ROWMATE ("we", "our", "the app") is operated by Benjamin Taieb. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, and protect your information when you use the ROWMATE mobile application.
1. Information We Collect
Information you provide:
- Nickname, profession, bio, and "What I love" text
- Profile photos (up to 4)
- Interest tags and "Open to" preferences
- Social media usernames (Instagram, LinkedIn) — optional
- Apple ID information if you sign in with Apple (email may be hidden by Apple)
- Chat messages (text, photos, voice messages)
Information collected automatically:
- Bluetooth proximity data (only when Radar is manually activated)
- Network status (online/offline) for sync purposes
Information we do NOT collect:
- GPS location or precise geolocation
- Contacts or address book
- Browsing history
- Device identifiers for advertising
- Any data from users who have not activated the Radar
2. How We Use Your Information
- To display your profile to nearby ROWMATE users when your Radar is active
- To facilitate connection requests and peer-to-peer chat via Bluetooth
- To sync your connections and messages when you are online
- To enable continued chat with your connections when not physically nearby
- To process block and report requests for user safety
3. Bluetooth & Proximity Discovery
ROWMATE uses Apple's Multipeer Connectivity framework (Bluetooth and local Wi-Fi) to discover nearby users. Key facts:
- Discovery only occurs when you manually activate the Radar
- No passive or background scanning occurs
- Only users with ROWMATE installed and Radar active can see each other
- No GPS or precise location data is used
- All peer-to-peer data is encrypted by Apple's framework
4. Data Storage
- On your device: All data is stored locally using Apple's SwiftData framework. Messages, connections, and profile data exist on your phone first.
- On our servers: When online and signed in, data is synced to Supabase (hosted on secure cloud infrastructure) to enable online chat continuity. Data is protected by Row Level Security — you can only access your own data.
5. Data Sharing
We do not sell, rent, or share your personal data with third parties. Your data is shared only:
- With other ROWMATE users you choose to connect with (profile info and messages)
- With Supabase as our infrastructure provider (data processor)
- With Apple for authentication (Sign In with Apple)
- If required by law or to protect user safety
6. Camera & Microphone
ROWMATE requests access to your camera and microphone solely for:
- Camera: Taking profile photos and sharing photos in chat
- Microphone: Recording voice messages in chat
These permissions are requested only when needed and can be revoked at any time in iOS Settings.
7. Your Rights & Controls
- You can edit or delete your profile at any time
- You can block and report any user
- You can delete any connection and its chat history
- You can deactivate the Radar at any time to become invisible
- You can request complete deletion of your account and all associated data by contacting us
8. Children's Privacy
ROWMATE is not intended for users under 17 years of age. We do not knowingly collect data from children.
9. Changes to This Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Changes will be reflected with an updated date at the top of this page.
10. Contact
For questions about this Privacy Policy or to request data deletion:
Email: rowmateworld@gmail.com
Developer: Benjamin Taieb
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