PRIVACY POLICY – SAME CITYLast updated: April 11, 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, and notification features.ACCOUNT INFORMATIONAndroid: 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 appPROFILE PHOTO AND CAMERA- You can upload a profile photo from your camera or photo library
- Photos are stored in cloud storage and visible to confirmed friends
- 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 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)
- 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 confirmed friends (limited profile and proximity information)
- 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
- 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 POLICYThis 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 City