Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

Welcome to MASQD ("we," "our," or "us"). We value your privacy and are committed to protecting your personal data. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, and safeguard your information when you use our mobile application, which allows for anonymous social networking and chat.

While MASQD is designed to be anonymous regarding how you interact with other users (no public usernames or avatars), we do process certain technical data to ensure the app functions correctly, remains safe, and complies with legal obligations.

This policy applies to users in the United Kingdom, the European Union (specifically Poland), and other jurisdictions where the app is available.

2. Data Controller

The Data Controller responsible for your personal data is:

If you have questions regarding this policy, you may contact us at: support@masqd.chat

3. Data We Collect & The Legal Basis for Processing

We process data based on the United Kingdom Data Protection Act 2018 and the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). We differentiate between data you provide and data automatically collected.

A. Technical Identifiers (Identity)

• Data Collected: Firebase Unique Identifiers (UIDs).
• Context: Even though you do not create a traditional account (with email or password), our backend assigns a unique alphanumeric code (UID) to your instance of the app.
• Purpose: To manage your session, route your messages to the correct destination, and maintain your "saved" posts or preferences.
• Anonymity Note: This UID is never displayed to other users. You appear strictly anonymous to the public.
• Legal Basis: Performance of Contract (necessary to run the app).

B. User-Generated Content (Messages)

• Data Collected: The text content of your public feed posts and private 1-on-1 chat messages.
• Purpose: Strictly to provide the app functionality - displaying your posts on the feed and delivering private messages to the intended recipient.
• Legal Basis: Performance of Contract.

C. Location & Network Data

• Data Collected: Internet Protocol (IP) Address.
• Purpose:
  • App Functionality: To estimate your rough location (country or region) so we can show you a relevant feed of local posts.
  • Security & Safety: To detect and ban users who violate our Terms of Service (e.g., spam or harassment) and to prevent abuse of the platform.
  • Analytics: To analyze broad geographic usage trends (e.g., "Most users are in Warsaw").
• Legal Basis: Legitimate Interest (ensuring network security and providing relevant content).

D. App Activity & Usage Data

• Data Collected: Views, interactions, block actions, report actions, and timestamps of your posts.
• Purpose:
  • Safety: To enforce our content moderation policies (e.g., if a user is reported multiple times).
  • Analytics: To understand user engagement and improve the app experience.
• Legal Basis: Legitimate Interest.

4. Third-Party Services

We utilize third-party service providers to help us operate the app. We ensure these partners adhere to strict data protection standards.

Google Firebase (Google LLC):

• Services: Authentication (backend identity management), Notifications and Analytics.
• Data Shared: Firebase UIDs, IP addresses, and app usage data.
• Location: Data may be processed in the US. Google utilizes Standard Contractual Clauses (SCCs) to ensure data protection compliance for data transfers from the UK/EU.

5. Data Security

We take the security of your data seriously. We implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect your data against unauthorized access, loss, or alteration.

• Encryption: All data transmitted between your device and our servers is encrypted in transit using HTTPS/TLS (Transport Layer Security) protocols.
• Access Control: Access to backend databases is strictly restricted to authorized personnel required to maintain the app.

6. Data Retention

We retain your personal data only for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes for which it was collected, including for the purposes of satisfying any legal, accounting, or reporting requirements.

• Content: Public posts and chat messages are retained until you request deletion or until they are removed via moderation.
• IP Addresses: Retained for security logs to enforce bans on malicious actors.

7. Your Rights (UK & EU GDPR)

Under the GDPR and the UK Data Protection Act 2018, you have specific rights regarding your personal data. Although MASQD is an anonymous app, if we can link data to you (e.g., via your IP or active UID), you have the right to:

• Right to Access: Request a copy of the personal data we hold about you.
• Right to Rectification: Request correction of inaccurate data.
• Right to Erasure ("Right to be Forgotten"): You have the right to request that we delete your data.
• Right to Restriction of Processing: Request that we limit how we use your data.
• Right to Object: Object to processing based on legitimate interests.

How to Exercise Your Rights & Request Deletion:

Because MASQD does not require account registration, we do not have an automated "Delete Account" button inside the app settings. To request the deletion of your data, you must contact us directly.

Please email support@masqd.chat with your request. We may require you to provide your Firebase UID (found in the app settings, if accessible) or verify your ownership of the device to locate your data.

8. International Data Transfers

As a UK-based company, your data is processed in the United Kingdom. If you are accessing the app from Poland or the EEA, note that the UK has been granted an "Adequacy Decision" by the European Commission, meaning data can flow freely between the EEA and the UK.

For transfers to our infrastructure providers (Google Firebase) in the United States, we rely on Standard Contractual Clauses approved by the European Commission and the UK ICO.

9. Children’s Privacy

MASQD is strictly intended for users aged 18 and older. We do not knowingly collect personal data from children under 18. If we become aware that we have collected personal data from a child under 18, we will take steps to delete such information immediately.

10. Polish Users (Informacja dla Użytkowników z Polski)

If you are using this app in Poland:

• The General Data Protection Regulation (RODO) applies to the processing of your data.
• You have the right to lodge a complaint with the President of the Personal Data Protection Office (Prezes Urzędu Ochrony Danych Osobowych - UODO) in Poland if you believe your data protection rights have been violated, though we encourage you to contact us first at support@masqd.chat to resolve any issues.

11. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices or for other operational, legal, or regulatory reasons. We will notify you of any material changes by posting the new Privacy Policy on this page and updating the "Last Updated" date. Continued use of the app after these changes implies acceptance of the revised policy.

12. Contact Us

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