Privacy Policy

What We Collect

We collect information you provide directly to us and some technical data automatically.

• Account Data: Email, username, display name, and encrypted password (if not using social login).
• User Content: Dog profiles, photos, posts, comments, and park suggestions you create.
• Technical Data: IP address (for security/rate limiting), user agent, and essential cookies.
• Location Data: We use your location with your consent to find nearby parks. We also store visit data when you check in or schedule visits to provide park activity insights. This data is aggregated and not used to track you.

Why We Collect It

We use this data to provide the core features of Pawks: finding parks, managing dog profiles, and social interactions. We do not sell your data.

Sharing & Processors

We share limited data with essential service providers (e.g., for sending emails or push notifications) only as needed to operate the service.

We do not use third-party advertising trackers or sell your data to advertisers.

Data Retention

We retain your data while your account is active. You can request account deletion at any time via the Settings page. Deletion requests are subject to a 14-day cooling-off period for your protection.

Account Deletion & Anonymization

When you request account deletion: (1) Your personal data (profile, dogs, posts, comments, visits) will be permanently deleted after a 14-day cooling-off period. (2) Community contributions you made to park data (edit suggestions, tags, locations) that have been applied will be anonymized—not deleted—so the community continues to benefit from them. These contributions will no longer be linked to your identity. (3) For photos you contributed to parks, you can choose to either delete them completely or keep them anonymously. (4) You can cancel your deletion request at any time during the 14-day period. (5) You can also confirm the deletion immediately via a link in the confirmation email.

Your Rights

You have the right to access, export, and delete your data. You can request a full export of your data from the Settings page. Deletion requests can be made at any time, subject to a 14-day cooling-off period.

Contact Us

If you have any questions about your privacy or these policies, please contact us at [email protected].

Data Controller and Contact Information

Pawks / Tommi Wäänänen [email protected]

Legal Basis for Processing

Consent pursuant to Article 6.1(a) of the GDPR. By accepting the terms of service, you consent to Pawks processing your personal data in accordance with the terms of service and privacy notice.

Data Transfer

Personal data is not transferred outside the EU.