PawsConnect Privacy Policy

Effective Date: January 2025
Last Updated: January 2025

Introduction

Darro Tech LLC ("Company," "we," "us," or "our") operates PawsConnect (the "Service"). This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you use our Service.

Please read this Privacy Policy carefully. By using the Service, you agree to the collection and use of information in accordance with this policy.

1. Information We Collect

1.1 Information You Provide

Account Information:

Name
Email address
Password (encrypted)
City and State (optional)
Profile photo

Dog Profile Information:

Dog name, breed, age, and sex
Dog photos and videos
Dog bio and descriptions
Training and foster needs
Breeding status

User Content:

Posts, comments, and likes
Messages to other users
Video call logs
Uploaded media (photos and videos)

1.2 Information Collected Automatically

Usage Data:

Pages visited and features used
Time and duration of visits
Click patterns and interactions

Device Information:

Browser type and version
Operating system
Device type (mobile, desktop)
IP address

1.3 Information from Third Parties

If you sign in with Google OAuth, we receive your Google profile information (name, email, profile picture).

2. How We Use Your Information

We use your information to:

Provide the Service:

Create and manage your account
Enable dog profile creation and management
Facilitate connections between users
Enable messaging and video calls
Process breeding match suggestions

Improve the Service:

Analyze usage patterns to improve features
Troubleshoot technical issues
Develop new features

Communicate with You:

Send email notifications (verification, password reset)
Send service-related announcements
Respond to your inquiries

Safety and Security:

Detect and prevent fraud
Enforce our Terms of Service
Moderate content
Protect users and the platform

3. Information Sharing

3.1 With Other Users

Your profile information is visible to other users as you configure
Dog profiles and posts are visible to other users
Messages are shared with message recipients

3.2 With Service Providers

We may share information with third-party service providers:

Hosting: Render.com (web hosting)
Database: Aiven (PostgreSQL database hosting)
Media Storage: Uploadcare (photo and video hosting)
Authentication: Google (OAuth authentication)
Analytics: Google Analytics
Email: SMTP providers for email delivery

3.3 For Legal Reasons

We may disclose information if required by law or to protect our rights, prevent fraud, or protect user safety.

3.4 Business Transfers

If Darro Tech LLC is involved in a merger, acquisition, or sale, your information may be transferred as part of that transaction.

4. Data Retention

We retain your information for as long as:

Your account is active
Necessary to provide the Service
Required by law
Necessary for legitimate business purposes

When you delete your account, we will delete or anonymize your personal information within a reasonable timeframe, except where retention is required by law.

5. Data Security

We implement appropriate measures to protect your information, including:

Encryption of passwords using bcrypt
HTTPS for all data transmission
Secure session management
Access controls for our systems

However, no method of transmission over the internet is 100% secure. We cannot guarantee absolute security.

6. Your Rights and Choices

6.1 Account Information

You can access, update, or delete your account information through your profile settings.

6.2 Communications

You can opt out of non-essential email communications by adjusting your notification settings.

6.3 Data Access and Deletion

You may request a copy of your data or request deletion of your account by contacting us at anthony@darrotech.com.

7. Children's Privacy

The Service is not intended for users under 18 years of age. We do not knowingly collect information from children under 18. If we learn we have collected information from a child under 18, we will delete that information.

8. Third-Party Services

The Service may contain links to third-party websites or integrate with third-party services. This Privacy Policy does not apply to those third parties. We encourage you to review their privacy policies.

9. International Users

The Service is operated in the United States. If you are located outside the United States, please be aware that your information will be transferred to and processed in the United States. By using the Service, you consent to this transfer.

10. California Privacy Rights

If you are a California resident, you may have additional rights under the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), including:

Right to know what personal information is collected
Right to request deletion of personal information
Right to opt out of sale of personal information (we do not sell personal information)
Right to non-discrimination for exercising privacy rights

To exercise these rights, contact us at anthony@darrotech.com.

11. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of material changes by posting the new Privacy Policy on this page and updating the "Last Updated" date.

Your continued use of the Service after changes become effective constitutes acceptance of the updated Privacy Policy.

12. Contact Us

If you have questions about this Privacy Policy, please contact:

Darro Tech LLC
Email: anthony@darrotech.com