Privacy Policy

Last Updated: September 27, 2026

1. Introduction

Welcome to Gather OutThere ("OutThere," "we," "us," or "our"). We build tools to bring people together for outdoor adventures, camping trips, sports, and casual gatherings. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, store, use, and protect your information when you use our mobile and desktop applications and related web services.

2. Information We Collect

2.1 Account & Profile Information

• Basic Profile: When you register an account, we collect your full name, email address, and optional outdoor bio or trip style.
• Authentication Credentials: Securely handled through Firebase Authentication (including email/password, Sign in with Apple, or Sign in with Google). We do not store raw account passwords.
• Profile Photo: If uploaded, your avatar image is stored securely in Firebase Cloud Storage.

2.2 Gathering & Collaboration Data

• Event Details: Event titles, descriptions, categories (e.g. Camping, Coffee, Hike), dates, times, and venue locations.
• The Gear Matrix: Shared packing checklists, item categories, quantity needed, and attendee claim statuses.
• The Trip Wallet: Campsite numbers, lockbox/gate combinations, host phone numbers, GPS notes, and custom offline fields you provide for your attendees.
• Group Chat: Messages and coordination notes exchanged within dedicated event logistics channels.

2.3 Location Data & Permissions

• Day-of Caravan Radar: During active gatherings, you may optionally activate real-time arrival radar (Mission Control). Your location coordinates, speed, and battery percentage are shared only with approved attendees of that specific gathering. You can stop broadcasting at any time with a single tap.
• Community Explore Map & Proof of Presence: When you drop a community pin (such as a campsite, viewpoint, natural water source, or local activity), your location is verified to confirm real-world presence. Community pins do not expose your ongoing live location.
• Permission Control: Precise location access requires your explicit permission. You can revoke location access at any time in your device's system settings.

2.4 Diagnostic & Device Information

• Crash reports, app performance telemetry, and device model/operating system version to help us diagnose bugs and maintain platform stability.

3. How We Use Your Information

We use your data solely to provide, operate, and enhance Gather OutThere features:

• Facilitate event creation, RSVP tracking, and guest invitations.
• Synchronize shared packing lists (Gear Matrix) across all trip participants in real time.
• Store logistics, codes, and venue coordinates securely in the offline Trip Wallet so you have access even in cellular dead zones.
• Display real-time arrival distance, ETA, and battery status on Caravan Radar during trips.
• Provide interactive maps powered by Google Maps SDK.
• Prevent abuse, verify authenticity of community markers, and maintain account security.

4. How We Share Information

We do not sell, rent, or trade your personal data. Your data is shared strictly in these contexts:

• With Your Gathering Attendees: Fellow attendees of your gathering can view your display name, RSVP status, claimed gear items, messages sent to the gathering chat, and (if active) your caravan radar arrival progress.
• With the Community (Public Pins): Spots you publish on the Explore map (e.g., trailheads, campsites, water sources) are visible to other OutThere users with your spotter display name.
• Service Providers: We rely on trusted infrastructure providers including Google Cloud / Firebase (hosting, authentication, database, push notifications) and Google Maps (mapping services). These providers process data strictly to provide necessary infrastructure under strict confidentiality agreements.
• Legal Compliance: We may disclose information if required by applicable law, court order, or governmental regulation.

5. Offline Vault & Dead-Zone Security

Gather OutThere caches Trip Wallet information (such as campsite combinations and emergency notes) locally on your device to guarantee offline availability in remote outdoor areas. You remain in control of sensitive custom fields, which can be masked in the UI with a tap.

6. Tracking & Advertising Disclosures (Apple App Store & Google Play)

In accordance with Apple's App Tracking Transparency (ATT) framework and Google Play Store policies:

• We do not track users across apps or websites owned by other companies.
• We do not integrate third-party ad networks or data broker SDKs.
• We do not use your location data for targeted third-party advertising.

7. Data Retention & Account Deletion

You have full control over your data:

• In-App Account Deletion: You can permanently delete your account anytime directly within the app by navigating to Profile / Settings > Delete Account.
• Immediate Erasure: Upon confirming account deletion, your user profile, active authentication record, RSVPs, and associated private gathering records are permanently deleted from our servers.
• Contacting Support: You can also request complete data deletion by emailing us at [email protected].

8. Children's Privacy

Gather OutThere is intended for general audiences aged 13 and older (or the applicable age of digital consent in your jurisdiction). We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13.

9. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this policy periodically to reflect feature additions or regulatory changes. When updates occur, we will revise the "Last Updated" date at the top of this document. Continued use of the app signifies acceptance of updated terms.

10. Contact Us

If you have questions, feedback, or concerns regarding your privacy and data, please contact our team:

• Email: [email protected]
• Support: [email protected]
• Website: https://www.gatheroutthere.com