IntoTheUnknown

    Privacy Policy for IntoTheUnknown

    Last updated: 2024/07/23

    Hello Unknowners (Users)! Welcome to IntoTheUnknown's Privacy Policy.
    We understand that reading a privacy policy might not be at the top of your to-do list, but bear with us. We've worked hard to make this policy as clear and engaging as possible because we genuinely want you to read it! Think of us as your digital guide, here to walk you through the details of what data we collect, why we collect it, and how we use it.

    1. Who We Are

    Welcome to IntoTheUnknown, a mobile application operated by bighgroups LLC ("we," "us," "our"). Our mission is to create meaningful connections among local individuals who share common interests. Based in Texas, United States, we are committed to bringing people together in new and exciting ways.
    bighgroups LLC
    1709 Fountain Bridge Dr, Leander, Texas, 78641

    2. Scope of This Privacy Policy

    This Privacy Policy is applicable to all services provided under the bighgroups LLC brand. This includes our mobile application, website, events, and any additional services we offer. Essentially, whenever you interact with our services—whether it's through our app, attending an event, or engaging with other offerings—this Privacy Policy governs how we handle your personal information.

    In the event that a particular service necessitates its own distinct privacy policy, you will be notified. For such cases, the specific privacy policy for that service will take precedence over this general Privacy Policy.

    3. Data Collection

    Data You Provide

    Account Data
    When you create an account, you provide us with basic information needed to set up your account, such as your email address and name.

    Profile Data
    Completing your profile allows you to share additional details about yourself, including your profile pictures, gender, date of birth, interests, preferences, and approximate location. Some of this data may be considered sensitive in certain countries, such as details about sexual orientation, health, or political beliefs. By providing this information, you consent to our use of it as described in this Privacy Policy.

    Content
    When using our service, you may post photos, videos, audio, text, and other types of content, including your chats with other users.

    Purchase Data
    When making a purchase, we collect details of the transaction, such as the items purchased, the date of the transaction, and the price. The specific data collected depends on the payment method used. If you pay directly through us, you provide financial information like your debit or credit card number.

    Marketing, Survey, and Research Data
    We occasionally run surveys, focus groups, market studies, promotions, events, or contests. When you participate, you provide information for processing your entry and participation, as well as your responses and feedback.

    Customer Support Data
    When you contact us for support, you provide information necessary to address your inquiry. Others may also submit queries involving you. Our moderation tools and teams may collect additional data during investigations.

    Social Media Data
    You may share data with us through your accounts on other platforms (e.g., Facebook, Instagram, Spotify, Apple), such as when you create and log into your account or upload data from these platforms.

    Data Generated or Automatically Collected

    Usage Data
    Using the service generates data about your activity, including your interactions with the service (e.g., login times, features used, actions taken, information shown, referring webpages, ads interacted with), and how you interact with others (e.g., searching, matching, communicating). We may also receive data related to your interactions with ads on third-party websites or apps.

    Technical Data
    We collect data from and about the devices you use to access our service, including hardware and software information such as IP address, device ID and type, app settings and characteristics, app crashes, advertising IDs, and identifiers associated with cookies or other technologies. For more details, see our Cookie Policy.

    Other Data We Collect with Your Permission

    Geolocation Data
    With your permission, we collect geolocation data (latitude and longitude) from your device. Declining permission may limit the availability of features that rely on precise geolocation.

    4. Purpose and Use of Data

    Enhancing Your Experience

    Account and Profile Management
    Purpose: To create and manage your account and profile.
    Usage: Setting up your profile, updating details, and managing your preferences.
    Data Used: Account Data, Profile Data

    Personalized Connections
    Purpose: To connect you with other users.
    Usage: Recommending users based on your preferences and interactions.
    Data Used: Profile Data, Geolocation Data, Usage Data

    User Engagement
    Purpose: To facilitate user interaction and engagement.
    Usage: Enabling you to post content, chat with other users, and participate in events.
    Data Used: Content, Social Media Data

    Transactions and Purchases

    Payment Processing
    Purpose: To handle transactions securely.
    Usage: Processing payments, offering discounts, and managing subscriptions.
    Data Used: Purchase Data, Account Data, Technical Data

    Marketing and Research

    Promotional Activities
    Purpose: To inform you about offers and new features.
    Usage: Running marketing campaigns and sending promotional communications.
    Data Used: Marketing, Survey, and Research Data, Usage Data, Profile Data

    User Feedback and Research
    Purpose: To improve our services through user insights.
    Usage: Conducting surveys, focus groups, and market research.
    Data Used: Marketing, Survey, and Research Data

    Safety and Compliance

    Security and Safety Measures
    Purpose: To ensure the safety of our users.
    Usage: Preventing fraud, detecting illegal activities, and securing user data.
    Data Used: Technical Data, Usage Data, Customer Support Data, Geolocation Data

    Legal Compliance
    Purpose: To comply with legal obligations.
    Usage: Responding to lawful requests, supporting investigations, and maintaining compliance with regulations.
    Data Used: Any relevant data depending on the legal requirement

    Technical Improvements

    Service Optimization
    Purpose: To enhance and maintain our services.
    Usage: Analyzing service usage, troubleshooting issues, and developing new features.
    Data Used: Technical Data, Usage Data, Content

    Research and Development
    Purpose: To innovate and improve our offerings.
    Usage: Conducting research, testing new features, and implementing user feedback.
    Data Used: Marketing, Survey, and Research Data, Profile Data

    5. Data Sharing Practices

    Overview
    At bighgroups LLC, our goal is to help you create meaningful connections. As part of this, some of your information will be visible to other users of our service. Additionally, we share data with service providers, partners, and other entities for various operational, promotional, and legal reasons. Below are the details on how and why we share your data.

    Data Sharing Recipients and Reasons

    Other Users
    Why: To facilitate connections and interactions within the service.
    Details: When you voluntarily disclose information on your profile or in your interactions, it becomes visible to other users. If a report is made involving you (e.g., a terms violation), we may inform the reporter of any actions taken.
    Data Categories: Profile Data, Content, Social Media Data, Third-Party Data, Customer Support Data

    Service Providers and Partners
    Why: To help operate, promote, and improve our service.
    Details: We share data with vendors who provide services like data hosting, analytics, customer support, marketing, advertising, payment processing, legal support, and security.
    Data Categories: Account Data, Profile Data, Content, Purchase Data, Marketing, Survey, and Research Data, Third-Party Data, Customer Support Data, Social Media Data, Usage Data, Technical Data, Geolocation Data, ID Data

    Affiliates
    Why: For operational, promotional, and compliance purposes.
    Details: We may share data with our affiliates or receive data from them to support various functions and improve our service.
    Data Categories: Account Data, Profile Data, Content, Purchase Data, Marketing, Survey, and Research Data, Third-Party Data, Customer Support Data, Social Media Data, Usage Data, Technical Data, Geolocation Data, ID Data

    Law Enforcement Authorities
    Why: To comply with legal obligations and ensure safety.
    Details: We may disclose your data to comply with legal processes, assist in crime prevention, protect individuals’ safety, or defend legal claims.
    Data Categories: The specific data shared varies by case but can include Account Data, Profile Data, Content, Purchase Data, Customer Support Data, Third-Party Data, Social Media Data, Usage Data, Technical Data, Geolocation Data, ID Data

    Corporate Transactions
    Why: During corporate transactions like mergers and acquisitions.
    Details: If bighgroups LLC undergoes a merger, sale, restructuring, or other corporate change, your data may be transferred as part of the transaction.
    Data Categories: Depending on the transaction, this may include all data or specific subsets like Purchase Data.

    Profile Sharing Functionality
    Why: To enable users to share profiles with others outside the service.
    Details: Users can share other users’ profiles externally, using the sharing functionality.
    Data Categories: Profile Data, Content

    Importance of Geolocation Data
    Given that IntoTheUnknown is a map-based application, the use of geolocation data is crucial for our services. This data helps in providing accurate location-based features and improving the user experience by connecting you with nearby users and relevant local content.

    6. Cross-Border Data Transfers

    As we provide a global service, the sharing of your data, as outlined in the "Data Sharing Practices" section, involves transferring data to the United States and other countries. These countries may have different data processing laws compared to your home country.

    When we transfer personal data outside of the European Economic Area (EEA), the United Kingdom, Switzerland, or other regions with data protection laws deemed adequate by the European Commission or other regulatory authorities, we rely on standard contractual clauses. These clauses are legally binding commitments between companies, ensuring that your data is protected with the same level of privacy and security as within your home jurisdiction.

    If you would like a copy of these standard contractual clauses or have any questions about how your data is protected, please contact us.

    7. Your Rights

    At IntoTheUnknown, we believe you should have control over your personal data. Depending on your location, you may have different rights regarding your data. Below are your rights, options, and tools available to you. If you have any questions or need assistance exercising your rights, please contact us.

    Your Rights and How to Exercise Them

    Access and Portability
    Right: To know and access the personal data we process about you and/or request a copy.
    How to Exercise: Access and review some data by logging into your account. To retrieve a copy of your data, contact us.

    Rectification or Correction
    Right: To amend or update your personal data if it is inaccurate or incomplete.
    How to Exercise: Update your data directly within the service by updating your profile. For other corrections, please contact us.

    Deletion or Erasure
    Right: To delete your personal data.
    How to Exercise: Delete some data directly within the service or close your account. You can also contact us for assistance.

    Objection (Opt-out) or Restriction
    Right: To object to or request that we temporarily or permanently stop processing your personal data.
    How to Exercise: Pause your account from the settings, delete your account, or contact us to object to or restrict data processing.

    Consent Withdrawal
    Right: To withdraw consent you’ve given us to process your personal data for a specific purpose.
    How to Exercise: You can withdraw consent at any time by pausing or deleting your account, or contacting us. Note that withdrawing consent may affect service functionality.

    Verification and Request Rejection

    To protect your data and ensure security, we may require information to verify your identity or authority to act on behalf of another user before processing your requests. We may reject requests if we cannot authenticate you, if the request is unlawful or invalid, or if it infringes on trade secrets, intellectual property, or the rights of others. If you need information about another user, they must make the request themselves.

    State-Specific Rights (USA)

    If you are a resident of Texas, Oregon, Montana, Virginia, Colorado, or Connecticut, USA, and we deny your privacy request, you may appeal by contacting us and explicitly referencing "Privacy Request Appeal." If you have concerns about the appeal's outcome, you may contact your state attorney general.

    Filing a Complaint

    In certain countries, including the European Economic Area and the United Kingdom, you have the right to lodge a complaint with the appropriate data protection authority if you have concerns about how we process your personal data. Find your data protection regulator in the European Economic Area and in the United Kingdom. You can lodge a complaint with the authority in your habitual residence, place of work, or where the alleged infringement occurred.

    8. Data Retention Periods

    At IntoTheUnknown, we aim to foster lasting connections, but we retain your personal data only as long as necessary for legitimate business reasons (as described in Section 4) and as permitted by applicable law.

    Account Closure and Inactivity
    If you decide to stop using our service, you can close your account, and your profile will no longer be visible to other users. We will also automatically close your account if it remains inactive for two years.

    Post-Closure Data Retention
    After account closure, your data will be deleted according to the following guidelines:

    Safety and Security
    We implement a safety retention window of three months following account closure or one year following an account ban. During this period, we retain your data to investigate any unlawful or harmful conduct, based on our legitimate interest and that of potential third-party victims.

    Legal Obligations
    We retain limited data to comply with legal requirements. This includes:
    - Transaction data for 10 years to comply with tax and accounting laws.
    - Credit card information for the duration during which a transaction may be challenged.
    - "Traffic data"/logs for one year to meet legal data retention obligations.
    - Records of consents for five years to comply with and evidence our compliance with applicable laws.

    Legitimate Interest
    We retain certain data based on our legitimate interests:
    - Customer care exchanges for 6 years from the date of communication.
    - Customer care records, supporting data, and imprecise location of download/purchase for five years to support safety efforts, customer care decisions, rights enforcement, and legal defense.
    - Information on past accounts and subscriptions for three years after account closure for accurate financial forecasting and reporting.
    - Profile data for one year in anticipation of potential litigation or for the establishment, exercise, or defense of legal claims.
    - Data necessary to prevent banned users from creating new accounts, retained as long as necessary to ensure the safety and vital interests of our users.

    Legal and Compliance
    We may retain data if there is an outstanding or potential issue, claim, or dispute requiring us to keep it, such as if we receive a valid legal subpoena or request to preserve data, or if the data is necessary for legal proceedings.

    Anonymized Data
    Where and as legally permitted, we may retain and use data that cannot identify you personally for purposes outlined in this Privacy Policy, including improving our service and developing new features, technologies, and services to ensure the safety of IntoTheUnknown services.

    9. Children's Privacy

    Our app is not intended for use by children under the age of 17. We do not knowingly collect personally identifiable information from children under 17. If we discover that a child under 17 has provided us with personal information, we will delete such information from our servers immediately. If you are a parent or guardian and you are aware that your child has provided us with personal information, please contact us.

    10. Changes to This Privacy Policy

    We may update our Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of any changes by posting the new Privacy Policy on this page. You are advised to review this Privacy Policy periodically for any changes.

    11. Contact Us

    If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy, please contact us:
    bighgroups LLC
    Email: [email protected]