Privacy Policy

Effective Date: February 15, 2026

BlinkliQ ("we", "our", or "us") operates the BlinkliQ mobile application (the "App"). This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and protect your information when you use the App.

1. Information We Collect

Account Information

• Email address and password (for account creation and authentication)
• Display name and username
• Profile photo (optional)
• Phone number (optional, for seller verification)
• Date of birth (for age verification — you must be 18 or older)

Location Data

• Foreground location: When you use the App, we collect your device's location to show nearby sellers and items on the map.
• Background location: If you are a seller and enable "Moving Mode" while Live, the App collects your location in the background (approximately every 10 seconds) to update your position on the map for nearby buyers. Background location tracking only runs while you have explicitly enabled Live + Moving Mode. You can stop it at any time by tapping "Go Offline". A persistent notification is displayed while background tracking is active.

User-Generated Content

• Item listings (titles, descriptions, photos, prices, categories)
• Chat messages (text, images, shared locations) between buyers and sellers
• Reviews and ratings

Transaction Data

• In-app purchase records (map visibility, promotions, subscriptions)
• Purchase history is processed through Google Play Billing; we do not collect or store payment card details.

Device and Usage Data

• Device type, operating system version
• Crash reports (via Firebase Crashlytics, only in release builds)
• App performance metrics

2. How We Use Your Information

• Core functionality: Display nearby sellers and items on the map, facilitate buyer-seller communication via pings and chat, and process transactions.
• Location services: Show your approximate position on the map (sellers only, while Live), calculate distances to sellers, and enable geo-fenced discovery within Jordan and Saudi Arabia.
• Notifications: Send push notifications for new pings, messages, and order updates.
• Safety and security: Verify accounts, prevent fraud, enforce our terms of service, and maintain platform integrity.
• Improvements: Analyze usage patterns to improve App performance and user experience.

3. Information Shared with Others

Shared with other users:

• Your display name, profile photo, and username are visible to other users.
• If you are a seller and go Live, your approximate location is shown on the map to nearby buyers. Your exact street address is never displayed.
• Item listings you create are visible to all users in your area.
• Reviews and ratings are publicly visible.
• Chat messages are only visible to the participants in the conversation.

Service providers:

• Firebase (Google): Authentication, database, file storage, cloud functions, crash reporting, and push notifications.
• Google Maps Platform: Map display and geocoding.
• Google Play Billing: In-app purchase processing.

We do not sell your personal information to third parties.

4. Data Storage and Security

• Your data is stored in Firebase (Google Cloud) infrastructure.
• We use Firebase App Check to verify app authenticity and prevent unauthorized access.
• Firestore security rules enforce access controls — users can only read and write data they are authorized to access.
• Chat images are stored in Firebase Storage with access restricted to conversation participants.

5. Your Rights and Choices

• Location permissions: You can revoke location access at any time through your device settings. Foreground location is required to use the map. Background location is optional and only requested when you enable Moving Mode.
• Notification permissions: You can disable push notifications through your device settings.
• Account deletion: You can request account deletion by contacting us. We will delete your account data, including profile information, listings, and chat history.
• Data access: You can request a copy of your personal data by contacting us.

6. Data Retention

• Account data is retained while your account is active.
• Chat messages are retained for the duration of the conversation.
• Background location data is transient — it updates your map position in real time and is not stored historically.
• Purchase records are retained for accounting and support purposes.
• If you delete your account, we will remove your personal data within 30 days, except where retention is required by law.

7. Children's Privacy

BlinkliQ is not intended for users under the age of 18. We do not knowingly collect information from children. Age verification is required during account creation.

8. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of material changes through the App or by other means. Your continued use of the App after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.

9. Contact Us