Privacy Policy

At UniMate, we take your privacy seriously. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you use our mobile application and services.

1. Information We Collect

Personal Information

When you create an account with UniMate, we collect:

• Name and email address
• University and department affiliation
• Academic level (year of study)
• Profile information you choose to provide

Usage Information

We automatically collect certain information when you use our app:

• Device information (unique device identifiers)

Content You Provide

Through your use of UniMate features, you may provide:

• Lost and found item descriptions and images
• Past paper uploads and ratings
• Timetable information
• Queue participation data

2. How We Use Your Information

We use the collected information to:

• Provide and maintain our services
• Personalize your experience based on your university and department
• Facilitate connections within your university community
• Send you relevant announcements and notifications
• Improve our app functionality and user experience
• Ensure security and prevent fraud
• Comply with legal obligations

3. Information Sharing and Disclosure

Within Your University Community

Some information is shared within your university community to enable core features:

• Lost and found posts are visible to users from your university
• Past papers are shared among students in relevant courses
• Announcements are targeted based on your school and department

We Do Not Sell Your Information

We never sell, rent, or trade your personal information to third parties for marketing purposes.

Limited Sharing

We may share your information only in these circumstances:

• With your explicit consent
• To comply with legal requirements or court orders
• To protect our rights, privacy, safety, or property
• In connection with a business transfer or acquisition

4. Data Security

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

• Encryption of data in transit and at rest
• Regular security assessments and updates
• Access controls and authentication requirements
• Secure cloud infrastructure with leading providers

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

5. Data Retention

We retain your information for as long as necessary to:

• Provide our services to you
• Comply with legal obligations
• Resolve disputes and enforce agreements

You can request deletion of your account and associated data at any time through the app settings or by contacting us.

6. Your Privacy Rights

Access and Control

You have the right to:

• Access your personal information
• Update or correct your information
• Delete your account and data
• Control notification preferences
• Export your data

California Privacy Rights

If you are a California resident, you have additional rights under the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), including the right to know what personal information we collect and how it's used.

7. Children's Privacy

UniMate is intended for users who are at least 13 years old. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If you believe we have collected information from a child under 13, please contact us immediately.

8. International Data Transfers

Your information may be stored and processed in countries other than your own. We ensure appropriate safeguards are in place to protect your information in accordance with this Privacy Policy.

9. Third-Party Services

UniMate may contain links to third-party websites or integrate with third-party services. This Privacy Policy does not apply to those external services. We encourage you to review their privacy policies.

10. 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
• Sending you a notification
• Updating the "Last Updated" date

Your continued use of UniMate after any changes constitutes acceptance of the new Privacy Policy.

11. Contact Us