This Privacy Policy is subject to change before the official launch of The Agora app. The final version will be published when the service becomes available.
Last Updated: November 15, 2025
Introduction
The Agora ("we," "us," or "our") is committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you use our mobile application (the "App" or "Service").
Please read this Privacy Policy carefully. By using the Service, you agree to the collection and use of information in accordance with this policy.
If you do not agree with the terms of this Privacy Policy, please do not access or use the Service.
1. Information We Collect
We collect several types of information from and about users of our Service.
1.1 Personal Information You Provide
When you create an account and use the Service, you directly provide us with:
Account Information:
- Email address (required)
- Password (encrypted)
- Phone number (optional, for verification)
- Display name
- Date of birth (to verify age 18+)
Profile Information:
- Profile photos (up to 6)
- Bio/description (up to 500 characters)
- Gender
- Occupation
- Education level
Belief and Preference Information:
- Political positions and beliefs
- Religious beliefs and positions
- Social and economic viewpoints
- Topics of interest for discussion
- Preference for similar vs. opposing viewpoints
- Discussion group preferences
1.2 Location Information
WE COLLECT PRECISE LOCATION DATA AS A CORE FEATURE OF THE SERVICE.
We collect location information in the following ways:
Real-Time Location:
- Your device's GPS coordinates when you use the App
- Location data is used to show you potential discussion partners nearby
- Location updates occur when the App is in use (foreground location access)
Location History:
- We store your approximate location (city, state) in your profile
- Location history may be used to improve matching algorithms
- You can update your location manually in settings
Important: You can disable location services at any time through your device settings, but this will prevent you from using core features of the App (discovery and matching).
1.3 Content You Create
Messages:
- Text messages sent in group chats
- Direct messages with matched users
- Metadata about messages (timestamps, read status)
User-Generated Content:
- Reviews and ratings of other users after meetups
- Safety reports and concerns
- Comments and feedback
1.4 Automatically Collected Information
Usage Data:
- Pages or screens you visit within the App
- Time and date of your visits
- Time spent on pages/screens
- Features you interact with
- App crashes and performance data
Device Information:
- Device type and model
- Operating system and version
- Unique device identifiers
- Mobile network information
- IP address
- Browser type (if using web version)
2. How We Use Your Information
2.1 Core Service Functionality
Account Management:
- Create and manage your account
- Authenticate your identity
- Verify you are 18 years or older
- Communicate with you about your account
Matching and Discovery:
- Show you potential discussion partners based on location proximity, belief similarity or opposition, shared topics of interest, and discussion preferences
- Calculate compatibility scores
- Facilitate connections and matches
Group Formation and Meetups:
- Create and manage discussion groups
- Coordinate meetup scheduling
- Provide location suggestions for public meetup spots
- Enable group messaging
Safety Features:
- Identity verification (optional)
- Safety check-ins during meetups
- Report and block functionality
- Review and rating system
- Investigate safety concerns and Terms violations
2.2 Service Improvement
- Analyze usage patterns to improve the App
- Develop new features and services
- Test and troubleshoot technical issues
- Improve matching algorithms
- Understand user preferences and behaviors
2.3 Communication
- Send you service-related notifications (matches, messages, meetup reminders)
- Send safety alerts and security updates
- Respond to your inquiries and support requests
- Send product updates and new features (with opt-out option)
- Send marketing communications (with opt-out option)
3. How We Share Your Information
3.1 With Other Users
Profile Information Visible to Matched Users:
- Display name, age, photos, and bio
- Location (city/state, not exact coordinates)
- Belief positions and topics of interest
- Discussion preferences
- Verification badges (if applicable)
Important: We never share your exact location coordinates with other users. We only show approximate distance (e.g., "5 miles away") and city/state.
3.2 Service Providers
We share information with third-party service providers who help us operate the Service:
Supabase (Backend Services):
- Database hosting and management
- Authentication services
- File storage for photos
- Real-time messaging infrastructure
- Location: Supabase stores data on servers in the United States
- Privacy Policy: https://supabase.com/privacy
3.3 Legal Requirements
We may disclose your information if required to do so by law or in response to:
- Court orders or legal processes
- Law enforcement requests
- National security requirements
- Protection of our rights, property, or safety
- Protection of our users or the public
4. Data Retention
4.1 Active Accounts
We retain your information for as long as your account is active or as needed to provide you services.
- Profile Information: Retained while your account is active
- Messages: Retained for 1 year, then archived
- Location History: Retained for 6 months
- Reviews and Ratings: Retained for 2 years or until account deletion
- Safety Reports: Retained for 3 years for legal compliance
4.2 Account Deletion
When you delete your account:
Immediately Deleted:
- Your profile and photos
- Your location data
- Your belief information
- Your matches and connections
Retained for Legal/Safety Reasons:
- Safety reports involving your account (3 years)
- Messages in group chats (anonymized)
- Transaction records if applicable (7 years for tax/legal compliance)
5. Your Privacy Rights and Choices
5.1 Access and Portability
- You can access your personal information through the App settings
- You can request a copy of all your data via email (contact information will be provided at launch)
- You can export your data in a machine-readable format
- We will provide this within 30 days of your request
5.2 Correction and Updates
- You can edit your profile information at any time through the App
- You can update your preferences and settings
- Contact us if you need help correcting your information
5.3 Deletion
- You can delete individual photos, messages, or profile elements through the App
- You can delete your entire account through Settings → Account → Delete Account
- Deletion is permanent and cannot be undone
5.4 Location Permissions
- You can disable location access through your device settings
- Note: This will prevent core features from working (discovery, matching)
6. Security
We implement reasonable security measures to protect your information:
Technical Safeguards:
- Encryption of data in transit (TLS/SSL)
- Encryption of sensitive data at rest
- Secure authentication (password hashing with bcrypt)
- Regular security audits and updates
- Firewalls and intrusion detection
Your Responsibilities:
- Keeping your password secure and confidential
- Not sharing your account with others
- Logging out on shared devices
- Reporting suspicious activity immediately
IMPORTANT: While we strive to protect your information, no security system is impenetrable. We cannot guarantee absolute security. Use of the Service is at your own risk.
7. International Users and Data Transfers
7.1 United States Operations
The Agora operates in and is controlled from the United States. Your information will be transferred to, stored, and processed in the United States.
Important: The United States may not have the same data protection laws as your country. By using the Service, you consent to the transfer of your information to the United States.
7.2 European Economic Area (EEA) Users
If you are located in the EEA, you have additional rights under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR):
- Right to access your personal data
- Right to rectification (correction)
- Right to erasure ("right to be forgotten")
- Right to restrict processing
- Right to data portability
- Right to object to processing
- Right to withdraw consent
- Right to lodge a complaint with supervisory authority
7.3 California Residents (CCPA)
If you are a California resident, you have rights under the California Consumer Privacy Act:
- Right to know what personal information is collected
- Right to know if personal information is sold or disclosed
- Right to opt-out of sale of personal information (Note: We do not sell your information)
- Right to deletion
- Right to non-discrimination for exercising your rights
8. Children's Privacy
THE SERVICE IS NOT INTENDED FOR USERS UNDER 18 YEARS OF AGE.
We do not knowingly collect personal information from anyone under 18. If we discover that a user is under 18, we will immediately:
- Terminate the account
- Delete all personal information
- Notify the user that their account has been terminated
If you are a parent or guardian and believe your child under 18 has provided us with personal information, please contact us (contact information will be provided at launch).
9. Sensitive Information
9.1 Belief Information
We recognize that belief information (political and religious views) is sensitive personal information.
We collect this information solely to:
- Match you with compatible discussion partners
- Facilitate meaningful conversations
- Provide the core functionality of the Service
We will never:
- Sell your belief information to third parties
- Use your beliefs for political advertising
- Share your beliefs outside the Service without consent
- Discriminate against you based on your beliefs
10. Changes to This Privacy Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of material changes by:
- Posting the new Privacy Policy in the App
- Sending an email to your registered email address
- Displaying an in-app notification
- Updating the "Last Updated" date at the top
Continued use of the Service after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated Privacy Policy.
11. Legal Basis for Processing (GDPR)
| Data Type | Legal Basis | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Account Information | Contract | Provide Service |
| Profile Information | Contract | Matching and discovery |
| Belief Information | Consent | Facilitate discussions |
| Location Data | Consent | Location-based matching |
| Messages | Contract | Communication features |
| Usage Data | Legitimate Interest | Service improvement |
| Safety Reports | Legal Obligation | Comply with laws |
12. Contact Us
If you have questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or our data practices, contact information will be provided when the service launches.
Response Time: We aim to respond to all inquiries within 30 days.
Acknowledgment
BY USING THE SERVICE, YOU ACKNOWLEDGE THAT:
- You have read and understood this Privacy Policy
- You consent to the collection and use of your information as described
- You consent to the transfer of your data to the United States
- You are at least 18 years of age
- You understand the sensitive nature of information being collected
If you do not agree to this Privacy Policy, you must not use the Service.