Privacy Policy for Kaleidoscope Collaborative

Last Updated: January 25, 2026

1. Introduction

Welcome to Kaleidoscope Collaborative ("we," "our," or "us"). We are committed to protecting your privacy and ensuring the security of your personal information. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you use our mobile application (the "App").

By using Kaleidoscope Collaborative, 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 App.

2. Information We Collect

2.1 Personal Information You Provide

We collect information that you voluntarily provide to us when you:

Register for an account: Email address, password, name
Create your profile: Profile picture, display name, accessibility preferences
Write reviews: Review text, ratings, photos (if uploaded)
Contact us: Any information you provide when communicating with our support team

2.2 Information Collected Automatically

When you use our App, we may automatically collect:

Location Data: With your permission, we collect your device's location to show nearby accessible places and provide location-based search results
Device Information: Device type, operating system version, unique device identifiers
Usage Data: App features you use, pages viewed, time spent on pages, search queries
Log Data: IP address, browser type, access times, crash reports

2.3 Information from Third-Party Services

If you choose to sign in using third-party authentication services, we receive:

Google Sign-In: Name, email address, profile picture
Sign in with Apple (iOS): Name, email address (optional; you may hide your email from us). Sign in with Apple does not use your data for advertising without your consent.

We only collect information that you authorize these services to share with us.

3. How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect to:

Provide and maintain the App: Create and manage your account, enable core features
Personalize your experience: Show relevant accessible places based on your location and preferences
Display your reviews: Share your accessibility reviews with the community
Improve our services: Analyze usage patterns to enhance features and user experience
Communicate with you: Send important updates, respond to inquiries, provide customer support
Ensure security: Detect and prevent fraud, abuse, and security incidents
Comply with legal obligations: Respond to legal requests and prevent harm

4. How We Share Your Information

4.1 Public Information

The following information is publicly visible to all App users:

Your display name (if you choose to make it public)
Your reviews, ratings, and any photos you upload
Places you've reviewed (visible in "My Reviews")

4.2 Service Providers

We share information with third-party service providers who help us operate the App:

Firebase (Google): Authentication, database hosting, cloud functions
Google Cloud Platform: Backend infrastructure and hosting
Google Maps/Places API: Location data and place information

These providers are contractually obligated to protect your information and use it only for the services they provide to us.

4.3 Legal Requirements

We may disclose your information if required by law or in response to:

Legal processes (subpoenas, court orders)
Government requests
Protection of our rights, property, or safety
Prevention of fraud or security threats

4.4 Business Transfers

If we are involved in a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets, your information may be transferred as part of that transaction. We will notify you of any such change.

5. Data Storage and Security

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

Encryption: Data is encrypted in transit using SSL/TLS protocols
Secure Storage: Data is stored on secure Firebase/Google Cloud servers
Access Controls: Limited access to personal data by authorized personnel only
Authentication: Secure password hashing and authentication mechanisms

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

6. Your Privacy Rights

Depending on your location, you may have the following rights:

6.1 Access and Portability

Request a copy of your personal information
Receive your data in a portable format

6.2 Correction and Update

Update your profile information within the App
Correct inaccurate personal data

6.3 Deletion

Request deletion of your account and associated data
Delete individual reviews you've posted

6.4 Opt-Out

Disable location services in your device settings
Opt out of promotional communications

6.5 Withdraw Consent

Withdraw consent for data processing where consent is the legal basis

To exercise these rights, please contact us using the information provided below.

7. Location Data

Our App uses location data to provide location-based features:

Show nearby accessible places
Provide distance calculations
Enable location-based search

You can control location permissions:

Grant or deny location access in your device settings
Location data is only collected when you use location-based features
You can use the App without granting location access (with limited functionality)

8. Children's Privacy

Our App is not intended for children under the age of 13. 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, and we will delete such information from our systems.

9. Third-Party Links

Our App may contain links to third-party websites or services (such as Google Maps). We are not responsible for the privacy practices of these third parties. We encourage you to review their privacy policies before providing any personal information.

10. International Data Transfers

Your information may be transferred to and processed in countries other than your country of residence. These countries may have different data protection laws. By using our App, you consent to the transfer of your information to the United States and other countries where our service providers operate.

11. Data Retention

We retain your personal information for as long as necessary to:

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

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

12. California Privacy Rights (CCPA)

If you are a California resident, you have additional rights under the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA):

Right to know what personal information is collected
Right to know if personal information is sold or disclosed
Right to opt-out of the sale of personal information (we do not sell your information)
Right to deletion of personal information
Right to non-discrimination for exercising your rights

13. European Privacy Rights (GDPR)

If you are in the European Economic Area (EEA), you have rights under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR):

Right to access your personal data
Right to rectification of inaccurate data
Right to erasure ("right to be forgotten")
Right to restrict processing
Right to data portability
Right to object to processing
Right to withdraw consent
Right to lodge a complaint with a supervisory authority

14. 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 in the App
Updating the "Last Updated" date
Sending you a notification (for significant changes)

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

15. Contact Us

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

Kaleidoscope Collaborative
Email: kaleidoscope.collaborative@gmail.com

We will respond to your request within 30 days.

16. Consent

By using Kaleidoscope Collaborative, you consent to our Privacy Policy and agree to its terms.