Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

Welcome to Aura ("we," "our," or "us"). Aura is a location-based social messaging application that connects you to real-time conversations shaped by where you are. This Privacy Policy describes how we collect, use, and protect your information when you use our mobile application and related services (collectively, the "Service").

By using our Service, you agree to the collection and use of information in accordance with this policy. If you do not agree with our policies and practices, do not use our Service.

2. Information We Collect

2.1 Personal Information

We may collect the following personal information:

• Account information (username, email address, profile picture)
• Phone number for verification purposes
• Profile information you choose to provide
• Messages and content you send through the Service
• Device information (device type, operating system, unique device identifiers)

2.2 Location Information

Aura is fundamentally a location-based service. We collect and process location data to enable our core functionality:

• Real-time location: Your current GPS coordinates when you use the app
• Location history: Previous locations where you've used the app
• Geofencing data: Information about location-based groups and chats you join
• Proximity data: Information about your proximity to other users and locations

2.3 Usage and Analytics Data

• App usage patterns and feature interactions
• Time spent in different locations and chats
• Error logs and crash reports
• Network and connection information

3. How We Use Your Information

We use the collected information for the following purposes:

3.1 Core Service Functionality

• Connect you to location-based chats and groups
• Show you relevant conversations based on your location
• Enable real-time messaging with nearby users
• Provide location-based notifications and alerts

3.2 Safety and Security

• Prevent fraud, spam, and abuse
• Enforce our Terms of Service
• Protect user safety and maintain community standards
• Verify user accounts and prevent unauthorized access

3.3 Service Improvement

• Analyze usage patterns to improve our Service
• Develop new features and functionality
• Optimize app performance and user experience
• Conduct research and analytics

4. Location Data Privacy

Your location privacy is paramount to us. Here's how we handle your location data:

4.1 Location Sharing Control

• You can control location sharing settings in your device and app settings
• You can choose to share your location with specific groups or users
• You can enable or disable location-based features at any time

4.2 Location Data Retention

• Current location data is processed in real-time and not permanently stored
• Location history is retained for up to 30 days for service functionality
• Aggregated, anonymized location data may be retained for analytics

4.3 Location Accuracy

We use approximate location data when possible and implement location fuzzing to protect your exact whereabouts while maintaining service functionality.

5. Information Sharing

We do not sell your personal information. We may share your information in the following circumstances:

5.1 With Other Users

• Your profile information and messages within local chats
• Your approximate location to enable location-based features
• Only information you choose to share in your profile

5.2 Service Providers

• Cloud hosting and data storage providers
• Analytics and crash reporting services
• Customer support and communication tools

5.3 Legal Requirements

• When required by law or legal process
• To protect our rights and prevent illegal activities
• In connection with a business transaction (merger, acquisition, etc.)

6. Data Security

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

• End-to-end encryption for messages
• Secure data transmission using HTTPS/TLS
• Regular security audits and monitoring
• Access controls and authentication systems
• Data anonymization and pseudonymization where possible

7. Your Rights and Choices

You have the following rights regarding your information:

7.1 Access and Control

• Access your personal information
• Update or correct your information
• Delete your account and associated data
• Export your data in a portable format

7.2 Privacy Controls

• Adjust location sharing settings
• Control who can see your profile and messages
• Manage notification preferences
• Block or report other users

7.3 Opt-Out Options

• Disable location services (may limit app functionality)
• Opt out of analytics data collection
• Unsubscribe from promotional communications

8. Data Retention

We retain your information for the following periods:

• Account data: Until you delete your account
• Messages: As long as your account is active
• Location data: Up to 30 days for functionality, aggregated data indefinitely
• Analytics data: Up to 2 years in anonymized form
• Legal compliance: As required by applicable law

9. Children's Privacy

Our Service is not intended for children under 13 years of age. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If we discover that a child under 13 has provided us with personal information, we will immediately delete such information.

10. International Data Transfers

Your information may be transferred to and processed in countries other than your own. We ensure appropriate safeguards are in place to protect your information in accordance with applicable data protection laws.

11. 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 and updating the "Last updated" date. You are advised to review this Privacy Policy periodically for any changes.

12. Contact Us

If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy or our data practices, please contact us at: