Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

Welcome to hulofuse project project ("we," "our," or "us"). We are committed to protecting your privacy and ensuring the security of your personal information. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you use our mental health platform and services.

hulofuse project project is a preventative mental health platform that uses intelligent matching technology to help address social isolation and foster meaningful human connections. By using our services, you agree to the collection and use of information in accordance with this policy.

2. Information We Collect

Personal Information

When you create an account, we collect:

• Your name
• Email address
• Authentication information from your chosen OAuth provider (Google, Apple, etc.)

Important: We do not store or retrieve passwords. Authentication is handled securely through your chosen OAuth provider.

Health and Wellness Information

To provide our mental health support services, we collect:

• Responses to wellness questionnaires
• Information about your social connections and interactions within the app
• Participation in matching activities
• Engagement with platform features

Optional Location Information

With your explicit permission, we may collect location data solely to recommend local mental health events and community activities. This is entirely optional and can be disabled at any time in your settings.

Automatically Collected Information

When you use our services, we may automatically collect:

• Device information (type, operating system)
• Usage data (features used, time spent in app)
• Technical data necessary for app functionality

3. How We Use Your Information

We use your information to:

• Provide personalized mental health support and connections
• Match you with compatible individuals to combat social isolation
• Recommend local events and activities (if location access is granted)
• Improve our matching algorithms and services
• Communicate with you about your account and our services
• Ensure the safety and security of our platform
• Conduct research to improve mental health outcomes (with anonymized data)
• Comply with legal obligations

4. Data Storage and Security

Your privacy and security are paramount to us:

• Encryption: All personal information is stored encrypted using industry-standard encryption methods
• Secure Infrastructure: We use secure cloud infrastructure with appropriate access controls
• Regular Security Audits: We conduct regular security assessments to ensure data protection
• Limited Access: Only authorized personnel have access to personal data, and only as necessary for their job functions

5. Data Sharing and Disclosure

We value your privacy and limit data sharing:

• No Sale of Personal Data: We never sell your personal information
• Service Providers: We may share data with trusted service providers who help us operate our platform (all bound by confidentiality agreements)
• Research Partners: Anonymized, aggregated data may be shared with university research partners for mental health research
• Legal Requirements: We may disclose information if required by law or to protect rights and safety
• Your Consent: Any other sharing only with your explicit consent

6. Data Retention

We retain your data only as long as necessary:

• Active Accounts: Your data is retained as long as you maintain an active account
• Account Deletion: Upon account deletion, we immediately begin the process of scrubbing your personal data from our systems
• Legal Obligations: Some data may be retained longer if required by law
• Anonymized Data: Anonymized data used for research may be retained indefinitely

7. Your Rights and Choices

You have control over your personal information:

• Access: Request a copy of your personal data
• Correction: Update or correct inaccurate information
• Deletion: Request deletion of your account and data
• Portability: Receive your data in a portable format
• Opt-out: Opt-out of optional features like location services
• Withdraw Consent: Withdraw consent for data processing where applicable

To exercise these rights, contact us at [email protected]

8. International Data Transfers

As we operate in both the United States and United Kingdom, your data may be transferred between these jurisdictions. We ensure all transfers comply with applicable data protection laws and implement appropriate safeguards.

9. Children's Privacy

hulofuse project project is not intended for children under 18 years of age. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If you believe we have collected information from a child, please contact us immediately.

10. Updates to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy periodically. We will notify you of any material changes through the app or via email. Your continued use of our services after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.

11. Contact Us

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

12. Legal Compliance

This Privacy Policy is designed to comply with:

• General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) for UK/EU residents
• California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) for California residents
• UK Data Protection Act 2018
• Other applicable data protection laws