Privacy

About This Privacy Statement

This privacy statement explains what personal information we collect from you and how it is processed when you use the Blom Social services. The service is available through a mobile application ("App") that can be downloaded from the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. This privacy statement also explains how we store, protect, and share information.

We comply with UK GDPR legislation for all our users in the United Kingdom and POPIA (Protection of Personal Information Act) for users in South Africa, with specific rights outlined for users in these jurisdictions.

We are Blom Social Ltd, the proud operator of the App and responsible for processing personal data. Our office is located at 9 Bourne Road, Bexley, England, DA5 1LW, and you can reach us at hello@blom.social.

What Information We Collect

Information You Provide to Us

When you create an account ("Account") in our App, we collect personal information such as your:

Information We Collect Automatically

When you use the App, we automatically collect certain information:

• Technical Information: Device type, operating system, app version, IP address
• Usage Information: How you interact with the App, events you view, features you use
• Authentication Information: When you sign in using Apple or Google, we receive basic profile information as permitted by those services

How We Use Your Information

Core App Functions

• Create and manage your account
• Match you with compatible people for events using our personality quiz algorithm
• Group users for events 24 hours before each event
• Process event bookings and token purchases
• Enable communication through our in-app chat system
• Verify attendance at events through QR code scanning

Safety and Security

• Prevent fraud and abuse of our services
• Investigate reports of inappropriate behavior
• Ensure user safety during events and interactions

Communication and Support

• Send important notifications about your events, matches, and account
• Provide customer support when you contact us
• Send marketing communications (only if you haven't opted out)

Improvement and Analytics

• Analyze app usage to improve our services
• Track event attendance to maintain service quality
• Generate insights about user preferences (in aggregated, anonymized form)

Legal Basis for Processing

We process your personal data based on:

• Your consent when you create an account and agree to our terms
• Contract performance to provide the matching and event services you've requested
• Legitimate interests for safety, security, fraud prevention, and service improvement
• Legal obligations where required by applicable law

How We Share Your Information

With Other Users

• Group members can see basic anonymized demographic information (age, nationality, industry mix) when you're matched for events
• Chat partners can see your first name and profile image when you match and choose to message

With Third Parties

We share information with:

• Supabase (our database and authentication provider) - stores all your data securely
• Apple/Google for push notifications through Expo notification services
• Payment processors (Apple App Store, Google Play) for token purchases

Legal Requirements

We may disclose your information when:

• Required by law or legal process
• Necessary to protect the rights, property, or safety of Blom Social, our users, or others
• Part of a business transfer such as a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets

International Data Transfers

Since we use Supabase (a US-based service) to store and process your data, your information may be transferred to and stored in the United States. We ensure these transfers are protected by:

• Standard Contractual Clauses approved by UK and EU authorities
• Appropriate safeguards as required by UK GDPR and POPIA
• Supabase's security measures and compliance certifications

Data Retention

We keep your information for as long as necessary to provide our services:

• Account information: Until you delete your account, then 30 additional days
• Chat messages: Immediately deleted when you unmatch or delete your account
• Event history: Retained while your account is active for matching algorithm improvement
• Legal/compliance records: Up to 7 years as required by law
• Anonymized analytics: Up to 3 years for service improvement

Your Rights and Choices

Account Management

• Access your data by viewing your profile and settings in the App
• Update your information through your profile settings
• Delete your account through the App settings (this permanently removes all your data)

Communication Preferences

• Opt out of marketing emails in your profile settings
• Manage push notifications through your device settings
• Control chat availability by unmatching with other users

Data Protection Rights (UK GDPR and POPIA)

You have the right to:

• Access your personal data and receive a copy
• Rectify inaccurate or incomplete data
• Erase your data in certain circumstances
• Restrict processing in certain situations
• Object to processing based on legitimate interests
• Data portability to receive your data in a structured format

To exercise these rights, contact us at hello@blom.social. We will respond within 30 days.

Children's Privacy and Safety

Age Restrictions

Our App is not intended for users under 18 years old. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 18. If we discover we have collected information from a child under 18, we will:

• Immediately terminate the account and delete all associated data
• Report the incident if we suspect fraudulent age misrepresentation
• Cooperate with authorities if required by law

Child Safety Measures

We implement multiple safeguards to protect children and maintain our adult-only platform:

• Age verification during registration with mandatory confirmation
• Community reporting systems for users to flag concerns
• Regular audits of user accounts and content

Reporting Child Safety Concerns

If you believe a user may be under 18 or encounter any content involving minors, please report it immediately:

• Email: hello@blom.social
• In-app reporting: Use our built-in reporting system
• Emergency situations: Contact local law enforcement immediately

Security

We implement appropriate security measures to protect your personal information:

• Encryption in transit and at rest
• Access controls limiting who can access your data
• Regular security updates and monitoring
• Supabase security features including database-level security

However, no internet transmission is 100% secure. We encourage you to use strong passwords and keep your login credentials confidential.

Cookies and Tracking

We use minimal tracking technologies:

• Essential cookies for app functionality and user authentication
• Analytics to understand how users interact with our App
• No advertising cookies or third-party tracking for marketing purposes

Marketing and Referrals

Marketing Communications

• We may send you emails about new features, events, and promotions
• You can opt out anytime in your profile settings
• We will always send important account and safety notifications

Referral Program

• You can earn tokens by referring friends to Blom Social
• We track referrals to award tokens but don't access your contacts
• Referred friends must consent to join before any data is processed

Changes to This Privacy Statement

We may update this privacy statement from time to time. The most recent version can be found at: blom.social/privacy

We recommend checking this privacy statement regularly to stay informed of any changes. If we make significant changes, we will notify you by:

• Email to your registered email address
• In-app notification when you next open the App
• Notice on our website at least 30 days before changes take effect

By continuing to use the App after changes become effective, you agree to the updated privacy statement.

Contact Us

If you have questions, concerns, or requests regarding this privacy statement or your personal data, please contact us:

Complaints

If you believe we have processed your data unlawfully, you can:

• Contact us first at hello@blom.social to resolve the issue
• File a complaint with the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) in the UK
• File a complaint with the Information Regulator in South Africa
• Seek legal advice or court action if necessary

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