNo system can be guaranteed fully secure.USER RIGHTS AND CHOICESYou can:• Access or update your account
• Manage location and notification settings
• Decline or revoke contacts access in device settings
• Control friendships and blocks
• Adjust per-friend proximity sharing
• Request account deletionContact Email: [email protected]CHILDREN'S PRIVACYSame City is not intended for users under 18.If such data is identified, it will be removed.CHANGES TO THIS POLICY• This policy can be updated periodically.
• The "Last updated" date reflects the current version.
• Continued use of the app indicates acceptance of updates.CONTACTFor questions or requests:• Contact Email: [email protected]
• App: Same CityGoogle Play Store ComplianceThis Privacy Policy describes our practices in line with Google Play and Apple App Store disclosure requirements. You control permissions and relevant settings on your device and in the App.