Privacy Policy

Last Updated: October 17, 2026

At IKnowSpot, we take your privacy seriously. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, and protect your personal information when you use our marketplace app and website (iknowspot.com).

We do not collect your phone contacts or device location, and the app does not process payments (no Stripe or in-app checkout at this time).

1. Information We Collect

Account Information

When you create an account, we collect:

Email address
Username and display name (nickname)
Phone number (for account verification and booking-related chat)
Profile picture (if you upload one)
Password (encrypted and securely stored)

Marketplace & Booking Data

To operate the marketplace we collect:

Listings you create (titles, descriptions, photos/videos, routes, prices, availability)
Booking requests, confirmations, cancellations, and related status updates
Reviews and ratings you leave or receive
Search queries and filters you use to discover trips

Messages & Chat

When you use in-app messaging between hosts and guests, we process the content of those messages so you can communicate about bookings and trips.

Photos, Video & Audio

If you grant camera, microphone, or photo-library permission, we process media you choose to upload for listings, profile photos, or messages.

Usage & Device Data

We may collect app usage patterns, device model/OS version, and crash or performance diagnostics to keep the service reliable.

2. How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect to:

Provide marketplace features: browse trips, book, host, chat, and review
Verify accounts (including phone verification where required)
Send notifications about bookings, messages, and account activity (if enabled)
Improve the product and keep it reliable
Prevent fraud, abuse, and security incidents
Comply with legal obligations

3. Data Sharing and Disclosure

We do not sell your personal information. We may share data only in these limited cases:

With other users: Public profile info, listings, and content you choose to publish; booking parties see details needed to coordinate a trip
Service providers: Trusted vendors such as hosting, storage, authentication (e.g. Firebase), and push delivery, bound to protect your data
Legal requirements: When required by law or to protect users and the platform

4. Data Retention

We retain personal information while your account is active or as needed to provide services and meet legal, booking, or dispute requirements. When you delete your account, we delete or anonymize personal data within 30 days, except where retention is legally required.

5. Your Rights and Choices

You control your data:

Access & edit: View and update profile information in the app
Delete: Delete your account in Settings; personal data is removed as described above
Permissions: Revoke camera, microphone, photo library, or notifications in device Settings
Data export: Contact us to request a copy of your data

6. Security

We use industry-standard measures including encryption in transit, secure authentication, and restricted access to personal data. No method of transmission over the internet is 100% secure.

7. Children's Privacy

IKnowSpot is not intended for users under 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If we learn that we have, we will delete it.

8. International Data Transfers

Your information may be processed on servers outside your country of residence. By using IKnowSpot, you consent to such transfers where permitted by law.

9. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this policy from time to time. Material changes will be posted here with an updated “Last Updated” date. Continued use of IKnowSpot after changes means you accept the updated policy.

10. Third-Party Services

IKnowSpot uses third-party services that may process information under their own policies, including:

Cloud hosting for API and media storage
Firebase for authentication and related account features
Apple Push / notification delivery for booking and message alerts