privacy policy

1. introduction

Welcome to MatchPod ("we," "our," or "us"). MatchPod is a roommate matching mobile application available on iOS and Android platforms. 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 mobile application MatchPod (the "App"). Please read this privacy policy carefully. If you do not agree with the terms of this privacy policy, please do not access the App.

By using MatchPod, you agree to the collection and use of information in accordance with this policy. This policy applies to all users of the App in India and is governed by the laws of India.

2. information we collect

We collect information that you provide directly to us when you use MatchPod. The types of information we may collect include:

2.1 account information

• Phone Number: We collect your phone number to verify your identity through OTP (One-Time Password) based authentication. This is the primary method of logging into MatchPod.

2.2 profile information

• Name: Your display name as shown to other users
• Age: To ensure you meet our minimum age requirement and for matching purposes
• Gender: For roommate matching preferences
• Preferences: Your roommate preferences including lifestyle habits, budget range, and other matching criteria

2.3 user content

• Photos: Profile photos you choose to upload to enhance your profile and help potential roommates recognize you
• Messages: Communications between you and other matched users within the App's messaging feature

2.4 location information

• City-Level Location: We collect your city location only to match you with potential roommates in your area. We do not collect or track precise GPS location or real-time location data.

2.5 device information

• Basic Diagnostics: We collect basic device information including device type, operating system version, and app version for debugging, improving app performance, and providing customer support.

3. how we use your information

We use the information we collect for the following purposes:

• Account Authentication: To verify your identity and enable secure login through OTP-based authentication
• Roommate Matching: To match you with compatible potential roommates based on your preferences and profile information
• Communication: To enable messaging between matched users and to send you important service-related notifications
• App Improvement: To analyze usage patterns and improve the App's features, functionality, and user experience
• Customer Support: To respond to your inquiries and provide technical assistance
• Safety & Security: To maintain the safety and security of the App and its users

4. authentication & security

MatchPod uses a secure, password-free authentication system:

• OTP-Based Login: We use One-Time Password (OTP) sent to your registered phone number for authentication. This eliminates the risks associated with password storage and breaches.
• JWT Tokens: Once authenticated, we use JSON Web Tokens (JWT) to maintain your session securely. These tokens are cryptographically signed and expire after a set period for added security.
• No Password Storage: We do not collect or store passwords. Your phone number and OTP verification are the only authentication methods used.

5. data storage & security

We take the security of your data seriously:

• Secure Cloud Storage: All user data is stored securely on reputable cloud servers with industry-standard security measures, including encryption at rest and in transit.
• Photo Storage: Your uploaded photos are stored securely on our cloud infrastructure and are only accessible to users you have matched with or as part of your public profile.
• Chat Privacy: Messages between matched users are stored securely and are accessible only to the participants of that conversation. We do not read or monitor private messages except when required by law or to investigate reported violations of our terms.
• Encryption: We use encryption to protect data transmission between your device and our servers.

6. information sharing & disclosure

We are committed to protecting your privacy. We do NOT:

• Sell your personal data to third parties
• Share your data with advertisers
• Display advertisements in the App
• Share your information for marketing purposes without your consent

We may share your information only in the following limited circumstances:

• With Other Users: Your profile information (name, age, photos, and preferences) is visible to other MatchPod users as part of the roommate matching process.
• Service Providers: We may share data with trusted third-party service providers who assist us in operating the App (such as cloud hosting and SMS services), subject to strict confidentiality agreements.
• Legal Requirements: We may disclose your information if required to do so by law or in response to valid requests by public authorities (e.g., a court or government agency).
• Safety: We may disclose information to protect the safety of our users, investigate fraud, or respond to a government request.

7. payments & monetization

Currently, MatchPod is in beta and the following applies:

• No Payments: We do not process any payments during the beta period. The App is free to use.
• No Advertisements: We do not display any third-party advertisements in the App.
• No Data Selling: We do not sell, rent, or trade your personal information to any third parties for monetary gain.

If we introduce paid features in the future, this privacy policy will be updated accordingly, and you will be notified of any changes.

8. your rights & choices

You have the following rights regarding your personal information:

• Edit Your Profile: You can update or modify your profile information, preferences, and photos at any time through the App's settings.
• Access Your Data: You have the right to request access to the personal data we hold about you.
• Account Deletion: You can request the deletion of your account and associated data by contacting us at support@matchpod.in.
• Data Deletion: You can request complete deletion of your personal data from our systems by emailing support@matchpod.in. We will process your request within 30 days.
• Withdraw Consent: You can withdraw consent for data processing at any time by deleting your account.

9. data retention

We retain your personal information for as long as your account is active or as needed to provide you with our services. Specifically:

• Active Accounts: Your data is retained while your account remains active.
• Account Deletion: Upon account deletion request, we will delete your personal data within 30 days, except where we are required to retain certain information for legal or legitimate business purposes.
• Inactive Accounts: We may delete accounts that have been inactive for an extended period after providing notice.

10. children's privacy

Age Restriction: MatchPod is strictly intended for users who are 18 years of age or older. We do not knowingly collect personal information from anyone under 18 years of age.

If we become aware that we have collected personal data from a user under 18, we will take immediate steps to delete that information from our servers. If you are a parent or guardian and believe your child has provided us with personal information, please contact us immediately at support@matchpod.in.

11. third-party services

MatchPod may use the following types of third-party services:

• SMS/OTP Services: For sending verification codes during authentication
• Cloud Hosting: For secure data storage and application hosting
• Analytics (optional): If enabled, we may use privacy-focused analytics to understand general app usage patterns. Analytics data is aggregated and does not personally identify you. You may opt out of analytics through your device settings or by contacting us.

These third-party services have their own privacy policies, and we encourage you to review them. We only work with service providers who maintain high standards of data protection.

12. 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 on this page
• Updating the "Last Updated" date at the top of this policy
• Sending you a notification through the App for significant changes

You are advised to review this Privacy Policy periodically for any changes. Changes to this Privacy Policy are effective when they are posted on this page. Your continued use of the App after any changes constitutes your acceptance of the updated policy.

13. governing law

This Privacy Policy is governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of India. Any disputes arising under or in connection with this Privacy Policy shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts in India.

We comply with applicable Indian data protection laws and regulations, including the Information Technology Act, 2000 and the Information Technology (Reasonable Security Practices and Procedures and Sensitive Personal Data or Information) Rules, 2011.

14. contact us

If you have any questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or our data practices, please contact us at support@matchpod.in or visit matchpod.in. We aim to respond to all inquiries within 48 hours during business days.