Privacy Policy - HeyU

Last Updated: February 23, 2026

INTRODUCTION

This Privacy Policy explains how Simit Studios ("we", "us", or "our") collects, uses, stores, and protects your personal information when you use the HeyU application.

By using HeyU, you agree to the collection and use of your information as described in this policy. If you do not agree, please discontinue use of the app.

INFORMATION WE COLLECT

We collect the following types of information:

Profile Information: Your name, date of birth, gender, bio, and preferences you provide during registration.

Photos: Profile photos taken through the in-app camera, used for identity verification and profile display.

Location Data: Your approximate location, used to show you potential matches nearby.

Usage Data: How you interact with the app, including matches, activity, and feature usage.

Device Information: Device type, operating system version, and diagnostic data for performance monitoring.

Authentication Data: Information from third-party sign-in providers (Google, phone number) used solely to authenticate your account.

CAMERA AND PHOTO VERIFICATION

HeyU uses your device camera to capture verified profile photos. Camera access is only requested when you actively choose to take or update a photo.

We use Google ML Kit face detection to:

- Confirm that photos contain a real face

- Ensure photo quality meets our standards

- Help prevent fake or fraudulent profiles

Face detection runs on-device. We do not store facial recognition data or biometric identifiers. Your camera is never accessed in the background or without your explicit action.

LOCATION DATA

We use your device location to:

- Show you potential matches in your area

- Display approximate distances to other users

- Improve location-based matching

Location is only used while the app is in use. We do not track your movements in the background or store a detailed history of your locations. You can withdraw location permission at any time through your device settings, though this will limit matching functionality.

PUSH NOTIFICATIONS

We use Firebase Cloud Messaging to send you push notifications, including:

- New matches and mutual likes

- New messages from your connections

- Account and safety updates

You can manage or disable notifications at any time through the app settings or your device notification settings.

HOW WE USE YOUR INFORMATION

We use the information we collect to:

- Create and manage your account

- Show you relevant matches based on your location and preferences

- Verify your identity and prevent fake or fraudulent profiles

- Enable communication between matched users

- Send you notifications about your account activity

- Maintain the safety and security of our community

- Improve app performance and user experience

- Comply with applicable legal obligations

DATA SECURITY

We take the security of your data seriously:

- All data is encrypted in transit using TLS

- Photos and profile data are stored securely on Firebase Cloud Storage and Firestore

- Access to personal data is restricted to authorised personnel only

- We conduct regular reviews of our security practices

No method of electronic storage is completely secure. While we apply industry-standard protections, we cannot guarantee absolute security.

DATA SHARING

We do not sell your personal information to third parties.

We may share data only in the following limited circumstances:

- With other users: Profile information and photos you choose to make visible on your profile

- With service providers: Third parties that help us operate the app, under strict confidentiality agreements

- Legal requirements: When required by law, court order, or to protect the safety of users

- Business transfers: In connection with a merger or acquisition, with prior notice to users

YOUR RIGHTS

You have the following rights regarding your personal data:

- Access: Request a copy of the data we hold about you

- Correction: Update or correct inaccurate information at any time

- Deletion: Delete your account and all associated data through the app settings

- Restriction: Request that we limit how we process your data

- Portability: Request your data in a portable format

- Objection: Object to certain types of data processing

To exercise any of these rights, contact us at simitstudios@gmail.com.

DATA RETENTION

We retain your data only for as long as necessary:

- Active accounts: Data is retained while your account remains active

- Deleted accounts: All personal data, including photos, messages, and profile information, is permanently deleted upon account deletion

- Legal obligations: Anonymised or aggregated data may be retained where required by law

- Safety records: Limited anonymised records may be retained for fraud prevention purposes

THIRD-PARTY SERVICES

HeyU uses the following third-party services, each governed by their own privacy policies:

- Firebase (Google): Authentication, database, cloud storage, and push messaging

- Google ML Kit: On-device face detection for photo verification

- RevenueCat: In-app purchase and subscription management

- Google AdMob: Advertising services

- Google Sign-In: Third-party authentication

We encourage you to review the privacy policies of these services independently.

CHILDREN'S PRIVACY

HeyU is intended exclusively for users aged 18 and over. We do not knowingly collect personal information from individuals under 18. If we become aware that a user is under 18, we will immediately terminate their account and delete any associated data.

If you believe a minor has created an account, please contact us at simitstudios@gmail.com.

CHANGES TO THIS POLICY

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Where changes are material, we will notify you via the app or by email. The updated policy will be available within the app, and the "Last Updated" date will be revised accordingly.

Continued use of HeyU after changes take effect constitutes your acceptance of the revised policy.

CONTACT US

Email: simitstudios@gmail.com

Company: Simit Studios

Location: London, United Kingdom

We are committed to resolving any privacy concerns promptly and transparently.