Privacy Policy

Introduction

Peerakeet ("we," "our," or "us") is committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, and safeguard your information when you use our peer support mobile application for addiction and recovery.

Information We Collect

Information You Provide

• Account Information: Email address for authentication and account management
• Profile Information:
  • Display name (pseudonym generated from random adjectives and bird names)
  • Recovery topics (e.g., Alcohol, Gambling, Cannabis, Nicotine, Prescription Drugs, etc.)
  • Recovery stage (e.g., Actively Using, Thinking About Quitting, Recently Quit, In Recovery, etc.)
  • Intentions (e.g., Here to Talk, Accountability, Advice, Share Experience, etc.)
  • Pronouns (optional)
  • Bio (optional)
• Health Information:
  • Daily mood check-ins (1-5 scale)
  • Recovery-related data including substance use information and recovery stage
• User Content:
  • Journal entries (text only - voice recording feature mentioned in README but not implemented in current codebase)
  • Chat messages with matched peers
  • Support interactions
• Customer Support: Information you provide when contacting our support team

Information Collected Automatically

• Usage Data: App interactions, feature usage, matching preferences, and user behavior patterns
• Device Information: Device type, operating system, and app version
• Technical Data: Firebase performance metrics and error logs

How We Use Your Information

App Functionality

• Authenticate and manage your account using Firebase Authentication
• Enable peer matching based on shared recovery topics and stages
• Provide real-time chat functionality with matched peers
• Support journal and daily check-in functionality
• Ensure app security and prevent fraud

Product Personalization

• Match you with appropriate peer support partners using our matching algorithm
• Customize your experience based on your recovery journey and preferences
• Provide relevant educational resources and content

Analytics and Improvement

• Analyze app usage to improve features and user experience
• Monitor app performance and identify technical issues using Firebase
• Understand user engagement patterns

Third-Party Services

Firebase (Google)

We use Firebase services provided by Google for:

• User authentication and account management
• Data storage in Firestore database
• Performance monitoring and error handling
• Analytics (if enabled in your Firebase project)

Firebase's privacy practices are governed by Google's Privacy Policy. You can learn more about how Google uses your data at https://policies.google.com/privacy.

Expo

Our app is built using Expo, which may collect certain technical information for app development and deployment purposes.

Data Storage and Security

Data Storage

• User profiles and data are stored in Firebase Firestore
• Chat messages are stored in real-time in Firestore subcollections
• Journal entries and check-ins are stored in user-specific collections
• All data is encrypted in transit and at rest

Security Measures

• Firebase Authentication for secure user management
• Firestore security rules to ensure users can only access their own data
• Anonymous user profiles with pseudonyms to protect privacy
• No real names or personally identifiable information required

Data Sharing and Disclosure

We do not sell, trade, or rent your personal information to third parties. We may share your information only in the following circumstances:

• Legal Requirements: When required by law or to protect our rights
• Safety Emergencies: In emergency situations where safety is at risk
• Service Providers: With trusted third-party services that help us operate the app (Firebase, Expo)

Your Rights and Choices

Access and Control

• View and edit your profile information through the app
• Delete your account and associated data
• Control your availability status for peer matching

Data Retention

• Your data is retained as long as your account is active
• You can request deletion of your account and all associated data
• Deleted data is permanently removed from our systems

Opt-Out Options

• You can disable your availability for peer matching
• You can choose not to use certain features like journaling or check-ins

Children's Privacy

Our app is not intended for children under 13 years of age. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13.

International Users

If you are using our app from outside the United States, please note that your information may be transferred to, stored, and processed in the United States where our servers are located.

Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of any changes by posting the new Privacy Policy in the app and updating the "Effective Date" at the top of this policy.

Contact Us

If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy or our data practices, please contact us at:

• Email: [Your Contact Email]
• Support: Through the in-app support feature

Emergency Resources

If you are experiencing a crisis or emergency:

• Call 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (24/7)
• Text HOME to 741741 for Crisis Text Line
• Call 911 for immediate emergency services

Peerakeet is not a crisis intervention service and should not be used for emergency situations.