Privacy Policy
Last Updated: April 27, 2026
Summary: TrustNear collects minimal data necessary to connect you with local service providers. We never sell your data. You can request deletion of your account and data at any time.
1. Introduction
TrustNear ("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 (the "App").
Please read this Privacy Policy carefully. By accessing or using the App, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by this policy.
2. Information We Collect
2.1 Information You Provide
- Phone Number: Required for account creation and authentication via Firebase Phone Authentication
- Profile Information: Name, email address (optional), and profile photo
- Account Type: Whether you register as a customer or service provider
- Service Requests: Details of services you request, including descriptions, budget ranges, and location
- Communications: Messages exchanged with other users through our in-app chat feature
- Reviews and Ratings: Feedback you provide about service providers
- Payment Information: If applicable, payment details for services (processed securely by third-party payment providers)
2.2 Information Collected Automatically
- Location Data: Approximate location (city/area level) to match you with nearby service providers. We do not track your precise real-time location.
- Device Information: Device type, operating system, unique device identifiers, and mobile network information
- Usage Data: App interactions, feature usage, session duration, and performance metrics
- Log Data: IP address, access times, pages viewed, and app crashes
2.3 Information from Third Parties
- Firebase Services: We use Google Firebase for authentication, analytics, crash reporting, and cloud storage
- Google Maps/Geocoding: Location verification and address formatting
3. How We Use Your Information
We use the information we collect to:
- Create and manage your account
- Verify your identity through phone authentication
- Match you with nearby service providers based on your location
- Facilitate communication between customers and providers
- Process and manage service requests
- Display reviews and ratings
- Send notifications about service updates, messages, and promotions
- Improve app functionality and user experience
- Monitor and analyze usage patterns and trends
- Prevent fraud and ensure platform security
- Comply with legal obligations
4. How We Share Your Information
4.1 With Other Users
- Customers can see: Provider's name, profile photo, service category, ratings, reviews, and approximate location (area/city)
- Providers can see: Customer's name, profile photo, service request details, and approximate location
4.2 With Service Providers
We do NOT sell, trade, or rent your personal information to third parties. We only share information as necessary to provide our services:
- Service providers receive information necessary to fulfill your service requests
- Your phone number is NOT shared with other users unless you explicitly choose to share it in chat
4.3 With Third-Party Services
- Google Firebase: For authentication, database storage, analytics, and crash reporting
- Google Cloud Platform: For hosting and infrastructure services
- Cloud Service Providers: For push notifications via Firebase Cloud Messaging
4.4 Legal Requirements
We may disclose your information if required to do so by law or in response to valid requests by public authorities (e.g., court orders, subpoenas).
5. Data Security
We implement industry-standard security measures to protect your information:
- Encryption: All data is encrypted in transit using HTTPS/TLS protocols
- Authentication: Secure phone-based authentication via Firebase
- Access Controls: Role-based access to ensure users can only access authorized data
- Firestore Security Rules: Database rules prevent unauthorized access to user data
- Regular Audits: Periodic security reviews and updates
6. Data Retention
We retain your information for as long as your account is active or as needed to provide services:
- Account Data: Retained until you delete your account
- Service Requests: Retained for 2 years after completion for dispute resolution
- Chat Messages: Retained until either party deletes the conversation
- Reviews: Retained indefinitely to maintain platform integrity
- Analytics Data: Aggregated and anonymized after 12 months
7. Your Rights and Choices
7.1 Access and Correction
You can access and update your profile information at any time through the app's settings.
7.2 Account Deletion
You have the right to delete your account and associated data:
- Go to Settings → Delete Account in the app
- Or email us at legal@trustnear.app
- We will delete your account within 30 days
7.3 Location Services
You can disable location services in your device settings, but this will limit the app's functionality.
7.4 Notifications
You can manage notification preferences in the app settings or your device settings.
7.5 Data Portability
You can request a copy of your personal data by contacting us at legal@trustnear.app.
8. Children's Privacy
Important: TrustNear is NOT directed to children under 18 years of age. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 18. If we learn we have collected personal information from a child under 18, we will delete it immediately.
9. International Data Transfers
Your information may be transferred to and processed in countries other than your country of residence. These countries may have data protection laws that are different from the laws of your country. We ensure appropriate safeguards are in place to protect your data.
10. Third-Party Links
The App may contain links to third-party websites or services. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of these third parties. We encourage you to review their privacy policies.
11. Changes to This Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of any changes by:
- Posting the new policy on this page
- Updating the "Last Updated" date
- Sending you an email or in-app notification for significant changes
We encourage you to review this policy periodically.
12. Google Play Specific Disclosures
12.1 Data Collection Disclosure
In compliance with Google Play Developer Program Policies, we disclose:
- Location: Approximate location collected for service matching
- Personal Info: Name, phone number, email (optional)
- Photos: Profile photos uploaded by users
- App Activity: App interactions, service requests, chat messages
- Device IDs: For analytics and crash reporting
12.2 Data Sharing
We do NOT share personal data with third parties for advertising or marketing purposes. Data is only shared as described in Section 4.
12.3 Data Deletion
We provide in-app account deletion and honor deletion requests via email.
13. Contact Us
14. Legal Basis for Processing (EEA Users)
If you are located in the European Economic Area (EEA), our legal basis for processing your data includes:
- Contract Performance: Processing necessary to provide our services
- Consent: Where you have given explicit consent (e.g., location services)
- Legitimate Interests: For app improvement and security
- Legal Obligation: Where required by law
15. California Privacy Rights (CCPA)
If you are a California resident, you have the right to:
- Know what personal data is collected
- Know if personal data is sold or disclosed (we don't sell data)
- Opt-out of the sale of personal data
- Request deletion of personal data
- Non-discrimination for exercising privacy rights
To exercise these rights, contact us at legal@trustnear.app.