Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

Welcome to Vynce We("our," or "us") operate the Vynce mobile application — a video-sharing, photo-sharing, and social community platform. Your privacy is critically important to us. This document outlines how we collect, protect, and use your data when you interact with our platform, including its video feed, photo feed, chat, groups, games, offline features, and notifications.

2. Information Collection and Use

To provide a functional social experience, we collect the following types of information:

A. Personal Data

When you register or use Vynce, we may collect the following personally identifiable information via Firebase Authentication:

• Email address or phone number (used for login)
• Password (stored securely and never visible to us)
• First name and last name
• Profile picture
• Unique User ID (UID)
• Bio and profile details you choose to provide

B. Media and Device Permissions

To enable the core features of Vynce, we request the following permissions:

• Camera: To allow you to record videos and capture photos directly within the app during uploads.
• Microphone / Record Audio: To capture audio while you are recording videos.
• Read Media Video: To allow you to select and upload existing videos from your device.
• Read Media Images: To allow you to select and upload photos from your device.
• Read Media Visual User Selected: Allows you to grant access only to specific photos or videos you choose, without granting full library access (Android 13+).
• Read External Storage: Used on older Android versions (12 and below) to access media files for upload.
• Post Notifications: To send you push notifications about new messages, likes, comments, and activity on your content.
• Internet: To connect to our servers for uploading content, loading feeds, and real-time messaging.
• Access Network State: To check your internet connection status and provide appropriate offline or online experiences.
• Vibrate: To provide haptic feedback for notifications and in-app interactions.
• Advertising ID (AD_ID): Used by Google AdMob to display relevant advertisements.

C. Content You Upload

Videos and photos you upload are stored on our secure media servers (Cloudflare R2) and are associated with your account. You retain ownership of your content. We store it solely to provide the Vynce service.

D. Usage Data

We may collect information on how you interact with the app, including features used, screens visited, and session duration, to improve performance and user experience.

3. Data Storage and Security

We use Google Firebase (Firestore and Firebase Authentication) to store your profile data, messages, and activity. Media files (videos and photos) are stored on Cloudflare R2, a secure cloud storage service. All data is encrypted during transit using HTTPS/TLS and encrypted at rest. We use industry-standard security measures, including HTTPS/TLS encryption, to protect your data.

4. Third-Party Service Providers

We utilize third-party services that may collect information used to identify you. Below are the links to the privacy policies of the providers we use:

• Google Play Services
• Firebase (Auth, Firestore, Realtime Database)
• Firebase Crashlytics (For native crash tracking)
• AdMob (Google Ads)
• Cloudflare R2 (Media Storage)

Data Sharing

We share limited user data with trusted third-party service providers (such as Google Firebase, AdMob, and Cloudflare) strictly to operate, improve, and secure the Vynce platform. We do not sell your personal data to any third parties.

5. Ads and Analytics

We use Google AdMob to display advertisements within the app, including in the video feed. AdMob may use your advertising ID (AD_ID) to show personalized ads based on your interests. You can opt out of personalized advertising through your device settings under Google > Ads.

We also use Firebase Crashlytics to monitor app stability and fix crashes to improve your experience. Crashlytics does not collect personally identifiable information.

Users in the European Economic Area may be shown a consent prompt for personalized advertising in accordance with GDPR requirements.

We do not sell personal information as defined under the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA).

6. Data Deletion Policy

We believe you should have full control over your data. You can delete your account and all associated content (videos, photos, profile info, messages) at any time from within the app settings. If you cannot find the delete option, please contact us at mr.tikiko.17@gmail.com, and we will remove your data within 48 hours.

7. Children's Privacy

Vynce does not allow users under the age of 13 to create accounts or use the service. We do not knowingly collect personally identifiable information from children under 13. If we discover a child under 13 has provided us with personal data, we will immediately delete it from our servers.

Your Rights

You have the right to:

• Access the personal data we hold about you
• Request correction of inaccurate data
• Request data deletion from our server before timeframe for permanent autoremoval from our sytem when you delete account or document
• You can delete your data such as deleting account, delete videos and all your documents fron Vynce
• Restrict or object to certain data processing

8. Chat and Messaging Privacy

Vynce includes a direct messaging feature and group chats to allow users to communicate. To ensure a safe environment, we implement the following:

• Encryption: Your messages are transmitted securely via Firebase with industry-standard encryption.
• Groups: Group chats allow multiple users to communicate together. Group names, members, and messages are stored in Firebase associated with your account.
• Metadata: We store timestamps and read status to provide messaging functionality.
• Content Monitoring: To prevent spam and abuse, we use automated filters to detect malicious links or prohibited content.
• Privacy Control: You can manage who can message you in your account settings and delete chat threads at any time.

9. User-Generated Content (UGC) & Safety

Vynce is a platform for creative expression. However, we maintain a zero-tolerance policy regarding objectionable content or abusive users. By using the app, you agree not to upload content that is:

• Sexually explicit or highly suggestive.
• Harassing, bullying, or threatening in nature.
• Promoting hate speech or illegal activities.
• Infringing on intellectual property rights.

10. Reporting Mechanisms

To maintain a safe community, Vynce provides easy-to-use reporting tools for all users:

• Report Video: If a video violates our guidelines, users can tap the "Report" button on the video player. Our moderation team reviews these reports within 24 hours.
• Report Profile: Users can report an entire account or profile if the user is impersonating someone or consistently posting harmful content.

Upon review, violating content will be removed, and the offending user may be permanently banned from the platform.

11. Blocking Feature

Vynce provides a "Block" feature to prevent harassment. When you block a user:

• The blocked user will no longer be able to view your videos or profile.
• The blocked user cannot follow you or interact with your content.
• The block is immediate and can be managed in your account settings.

12. Games

Vynce includes simple in-app games such as Word Connect. These games are provided for entertainment and do not collect any additional personal information beyond standard usage data already described in this policy. Game progress may be stored locally on your device.

13. Offline Features

Vynce offers an offline mode that allows you to access previously loaded content without an internet connection. Content cached for offline use is stored locally on your device and is not shared externally. We use your network state permission to detect connectivity and switch between online and offline experiences seamlessly.

14. Notifications

With your permission, Vynce sends push notifications to inform you of new messages, likes, comments, follows, and other activity related to your account. You can manage or disable notifications at any time through your device settings or within the app. We use the POST_NOTIFICATIONS permission solely to deliver these alerts.

15. Login and Authentication

Vynce supports the following login methods via Firebase Authentication:

• Email and Password: Your email is used as your login identifier. Passwords are securely hashed and never stored in plain text.
• Phone Number and Password: Your phone number may be used as an alternative login identifier with a verification code (OTP) sent to confirm your identity.

We do not have access to your password at any time.

16. Policy Changes

This policy may be updated periodically to reflect changes in our app features or legal requirements. Continued use of the app after changes are made indicates your acceptance of the updated policy. We encourage you to review this page periodically.