Privacy

Privacy Policy

Last updated: April 22, 2026

We wrote this in plain English because you deserve to understand it. Privacy isn't a feature we bolted on — it's the reason NearCircle exists. If anything below is unclear, email us. We'll rewrite it.

Overview

NearCircle — Family Locator ("we", "our", "the app") is a family location sharing application. We are committed to protecting your privacy and being transparent about how we handle your data.

Data We Collect

Location Data

We collect your precise location when you choose to share it with your circle members. Location data is transmitted to our servers (Supabase) and shared only with members of circles you've joined. You can stop sharing at any time using the privacy toggle.

Account Information

When you sign in with Apple, we receive your name and a unique identifier. We do not receive your email address unless you choose to share it.

Device Information

We collect your device's push notification token to deliver notifications. Battery level may be shared with circle members if you enable this feature.

Data That Stays On Your Device

The following data is processed entirely on your device and never sent to our servers:

  • Heat map location history (SwiftData)
  • AI-learned routines and patterns
  • Driving behavior data and trip history
  • Fall detection events
  • Medication reminders
  • Route safety scores

Analytics

We use TelemetryDeck for anonymous, privacy-friendly analytics. No personally identifiable information is collected. TelemetryDeck is GDPR-compliant and does not use cookies or fingerprinting.

In-App Purchases

Subscription purchases are processed through Apple's App Store and managed by RevenueCat. We receive transaction information but not your payment details.

Data Sharing

Your location is shared only with members of circles you explicitly join. We do not sell, rent, or share your data with third parties for advertising purposes.

Data Retention & Deletion

You can export or delete all your data at any time from Settings → Privacy Dashboard. When you delete your account, all server-side data is permanently removed.

Children's Privacy

NearCircle is designed for family use. Parents/guardians manage circle membership for children under 13. We comply with COPPA requirements.

Security

All data transmitted between your device and our servers is encrypted using TLS. Our backend uses Row Level Security (RLS) to ensure users can only access data they're authorized to see.

Contact

For privacy questions or data requests, contact us at: office@nearcircle.net

Changes

We may update this policy from time to time. Changes will be posted here with an updated date.