Privacy Policy

Last updated: February 2025

This Privacy Policy describes how Qocial handles information across our platform. Qocial offers two distinct services: (1) a peer-to-peer private Family Social Network with Family Tree features where we do not store family data on our servers, and (2) a Business Listing service where we store and display business and review data. Each has different data practices as described below.

1. Family Network: Privacy-First Architecture

Qocial operates as a peer-to-peer platform:

• No Server Storage: Family tree data, messages, photos, and communications between family members and relatives are not stored on our servers
• Private Connections: Only family members and relatives you connect with can access your shared content
• Data Stays With You: Your family data remains on your device and is shared only directly with your connected relatives through peer-to-peer connections
• No Third-Party Sharing: We do not share your family data with any other person, advertiser, or third party

2. Business Listing Service: Information We Collect and Store

When you use our Business Listing service (discovering, adding, or reviewing local businesses), we collect and store the following on our servers:

2.1 Account Information

• User Account: Name, email address, and authentication credentials (or OAuth provider data if you sign in with Google/GitHub)

2.2 Business Listing Information

When you add or manage a business listing, we store:

• Business name, address, city, state, country, zipcode, and location coordinates
• Contact details (phone, email, website)
• Description, images, cover photo, and avatar
• Category, services, facilities, business hours
• Products, menus, and tables (if applicable)
• Payment modes, currency, and price range

All business listing data is public and visible to all users of the platform.

2.3 Reviews and Ratings

• When you write a review, we store your rating, review text, and link it to your user account and the business
• Reviews are public and visible to all users

2.4 Payment Information (if applicable)

• Payment processing is handled by third-party providers (e.g., Razorpay); we do not store full credit card details
• We may store billing-related metadata for subscription or premium features

2.5 Usage and Technical Data

• IP address, browser type, device information for security and service delivery
• Pages visited and features used to improve the platform

3. Family Network: Minimal Information We May Process

To enable you to connect with your family (peer-to-peer), we may process minimal information:

• Authentication: Email or credentials necessary to verify your identity and establish connections with your family members
• Connection Metadata: Information needed to facilitate peer-to-peer connections (e.g., connection requests between relatives)—no content of your communications is stored
• Support Communications: If you contact us for support, we may retain those communications to assist you

We do not collect, store, or have access to your family tree content, messages, photos, or any data you share with your relatives.

4. How We Use Information

Business Listing data is used to:

• Display business listings, reviews, and ratings to all users
• Enable search, discovery, and browsing of local businesses
• Process payments for premium features (if applicable)
• Improve the platform and comply with legal obligations

Family network minimal information is used only to:

• Enable you to connect with your family members and relatives
• Facilitate peer-to-peer connections
• Respond to your support requests
• Comply with legal obligations when required by law

5. Information Sharing and Disclosure

Family data: We do not share your family data with anyone. Your family tree, messages, and communications are private between you and your connected relatives.

Business Listing data: Business listings, reviews, and ratings are public by design—they are visible to all users. We may share listing-related data with:

• Payment Processors: To process payments for premium features
• Service Providers: Cloud hosting, analytics, customer support
• Legal Requirements: When required by law or to protect our rights
• Child Safety: As described in our Child Safety Standards, we cooperate with authorities when required by law

6. Data Security

Because we do not store your family data on our servers, the risk of your family information being exposed through a breach of our systems is minimized. For any minimal information we do process:

• We use encryption for data in transit
• We follow security best practices for authentication

For Business Listing data, we use encryption in transit, secure authentication, and follow security best practices. Note: Peer-to-peer family communications depend on your device and network. Ensure your device is secure and you trust the family members you connect with.

7. Your Rights and Choices

• Family network: You control who you connect with; you can disconnect at any time
• Business Listings: You can edit or delete your business listings and reviews; note that public content may have been copied or cached
• You can delete your account; we will remove your data in accordance with our retention practices
• You can contact us to request access to or deletion of your information

8. Cookies and Technical Data

We may use cookies or similar technologies only to:

• Maintain your session and authentication
• Enable the app to function properly

We use cookies for session management and to enable the app to function. We do not use cookies for advertising or tracking. You can control cookies through your browser settings.

9. Data Retention

Family data: We do not store it, so there is nothing to retain.

Business Listing data: We retain business listings, reviews, and account information for as long as your account is active or as needed to provide the service. When you delete your account or content, we remove it in accordance with our practices, though some data may remain in backups for a limited period or as required by law.

10. Children's Privacy

Our service is not intended for children under 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If we become aware of such collection, we will take steps to delete the information. See our Child Safety Standards for more information.

11. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of any material changes by posting the new policy on this page and updating the "Last updated" date.

12. Contact Us

If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy or our data practices, please contact us:

• Email: [email protected]
• Forum: forum.qocial.com