Privacy Policy

Last updated: June 3, 2026

Circles (“we”, “our”, or “us”) operates the Circles mobile application and related services. This Privacy Policy explains what information we collect, how we use it, and the choices you have. By using Circles, you agree to this policy.

1. Information we collect

• Account data — When you sign in with Google or Apple, we receive identifiers and basic profile information (such as name and email) from your provider. You choose a public username inside Circles.
• Profile & content — Posts, comments, bio, profile and cover photos, pinned posts, reports, and messages you send through the app.
• Location — With your permission, we collect approximate location to show nearby posts, the radar map, and location-based ads you choose to publish.
• Wallet & CIRCA — In-app balance, transfers, referrals, and transaction history stored in our backend.
• Social score — Activity signals used to calculate your in-app social credit score and theme accents.
• Device & usage — Platform, device model, app version, and push notification tokens (FCM) so we can deliver notifications.
• Media — Photos and videos you attach to posts, chat, or ads; AI-generated images you request in the app.

2. How we use information

• Provide core features: feed, chat, wallet, referrals, notifications, and moderation.
• Personalize your experience (language, score-based UI accents, nearby content).
• Process in-app payments and CIRCA ledger operations.
• Detect abuse, enforce community guidelines, and respond to reports.
• Improve reliability, security, and product quality.

3. How we share information

We do not sell your personal information. We may share data only:

• With other users — Public profile fields, posts, and messages you send are visible according to app rules. Anonymous mode limits what others see on your profile.
• Service providers — We use Google Firebase (authentication, database, storage, cloud functions, messaging) and, when you use AI image features, OpenAI to process prompts you submit. Map tiles may be served by OpenStreetMap contributors.
• Legal & safety — When required by law or to protect users and the service.

4. Data retention

We keep information while your account is active and as needed for legal, security, and operational purposes. You may request deletion of your account and associated data by contacting us (see below).

5. Your choices & rights

• Control location, camera, photos, and notifications in your device settings.
• Toggle anonymous mode in Preferences.
• Request access, correction, or deletion of your data by email.
• Depending on your region, you may have additional privacy rights under applicable law.

6. Security

We use industry-standard measures through Firebase and application-level access rules. No method of transmission or storage is 100% secure; please use a strong sign-in method and protect your device.

7. Children

Circles is not directed at children under 13 (or the minimum age in your country). We do not knowingly collect data from children. Contact us if you believe a child has provided personal information.

8. International transfers

Your data may be processed on servers operated by our providers (including in the United States and other countries) where privacy laws may differ from your jurisdiction.

9. Changes

We may update this policy from time to time. We will post the new version at this URL and update the “Last updated” date. Continued use after changes means you accept the revised policy.

10. Contact

Questions or privacy requests:
privacy@circles.app