1Who we are
This Privacy Policy explains how Goldenduckie LLC ("Goldenduckie," "we," "us," or "our") collects, uses, and shares information when you use the ReviewBuddy mobile app and related services (the "Service"). Goldenduckie LLC is the publisher of ReviewBuddy and the data controller for the information described here.
By using the Service, you agree to the practices described in this policy. If you do not agree, please do not use the Service.
2Information we collect
We collect only what we need to run ReviewBuddy. That falls into the following categories.
Account information
ReviewBuddy uses passwordless sign-in. To create or access your account, you provide an email address and/or a mobile phone number, and we send a one-time verification code to it. We do not store passwords.
Profile information
Your profile may include a display name and an optional profile photo (avatar) that you choose to upload.
Content you create
When you review a place, we collect the content you submit: the business or place you reviewed, your rating or recommendation, any written comment, and any photos you attach.
Connections
ReviewBuddy is built around a network of people you trust. We store your connections — the connection requests you send and receive, and the ones you accept — so your feed can show reviews from your circle.
Location information
With your permission, we collect your device's location to find businesses near you. If you grant "Always" permission, the app may also use location in the background to notice when you have spent time at a business so it can remind you to leave a review. Location is optional — see Location data for how to control it.
Camera and photos
If you add a photo to a review or set an avatar, we access your camera and/or photo library for the images you choose. We only use the images you explicitly pick or capture.
Device and usage information
Like most apps, we automatically receive basic technical data needed to operate and secure the Service — such as device type, operating-system version, app version, IP address, and request/error logs. We use this for reliability, debugging, and abuse prevention.
3How we use information
- Create and secure your account, and sign you in with one-time codes.
- Provide core features: posting reviews, showing your feed, managing connections, and uploading photos.
- Find and display businesses near your location (when you enable it).
- Send in-app notifications about activity relevant to you.
- Maintain, troubleshoot, and improve the Service, and prevent fraud, spam, and abuse.
- Comply with legal obligations and enforce our terms.
4How information is shared
With your connections
Your reviews, ratings, comments, photos, display name, and avatar are visible to you and the connections you have accepted. They are not shown to the general public within the app.
With service providers
We use trusted third parties to run the Service, and share information with them only as needed to provide it:
- Amazon Web Services (AWS) — cloud hosting, database, and media (photo) storage in the United States.
- Google Maps Platform / Places API — to search for and display nearby businesses. Location queries are processed by Google under its own terms.
For legal reasons
We may disclose information if required by law, regulation, legal process, or governmental request, or to protect the rights, property, or safety of Goldenduckie, our users, or the public.
Business transfers
If Goldenduckie is involved in a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets, your information may be transferred as part of that transaction; we will notify you of any change in ownership or use of your personal information.
5Location data
ReviewBuddy requests location access to show you nearby businesses. You can choose "While Using the App," "Always," or "Don't Allow" when prompted, and you can change this at any time in your device settings:
- iOS: Settings → ReviewBuddy → Location.
- Android: Settings → Apps → ReviewBuddy → Permissions → Location.
"Always" permission enables optional visit-based reminders to review a place. You can revoke it at any time without losing access to the rest of the app; some discovery features simply won't use your current location.
6Data retention
We keep your account and content for as long as your account is active. Technical logs are kept for a limited period for security and troubleshooting. When you delete your account, we delete or de-identify your personal information within a reasonable period, except where we must retain certain data to comply with legal obligations, resolve disputes, or enforce our agreements.
7Your choices & rights
Depending on where you live, you may have the right to access, correct, export, or delete your personal information, and to object to or restrict certain processing. You can exercise these rights by emailing privacy@goldenduckie.ai. We will respond as required by applicable law and will not discriminate against you for exercising these rights.
You can also manage much of your data directly in the app — editing your profile, removing reviews and photos you posted, and managing your connections.
8Deleting your account
You may request deletion of your ReviewBuddy account and associated personal data at any time. Email privacy@goldenduckie.ai from the address on your account (or include your phone number) with the subject "Delete my account." We will verify your request and permanently delete your profile, reviews, photos, and connections, subject to the limited legal exceptions noted in Data retention.
9Children's privacy
ReviewBuddy is not directed to children under 13 (or the minimum age of digital consent in your country), and we do not knowingly collect personal information from them. If you believe a child has provided us personal information, contact us and we will delete it.
10Security
We use reasonable technical and organizational measures to protect your information, including encryption in transit, access controls, and reputable cloud infrastructure. No method of transmission or storage is completely secure, so we cannot guarantee absolute security.
11International users
We are based in the United States and process and store information there. If you access the Service from outside the United States, you understand your information will be transferred to and processed in the United States, where data-protection laws may differ from those in your country.
12Changes 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, notify you in the app. Your continued use of the Service after an update means you accept the revised policy.
13Contact us
Questions about this policy or your data? Contact:
Goldenduckie LLC
Email: privacy@goldenduckie.ai
[Mailing address], [State], United States