Privacy Policy

1. Information We Collect

• Account information. Your name, email address, age, and password when you create an account.
• Profile details. Photos, location, languages, and the skills you offer or want to learn. For most members, the location we store is a general area (e.g. a suburb), randomised by up to around 500 metres — not your exact address — and we apply a similar limit to any other location data we receive, so no part of our system stores more precise location detail than that.
• Activity data. Messages, exchange requests, reviews, and interactions with other members.
• Technical data. Device type, browser, IP address, and usage information collected automatically.

2. How We Use Your Information

• To create and manage your account and profile.
• To connect you with other members for skill exchanges.
• To keep the community safe and enforce our guidelines.
• To improve our features and personalise your experience.
• To send you service updates and, where permitted, marketing messages.

3. How We Share Information

• With other members, limited to the profile details you choose to display.
• With service providers who help us operate the platform, specifically: Mapbox (location search and maps), Stripe (payment processing, only if you make or receive a payment through the platform), Sentry (automated error monitoring, which may incidentally include limited technical data such as device or request information), our email delivery provider (sending account and notification emails), and our hosting provider.
• When required by law, or to protect the rights and safety of our members.
• We do not sell your personal information to third parties.

4. Cookies and Tracking

We use cookies and similar technologies to keep you signed in, remember your preferences, and understand how the platform is used. You can control non-essential cookies through your browser settings or our cookie banner where available.

5. Data Retention

We keep your information for as long as your account is active or as needed to provide our services. When you delete your account, we permanently delete your personal data, except where we are required to retain it for legal or safety reasons. Because deleting your account also removes the messages and reviews linked to it, this also removes your side of those records from conversations with other members — this happens immediately and cannot be undone, so we recommend being sure before you delete your account.

6. Your Rights and Choices

• Access, correct, or update the personal information in your account.
• Request a copy of your data or ask us to delete it.
• Opt out of marketing communications at any time.
• Adjust your privacy and notification settings within the app.

7. Children's Privacy

HobbyMate is for users aged 18 and over, and we check this when you create an account. If you believe a minor has an account or has otherwise provided us with data, please contact us so we can investigate and remove it.

8. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. When we make material changes, we will notify you through the app or by email and update the "Last Updated" date above.

9. Contact Us

If you have questions about this policy or your data, get in touch.