CuppaSugar Privacy Policy

Last Updated: December 8, 2024

1. Introduction

This Privacy Policy constitutes a binding legal agreement between you ("the user") and CuppaSugar ("we," "our," or "us"). By accessing or using our app, you confirm that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by this Privacy Policy. If you do not agree with the terms outlined herein, you must discontinue use of the app immediately.

CuppaSugar complies with the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) and the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), where applicable. Users in California or the European Economic Area (EEA) may have additional rights regarding their data, as outlined below. For detailed inquiries, contact us at privacy@cuppasugar.io.

2. Information We Collect

2.1 Information You Provide

  • Full name and profile information
  • Phone number for account verification and communications
  • Physical address for community matching
  • Profile photos and other images you upload
  • Content of requests and responses
  • Messages and communications with other users
  • Group memberships and preferences
  • Contact information when inviting neighbors

2.2 Information Automatically Collected

  • Device information (type, model, operating system)
  • App usage data and interaction patterns
  • IP address and network information
  • App performance and error data
  • Time zone and language preferences
  • App opening and usage frequency
  • Push notification status and interactions

2.3 Third-Party Services

We collect information through third-party services:

  • Google Places API for address verification
  • Stream Chat for messaging services
  • Analytics services for app performance
  • Notification delivery services

3. How We Use Your Information

3.1 Core Functionality

  • Creating and managing your account
  • Connecting you with neighbors in your community
  • Processing and displaying requests and responses
  • Enabling messaging between users
  • Managing group memberships
  • Providing customer support

3.2 Communications

  • Sending transaction-related notifications
  • Account verification messages
  • Updates about requests and responses
  • Community announcements and updates
  • Service and policy changes

3.3 Improvement and Analysis

  • Analyzing app usage patterns
  • Improving user experience
  • Debugging and technical improvements
  • Preventing fraud and abuse
  • Research and development

4. Information Sharing

4.1 Sharing with Other Users

Information shared with other users includes:

  • Your name and profile photo
  • Approximate location (neighborhood level)
  • Content of your requests and responses
  • Group memberships
  • Public activity history

4.2 Service Providers

We share information with service providers for:

  • Cloud hosting and storage
  • Analytics and performance monitoring
  • Message delivery and notifications
  • Customer support services
  • Fraud prevention and security

4.3 Legal Requirements

We may share information when required by law, such as in response to legal process, to protect rights, or to prevent harm.

5. Data Storage and Security

5.1 Data Storage

  • Information stored on secure cloud servers
  • Data encrypted during transmission
  • Regular security audits and monitoring
  • Backup systems for data protection

5.2 Security Measures

  • Industry-standard encryption protocols
  • Access controls and authentication
  • Regular security updates
  • Employee security training
  • Incident response procedures

5.3 Data Retention

We retain your information for as long as your account is active or as needed for legitimate business purposes. You can request deletion of your account and associated data at any time.

6. Device Permissions

Our app requires certain device permissions to function:

  • Camera: For profile and request photos
  • Photo Library: For uploading images
  • Notifications: For alerts and messages
  • Contacts: For inviting neighbors (optional)

You can manage these permissions through your device settings at any time.

7. Push Notifications

7.1 Types of Notifications

  • Request updates and responses
  • Direct messages
  • Community announcements
  • Account alerts

7.2 Control and Settings

You can customize notification preferences in the app settings or device settings. Disabling notifications may impact app functionality.

8. Your Privacy Rights

8.1 Access and Control

You have the right to:

  • Access your personal information
  • Update or correct your information
  • Request deletion of your account
  • Opt-out of communications
  • Export your data

8.2 California Privacy Rights

California residents have additional rights under the CCPA, including the right to know what personal information is collected and shared, and the right to delete their data.

9. Children's Privacy

CuppaSugar is not intended for users under 18 years of age. We do not knowingly:

  • Collect information from children under 18
  • Target content or ads to children
  • Allow children to create accounts

If we discover we have collected information from a child under 18, we will promptly delete it.

10. International Data Transfers

While CuppaSugar primarily operates in the United States, your information may be processed in other countries. By using the app, you consent to your information being transferred to and processed in these countries, which may have different data protection laws.

11. Data Analytics

11.1 Analytics Tools

We use analytics tools to:

  • Track app performance and usage
  • Identify technical issues
  • Analyze user behavior patterns
  • Improve app features

11.2 Data Collection

Analytics data is collected automatically and may include usage patterns, feature interactions, and performance metrics. This data is typically aggregated and does not personally identify you.

12. Third-Party Services

12.1 Service Providers

We work with trusted third-party services for:

  • SMS verification (Twilio)
  • Chat functionality (Stream)
  • Address verification (Google Places)
  • Analytics (Woopra)

12.2 Provider Privacy Practices

These services have their own privacy policies. We recommend reviewing their policies to understand how they handle your information.

13. Data Breach Procedures

In the event of a data breach, we will:

  • Promptly investigate the incident
  • Notify affected users as required by law
  • Take steps to prevent future breaches
  • Cooperate with authorities

14. Changes to Privacy Policy

14.1 Policy Updates

When we make changes to this policy, we will:

  • Post the updated policy in the app
  • Notify you through the app or email for significant changes
  • Update the "Last Updated" date
  • Request renewed consent when required by law

14.2 Continued Use

Your continued use of CuppaSugar after policy changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy. If you disagree with the changes, you should stop using the app and delete your account.

15. Local Storage and Cookies

15.1 Mobile App Storage

We store certain information locally on your device:

  • Authentication tokens
  • User preferences
  • Cached content
  • App settings

15.2 Data Clearing

You can clear locally stored data through your device settings or by uninstalling the app. This may reset your preferences and require re-authentication.

16. Targeted Advertising

CuppaSugar does not currently display third-party advertising or share data for advertising purposes. If this changes in the future:

  • We will update this privacy policy
  • You will be notified of the change
  • You will have choices about advertising personalization
  • Your privacy rights will be preserved

17. Data Portability

17.1 Data Export

You can request an export of your data including:

  • Profile information
  • Request and response history
  • Messages and communications
  • Group memberships

17.2 Export Format

Data will be provided in a commonly used, machine-readable format within 30 days of your request.

18. Account Closure and Data Deletion

18.1 Account Deletion Process

When you delete your account:

  • Your profile becomes inaccessible immediately
  • Your personal data is queued for deletion
  • Content is removed from public view
  • Messages are deleted from recipient views

18.2 Data Retention

Some information may be retained:

  • As required by law
  • To resolve disputes
  • To enforce our terms
  • In backup systems for a limited time

19. Special Circumstances

19.1 Emergency Situations

We may share information in emergency situations involving:

  • Potential harm to any person
  • Public safety concerns
  • Emergency medical situations
  • Law enforcement requests

19.2 Business Transfers

If CuppaSugar is involved in a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets, your information may be transferred as part of that transaction. We will notify you of any change in ownership or use of your information.

20. Privacy for California Residents

20.1 CCPA Rights

California residents have the right to:

  • Know what personal information is collected
  • Know whether personal information is sold or disclosed
  • Opt-out of the sale of personal information
  • Access their personal information
  • Request deletion of their personal information

20.2 Exercising Rights

To exercise these rights, contact us through the app or at privacy@cuppasugar.io. We will respond to verified requests within 45 days.

21. Contact Information

For privacy-related questions or concerns:

Email: privacy@cuppasugar.io
Support: support@cuppasugar.io

CuppaSugar
1501 Lincoln Blvd. #1053
Venice, CA 90291

Response Time: Within 2 business days