HYPE - PRIVACY POLICY

1. INTRODUCTION

Welcome to HYPE. We respect your privacy and collect only the information necessary to provide a strong campus community experience. This Privacy Policy explains what information we collect, how we use it, how we share it, and your rights.

By using HYPE, you agree to this Privacy Policy.

2. INFORMATION WE COLLECT

2.1 When You Sign Up (Minimal)

When you create an account using Google Sign-In, we collect:

• Email address (from Google, verified automatically)
• Username (created by you, must be unique)
• Google account ID (for authentication only)

That's it. We do not ask for your real name, phone number, student ID, or other personal details.

2.2 Optional Profile Information

You may optionally add:

• Profile photo (upload your own or skip)
• Bio/description (if this feature is available)

These details are optional and not required to use HYPE.

2.3 Content You Create

When you use HYPE, we store:

• Posts (text, images, videos you share)
• Comments (on other users' posts)
• Likes/HYPEs (engagement with content)
• Hype points (earned through activity)

2.4 Automatically Collected (Technical)

Like most apps, we automatically collect:

• Device information (phone model, operating system)
• Usage data (features used, time spent)
• IP address (for security and approximate location)
• Browser type (if using web version)

This helps us improve HYPE and fix technical issues.

3. HOW WE USE YOUR INFORMATION

We use your information to:

3.1 Provide the Service

• Create and manage your account
• Display your posts to other users
• Calculate your Hype points
• Send important notifications

3.2 Improve the App

• Understand how people use HYPE
• Fix bugs and technical issues
• Develop new features

3.3 Safety and Security

• Prevent spam, abuse, and harmful content
• Moderate posts (including anonymous posts)
• Enforce our Terms of Service
• Protect users from harassment

3.4 Communication

• Send important updates (new features, policy changes)
• Respond to support requests
• Notify you about activity (likes/comments, if enabled)

We do NOT:

• Sell your data to anyone
• Send spam or marketing emails (unless you opt in)
• Share your email publicly
• Track you across other websites

4. WHAT'S PUBLIC VS PRIVATE

4.1 PUBLIC Information (Visible to Anyone on HYPE)

When you post publicly on HYPE, the following may be visible:

• Your username (on public posts)
• Your profile photo (if uploaded)
• Your posts (text, images, videos)
• Your comments
• Your Hype points (public leaderboard, if enabled)

Please think before posting. Public posts can be seen by anyone using HYPE.

4.2 PRIVATE Information (Hidden from Other Users)

• Your email address (visible only to you and HYPE admins)
• Your Google account details (never publicly shared)
• Your device information (technical data, not shared publicly)

4.3 Anonymous Posts

When you post anonymously (confessions feature):

• "Anonymous" is shown instead of your username
• No profile photo is shown

5. HOW WE SHARE YOUR INFORMATION

5.1 With Other Users

We share information with other users when:

• You post content publicly (username + post visible)
• You comment on posts (username + comment visible)
• You interact with content (your like/HYPE may be visible)

5.2 With Service Providers

We use trusted third-party providers to operate HYPE:

• Google (authentication/sign-in)
• Supabase (database and storage)
• Vercel (hosting)

These providers are contractually required to protect your data and may use it only to provide services to us.

5.3 For Legal Reasons

We may disclose your information when required by law, including:

• Valid court orders or subpoenas
• Law enforcement requests
• Preventing harm or illegal activity
• Protecting our rights and user safety

5.4 Business Transfers

If HYPE is merged, acquired, or transferred, your information may be transferred as part of that process. We will notify you in advance where required.

5.5 Anonymous/Aggregated Data

We may share anonymous, aggregated statistics (for example, "1,000 students use HYPE") that do not identify you personally. We never sell your personal data.

6. DATA RETENTION

6.1 Active Account

We retain your data while your account remains active.

6.2 Deleted Account

If you delete your account:

• Email and username: deleted within 30 days
• Profile photo: deleted within 30 days
• Public posts: may remain visible, but username is replaced with "Deleted User."
• Anonymous posts: remain anonymous (no username shown)
• Backups: may persist for up to 90 days for technical reasons

You may request complete deletion of your data by emailing: support@hypecgc.live

7. YOUR RIGHTS

7.1 Access Your Data

You can view your data through profile settings.

7.2 Update Your Information

You can:

• Change your username (if enabled)
• Update your profile photo
• Edit your bio

7.3 Delete Your Account

You can delete your account at any time through:

• App settings → "Delete Account."
• Email request to: support@hypecgc.live

Deletion is permanent and cannot be undone.

7.4 Opt-Out of Communications

You can turn off:

• Push notifications (in app settings)
• Email notifications (via "unsubscribe")

Note: You cannot opt out of essential service communications (such as security alerts or major policy changes).

7.5 Request a Data Copy

You may request a copy of your data by emailing support@hypecgc.live. We will provide it within 30 days.

8. SECURITY

We take security seriously and use:

• HTTPS encryption (data in transit)
• Google OAuth (secure authentication)
• Secure server infrastructure (Supabase)
• Regular security updates

No system is 100% secure. While we use reasonable safeguards, we cannot guarantee absolute security. If you discover a security issue, contact us immediately: support@hypecgc.live

9. CHILDREN'S PRIVACY

HYPE is intended for users aged 13 and above. We do not knowingly collect data from children under 13. If you are a parent/guardian and believe a child under 13 has created an account, contact us at support@hypecgc.live and we will remove the account.

10. CHANGES TO THIS POLICY

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. If we do:

• We will update the "Last Updated" date
• We will notify users via the app or email for major changes
• Continued use of HYPE means acceptance of updated terms

Please review this policy periodically.

11. CONTACT US

For privacy questions or requests:

• Email: support@hypecgc.live
• Support: +91 6283479912
• Address: CGC University, Mohali, Sahibzada Ajit Singh Nagar, Punjab, India (140307)

Response time: within 72 hours.