Privacy Policy for BookPodz

Last updated: January 29, 2026

1. Introduction

BookPodz ("we," "our," or "us") is committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you use our mobile application.

2. Information We Collect

2.1 Personal Information

We collect the following personal information when you use BookPodz:

Account Information: Name, email address, and phone number (optional)
Profile Information: Username and profile photo (optional)
Location Data: Your approximate location to show nearby books (only when you use the search feature)

2.2 Book Information

Book titles, authors, genres, and conditions you post
Photos of book covers (if you choose to upload them)

2.3 Communication Data

Messages you send through our in-app chat feature
Push notification tokens for sending you notifications

2.4 Usage Data

App usage statistics and crash reports
Device information (device type, operating system version)

3. How We Use Your Information

We use your information to:

Provide and maintain the BookPodz service
Show you nearby available books based on your location
Enable communication between users through our chat feature
Send you notifications about messages and book requests
Improve our app and develop new features
Ensure the security and integrity of our service

4. Information Sharing

4.1 With Other Users

When you post a book, the following information is visible to other users:

Your username
Book details (title, author, condition)
Approximate location (within 3-mile radius, not exact address)

4.2 Service Providers

We use the following third-party services:

AWS (Amazon Web Services): For hosting, database, and authentication
Expo: For push notifications
OpenStreetMap: For displaying maps (no data shared)

4.3 Legal Requirements

We may disclose your information if required by law or to protect our rights and safety.

5. Data Storage and Security

Your data is stored securely on AWS servers in the United States
We use industry-standard encryption for data transmission
We implement appropriate security measures to protect your information
However, no method of transmission over the internet is 100% secure

6. Your Rights and Choices

You have the right to:

Access: Request a copy of your personal data
Delete: Request deletion of your account and data
Update: Modify your profile information at any time
Opt-out: Disable location services or push notifications in your device settings

7. Location Data

We only access your location when you actively use the search feature
Your exact location is never shared with other users
Only an approximate location (within 3-mile radius) is shown
You can deny location permissions, but search functionality will be limited

8. Children's Privacy

BookPodz is not intended for children under 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If you believe we have collected information from a child under 13, please contact us.

9. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of any changes by posting the new Privacy Policy on this page and updating the "Last updated" date.

10. Data Retention

We retain your account information until you delete your account
Posted books are deleted when you remove them
Chat messages are retained for the duration of the conversation
You can request deletion of all your data by contacting us

11. Contact Us

If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy, please contact us at:

Email: support@chaarlabs.com

12. California Privacy Rights

If you are a California resident, you have additional rights under the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), including the right to know what personal information we collect and the right to request deletion of your personal information.

13. International Users

BookPodz is operated in the United States. If you are located outside the United States, please be aware that information we collect will be transferred to and processed in the United States.