Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

tripMates ("we", "our", or "the app") is a collaborative travel planning application. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, and protect your information when you use our mobile app and related services.

2. Information We Collect

Account information

When you create an account, we collect your name, email address, and password (stored securely using industry-standard hashing). An optional profile avatar may also be stored.

Trip and travel data

We store the trips you create or join, including trip details (title, destination, dates, currency), itinerary items, shared expenses, settlement data, and documents you upload (tickets, bookings, etc.).

Device and push notifications

If you enable push notifications, we collect a device push token and platform information (iOS or Android) to send you collaboration alerts (e.g. when a member joins a trip or a document is uploaded). You can disable notifications at any time in app settings.

Technical data

We may process standard server logs (IP address, request timestamps) for security and reliability purposes.

3. How We Use Your Information

• To provide and operate the tripMates service
• To authenticate you and manage your account
• To enable collaboration with other trip members
• To send push notifications you have opted into
• To store and sync your trip data across devices
• To maintain the security and integrity of our service

4. Data Sharing

We do not sell your personal data. Trip content is shared only with members of trips you join or create. We use trusted third-party services to operate the app:

• Cloud hosting & database — to store account and trip data
• Cloud storage — to store uploaded travel documents
• Firebase Cloud Messaging — to deliver push notifications

These providers process data on our behalf under appropriate data protection agreements.

5. Data Retention

We retain your account and trip data for as long as your account is active. When you delete a trip, its associated data is permanently removed. You may request account deletion by contacting us.

6. Your Rights

Depending on your location, you may have the right to:

• Access the personal data we hold about you
• Correct inaccurate data
• Request deletion of your account and data
• Withdraw consent for push notifications
• Export your data

To exercise these rights, contact us at contact@lazone.space.

7. Security

We use HTTPS encryption for all communications, hashed passwords, and access controls to protect your data. No method of transmission over the Internet is 100% secure, but we strive to use commercially acceptable means to protect your information.

8. Children's Privacy

tripMates is not directed at 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 post the revised policy on this page and update the "Last updated" date. Continued use of the app after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.

10. Contact Us

If you have questions about this Privacy Policy, contact us at contact@lazone.space.