Appster Norge AS (operating the Buddy app) · Organization number: 822.608.132 · Trondheim, Norway · Email: post@appsternorge.no
This Privacy Policy explains how Appster Norge AS (“we”, “us”, or “our”) collects, uses, stores, and protects personal information when you use the Buddy mobile application and related services (the “Service”). Buddy accounts are created and signed in with Sign in with Apple.
Sign in with Apple: We use Apple’s Sign in with Apple to authenticate you. We receive an Apple user identifier and, when Apple provides them, an email address (which may be a Hide My Email relay address) and your name. We do not receive your Apple ID password. You can manage or stop Sign in with Apple for Buddy in your Apple ID settings.
1. Who we are
Buddy, dating for dog ppl, is operated by Appster Norge AS, a Norwegian company based in Trondheim, Norway (org. no. 822.608.132).
2. Information we collect
Depending on how you use Buddy, we may collect:
- Sign in with Apple data such as your Apple user identifier, a short-lived identity token used to verify the sign-in, and, when you share them, your email address (including an Apple Hide My Email relay address) and name.
- Account and profile information such as display name, date of birth, photos, breed information, and other profile details you enter in the app.
- Profile and content data such as messages you send in the app.
- Location, as described below.
- Device and usage data such as app version, device type, approximate technical logs, and push notification tokens.
- Support communications if you contact us.
Location
Buddy uses your device location so we can show people nearby and calculate an approximate distance. You choose how location is updated:
- A place you set. During signup, or in Settings, you can save your current GPS position or pick a place on the map. That saved place is what we use until you change it. Picking a place on the map does not keep tracking you.
- Update while I use Buddy (optional). If you turn this on in Settings, Buddy requests a GPS fix when you open or return to the app, and again if you leave the app open. This uses location access while the app is in use. It does not run when Buddy is in the background or closed. Turning it on replaces a place you previously picked on the map.
- Walk position (optional). A walk starts from the location saved on your profile. On the walk screen, or on the map you open with a walk partner, you can tap Where I am to set where you are for that walk once, or turn on live location so it keeps updating about every 100 meters while you remain available, including when your phone is locked or Buddy is in the background or not on screen. A walk position is used so people on the walk can see an approximate distance. After you have matched, your walk partner can also see that shared position on a map while you are both still available. It does not change the location saved on your profile, and it does not change who you see in Discover. Until you set a walk position, the walk keeps using your profile location for distance only, and that profile point is not shown on your partner’s map. Profile updates can move the walk until you set a separate position. Live location needs permission that can run in the background (“Always” / “Allow all the time” on iOS). iOS shows a location indicator while live location is on. Updates stop when you turn off live location, turn off walk availability, log out, or when the 24-hour availability period ends. We do not keep the walk position after that, and we do not use background location for any other feature.
People browsing walks see an approximate distance, not your coordinates. After you match for a walk, your partner can open a map that shows the walk position you share with Where I am or live location. That map does not show the location saved on your profile, and using it does not change that saved location. We store the latest latitude and longitude on your account, and whether that point came from GPS or a place you picked. A separate walk position, when you set one, is kept only while you are available for a walk. We do not keep a history of where you have been. You can turn either option off in the app. Picking a fixed place in Settings stops profile refresh and does not by itself end a walk position. Revoking location permission in your device settings stops new updates. Your last saved profile place remains until you change it or delete your account.
3. How we use your information
We use personal information to:
- Create and manage your Buddy account, including verifying Sign in with Apple
- Provide matching, messaging, walks, deals, and other in-app features, including updating your saved location when you opt in to refresh it while using Buddy, updating a separate walk position when you opt in, and showing that walk position on a map to a walk partner you have matched with
- Maintain security, prevent spam and abuse, and troubleshoot issues
- Comply with legal obligations
- Improve the Service
We do not send marketing SMS. Buddy does not use SMS for account verification.
4. Sharing of information
We may share personal information with:
- Apple, which provides Sign in with Apple. Apple’s handling of that sign-in is described in Apple’s privacy policy.
- Service providers that process data on our behalf (hosting, push notifications, and similar operations needed to run the Service).
- Other users, to the extent you choose to share profile information or messages inside Buddy.
- Legal authorities when required by law or to protect rights, safety, and security.
We do not sell personal information.
5. International transfers
Buddy is operated from Norway. Some service providers (including Apple for Sign in with Apple) may process data in other countries, including the United States. Where required, we use appropriate safeguards for such transfers.
6. Data retention
We retain personal information only as long as needed for the purposes described in this policy, including account operation, security, legal compliance, and dispute resolution. Sign-in identity tokens are short-lived. We keep your Apple user identifier on your account so you can sign in again. We keep your latest profile location on your account and do not store a trail of previous positions. A separate walk position exists only while you are available for a walk. If you delete your account, we delete or anonymize associated personal data except where we must retain information by law.
7. Security
We implement technical and organizational measures designed to protect personal information, including access controls, encrypted transport (HTTPS/TLS), and limited access to production systems. No method of transmission or storage is completely secure.
8. Your rights
Depending on applicable law (including the GDPR where it applies), you may have rights to access, correct, delete, restrict, or object to certain processing of your personal data, and to data portability. You may also lodge a complaint with a supervisory authority (in Norway, Datatilsynet).
To exercise these rights, contact us at post@appsternorge.no or via our contact page.
9. Children’s privacy
Buddy is intended for users who are 18 years of age or older. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 18.
10. Changes to this policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. The “Last updated” date at the top will change when we do. Continued use of the Service after an update means you accept the revised policy where permitted by law.
11. Contact
Appster Norge AS
Org. no. 822.608.132
Trondheim, Norway
Web: www.appsternorge.no
Email: post@appsternorge.no
Contact: our contact page
Related: Terms of Service