Privacy Policy

Version 1.0 · Last updated: September 22, 2026 · Applies to Mingle users in the United States

1. Who we are

Mingle ("we", "us") operates this app. Contact: legal@mingleapp.example (replace with your real operating entity & email before launch).

2. What we collect

• You provide: first name, date of birth (used to verify 18+; we store only your age), gender, city (city-level only — never precise GPS/location history), interests, photos you add.
• Generated as you use it: swipes, matches, messages, reports/blocks you file.
• Technical: device type, app version, approximate region, crash logs (standard for running an app).
• Cookies/pixels: only for ads & analytics if you choose "Accept all" (see §6).

3. Why we use it (legal bases)

• To provide the service you asked for (contract).
• To verify you are 18+ and keep the community safe (legitimate interests / legal obligations).
• To show ads and measure them — only with your consent (see §6).

4. Age restriction — strictly 18+

Mingle is not directed at minors. We require date of birth at signup and block anyone under 18 (COPPA does not allow under-13 accounts; we go further and require 18+ for a dating/friends platform). If we learn a user is under 18, we delete the account. Report underage users via 🚨.

5. Who we share with

• Other users: your first name, age, city, interests, photos, bio — that's the point of the app.
• Service providers: hosting, analytics, crash reporting — bound by contracts, minimal data.
• Legal: if required by valid US legal process, or to prevent harm/illegal activity.
• Business transfer: if we're ever acquired, data may transfer under the same protections.
• We do NOT sell your personal information for money.

6. Your privacy rights (California CCPA/CPRA + other state laws)

Depending on your state (CA, TX, CO, VA, CT, and others), you may have the rights to:

• Know what data we collect and how it's used/shared.
• Delete your personal data.
• Correct inaccurate data.
• Opt out of "sale"/"sharing" for targeted advertising — we treat ad cookies as "sharing" and give you the choice up front.
• Non-discrimination: exercising a right won't reduce your service.

How to exercise: tap 🗑️ Delete my data in the app (instant deletion), or email legal@mingleapp.example. We respond within the time your state requires (usually ≤45 days). We do not use universal-opt-out signals (GPC) yet — coming with the live backend.

7. Cookies, ads & personalized advertising

The app is free because of ads. On first launch you choose:

• Accept all: cookies/pixels may be used for personalized ads (Google AdSense and similar) and measurement.
• Essential only: no personalized ads; you still see the app, with non-personalized/limited ads.

Google's required disclosure: Google uses cookies (including the DoubleClick cookie) to serve ads based on your prior visits to this and other websites. Google's use of advertising cookies enables it and its partners to serve ads based on your visit. You can opt out of personalized advertising by visiting Google Ads Settings, and opt out of third-party cookies at aboutads.info.

8. Affiliate links

Some links (events, activities, food) are affiliate links. If you buy through them we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. They are labeled "Sponsored" and open in a new tab with rel="sponsored nofollow". Affiliates may set their own cookies if you click — subject to their policies and your consent above.

9. Data security & retention

• Transmission encrypted (HTTPS/TLS). Access limited to what's needed to run the app.
• We keep data only while your account exists, or as needed for safety reports/legal obligations — then delete or anonymize it.
• Report/block records may be kept to prevent banned users from returning (legitimate safety interest).
• No method is 100% secure; if a breach occurs we will notify affected users and regulators as required by US state breach-notification laws.

10. State-specific notices

• California: categories collected = identifiers, account/profile, user content, internet activity, approximate location. We do not sell/share for money; opt out via §6.
• Virginia/Colorado/Connecticut/Texas & others: you may appeal a denied request by replying to our decision email or contacting us.
• Illinois (BIPA): we do not collect biometric identifiers (no face scans/fingerprints) at this time.

11. Your California "Do Not Sell or Share" request

Even though we don't sell data for money, we honor opt-outs of targeted-ad "sharing": choose Essential only at launch, email us, or delete your account — all treated as an opt-out.

12. Changes & contact

We'll post updates here with a new date. Questions or requests: legal@mingleapp.example.

⚠️ Template for planning only — not legal advice. Have a US attorney review before production launch, especially for state privacy-law compliance and dating-app-specific regulations.