SwiPaws Privacy Policy

SwiPaws (“we”, “us”, or “our”) respects your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains what personal information we collect through the SwiPaws mobile application and any related services (collectively, the “Service” or “App”), how we use and share that information, and the rights and choices you have regarding your data.

This Policy applies to all users of the Service. By using the Service, you consent to the collection, use, and sharing of your information as described here.

Who We Are

The Service is operated by Frederick Jolowski, an individual doing business as SwiPaws, with its principal place of business at 2674 SE Ranch Acres Cir, Jupiter, FL 33478. We plan to form and transition operations to a Florida limited liability company in the future; this Policy will be updated or assigned as appropriate. Our contact information is at the end of this Policy.

Information We Collect

We collect the following categories of information:

Information You Provide Directly

• Account registration details (email address and password).

• Profile information you enter, such as your name or nickname, bio, lifestyle tags, info about your dog, training mode tags, breed/age/details, preferences, and other profile content.

• Photos you upload of yourself and your dog(s) for your profile.

Location Information

We collect approximate location data from your device (with your permission via device settings) to enable location-based matching with nearby users. You control this permission in your device settings. Location data is primarily used in real time or near real time for matching and is not permanently stored or shared with other users beyond proximity indicators.

Photos and Media

Photos you select and upload for your profile. These are stored securely and displayed to other users as part of the matching and profile features.

In-App Communications

Text messages you send and receive through the in-app chat with matched users. We do not currently support photo or video sharing in chat.

Usage and Activity Data

Information about how you use the Service, including swipes, likes, matches, Rewind usage (Premium), time spent in the App, features accessed, and reports you submit.

Device and Technical Information

Device type, operating system, app version, IP address, unique device identifiers, crash reports, and analytics data. This is collected automatically and through our use of Firebase (Google).

Reports and Moderation Data

When users report another user (via swipe left on a matched profile in the Matches screen) or upon clicking to expand a profile in Discover, we receive the report details, the reported user’s profile information, and any accompanying message for review and action.

Payment and Subscription Information

We do not directly collect or store payment card details. Monthly Premium subscriptions ($4.99) are processed exclusively through Apple’s In-App Purchase system. Apple provides us with limited transaction information (e.g., subscription status).

We do not collect sensitive personal information beyond what is necessary for the Service.

How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect for the following purposes:

• Provide and operate the Service: Enable profile creation, location-based matching, in-app text chat, and core functionality.

• Personalize your experience: Show relevant nearby matches based on location, preferences, and activity.

• Safety, moderation, and enforcement: Review user reports, investigate violations of our Terms of Service and Community Guidelines, take appropriate action (warnings, content removal, account termination), and maintain a safe community.

• Improve the Service: Analyze usage patterns (often in aggregated or anonymized form), fix bugs, develop new features, and optimize performance using Firebase analytics.

• Communicate with you: Respond to support requests, send account-related notifications, and (where permitted) provide updates about the Service.

• Premium features: Deliver and manage Rewind and unlimited likes for subscribers.

• Legal and safety compliance: Detect fraud or abuse, comply with legal obligations, respond to valid legal requests, and protect the rights, safety, and property of users, dogs, and SwiPaws.

• Business operations: Support the legitimate interests of operating and improving the Service.

We do not sell your personal information to third parties for their own marketing or advertising purposes.

How We Share Your Information

We share information only in the following limited circumstances:

• With other users: Your profile information (including photos and dog details) and in-app messages are visible to matched users as part of the core matching and chat features. Location is used to determine proximity but your exact location is not shared with other users unless you voluntarily disclose it in chat or during a meetup.

• Service providers and processors: We use Firebase (by Google) for backend infrastructure, including user authentication, real-time database, cloud storage for photos, and analytics. Apple processes In-App Purchases and may handle push notifications. These providers act as data processors under contract and are required to protect your information.

• Legal and safety reasons: When required by law, court order, or valid legal process; to investigate or prevent fraud, abuse, or illegal activity; or to protect the rights, safety, or property of users, animals, or SwiPaws (including responding to reports).

• Business transfers: In connection with a merger, acquisition, financing, or sale of assets, with appropriate protections for your data.

We do not share your information with third parties for their independent marketing purposes

Data Retention

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

• Provide the Service and fulfill the purposes described in this Policy.

• Comply with legal, tax, or accounting obligations.

• Resolve disputes and enforce our agreements (including safety and moderation records).

Active accounts: Data is retained while your account is active.

Deleted accounts: When you delete your account, we delete or anonymize your personal information from our active systems within a reasonable period (typically within 30 days), except for information we are required or permitted to retain for legal, safety, abuse-prevention, or record-keeping reasons (e.g., records of serious violations or reports). Aggregated or anonymized data that no longer identifies you may be retained indefinitely for analytics and Service improvement.

Your Rights and Choices (Including Editing Your Profile and Data Deletion)

You have the following rights and controls:

Editing Your Profile

You can view, edit, update, or remove most of your profile information (bio, dog details, preferences, photos) directly in the App at any time. Changes are generally reflected immediately.

Location and Photo Permissions

You can grant or revoke location access and photo library access at any time through your device settings. Revoking permissions will limit or disable certain features (e.g., location-based matching).

Deleting Your Account and Data

• You can delete your account directly through the App settings.

Alternatively, email support@swipaws.com with a request to delete your account and data. Upon a verified deletion request, we will remove your personal information from active systems within a reasonable timeframe (typically 30 days), subject to the retention exceptions noted above. In-app messages and certain safety/moderation records may be retained longer where necessary.

Access and Other Requests

You may request access to, correction of, or deletion of your personal information by contacting us at support@swipaws.com. We will respond to verifiable requests within a reasonable period (generally within 30 days). Please include sufficient information to identify your account.

Opt-Outs

You can opt out of non-essential communications by following unsubscribe instructions or contacting support. You cannot opt out of essential service-related or safety communications.

California and Other State Residents

If you are a resident of California or another state with applicable privacy laws, you may have additional rights (e.g., right to know, delete, or opt-out of certain processing). Contact us using the information below to exercise these rights.

Security

We use reasonable administrative, technical, and physical safeguards — including Firebase security features — to protect your information against unauthorized access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction. However, no method of transmission or storage is 100% secure. We cannot guarantee absolute security.

Children’s Privacy

The Service is intended exclusively for users who are 18 years of age or older. We do not knowingly collect personal information from anyone under 18. If we become aware that we have collected such information, we will promptly delete it.

Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices, technology, legal requirements, or the Service. We will post the updated Policy with a new “Last Updated” date. For material changes, we will provide prominent notice in the App or by other reasonable means. Your continued use of the Service after the effective date of any changes constitutes acceptance of the updated Policy.

Contact Us

If you have questions about this Privacy Policy, wish to exercise your privacy rights, submit a data deletion request, or have concerns about your information, please contact us:

Email: support@swipaws.comMail: Frederick Jolowski d/b/a SwiPaws 2674 SE Ranch Acres Cir Jupiter, FL 33478

We take your privacy seriously and will respond to inquiries promptly.