Privacy Policy

Introduction

At The Circle, privacy isn't just a feature—it's the foundation of everything we build. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you use our mobile application and related services.

We are committed to protecting your personal information and your right to privacy. If you have any questions or concerns about this policy or our practices, please contact us at privacy@thecircle.app.

Information We Collect

We collect information that you provide directly to us, including:

• Account Information: Name, email address, phone number, and profile photo when you create an account.
• Circle Content: Messages, photos, and other content you share within your Circles.
• Usage Data: Information about how you interact with the app, including features used and time spent.
• Device Information: Device type, operating system, and unique device identifiers.

How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect to:

• Provide, maintain, and improve our services
• Process and complete transactions
• Send you technical notices, updates, and support messages
• Respond to your comments, questions, and customer service requests
• Monitor and analyze trends, usage, and activities
• Detect, investigate, and prevent fraudulent transactions and other illegal activities
• Personalize and improve your experience

Data Storage and Security

Your Circle conversations are protected with end-to-end encryption. This means only you and the members of your Circle can read the messages—not even The Circle team can access them.

We implement appropriate technical and organizational security measures designed to protect the security of any personal information we process. However, no electronic transmission over the Internet or information storage technology can be guaranteed to be 100% secure.

Data Retention

We retain your personal information only for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes for which we collected it, including to satisfy any legal, accounting, or reporting requirements.

When you delete your account, we will delete or anonymize your personal information within 30 days, except where we are required to retain certain information for legal purposes.

Sharing of Information

We do not sell, trade, or rent your personal information to third parties. We may share your information only in the following circumstances:

• With Your Consent: We may share information when you give us explicit permission.
• Service Providers: We may share information with vendors who perform services on our behalf.
• Legal Requirements: We may disclose information if required by law or legal process.
• Business Transfers: In connection with a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets.

Your Rights and Choices

Depending on your location, you may have certain rights regarding your personal information:

• Access: Request access to your personal information.
• Correction: Request correction of inaccurate information.
• Deletion: Request deletion of your personal information.
• Portability: Request a copy of your data in a portable format.
• Opt-Out: Opt out of certain data processing activities.

To exercise any of these rights, please contact us at privacy@thecircle.app.

Children's Privacy

The Circle is not intended for children under 13 years of age. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If you are a parent or guardian and believe your child has provided us with personal information, please contact us.

Changes to This 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 and updating the "Last updated" date. We encourage you to review this Privacy Policy periodically.

Contact Us

If you have questions or comments about this Privacy Policy, please contact us at:

Email: privacy@thecircle.app
Address: The Circle, Inc.
123 Connection Street
San Francisco, CA 94102