Privacy.

Gather is designed with your privacy in mind. This policy explains what data we collect, why we collect it, and how we protect it.

Data we collect

Account information

When you sign up for Gather, we collect your email address, display name, and username. You provide this data directly during account creation via email sign-up, Sign in with Apple, or Google Sign-In. We use this to create and manage your account.

Precise location

Gather requests permission to access your precise location (GPS coordinates) when you create an event or use the map view. This is collected only with your explicit permission—iOS shows you a prompt every time. We use this location data to:

• Show nearby events on the map
• Help you organize events at specific places
• Display the general area to other users you invite

Location is never shared with users who have not been approved to join your event. If you create a friends-only event, only the host and approved attendees can see the exact location. You can revoke location permission at any time in iOS Settings.

Profile photos

You can upload a profile photo from your device or take one with your camera. This photo is stored in our secure cloud storage and is displayed on your profile according to your privacy settings (visible to everyone or friends only). You can delete your photo at any time.

Event data

When you create an event, we store the event name, description, date, time, location, and the list of attendees you invite. You control who sees this data by choosing whether your event is public or friends-only. Only you and your invited guests can see the event details.

Device information

We collect a unique device identifier (Firebase Cloud Messaging token) to send you push notifications about event invites, friend requests, and RSVP updates. This token is stored securely and is never shared with third parties.

How we use your data

• Account management: Creating and maintaining your account, authenticating you, and managing your profile
• Core features: Displaying events on the map, managing invites and RSVPs, organizing friend groups
• Push notifications: Notifying you about event invites, friend requests, and when attendees RSVP
• Support: Responding to your questions or addressing issues

Data retention

We keep your account data as long as your account is active. If you delete your account, we delete all your personal data from our systems within 30 days, including your profile, photos, and event history. Event data created by other users (where you were an attendee) is retained by the event host.

Third-party services

Gather uses the following third-party services to operate:

Google & Firebase (Google)

We use Google Firebase for authentication, database storage, file storage, push notifications, and crash reporting. Firebase processes your data according to Google’s Privacy Policy. We only grant Firebase access to data needed for these services.

Sign in with Apple

If you choose to sign in with Apple, Apple handles authentication and shares only your email with us. We do not receive your Apple ID or other Apple account details.

Google Sign-In

If you choose to sign in with Google, Google handles authentication and shares only your email with us. We do not store your Google credentials.

Data security

We use industry-standard encryption for data in transit (HTTPS/TLS) and at rest. All sensitive data is stored in Firebase’s secure, encrypted databases. Access to your data is restricted to your account and controlled by Firestore security rules — unauthenticated users and non-approved attendees cannot access your private event data.

Your rights

You have the right to:

• Access: Request a copy of the personal data we hold about you
• Delete: Delete your account and all associated data at any time from the app Settings
• Control: Change your privacy settings to limit who sees your profile and events
• Opt out: Disable push notifications in iOS Settings or the app

Children’s privacy

Gather is not intended for children under 13. We do not knowingly collect data from children under 13. If we become aware that we have collected data from a child under 13, we will delete it immediately.

Changes to this policy

We may update this privacy policy as the app evolves. We will notify you of significant changes by email or through the app. Your continued use of Gather after changes constitute your acceptance of the updated policy.

Contact

If you have questions about this privacy policy or how we handle your data, write to dev@onishistudios.com. We’ll respond within 5 business days.