Privacy Policy

Effective: February 13, 2026

This Privacy Policy explains how Hoot ("we," "us," "our") collects, uses, and shares information when you use our mobile application and related services (the "Service").

1. Information We Collect

Information You Provide

• Account: Name, email, date of birth, gender, location.
• Profile: Personality test responses, MBTI type, prompt answers, photos.
• Messages: Text, voice messages, and content sent to other users.
• Topics: Posts and comments, whether public or anonymous.
• Waitlist/Support: Email and support communications.

Collected Automatically

• Device type, OS, unique identifiers, mobile network info.
• Usage data: features used, time spent, actions taken.
• IP address, browser type, access times, log data.
• Approximate location (IP-based). Precise location with your permission for distance-based Topics.

From Third Parties

• Name and email if you sign in via Apple or Google.
• Information from advertising and analytics partners.

2. How We Use Your Information

• Provide, operate, and improve the Service.
• Match users based on personality compatibility and behavioral signals.
• Facilitate messaging and the pixelated photo reveal feature.
• Power Topics, including distance-based community filtering.
• Send service-related notifications.
• Detect and prevent fraud, abuse, and security issues.
• Conduct analytics and research.
• Send marketing communications (with consent where required).
• Comply with legal obligations.

3. How We Share Your Information

We do not sell your personal information.

• Other Users: Profile info, personality data, and progressively unblurred photos are shared with matched users. Topics posts are visible within your community.
• Service Providers: Hosting, analytics, customer support, payment processing vendors.
• Advertising Partners: Limited data shared with TikTok, Meta, Google, YouTube for ad measurement.
• Legal: When required by law, legal process, or government request.
• Safety: When necessary to protect users, the public, or Hoot.
• Business Transfers: In connection with merger, acquisition, or asset sale.

4. Advertising and Analytics

We work with third-party partners (TikTok, Meta, Google, YouTube) who may use cookies, pixels, and SDKs to collect activity data for analytics and advertising. Manage preferences through your device settings or optout.aboutads.info.

5. Data Retention

We retain information while your account is active. Request deletion anytime via the app or by contacting us.

6. Data Security

We use reasonable technical and organizational measures to protect your information. No system is completely secure.

7. Your Rights

Depending on location, you may: access, correct, or delete your data; object to processing; request portability; withdraw consent; opt out of targeted advertising. Contact support@ihootyou.com.

8. Children's Privacy

Hoot is not for anyone under 18. We will delete accounts found to belong to minors.

9. International Transfers

Your data may be processed in countries outside your residence. We take appropriate safeguards.

10. California Residents (CCPA/CPRA)

You have the right to know, request deletion, and opt out of sale/sharing. We do not sell personal information. Contact support@ihootyou.com.

11. European Residents (GDPR)

We process data based on consent, contractual necessity, legal obligations, or legitimate interests. You may lodge a complaint with your local data protection authority.

12. Changes

We may update this policy. Material changes will be communicated through the Service.

13. Contact

Email: support@ihootyou.com