Your Privacy Matters: At FootyChat, we are committed to protecting your privacy and ensuring transparency about how we collect, use, and safeguard your personal information. This Privacy Policy explains our practices in clear, straightforward language.
1. Introduction
FootyChat ("we," "our," or "us") operates the FootyChat mobile application and website (collectively, the "Platform"). This Privacy Policy describes how we collect, use, disclose, and protect information when you use our Platform.
By accessing or using FootyChat, you agree to this Privacy Policy. If you do not agree with our policies and practices, please do not use our Platform.
2. Information We Collect
2.1 Information You Provide Directly
When you register for and use FootyChat, you may provide us with:
Account Information: Email address, username, password, and profile information
Profile Data: Optional profile photo, display name, favorite teams, and bio
Chat Content: Messages, comments, and other content you post in chat rooms
Communications: Information you provide when contacting our support team
Payment Information: If you make purchases, payment details processed securely through third-party payment processors
2.2 Information Collected Automatically
When you use FootyChat, we automatically collect certain information:
Device Information: Device type, operating system, unique device identifiers, mobile network information
Usage Data: Pages viewed, features used, time spent on Platform, search queries, chat participation
Location Data: General location information based on IP address (not precise GPS location)
Cookies and Similar Technologies: We use cookies, web beacons, and similar technologies to enhance your experience
Analytics Data: We use Google Analytics and similar services to understand how users interact with our Platform
2.3 Information from Third Parties
We may receive information about you from third parties:
Social Media: If you connect your social media accounts, we may receive profile information
Authentication Services: Information from authentication providers like Google Sign-In, Apple Sign-In
Analytics Providers: Aggregate data about user behavior and demographics
3. How We Use Your Information
We use the information we collect for various purposes:
3.1 To Provide Our Services
Create and manage your account
Enable you to participate in chat rooms and discussions
Provide real-time match updates and notifications
Personalize your experience based on your preferences
Process transactions and send related information
3.2 To Improve and Develop Our Platform
Analyze usage patterns and trends
Develop new features and functionality
Conduct research and testing
Monitor and improve Platform performance
Fix bugs and resolve technical issues
3.3 To Communicate With You
Send service-related announcements and updates
Respond to your inquiries and support requests
Send marketing communications (with your consent)
Notify you about changes to our Platform or policies
3.4 To Ensure Safety and Security
Verify user identity and prevent fraud
Enforce our Terms of Service
Detect and prevent abuse, harassment, or illegal activity
Protect the rights, property, and safety of FootyChat and our users
Comply with legal obligations
3.5 For Advertising and Marketing
Display relevant advertisements through Google AdSense and other advertising partners
Measure advertising effectiveness
Send promotional materials about FootyChat features (with your consent)
4. How We Share Your Information
We may share your information in the following circumstances:
4.1 Public Information
When you participate in public chat rooms, your username, profile photo, and messages are visible to other users in those rooms.
4.2 Service Providers
We work with third-party service providers who help us operate our Platform:
Firebase: Database, authentication, and hosting services
Google Analytics: Analytics and measurement services
Google AdSense: Advertising services
Cloud Storage Providers: Data storage and backup
Payment Processors: Processing payments and subscriptions
These service providers are contractually obligated to protect your information and use it only for the purposes we specify.
4.3 Legal Requirements
We may disclose your information if required by law or in response to:
Legal process, court orders, or government requests
Investigations of potential violations of our Terms of Service
Detection, prevention, or addressing fraud, security, or technical issues
Protection of the rights, property, or safety of FootyChat, our users, or the public
4.4 Business Transfers
If FootyChat is involved in a merger, acquisition, asset sale, or bankruptcy, your information may be transferred as part of that transaction.
4.5 With Your Consent
We may share your information with third parties when you give us explicit consent to do so.
5. Cookies and Tracking Technologies
We use cookies and similar technologies to:
Remember your preferences and settings
Keep you logged in to your account
Understand how you use our Platform
Deliver relevant advertisements
Measure the effectiveness of our marketing campaigns
You can control cookies through your browser settings. However, disabling cookies may limit your ability to use certain features of our Platform.
5.1 Types of Cookies We Use
Essential Cookies: Required for the Platform to function properly
Performance Cookies: Help us understand how visitors interact with our Platform
Functionality Cookies: Remember your preferences and personalization choices
Advertising Cookies: Deliver relevant advertisements and measure campaign effectiveness
6. Advertising
FootyChat displays advertisements through Google AdSense and other advertising partners. These partners may use cookies and similar technologies to:
Deliver personalized advertisements based on your interests
Measure ad performance and effectiveness
Provide aggregate reporting to advertisers
You can opt out of personalized advertising by visiting:
We implement industry-standard security measures to protect your information:
Encryption of data in transit using HTTPS/SSL
Encryption of sensitive data at rest
Regular security audits and penetration testing
Access controls and authentication requirements
Employee training on data protection practices
Monitoring for suspicious activity and potential breaches
However, no method of transmission over the Internet or electronic storage is 100% secure. While we strive to protect your information, we cannot guarantee absolute security.
8. Data Retention
We retain your information for as long as necessary to:
Provide our services to you
Comply with legal obligations
Resolve disputes and enforce our agreements
Maintain business records and analytics
When you delete your account, we will delete or anonymize your personal information within 90 days, except where we are required to retain it for legal purposes. Public chat messages may be retained for community continuity.
9. Your Privacy Rights
Depending on your location, you may have certain rights regarding your personal information:
9.1 Access and Portability
You can request a copy of your personal information in a structured, machine-readable format.
9.2 Correction
You can update or correct your account information at any time through your profile settings.
9.3 Deletion
You can request deletion of your account and personal information. Some information may be retained for legal compliance.
9.4 Objection and Restriction
You can object to certain processing of your information or request that we restrict processing in certain circumstances.
9.5 Withdraw Consent
Where we rely on consent, you can withdraw it at any time.
9.6 Marketing Communications
You can opt out of marketing emails by clicking the unsubscribe link in any marketing email or adjusting your account settings.
FootyChat is not intended for children under 13 years of age (or 16 in certain jurisdictions). We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If you believe a child has provided us with personal information, please contact us at privacy@footychat.app, and we will delete such information.
11. International Data Transfers
FootyChat operates globally. Your information may be transferred to, stored, and processed in countries other than your own. These countries may have different data protection laws. We ensure appropriate safeguards are in place to protect your information in accordance with this Privacy Policy.
12. Changes to This Privacy Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy periodically to reflect changes in our practices or for legal reasons. We will notify you of material changes by:
Posting the updated policy on our Platform with a new "Last Updated" date
Sending you an email notification (for significant changes)
Displaying a prominent notice on our Platform
Your continued use of FootyChat after changes become effective constitutes acceptance of the updated Privacy Policy.
13. Third-Party Links and Services
Our Platform may contain links to third-party websites, applications, or services. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of these third parties. We encourage you to read their privacy policies before providing any information.
14. California Privacy Rights (CCPA)
California residents have additional rights under the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA):
Right to know what personal information we collect, use, and disclose
Right to request deletion of personal information
Right to opt out of the sale of personal information (we do not sell personal information)
Right to non-discrimination for exercising CCPA rights
15. European Privacy Rights (GDPR)
If you are in the European Economic Area (EEA), you have rights under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), including:
Right to access your personal data
Right to rectification of inaccurate data
Right to erasure ("right to be forgotten")
Right to restrict processing
Right to data portability
Right to object to processing
Right to lodge a complaint with a supervisory authority
16. Contact Us
If you have questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or our privacy practices, please contact us: