Privacy Policy

Backyard ("we," "our," or "us") is committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy describes how we collect, use, and share information when you use the Backyard mobile application ("App").

1. Information We Collect

1.1 Account Information

When you create an account, we collect:

• Email address (for email/password sign-up)
• Password (stored securely by Firebase Authentication; we do not access your password)
• Username (display name you choose)
• User ID (automatically assigned by our authentication provider)

You may also sign in as a guest (anonymous account) without providing email or username.

1.2 Location Information

When you grant permission, the App collects your device's location while the App is in use. We use location to:

• Show your position on the map
• Enable you to add marks at your current location
• Determine which marks and places to show near you
• Compute distances to places and marks
• Support map features (e.g., nearby places search)

We use "when in use" location only; the App does not access location in the background.

1.3 Marks and Activity Data

When you create a mark, we collect:

• Title, description, and category
• Geographic coordinates (latitude and longitude)
• Place identifier (from Google Places)
• Date and time of creation
• Photos (if you attach them)
• Whether the mark is public or private

1.4 Photos

If you allow access to the camera or photo library, you may attach photos to marks. These photos are uploaded to our servers and stored so they can be shown in the App.

1.5 Lists and Planned Places

When you create lists, we collect the list title, description, and the places you add (name, coordinates, and place identifier).

1.6 Social Features

When you use friends features, we store:

• Your friend connections
• Friend requests you send or receive
• Your public marks that are visible to friends

1.7 Challenge Progress

We store which challenges you have started and which tasks you have completed.

2. How We Use Your Information

We use the information above to:

• Provide and improve the App's features
• Display your marks, lists, and progress on the map and in feeds
• Show your public marks to other users (including in Explore and to friends)
• Allow friends to see each other's public activity
• Display usernames when showing marks and activity
• Show map content and place suggestions
• Operate our services (authentication, storage, analytics)

3. Third-Party Services

We use the following third-party services, each with its own privacy practices:

Google (Maps, Places, Geocoding)

We use Google Maps and Google Places APIs for map display, place search, autocomplete, and geocoding. Your location and search queries may be processed by Google. See Google's Privacy Policy.

Firebase (Google)

We use Firebase for authentication, database (Firestore), file storage, and analytics. Your account data, marks, photos, lists, and usage data are processed by Firebase. See Firebase's terms and privacy.

4. Data Sharing and Visibility

• Public marks: Marks you mark as public may be visible to all App users in Explore and to your friends.
• Usernames: Your username may be shown with your marks and activity.
• Friends: Your friends can see your public marks and activity.
• Private marks: Marks marked private are only visible to you.

We do not sell your personal information. We may share information if required by law or to protect our rights, users, or safety.

5. Data Retention

We retain your data while your account is active. When you delete your account, we delete:

• Your account and authentication record
• Your profile and username
• Your marks and associated photos
• Your lists and planned places
• Your friend relationships
• Your challenge progress

Account deletion is permanent and cannot be undone.

6. Your Choices

• Location: You can disable location access in your device Settings. Some features will not work without location.
• Camera and Photos: You can deny access in Settings. You will not be able to add photos to marks.
• Public vs. private marks: You can choose whether each mark is public or private when creating it.
• Account deletion: You can request account deletion from the Profile section in the App.

7. Security

We use industry-standard security and encryption for authentication and data transmission. Firebase and Google provide security for their services.

8. Children's Privacy

The App is not directed to children under 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If you believe we have collected such information, please contact us so we can delete it.

9. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of material changes by updating the "Last updated" date or through the App. Continued use after changes means you accept the updated policy.

10. Contact Us

If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or your data, contact us at: backyard@alumni.com