Privacy Policy

App: Barkly (Android/iOS)

Effective date: 2026-02-16

Last updated: 2026-02-16

This Privacy Policy explains how Barkly (“we”, “our”, “us”) collects, uses, shares, and protects your information when you use the Barkly mobile application and related services.

1) Scope

This Privacy Policy applies to information processed through the Barkly mobile app, including account features, social feed functionality, map features, dog profiles, and user-generated content.

2) Data We Collect

2.1 Information you provide directly

• Account information (such as email address, user handle, display name).
• Profile information (such as profile image, dog profile details, optional bio).
• User content (posts, comments, likes, uploaded photos, exercise notes, messages where applicable).
• Support requests and communications you send us.

2.2 Information collected automatically

• App diagnostics and crash logs.
• Device and technical information (for example OS version, app version, device model, identifiers needed for security and app functionality).
• Usage events needed to operate, secure, and improve app functionality.

2.3 Location information

• Approximate and/or precise location, only when you grant permission and use location-based features (for example map, nearby parks, route tracking).

2.4 Media information

• Photos/media you choose to upload or capture for profile/content features.

3) Device Permissions

Barkly may request the following permissions depending on the features you use:

• Camera – to capture photos/videos in-app when you choose to use camera-based features.
• Photos/Media/Storage – to select and upload existing media from your device.
• Location – to provide map and location-based features.
• Notifications – to send feature-related notifications you opt into.

You can control permissions at any time in your device settings. Denying permissions may disable related features.

4) Why We Use Data

• To create and manage your account.
• To provide social and dog-related app features you request.
• To publish and display your user content according to your settings.
• To operate security controls, prevent abuse, and troubleshoot issues.
• To maintain, analyze, and improve app performance and reliability.
• To communicate important service, policy, and support updates.

5) Legal Bases (EEA/UK)

Where applicable under GDPR/UK GDPR, we process personal data based on:

• Contract – to provide the service you requested.
• Legitimate interests – to secure, maintain, and improve our services.
• Consent – for permissions and optional processing where consent is required.
• Legal obligation – where required by law.

6) How We Share Information

We do not sell personal data. We may share data only as described below:

• Service providers / processors that help us run the app (for example cloud hosting, authentication, storage, analytics, crash reporting, notifications).
• Other users according to app functionality (for example content you choose to post publicly or to groups/communities).
• Legal and safety disclosures when required by law, valid legal process, or to protect users and the service.
• Business transfers in connection with merger, acquisition, financing, or asset sale, subject to applicable confidentiality and notice obligations.

Third-party services used by Barkly may include

• Google Firebase (Authentication, Database/Storage, Cloud Functions, Messaging, Crash/Analytics features).
• Expo services (build/update/notification-related service infrastructure).
• Cloud infrastructure/CDN providers required for app content delivery.

7) International Data Transfers

Your data may be processed in countries other than your country of residence. Where required, we use appropriate safeguards for international transfers (for example contractual safeguards and equivalent protections under applicable law).

8) Data Retention

• We keep personal data for as long as needed to provide the service, comply with legal obligations, resolve disputes, and enforce agreements.
• You may request deletion of your account and associated personal data, subject to legal and operational retention requirements.

9) Security

We implement reasonable technical and organizational safeguards designed to protect personal data. No system can be guaranteed 100% secure, but we continuously work to reduce risk and improve security controls.

10) Your Rights

Depending on your location, you may have rights to:

• Access personal data we hold about you.
• Correct inaccurate or incomplete personal data.
• Delete personal data (subject to exceptions).
• Restrict or object to certain processing.
• Data portability where applicable.
• Withdraw consent where processing is based on consent.
• Lodge a complaint with your local data protection authority.

To exercise rights, contact us at help@barkmeets.com. We may verify your identity before fulfilling requests.

11) Children’s Privacy

Barkly is not directed to children under the age required by applicable local law to independently consent to data processing. If you believe a child provided personal data without required consent, contact us and we will take appropriate action.

12) Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will post the updated version on this page and update the “Last updated” date. Material changes may also be communicated in-app where appropriate.

13) Contact Us

If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or our data practices, contact:
help@barkmeets.com

Barkly Privacy Policy