MetaGear Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

This Privacy Policy describes how MetaGear ("App," "we," "us," or "our") collects, uses, discloses, and protects your information when you use our mobile application and related services.

2. Information We Collect

2.1 Information You Provide

Account Information

• Email address
• Display name (optional)
• Authentication identifiers for Google/Apple Sign-In

User Content

• Gear lists, notes, and comments
• Images you upload
• Any other content you create or share

Communications

• Support requests and feedback
• Messages you send us

2.2 Information Collected Automatically

Usage Data

• Features you interact with
• Pages and screens viewed
• Session duration and frequency
• Link clicks (including affiliate links)
• Search queries within the App

Device Information

• Device model and manufacturer
• Operating system and version
• App version
• Unique device identifiers
• Language and locale settings
• Approximate location (region/country level)
• IP address

Diagnostics

• Crash logs and error reports
• Performance data

2.3 Information from Third Parties

Authentication Providers

• Basic profile information from Google or Apple when you use their sign-in services

Advertising Partners

• Ad interaction data
• Advertising identifiers

Analytics Services

• Aggregated usage statistics

3. How We Use Your Information

We use your information to:

• Provide the Service: Create and manage your account, store and sync your content, enable features
• Enable Social Features: Allow public sharing of gear lists, facilitate community interactions
• Improve the App: Analyze usage patterns, conduct research, troubleshoot issues, develop new features
• Personalize Experience: Remember your preferences and settings
• Display Advertisements: Show relevant ads in the free tier
• Process Transactions: Manage subscriptions and payments (handled through app stores)
• Communicate: Send service updates, respond to inquiries, provide support
• Ensure Security: Detect fraud, prevent abuse, protect users
• Comply with Law: Meet legal obligations, respond to lawful requests

4. Legal Bases for Processing (EEA/UK Users)

If you are in the European Economic Area or United Kingdom, we process your data based on:

• Contract: To provide the App and features you request
• Legitimate Interests: To improve our services, ensure security, prevent fraud, and conduct analytics
• Consent: For certain cookies, marketing communications, and other optional processing
• Legal Obligation: To comply with applicable laws

5. Information Sharing

We may share your information with:

5.1 Service Providers

Third parties who help us operate the App, including:

• Cloud hosting and infrastructure
• Analytics services (PostHog)
• Customer support tools
• Email delivery services
• Payment processors (via app stores)

5.2 Advertising Partners

In the free tier, advertising networks may receive:

• Advertising identifiers
• General demographic information
• Ad interaction data

5.3 Authentication Providers

Google and Apple receive information necessary for sign-in functionality.

5.4 Affiliate Partners

When you click affiliate links, partners receive referral information for attribution purposes.

5.5 Legal and Safety

We may disclose information:

• To comply with legal obligations
• To respond to lawful requests from authorities
• To protect our rights, safety, or property
• To protect users or the public

5.6 Business Transfers

In connection with a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets, your information may be transferred, subject to appropriate confidentiality protections.

5.7 With Your Consent

We may share information in other circumstances with your explicit consent.

6. Public Content

When you make content public (such as public gear lists), it becomes visible to other users and may be shared further. Be mindful of what you share publicly. Do not post sensitive personal information in public areas.

7. Advertising

The free tier of MetaGear displays advertisements. Our advertising partners may collect and use certain information to show you relevant ads. This may include:

• Advertising identifiers
• Device information
• General location (country/region)
• App usage patterns

You can limit ad tracking through your device settings:

• iOS: Settings > Privacy > Tracking
• Android: Settings > Google > Ads

8. Analytics

We use PostHog and other analytics tools to understand how the App is used and to improve our services. Analytics may involve:

• Device identifiers
• Usage patterns
• Performance metrics

Where feasible, we use aggregated or pseudonymized data.

9. Cookies and Similar Technologies

We use cookies, SDKs, and similar technologies for:

• Essential Functions: Authentication, security, preferences
• Analytics: Understanding usage patterns
• Advertising: Ad delivery and attribution
• Affiliate Attribution: Tracking referrals

10. Push Notifications

With your permission, we may send push notifications about:

• App updates and new features
• Activity related to your content
• Promotional content

You can manage notifications in your device settings at any time.

11. Data Retention

We retain your information for as long as necessary to:

• Provide the Service
• Comply with legal obligations
• Resolve disputes
• Enforce our agreements
• Maintain backups (for a limited period)

When you delete your account, we will delete or anonymize your personal information within a reasonable timeframe, subject to legal requirements and legitimate interests.

12. International Transfers

Your information may be processed in countries other than your own, including countries that may have different data protection laws. When we transfer data internationally, we implement appropriate safeguards, including:

• Standard contractual clauses
• Vendor certifications and commitments

13. Data Security

We implement reasonable technical and organizational measures to protect your information, including:

• Encryption in transit (HTTPS/TLS)
• Access controls
• Regular security assessments

However, no method of transmission or storage is 100% secure. We cannot guarantee absolute security.

14. Your Rights

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

• Access: Request a copy of your personal information
• Correction: Request correction of inaccurate information
• Deletion: Request deletion of your personal information
• Portability: Receive your data in a portable format
• Restriction: Request limitation of processing
• Objection: Object to certain processing activities
• Withdraw Consent: Where processing is based on consent

For California Residents (CCPA/CPRA)

You have additional rights including:

• Right to know what personal information we collect
• Right to delete personal information
• Right to opt-out of "sales" (we do not sell personal information)
• Right to non-discrimination for exercising your rights

How to Exercise Your Rights

Send requests to: hello@metagear.app with subject line "Privacy Request"

For fastest processing, contact us from the email associated with your account. We may need to verify your identity before fulfilling requests.

15. Account Deletion

You can delete your account and associated data by:

• Using the account deletion feature in the App (Settings > Delete Account)
• Contacting us at hello@metagear.app

We will process deletion requests within a reasonable timeframe, subject to:

• Legal obligations
• Security and fraud prevention
• Limited backup retention

16. Children's Privacy

MetaGear is intended for users 18 years and older. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If we learn we have collected information from a child, we will delete it promptly.

17. Third-Party Links

The App may contain links to third-party websites and services. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of these third parties. We encourage you to review their privacy policies.

18. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. If we make material changes, we will provide notice through the App or other appropriate means.

The "Last Updated" date indicates when the current version became effective.

19. Contact Us

For privacy questions, concerns, or requests:

Email: hello@metagear.app
Subject Line: Privacy Request (for rights requests)