Privacy Policy

Last updated: June 4, 2026

This Privacy Policy describes how Scratch ("Scratch," "we," "us," or "our") collects, uses, and shares information when you use the Scratch mobile application and related services (collectively, the "Service"). Scratch is a marketplace that connects clients with local photographers ("Photographers"). By using the Service, you agree to the practices described in this policy.

1. Information We Collect

Information you provide

• Account information. When you sign up, we collect your name, email address, and password. You may also add a contact number and username.
• Profile information. You may upload a profile photo and, if you act as a Photographer, a professional bio, equipment list, hourly rate, service packages, portfolio images, and weekly availability.
• Content. Photos you upload (avatars and portfolio albums), messages you send through in-app chat, booking requests, and ratings or reviews you leave.

Information collected automatically

• Location data. With your permission, we collect your device's precise GPS location to display nearby Photographers on the discovery map and to show your approximate distance to clients searching your area. Location data is used only while the app is in the foreground.
• Usage and device data. Basic technical information such as device type, operating system, app version, and diagnostic logs used to operate and improve the Service.

2. Device Permissions

Scratch requests the following permissions. You can grant or revoke each one at any time in your device settings; some features may not work without them.

• Camera. Used to capture photos and live photoshoot session content within the app.
• Location (precise). Used to determine your precise GPS position so we can display local Photographers near you on the discovery map and calculate distances. On Android this includes ACCESS_FINE_LOCATION and ACCESS_COARSE_LOCATION.
• Photo Library. Used to let you upload avatar profile photos and portfolio album images.

3. How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect to:

• Create and manage your account and profile;
• Connect clients with Photographers and facilitate discovery, booking, and messaging;
• Display Photographers, portfolios, ratings, and availability;
• Process subscriptions and verify entitlements;
• Send notifications about bookings, messages, and gallery delivery;
• Maintain the safety, security, and integrity of the Service, including enforcing our Terms and handling blocked users;
• Provide customer support and respond to your requests;
• Operate, troubleshoot, and improve the Service.

4. How We Share Information

We do not sell your personal information. We share information only as follows:

• With other users. When you book or offer a session, relevant profile details (such as your name, photo, location/distance, rates, portfolio, and messages) are shared with the other party to complete the booking.
• With service providers. We share information with vendors who help us operate the Service, as described in Section 5.
• For legal reasons. We may disclose information if required by law or to protect the rights, safety, and property of Scratch, our users, or the public.
• Business transfers. If Scratch is involved in a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets, your information may be transferred as part of that transaction.

5. Third-Party Service Providers

We rely on trusted third parties to deliver core functionality. These providers process data on our behalf and are bound by their own privacy and security obligations:

• Google Firebase — authentication (Firebase Auth), cloud database (Cloud Firestore), and image storage (Cloud Storage for Firebase).
• Google Maps Platform — map display, location search, and geocoding.
• IAPHUB — subscription validation and entitlement management. IAPHUB may process device identifiers and purchase receipt data to verify your subscription status.
• Apple App Store and Google Play — processing in-app subscription purchases and billing.

We encourage you to review the privacy policies of these providers to understand how they handle data.

6. Payments and Subscriptions

Photographer Pro subscriptions are purchased and billed through the Apple App Store or Google Play. We do not collect or store your full payment card details. We receive confirmation of your subscription status (for example, whether a subscription is active) in order to manage your entitlements within the app.

7. Data Retention

We retain your information for as long as your account is active or as needed to provide the Service. We may retain certain information as required to comply with legal obligations, resolve disputes, and enforce our agreements. When you delete your account, we will delete or anonymize your personal information within 30 days, except where retention is required by law or where data has been shared with other users as part of normal Service use (e.g., reviews you wrote or messages you sent).

8. Security

We use industry-standard safeguards, including encrypted connections and access controls provided by our cloud infrastructure, to protect your information. However, no method of transmission or storage is completely secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.

9. Your Rights and Choices

• Access and update. You can review and edit your profile information directly in the app.
• Permissions. You can revoke camera, location, and photo library access in your device settings at any time.
• Blocking. You can block other users to prevent further contact.
• Deletion. You can delete your account directly from the app by going to Settings → Delete Account. This will permanently remove your account and associated personal data. You may also request deletion by contacting us at the address below.
• Regional rights. Depending on where you live, you may have additional rights under laws such as the GDPR or CCPA, including the right to access, correct, delete, or restrict the use of your personal information. Contact us to exercise these rights.

10. Children's Privacy

Scratch is not directed to children under 13 (or the minimum age required in your jurisdiction). We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If you believe a child has provided us with personal information, please contact us and we will take steps to delete it.

11. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. When we make material changes, we will update the "Last updated" date above and, where appropriate, provide additional notice within the app. Your continued use of the Service after changes take effect constitutes acceptance of the revised policy.

12. Contact Us

If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or our data practices, contact us at:
contact@theappscratch.com

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