Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

Welcome to PairUp. We are committed to protecting your personal information and your right to privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you use our housemate-matching platform. This policy applies to all users in Nigeria.

By using PairUp, you agree to the collection and use of information in accordance with this policy. If you do not agree with our policies and practices, please do not use our services.

2. Information We Collect

2.1 Personal Information You Provide

We collect information that you voluntarily provide when using PairUp:

• Account Information: Email address, phone number, password (encrypted)
• Profile Information: Full name, age, gender, occupation, bio/description
• Photos: Profile pictures and verification photos you upload
• Location Data: City, preferred neighborhoods
• Preferences: Budget range, move-in date, lifestyle preferences, personality traits, interests
• Verification Data: Email verification, phone verification, ID verification documents (if submitted)
• Communication Data: Messages, conversations, and other content you share on the platform

2.2 Information Collected Automatically

When you use PairUp, we automatically collect:

• Usage Data: Pages viewed, features used, time spent on platform, search queries
• Device Information: Browser type, operating system, device type, IP address
• Analytics Data: Via Google Analytics to understand user behavior and improve our services
• Cookies: For authentication, preferences, and advertising (see Cookie Policy for details)

3. How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect for the following purposes:

• Provide Services: Create and manage your account, enable profile creation and matching
• Matching Algorithm: Use your preferences to connect you with compatible housemates
• Communication: Enable messaging between matched users
• Safety & Security: Verify user identity, prevent fraud, enforce our Terms of Service
• Customer Support: Respond to your inquiries and provide 24/7 support
• Analytics: Understand how users interact with PairUp to improve features and user experience
• Legal Compliance: Comply with Nigerian laws and regulations
• Advertising: Display relevant ads through Google AdSense

4. Third-Party Services

We use the following third-party services to operate PairUp:

4.1 Firebase (Google)

• Firebase Authentication: Secure user authentication and account management
• Cloud Firestore: Database storage for user profiles, messages, and matches
• Firebase Storage: Secure storage for profile photos and verification documents

4.2 Google Analytics

We use Google Analytics to analyze user behavior and improve our services. Google Analytics may collect information about your device, browsing actions, and patterns. For more information, visit Google's Privacy Policy.

4.3 Google AdSense

We display advertisements through Google AdSense. Google may use cookies to serve ads based on your prior visits to our website. You can opt out of personalized advertising by visiting Google's Ads Settings.

5. Information Sharing and Disclosure

5.1 With Other Users

Your profile information (name, age, photo, preferences, bio) is visible to other verified users when you are matched or when they search for housemates. You control what information you include in your profile.

5.2 We Do NOT Share Your Data

We do not sell, rent, or share your personal information with third parties for their marketing purposes. Your data remains private and is only used to provide PairUp services.

5.3 Legal Requirements

We may disclose your information if required by Nigerian law, court order, or government request, or to protect the rights, property, or safety of PairUp, our users, or the public.

6. Data Security

We implement appropriate technical and organizational security measures to protect your personal information:

• Encryption of data in transit and at rest using Firebase security protocols
• Secure authentication with encrypted passwords
• Regular security audits and updates
• Access controls limiting who can view your information
• User verification systems to ensure authenticity

However, no method of transmission over the internet is 100% secure. While we strive to protect your information, we cannot guarantee absolute security.

7. Your Privacy Rights

Under Nigerian law, you have the following rights regarding your personal data:

• Access: Request a copy of the personal information we hold about you
• Correction: Request correction of inaccurate or incomplete information
• Deletion: Request deletion of your account and personal data
• Objection: Object to processing of your personal information
• Data Portability: Request transfer of your data to another service
• Withdraw Consent: Withdraw consent for data processing at any time

To exercise any of these rights, please contact us at pairupng@gmail.com.

8. Data Retention

We retain your personal information for as long as your account is active or as needed to provide you services. When you delete your account:

• Your profile and personal information will be permanently deleted within 30 days
• Messages and conversations will be removed from our systems
• Profile photos and verification documents will be deleted from Firebase Storage
• Some information may be retained for legal compliance or fraud prevention purposes

9. Children's Privacy

PairUp is not intended for users under the age of 18. We do not knowingly collect personal information from anyone under 18 years of age. If you are a parent or guardian and believe your child has provided us with personal information, please contact us immediately at pairupng@gmail.com.

10. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

We use cookies and similar tracking technologies to enhance your experience on PairUp. For detailed information about the cookies we use and your choices, please see our Cookie Policy.

11. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices or for legal, operational, or regulatory reasons. We will notify you of any material changes by:

• Posting the new Privacy Policy on this page
• Updating the "Last Updated" date
• Sending you an email notification (for significant changes)

Your continued use of PairUp after changes are posted constitutes acceptance of the updated Privacy Policy.

12. Contact Us

If you have questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or our data practices, please contact us:

13. Governing Law

This Privacy Policy is governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, including the Nigeria Data Protection Regulation (NDPR) 2019. Any disputes relating to this policy shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of Nigerian courts.