Privacy Policy

Introduction

Welcome to Lore! This Privacy Policy explains how Lore Platforms, Inc. ("Lore," "we," "us," or "our") collects, uses, shares, and protects your personal information when you use our mobile application and related services (collectively, the "Service").

Lore is a location-based storytelling platform where users discover and listen to audio stories tied to geographic locations. Because our Service relies on knowing where you are to unlock nearby stories, location data is central to how Lore works.

By using Lore, you agree to the collection and use of information in accordance with this policy. If you do not agree with our practices, please do not use the Service.

Information We Collect

Information You Provide

Account Information

• Email address (required for account creation)
• Username (required, publicly visible)
• Full name (optional)
• Password (stored securely using industry-standard hashing)

User-Generated Content

If you create stories on Lore, we collect:

• Audio recordings you upload
• Story titles and descriptions
• Location coordinates where you place your story
• Cover images (if provided)

Payment Information

If you subscribe to premium features, payment is processed through Stripe. We do not store your full credit card number. We receive from Stripe:

• Last four digits of your card
• Card type and expiration date
• Billing address
• Transaction history

Information We Collect Automatically

Location Data

This is important, so we want to be clear:

Specifically, we collect:

• Your precise GPS coordinates
• Location updates every 2-15 minutes (depending on your movement and settings)
• The locations where you unlock and listen to stories
• Timestamps associated with all location data

We need this location data to:

• Show you stories available near your current location
• Unlock stories when you're within range
• Record which stories you've discovered
• Provide the core functionality of our location-based service

Usage Data

• Stories you listen to and how long you listen
• Stories you complete vs. skip
• Ratings and favorites
• App features you use
• Time spent in the app

Device Information

• Device type and model
• Operating system version
• Unique device identifiers
• App version

How We Use Your Information

Provide the Service

• Create and manage your account
• Show you stories based on your location
• Track which stories you've unlocked
• Process payments for subscriptions
• Enable story creation and publishing

Improve the Service

• Understand how users interact with Lore
• Identify popular story locations and content types
• Fix bugs and improve performance
• Develop new features

Communicate with You

• Send service-related notifications
• Respond to your support requests
• Notify you about changes to our terms or policies
• Send promotional communications (with your consent, and you can opt out)

Safety and Security

• Detect and prevent fraud
• Enforce our Terms of Service and Community Guidelines
• Protect the rights and safety of our users
• Comply with legal obligations

Location Data & Tracking

Because location tracking is so central to Lore, here's more detail on how it works:

What We Track

• Foreground tracking: When you have the app open, we track your location to show nearby stories and unlock content in real-time.
• Background tracking: Even when Lore isn't actively on your screen, we periodically check your location (typically every 2-15 minutes) so we can notify you when you're near a story.

Why We Need It

Lore is fundamentally a "go somewhere to unlock something" experience. Without location tracking:

• We can't show you what stories are nearby
• We can't unlock stories when you arrive at their location
• The core product simply doesn't work

Your Control

• Disable background location tracking in your device settings (though this limits functionality)
• Revoke location permissions entirely (note: the app won't function properly)
• Request deletion of your location history (see "Your Privacy Rights" below)

Third-Party Services

We use the following third-party services that may collect data:

Stripe (Payment Processing)

• Processes subscription payments
• Collects payment card information
• Has its own privacy policy: stripe.com/privacy

Microsoft Azure (Cloud Infrastructure)

• Hosts our servers and stores data
• Stores uploaded audio files and images
• Located in United States data centers

Mapbox (Maps)

• Provides map display in the app
• May collect anonymized usage data
• Has its own privacy policy: mapbox.com/legal/privacy

We do not sell your personal information to third parties.

Data Sharing & Disclosure

We may share your information in these circumstances:

• With Your Consent: When you explicitly agree to share information.
• Public Content: If you create stories, your username and story content are visible to other users.
• Service Providers: We share data with companies that help us operate (hosting, payment processing, analytics), under strict confidentiality agreements.
• Legal Requirements: We may disclose information if required by law, court order, or government request.
• Safety and Rights Protection: To protect the safety of users, investigate fraud, or protect our legal rights.
• Business Transfers: If Lore is acquired or merged with another company, your information may be transferred as part of that transaction. We'll notify you of any such change.

Data Retention

We retain your data as follows:

• Account data: Kept while your account is active, and for a reasonable period after deletion to comply with legal obligations.
• Location history: Retained indefinitely unless you request deletion.
• Listening history: Retained indefinitely unless you request deletion.
• User-generated content: Retained until you delete it or your account.
• Payment records: Retained as required for tax and legal compliance (typically 7 years).
• Log data: Typically retained for 90 days.

Your Privacy Rights

Depending on your location, you may have the following rights:

Access

You can request a copy of the personal data we hold about you.

Correction

You can update your account information at any time through the app settings.

Deletion

You can request deletion of your account and associated data. To request deletion, contact us at the email below. Note: Some data may be retained for legal compliance even after deletion.

California Residents (CCPA)

If you're a California resident, you have additional rights including:

• Right to know what personal information we collect
• Right to delete personal information
• Right to opt-out of sale of personal information (we don't sell your data)
• Right to non-discrimination for exercising your rights

European Residents (GDPR)

If you're in the European Economic Area, you have additional rights including:

• Right to data portability
• Right to restrict processing
• Right to object to processing
• Right to lodge a complaint with a supervisory authority

To exercise any of these rights, contact us at privacy@loreplatforms.com.

Children's Privacy

Lore is not intended for children under 13 years of age.

We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If you are a parent or guardian and believe your child has provided us with personal information, please contact us immediately.

Users between 13 and 18 should have parental permission before using Lore.

Security Measures

We take reasonable measures to protect your information, including:

• Encryption of data in transit (HTTPS/TLS)
• Encryption of sensitive data at rest
• Secure password hashing
• Regular security assessments
• Access controls limiting employee access to user data

However, no method of transmission or storage is 100% secure. We cannot guarantee absolute security.

International Data Transfers

Lore is based in the United States. If you use Lore from outside the US, your information will be transferred to and processed in the United States, where data protection laws may differ from your country.

By using Lore, you consent to this transfer.

Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of significant changes by:

• Posting the new policy in the app
• Updating the "Last Updated" date
• Sending you an email notification for material changes

Your continued use of Lore after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.

Contact Us

If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or our privacy practices, please contact us: