Privacy Policy

Privacy Policy Last Updated: January 29, 2025

1. Introduction
Welcome to Groopie. We are committed to protecting your privacy and ensuring the security of your personal information. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you use our platform, including our website, mobile applications, and WhatsApp integration services.

2. Information We Collect
2.1 Information You Provide- Account Information: Name, email address, password, and role (user or expert)
- Profile Information: Biography, expertise (for expert profiles), and professional details
- Payment Information: Payment method details processed through our secure payment provider (Stripe)
- WhatsApp Information: WhatsApp group details and communication preferences
- User Content: Messages, group content, and other information you choose to share
2.2 Automatically Collected Information- Device Information: IP address, browser type, device type, and operating system
- Usage Data: Interaction with our platform, including pages visited and features used
- Cookies and Similar Technologies: Information collected through cookies and similar tracking technologies
- Analytics Data: Group engagement metrics and platform usage statistics

3. How We Use Your Information
We use your information for the following purposes:- Providing and maintaining our services
- Processing payments and managing subscriptions
- Facilitating WhatsApp group communications
- Authenticating users and securing accounts
- Sending service-related notifications and updates
- Analyzing platform usage and improving our services
- Complying with legal obligations

4. Data Sharing and Disclosure
4.1 Third-Party Service Providers
We may share your information with trusted third-party service providers:- Stripe for payment processing
- SendGrid for email communications
- WhatsApp Business API for group messaging
- AWS for infrastructure and storage
- Twilio for number masking services
4.2 Legal Requirements
We may disclose your information if required by law or in response to valid requests from public authorities.

5. Data Security
We implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect your information:- SSL/TLS encryption for data transmission
- Secure database encryption at rest
- Regular security audits
- Access controls and authentication measures
- Rate limiting and CORS protection

6. Data Retention
We retain your information for as long as necessary to:- Maintain your account and provide services
- Comply with legal obligations
- Resolve disputes
- Enforce our agreements

7. Your Rights
You have the right to:- Access your personal information
- Correct inaccurate data
- Request deletion of your data
- Opt-out of marketing communications
- Export your data
- Withdraw consent for optional features

8. Children's Privacy
Our services are not intended for users under 13 years of age. We do not knowingly collect information from children under 13.

9. International Data Transfers
We may transfer your information to servers and service providers located outside your country. We ensure appropriate safeguards are in place for such transfers.

10. Cookie Policy
We use cookies and similar tracking technologies to:- Maintain user sessions
- Remember preferences
- Analyze platform usage
- Improve user experienceYou can control cookie preferences through your browser settings.

11. Changes to This Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy periodically. We will notify you of any material changes through:- Email notifications
- Platform announcements
- Website updates

12. Contact Us If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or our privacy practices, please contact us at:- Email: tech@groopie.com
- Address: Birthday Cake Pty Ltd, 16 Cross Street, Bronte 2024 NSW, Australia

13. California Privacy Rights
California residents have additional rights under the CCPA, including:- Right to know what personal information is collected
- Right to delete personal information
- Right to opt-out of sale of personal information
- Right to non-discrimination for exercising these rights

14. Additional Information
14.1 Data Protection Officer
Our Data Protection Officer can be contacted at tech@groopie.com for specific privacy-related concerns.
14.2 Security Breach Notification
We will notify affected users and relevant authorities of any security breaches as required by applicable law.

15. Governing Law
This Privacy Policy is governed by Australian law. Any disputes shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of New South Wales, Australia.