Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

Welcome to Votyv ("we," "our," or "us"). Votyv is a faith-based community platform where Christians can pray together, share spiritual reflections, and connect with others in their faith journey. We are committed to protecting your privacy and handling your personal information with care and respect.

This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you use our mobile application and website (collectively, the "Service"). Please read this privacy policy carefully. By using Votyv, you agree to the collection and use of information in accordance with this policy.

Our Address:
750 N San Vicente Blvd, Ste 800W
West Hollywood, CA 90069

2. Information We Collect

2.1 Information You Provide

When you create an account and use Votyv, you may provide us with:

• Account Information: Name, email address, username, password, profile photo, and date of birth.
• Profile Information: Biographical information, church affiliation, location (city/state), and other optional profile details.
• Content You Post: Prayer requests (Prayer Candles), reflections (Seek Guidance), confessions, discussions, comments, and other user-generated content.
• Payment Information: When you subscribe to Votyv Premium, we collect payment information through our third-party payment processor, Stripe. We do not store your full credit card details on our servers.
• Communications: Messages you send to us, including support inquiries and feedback.

2.2 Information Collected Automatically

When you use Votyv, we automatically collect:

• Device Information: Device type, operating system, unique device identifiers, IP address, and mobile network information.
• Usage Data: Pages viewed, features used, time spent on the Service, search queries, and interaction with other users.
• Location Data: If you grant permission, we collect your approximate location (city/region) to display your prayers on our World Prayer Map and connect you with nearby churches and prayer groups. We do not collect precise GPS coordinates without your explicit consent.
• Cookies and Similar Technologies: We use cookies, web beacons, and similar tracking technologies to enhance your experience, remember your preferences, and analyze usage patterns.

2.3 Information from Third Parties

We may receive information about you from:

• Social Media: If you link your social media accounts or share Votyv content on social platforms.
• Analytics Providers: Information about how you interact with our Service from third-party analytics tools.
• Payment Processors: Transaction details and payment status from Stripe.

3. How We Use Your Information

We use your information to:

• Provide and Maintain the Service: Enable you to create prayers, join groups, connect with churches, and use all features of Votyv.
• Process Subscriptions: Manage your Premium membership, process payments, and handle billing inquiries.
• Personalize Your Experience: Recommend groups, churches, and content based on your location and interests.
• Display Your Prayers on the Map: Show your Prayer Candles on our World Prayer Map (with your approximate location) so others can witness and support your prayers.
• Send Notifications: Deliver email and push notifications about new followers, comments, prayer witnesses, subscription updates, and other activity relevant to you. You can control these in your account settings.
• Communicate with You: Send administrative messages, respond to your inquiries, and provide customer support.
• Improve Our Service: Analyze usage patterns, troubleshoot issues, and develop new features.
• Ensure Safety and Security: Detect and prevent fraud, abuse, and violations of our Terms of Service.
• Comply with Legal Obligations: Respond to lawful requests from government authorities and enforce our legal rights.

4. How We Share Your Information

4.1 Public Information

Certain information you post is public by default:

• Prayer Candles: Your prayers (unless posted anonymously), username, profile photo, and approximate location are visible to all Votyv users on the World Prayer Map and community feed.
• Discussions and Comments: Public posts, comments, and your profile information are visible to all users.
• Profile Information: Your username, profile photo, bio, and church affiliation (if provided) are publicly visible.
• Confessions: Posted anonymously without any identifying information.

4.2 Within Your Prayer Groups

Content you post within a Prayer Group is visible only to other members of that group. Group membership lists may be visible to other group members depending on the group's privacy settings.

4.3 Service Providers

We share information with trusted third-party service providers who help us operate Votyv:

• Cloud Hosting: Google Cloud Platform (for data storage and hosting)
• Payment Processing: Stripe (for subscription billing)
• Email Services: SendGrid (for transactional and notification emails)
• Analytics: Google Analytics and similar tools (for usage analysis)
• AI Services: OpenAI (for Seek Guidance responses)

These providers are contractually obligated to protect your information and only use it to provide services to us.

4.4 Legal Requirements

We may disclose your information if required by law or in response to:

• Valid legal processes (subpoenas, court orders)
• Requests from government or law enforcement agencies
• Situations involving potential threats to safety or violations of our Terms of Service

4.5 Business Transfers

If Votyv is involved in a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets, your information may be transferred to the new entity. We will notify you via email and/or prominent notice on our Service before your information is transferred.

4.6 With Your Consent

We may share your information for other purposes with your explicit consent.

5. Your Privacy Choices

5.1 Account Settings

You can control your privacy through your account settings:

• Anonymous Posting: Choose to post Confessions anonymously.
• Location Sharing: Control whether your approximate location is displayed on the Prayer Map.
• Profile Visibility: Choose what information appears on your public profile.
• Notification Preferences: Control which email and push notifications you receive.

5.2 Data Access and Portability

You have the right to access, update, or delete your personal information. You can update most information directly in your account settings. To request a copy of your data or deletion of your account, contact us at hello@votyv.com.

5.3 Marketing Communications

You can opt out of promotional emails by clicking the "unsubscribe" link in any marketing email or adjusting your preferences in account settings. Note that you cannot opt out of administrative emails related to your account or subscription.

5.4 Cookies

Most web browsers accept cookies by default. You can configure your browser to refuse cookies or alert you when cookies are being sent. However, some features of Votyv may not function properly without cookies.

6. Data Retention

We retain your information for as long as your account is active or as needed to provide you services. When you delete your account:

• Your profile and account information are deleted within 30 days.
• Public posts (Prayer Candles, Discussions) may remain visible but will be anonymized (your name and profile will be removed).
• Some information may be retained in backup systems for up to 90 days.
• We may retain certain information longer if required by law or for legitimate business purposes (e.g., resolving disputes, enforcing agreements, preventing fraud).

7. Data Security

We implement industry-standard security measures to protect your information:

• Encryption of data in transit (HTTPS/TLS)
• Encryption of sensitive data at rest
• Regular security audits and monitoring
• Limited employee access to personal data
• Secure payment processing through PCI-compliant providers

However, no method of transmission over the internet is 100% secure. While we strive to protect your information, we cannot guarantee absolute security.

8. Children's Privacy

Votyv is intended for users aged 13 and older. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If we discover that we have collected information from a child under 13, we will promptly delete it. If you believe a child under 13 has provided us with information, please contact us at hello@votyv.com.

9. International Users

Votyv is based in the United States. If you access our Service from outside the U.S., your information will be transferred to, stored, and processed in the United States. By using Votyv, you consent to the transfer of your information to the United States and agree that U.S. law governs the collection and use of your information.

For European Users (GDPR): If you are located in the European Economic Area (EEA), you have additional rights under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), including the right to access, rectify, erase, restrict processing, data portability, and to object to processing. To exercise these rights, contact us at hello@votyv.com.

10. Third-Party Links

Votyv may contain links to third-party websites or services (e.g., church websites, external resources). We are not responsible for the privacy practices of these third parties. We encourage you to read their privacy policies before providing them with your information.

11. California Privacy Rights

If you are a California resident, you have additional rights under the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA):

• Right to Know: Request information about the categories and specific pieces of personal information we collect, use, disclose, and sell.
• Right to Delete: Request deletion of your personal information.
• Right to Opt-Out: We do not sell your personal information.
• Right to Non-Discrimination: We will not discriminate against you for exercising your privacy rights.

To exercise these rights, contact us at hello@votyv.com or call us at the address listed above.

12. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices, technology, legal requirements, or other factors. We will notify you of material changes by:

• Posting the updated policy on this page with a new "Effective Date"
• Sending you an email notification (if you have an account)
• Displaying a prominent notice within the Service

Your continued use of Votyv after the effective date of the updated policy constitutes your acceptance of the changes.

13. Contact Us

If you have questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or our data practices, please contact us:

Email: hello@votyv.com
Mail:
Votyv
750 N San Vicente Blvd, Ste 800W
West Hollywood, CA 90069

We will respond to your inquiry within 30 days.