Privacy Policy

PrepBuddy ("we", "us", or "our") operates the PrepBuddy mobile application (the "App") to help students find study buddies, join communities, chat, use Pomodoro timers, and access premium features.

We take your privacy seriously. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and protect your information when you use the App. By using PrepBuddy, you agree to this policy.

1. Information We Collect

We collect the following types of information:

Account Information: Name, phone number, email (optional), target exam, study preferences, bio, city/location, daily study hours, and profile photo (uploaded via camera or gallery).
Usage Data: Study buddy matches, chats/messages, community threads/replies (including images), Pomodoro sessions, and app interactions.
Device Information: Device ID, push notification token (for notifications), IP address, and approximate location (if shared for matching).
Payment Information: For premium upgrades, we use Razorpay (third-party processor). We do not store your card details or full payment information — it's handled securely by Razorpay.

Some data (e.g., city, photo) is optional and used only to improve matching.

2. How We Use Your Information

To create and manage your account.
To match you with study buddies based on preferences.
To enable chats, community discussions, and notifications.
To process premium payments and unlock features.
To improve the App (analytics, bug fixes).
To send push notifications (e.g., new matches, messages) via OneSignal.

3. Third-Party Services

Razorpay: Handles all payments securely. Their privacy policy: https://razorpay.com/privacy/
OneSignal: For push notifications. Their privacy policy: https://onesignal.com/privacy_policy

We do not sell your personal data.

4. Data Sharing

We share data only when necessary:

With other users (e.g., your name/photo in matches/chats/community — you control visibility).
With service providers (Razorpay, OneSignal) under strict agreements.
For legal reasons (e.g., court orders).

5. Data Security

We use encryption, secure servers, and best practices to protect your data. However, no system is 100% secure.

6. Your Rights

You can:

Access, update, or delete your account/data (via app settings or contact us).
Opt out of notifications.
Request data export/deletion.

7. Children's Privacy

PrepBuddy is for users 13+ (or local age of consent). We do not knowingly collect data from children under 13.

8. Changes to This Policy

We may update this policy. Changes will be posted here with the updated date.

9. Contact Us

For questions: prepbuddyapp@gmail.com or via the App.

Thank you for using PrepBuddy! ✨