Privacy Policy

Overview

Thoughts by OTS ("we," "our," or "us") is committed to protecting your privacy. This policy explains how we collect, use, and safeguard your information when you use our mobile application.

Our app is designed with privacy at its core. When you use Thoughts, your identity remains private from other users.

Information We Collect

Information you provide:

• Account information (email address and authentication credentials)
• The daily thoughts you submit (stored anonymously)
• Your interactions (likes and flags on thoughts)

Optional information:

• Approximate location (only if you enable "Nearby Thoughts" feature)

Automatically collected:

• Usage data (app open times, feature usage—anonymous)
• Device information (device type, OS version, app version)
• Crash reports and performance metrics via Firebase

Location Data

Our "Nearby Thoughts" feature allows you to see thoughts from people in your area. This feature is:

• Completely optional – Off by default, you must enable it in Settings
• Privacy-preserving – We only store approximate location (~1-2 mile precision), never your exact coordinates
• Anonymous – Other users cannot see your location; it's only used to filter which thoughts you see
• Controllable – You can disable it at any time and choose your preferred radius (5-100+ miles)

Your approximate location is stored alongside your thought only when you submit while the feature is enabled. We never track your location in the background or share it with other users.

How We Use Your Information

We use your information to:

• Provide and maintain our service
• Authenticate users and secure accounts
• Enforce our one-thought-per-day limit
• Display thoughts to others anonymously
• Filter thoughts by location (if you enable Nearby Thoughts)
• Track likes and moderate content through flags
• Improve app performance and fix bugs
• Comply with legal obligations

Data Storage & Security

Your data is stored using Google Firebase with enterprise-grade security:

• End-to-end encryption for data in transit (TLS/SSL)
• Encryption at rest for stored data
• Secure authentication via Firebase Auth
• Regular security audits and updates

While we use commercially acceptable means to protect your information, no method of electronic storage is 100% secure.

Data Sharing

We do not sell, trade, or rent your personal information. We may share your information only with:

• Service providers: Firebase (Google) for data storage and authentication
• Legal requirements: If required by law or valid legal process
• Protection of rights: To protect our rights, privacy, safety, or property
• Business transfers: In connection with a merger, sale, or acquisition

Your Rights

Under GDPR (European users) and CCPA (California users), you have the right to:

• Access a copy of your personal data
• Request correction of inaccurate data
• Request deletion of your personal data
• Restrict or object to certain processing
• Receive your data in a portable format
• Equal service regardless of privacy choices

To exercise these rights, contact us at the email below or use the "Delete Account" feature within the app.

Data Retention

• Account data: Retained while your account is active
• Thoughts: Retained unless you request deletion
• Location data: Stored only with thoughts when feature is enabled; deleted when thought is deleted
• Deleted accounts: Data removed within 30 days
• Anonymized data: May be retained for analytics

Children's Privacy

Our service is not directed to individuals under 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If you become aware that a child has provided us with personal information, please contact us immediately.

Changes to This Policy

We may update this policy from time to time. We'll notify you by posting the new policy here, updating the effective date, and sending in-app notifications for significant changes.