Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

Squo ("we", "us", or "our") respects your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, store, and protect your personal information when you use the Squo mobile application ("App"). By using the App, you consent to the practices described in this policy.

2. Information We Collect

2.1 Information You Provide

• Phone number — for account verification via SMS OTP
• Profile information — name, username, avatar photo, birthday, and bio
• Messages and media — text messages, photos, and moments (stories) you share within the App
• Contact list — with your permission, we access your device contacts to help you find friends on Squo

2.2 Information Collected Automatically

• Location data — GPS coordinates for geofence-based presence detection, collected when the App is in use and in the background (with your permission)
• Presence records — timestamps of when you enter and exit geofenced locations
• Device information — device token for push notifications, platform type

3. How We Use Your Information

• Provide geofence-based presence detection and real-time notifications
• Enable messaging, group chat, and direct messages between users
• Match your contacts to existing Squo users to suggest friends
• Deliver push notifications for arrivals, departures, messages, and friend requests
• Display ephemeral moments (stories) to place members
• Enforce privacy settings such as ghost mode, private accounts, and phone visibility
• Maintain security and prevent abuse

4. Location Data

Location data is central to Squo's functionality. We use your location to:

• Detect when you enter or exit a geofenced spot
• Record presence entries with approximate coordinates
• Sort and display nearby spots on the map
• Discover public venues near your location

Location data is processed on your device for geofence monitoring via iOS CoreLocation. Entry and exit events are sent to our servers. We do not continuously track or stream your GPS position. Stale presence records are automatically closed after 24 hours. You can enable Ghost Mode to hide your presence from others while still recording it privately.

5. Data Storage and Security

Your data is stored on Supabase, a cloud-hosted PostgreSQL database with Row Level Security (RLS) policies ensuring that users can only access data they are authorized to see. Media files (photos, avatars, moments) are stored in Supabase Storage with access controls. All data is transmitted over HTTPS/TLS encryption.

6. Third-Party Services

We use the following third-party services:

• Supabase — database, authentication, realtime, and file storage
• Apple Push Notification service (APNs) — push notification delivery
• Google Places API — public venue discovery and information
• Mapbox — map rendering and display

Each service has its own privacy policy. We do not sell your data to any third party.

7. Privacy Controls

Squo provides the following privacy controls:

• Ghost Mode — hide your presence from all other users
• Private Account — restrict who can see your profile
• Phone Visibility — control who can see your phone number (nobody, friends, or everyone)
• Profile Visibility — control who can see your profile (friends or everyone)
• Mute Notifications — mute notifications per place
• Block Users — block specific users from interacting with you

8. Data Retention

• Presence records are retained for analytical purposes but stale entries are auto-closed after 24 hours
• Moments (stories) expire and are deleted after 24 hours
• Messages are retained until you delete your account
• You can delete your account at any time from the App's settings, which removes your profile, places, keys, and associated data

9. Children's Privacy

Squo is not intended for children under the age of 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If we learn that we have collected personal information from a child under 13, we will take steps to delete that information promptly.

10. Your Rights

Depending on your jurisdiction, you may have the right to:

• Access the personal data we hold about you
• Request correction of inaccurate data
• Request deletion of your data
• Withdraw consent for data processing
• Export your data in a portable format

To exercise these rights, contact us at support@squo.world.

11. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of material changes through the App or by other reasonable means. Your continued use of the App after changes are posted constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.

12. Contact

If you have questions or concerns about this Privacy Policy, contact us at support@squo.world.