GROPAD PRIVACY POLICY

1. INTRODUCTION

Gropad, Inc. ("Gropad," "we," "us," or "our") respects your privacy and is committed to protecting your personal information. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you use our mobile application, website, and related services (collectively, the "Service").

By using the Service, you consent to the collection and use of information in accordance with this Privacy Policy. If you do not agree with the terms of this Privacy Policy, please do not use the Service.

2. INFORMATION WE COLLECT

2.1 Information You Provide Directly

Account Information:

• Name and username
• Email address
• Phone number (optional)
• Profile picture (optional)
• Educational institution affiliation (self-reported)
• Academic year or status (optional)

Listing Information:

• Goods, services, and events you post
• Descriptions, photos, and pricing information
• Category selections and tags

Communication Data:

• Messages sent through our in-app messaging system
• Support requests and communications with our team

Transaction Information:

• While we do not process payments, we may collect information about listing views, inquiries, and user interactions for analytics purposes

User-Generated Content:

• Reviews and ratings you provide
• Comments and feedback
• Photos and other media you upload

2.2 Information Collected Automatically

Device Information:

• Device type, model, and operating system
• Unique device identifiers
• IP address
• Mobile network information

Usage Information:

• App usage patterns and frequency
• Features accessed and time spent in the app
• Search queries and filters used
• Listings viewed and interactions

Location Information:

• Approximate location based on IP address
• Precise location data (only if you grant permission) for location-based features
• Campus or geographic area selections

Technical Information:

• Log files and crash reports
• Performance metrics
• Browser type and version (for web access)

2.3 Information from Third Parties

Social Media Integration:

• If you choose to connect social media accounts, we may receive public profile information

Analytics Services:

• We use third-party analytics services that may collect information about your use of the Service

Advertising Partners:

• Information from advertising networks about ad interactions and preferences

3. HOW WE USE YOUR INFORMATION

3.1 Primary Uses

Service Provision:

• Create and manage your account
• Enable listing creation and browsing
• Facilitate communication between users
• Provide search and filtering functionality
• Display relevant content and recommendations

Safety and Security:

• Verify account authenticity (where possible)
• Detect and prevent fraud, abuse, and spam
• Enforce our Terms of Use
• Maintain platform security and integrity

Communication:

• Send important updates about the Service
• Respond to your inquiries and support requests
• Notify you about new features or changes

3.2 Analytics and Improvement

Service Enhancement:

• Analyze usage patterns to improve functionality
• Develop new features and services
• Optimize user experience and interface design
• Conduct research and analytics

Performance Monitoring:

• Monitor app performance and stability
• Identify and fix technical issues
• Ensure optimal service delivery

3.3 Marketing and Advertising

Targeted Advertising:

• Display relevant advertisements within the app
• Personalize ad content based on your interests
• Measure advertising effectiveness

Marketing Communications:

• Send promotional emails (with your consent)
• Notify you about special offers or events
• Share news and updates about Gropad

4. HOW WE SHARE YOUR INFORMATION

4.1 Public Information

Listing Information:

• Your listings (goods, services, events) are visible to all users
• Your username and profile information associated with listings
• Reviews and ratings you receive from other users

Profile Information:

• Basic profile information may be visible to other users
• Information you choose to make public in your profile

4.2 Service Providers

We may share information with third-party service providers who assist us in:

• Cloud hosting and data storage
• Analytics and performance monitoring
• Customer support services
• Marketing and advertising
• Payment processing (future implementation)
• Security and fraud prevention

4.3 Legal Requirements

We may disclose your information if required to do so by law or in good faith belief that such action is necessary to:

• Comply with legal obligations or court orders
• Protect and defend our rights and property
• Investigate potential violations of our Terms of Use
• Protect the safety of users or the public
• Prevent or investigate possible wrongdoing

4.4 Business Transfers

In the event of a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets, your information may be transferred as part of that transaction. We will notify you of any such change in ownership or control of your personal information.

4.5 Consent

We may share your information with third parties when we have your explicit consent to do so.

5. DATA SECURITY

5.1 Security Measures

We implement appropriate technical and organizational security measures to protect your personal information against unauthorized access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction, including:

• Encryption of data in transit and at rest
• Secure authentication protocols
• Regular security assessments and updates
• Access controls and employee training
• Secure cloud infrastructure

5.2 Limitations

However, no method of transmission over the internet or electronic storage is 100% secure. While we strive to use commercially acceptable means to protect your information, we cannot guarantee absolute security.

5.3 Data Breaches

In the event of a data breach that affects your personal information, we will notify you and relevant authorities as required by applicable law.

6. YOUR PRIVACY RIGHTS AND CHOICES

6.1 Account Management

Access and Updates:

• View and update your account information through the app settings
• Modify your profile information and preferences
• Delete or modify your listings

Account Deletion:

• Delete your account at any time through the app settings
• Upon deletion, we will remove your personal information (subject to legal retention requirements)

6.2 Communication Preferences

Marketing Communications:

• Opt-out of promotional emails by following the unsubscribe instructions
• Adjust notification settings within the app
• Contact us to modify your communication preferences

6.3 Privacy Controls

Location Services:

• Control location sharing through your device settings
• Choose whether to enable location-based features

Data Portability:

• Request a copy of your personal information in a structured format

6.4 Regional Privacy Rights

California Residents (CCPA):

• Right to know what personal information we collect
• Right to delete personal information
• Right to opt-out of the sale of personal information
• Right to non-discrimination for exercising privacy rights

European Union Residents (GDPR):

• Right of access to your personal data
• Right to rectification of inaccurate data
• Right to erasure ("right to be forgotten")
• Right to restrict processing
• Right to data portability
• Right to object to processing
• Right to withdraw consent

To exercise these rights, contact us at gropadinc@gmail.com.

7. DATA RETENTION

7.1 Retention Periods

We retain your personal information for as long as necessary to:

• Provide the Service to you
• Comply with legal obligations
• Resolve disputes and enforce agreements
• Improve our services

7.2 Specific Retention Policies

• Account Information: Retained until account deletion plus 30 days for backup recovery
• Listing Information: Retained for 2 years after listing expiration for analytics
• Communication Data: Retained for 1 year for support and safety purposes
• Usage Data: Aggregated usage data may be retained indefinitely in anonymized form

7.3 Deletion

When information is no longer needed, we will delete it using secure deletion methods to prevent unauthorized access.

8. CHILDREN'S PRIVACY

The Service is not intended for users under 18 years of age. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 18. If we become aware that we have collected personal information from a child under 18, we will take steps to delete such information promptly.

If you are a parent or guardian and believe your child has provided us with personal information, please contact us at gropadinc@gmail.com.

9. INTERNATIONAL DATA TRANSFERS

Your information may be transferred to and processed in countries other than your country of residence. These countries may have data protection laws that differ from those of your country.

When we transfer your information internationally, we implement appropriate safeguards to protect your information, including:

• Standard contractual clauses approved by relevant authorities
• Adequacy decisions by relevant data protection authorities
• Other legally recognized transfer mechanisms

10. THIRD-PARTY SERVICES

10.1 Third-Party Links

The Service may contain links to third-party websites or services. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of these third parties. We encourage you to read their privacy policies before providing any information.

10.2 Third-Party Integrations

We may integrate with third-party services such as:

• Social media platforms
• Analytics services
• Advertising networks
• Cloud storage providers

Each integration is subject to the privacy policy of the respective third party.

11. COOKIES AND TRACKING TECHNOLOGIES

11.1 Types of Technologies Used

We use various technologies to collect and store information, including:

• Cookies and similar tracking technologies
• Local storage
• Analytics tools
• Advertising identifiers

11.2 Purposes

These technologies help us:

• Remember your preferences and settings
• Analyze usage patterns and improve the Service
• Provide targeted advertising
• Ensure security and prevent fraud

11.3 Your Choices

You can control cookies through your browser settings. However, disabling cookies may limit your ability to use certain features of the Service.

12. UPDATES TO THIS PRIVACY POLICY

12.1 Policy Changes

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices or applicable law. We will notify you of material changes by:

• Posting the updated policy in the app
• Sending an email notification
• Displaying a prominent notice within the Service

12.2 Continued Use

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

13. CONTACT INFORMATION

13.1 Privacy Questions

If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or our privacy practices, please contact us at:
Email: gropadinc@gmail.com

13.2 Data Protection Officer

For users in the European Union, you may also contact our Data Protection Officer at gropadinc@gmail.com.

13.3 Supervisory Authority

If you are located in the European Union, you have the right to lodge a complaint with your local supervisory authority if you believe we have violated applicable data protection laws.