Effective Date: October 23, 2025
App Name: Mapkin
Developer: Nalin Bhardwaj
Contact: mapkin@nibnalin.me
Address: 180 Brannan St, Apt 330, San Francisco 94107, California USA
1. Overview
Mapkin (“we”, “our”, or “us”) is an AI-powered map application that provides personalized, subjective recommendations to help you discover and explore places. Your privacy is important to us. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, store, and protect your information when you use the Mapkin app (“App”).
By using the App, you agree to the practices described below.
2. Information We Collect
To provide personalized map recommendations, we collect the following types of information:
a. Location Data
- With your explicit permission, we access your device's location to show you relevant nearby places and recommendations.
- We collect your current location and location history only when you actively use the App.
- Location data is used to personalize search results, provide directions, and suggest places based on your context.
b. Search and Query Data
- We collect your search queries, questions asked to our AI, and interactions with place recommendations.
- This data helps us understand your preferences and provide better, more contextual recommendations.
- Queries may be processed using third-party AI services to generate intelligent responses.
c. User Preferences and Profile
- We may collect information about your preferences (e.g., cuisine types, activity preferences, accessibility needs).
- If you create an account, we store your profile information including name, email, and profile photo via Sign in with Apple.
d. Device and Usage Information
- We collect device identifiers, app version, operating system, and usage patterns to improve app performance.
- We use analytics to understand which features are most valuable to users.
3. How We Use Your Information
Your data is used to:
- Provide personalized place recommendations based on your location and preferences.
- Process your queries through AI to generate helpful, contextual responses.
- Display maps, directions, and place information relevant to you.
- Improve the functionality, accuracy, and user experience of the App.
- Send you notifications about saved places or relevant updates (with your permission).
- Provide customer support and respond to your inquiries.
4. Data Sharing and Third Parties
We do not sell your personal information.
We share data only with:
- Map and location service providers (e.g., Google Maps, Mapbox) to display maps and place information.
- AI service providers (e.g., OpenAI) to process your queries and generate recommendations.
- Cloud infrastructure providers (e.g., AWS) to host and secure your data.
- Analytics providers for aggregate, anonymized usage reporting.
All providers are contractually obligated to comply with data protection laws, including GDPR and CCPA where applicable.
We do not share your location data with advertisers or sell it to third parties.
5. Data Retention
- Location data is retained only as long as necessary to provide services and may be anonymized for analytics.
- Search history and conversation data are stored securely unless you delete them.
- Account information is retained until you request deletion or delete your account.
You may request full data deletion at any time (see Section 9).
6. Data Security
We use industry-standard security measures to protect your data, including:
- Encrypted storage and transmission (HTTPS)
- Secure cloud infrastructure
- Access control and regular security audits
- Minimal data collection principles
However, no digital system is 100% secure. You use the App at your own risk.
7. Your Rights
If you are located in the European Economic Area (EEA) or California, you have the following rights:
Under GDPR (Europe):
- Right to access, rectify, or delete your data
- Right to object to processing or withdraw consent
- Right to data portability
- Right to lodge a complaint with a supervisory authority
Under CCPA (California):
- Right to know what personal data we collect
- Right to request deletion
- Right to opt out of the sale of personal data (we don't sell your data)
- Right to non-discrimination for exercising privacy rights
To exercise these rights, email us at: mapkin@nibnalin.me
8. Location Permissions
You can control location permissions through your device settings at any time. Disabling location access will limit certain features of the App, such as nearby recommendations and directions.
We recommend using “While Using the App” permission for the best experience while maintaining your privacy.
9. Children's Privacy
Mapkin is not intended for children under 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from anyone under this age. If you believe a child has provided us data, contact us and we will delete it immediately.
10. Data Deletion and Contact
To delete your data or ask questions about privacy, contact us at:
Email: mapkin@nibnalin.me
Mailing Address:
Nalin Bhardwaj
180 Brannan St, Apt 330
San Francisco 94107, California USA
11. Changes to This Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of any material changes via the App or by updating the “Effective Date” at the top of this document.
Continued use of the App after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.