Privacy Policy

Introduction

LingSwap ("we", "our", or "us") is committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you use our language learning platform, including our website, mobile applications, and related services (collectively, the "Service").

By using our Service, you agree to the collection and use of information in accordance with this policy.

Information We Collect

Account Information

When you create an account, we collect:

• Email address - For account authentication and communication
• Password - Stored securely using bcrypt hashing
• Username - Your public display name
• Profile information - Gender (optional), language preferences, proficiency levels

Language Learning Data

• Native language and accent - To match you with appropriate partners
• Learning language and accent - Your target language preferences
• Proficiency level - Your current and target proficiency (A1-C2)

Audio Recordings

When you use our recording features, we store:

• Audio files - Your voice recordings for practice and feedback
• Transcripts - Text of what you read or described
• Exercise type - The type of practice activity
• Public sharing status - Whether you've made recordings public

Communication Data

• Messages - Private messages between users
• Feedback - Text and audio feedback you give or receive
• Call sessions - Metadata about 1-on-1 language exchange calls (duration, participants)

Device Information

• Device tokens - For sending push notifications
• Platform - iOS, Android, or Web
• Device name - To help you identify your devices

Payment Information

We use third-party payment processors (Paddle for web, RevenueCat for mobile apps). We do not store your full payment card details. We receive:

• Subscription status and dates
• Customer IDs from payment providers
• Transaction history for support purposes

How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect to:

• Provide our Service - Match you with language partners, facilitate calls, and deliver feedback
• Improve matching - Use your language preferences and proficiency to find suitable partners
• Send notifications - Alert you about new feedback, messages, and call opportunities
• Process payments - Manage VIP subscriptions and verify membership status
• Ensure safety - Moderate content and respond to reports of inappropriate behavior
• Provide support - Respond to your questions and troubleshoot issues
• Improve our Service - Analyze usage patterns to enhance features

Data Sharing

We share your information only in the following circumstances:

With Other Users

• Your username and profile information are visible to other users
• Your recordings marked as public are accessible to other users
• Feedback you provide is visible to the recording owner

With Service Providers

• Backblaze B2 - Cloud storage for audio files
• Paddle / RevenueCat - Payment processing
• Firebase Cloud Messaging - Push notifications
• Pexels - Stock images for practice exercises

Legal Requirements

We may disclose information if required by law or in response to valid legal requests.

Data Retention

We retain your data according to the following policies:

Your Rights

You have the following rights regarding your data:

• Access - Request a copy of your personal data
• Correction - Update incorrect or incomplete information
• Deletion - Request deletion of your account and data
• Export - Request a portable copy of your data
• Restriction - Limit how we process your data
• Objection - Object to certain processing activities

To exercise these rights, contact us at privacy@lingswap.com.

Data Security

We implement appropriate security measures to protect your information:

• Encryption - All data transmitted is encrypted using TLS/SSL
• Password security - Passwords are hashed using bcrypt
• Access controls - Fine-grained permission system for data access
• Secure authentication - JWT-based authentication with secure token handling

International Data Transfers

Your information may be transferred to and processed in countries other than your own. We use Backblaze B2 cloud infrastructure and third-party services that may store data in various locations. We ensure appropriate safeguards are in place for such transfers.

Children's Privacy

Our Service is not intended for children under 18 years of age. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 18. If you are a parent or guardian and believe your child has provided us with personal information, please contact us.

Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of any changes by posting the new Privacy Policy on this page and updating the "Last updated" date. For significant changes, we may also send you an email notification.

Contact Us

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