Privacy Policy

1. Information We Collect

We collect information you provide directly to us, such as when you create an account, update your profile, or communicate with other users. This includes:

• Email address and password (stored encrypted)
• Profile information (name, date of birth, gender, photos, bio)
• Messages sent to other users
• Photos and selfie verification images you upload
• Location data (city, state, country)
• Device and browser information collected automatically
• IP address and usage data including pages visited and actions taken

2. How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect to:

• Provide, maintain, and improve our services
• Match you with other users based on your preferences and location
• Send you account-related emails (verification, security notices)
• Detect and prevent fraud, scams, and abuse
• Comply with legal obligations
• Analyze usage trends to improve the platform
• Show relevant advertising through third-party ad networks

3. Advertising & Third-Party Services

TruMingle is a free service supported by advertising. We use Google AdSense and other third-party advertising networks to display ads on our platform.

Third-party vendors, including Google, use cookies to serve ads based on your prior visits to our website or other websites. Google's use of advertising cookies enables it and its partners to serve ads to you based on your visit to our site and/or other sites on the Internet.

You may opt out of personalized advertising by visiting Google Ads Settings or Network Advertising Initiative opt-out page. You may also visit www.aboutads.info/choices to learn about interest-based advertising and how to opt out.

We do not show ads inside private messaging conversations. Ads may appear on discovery, profile, and other non-chat pages.

4. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

We use cookies, web beacons, and similar tracking technologies to operate and improve the Service, and to deliver relevant advertising. Cookies we use include:

• Essential cookies: Required for the Service to function, including keeping you logged in.
• Analytics cookies: Help us understand how visitors use the site (e.g., Google Analytics, Google Tag Manager).
• Advertising cookies: Set by Google AdSense and other advertising partners to deliver relevant ads and measure ad performance.

You can control cookie settings through your browser. Disabling certain cookies may affect the functionality of the Service. For more information, visit Google's advertising policies.

5. Information Sharing

We do not sell your personal information to third parties. We may share information in the following cases:

• With other users according to your privacy settings (e.g., your profile is visible to other members)
• With trusted service providers who assist in our operations (e.g., email delivery, cloud storage, analytics)
• With advertising partners to serve relevant ads (as described above)
• When required by law, court order, or to protect our rights
• In connection with a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets

6. Data Security

We implement appropriate technical and organizational security measures to protect your personal information against unauthorized access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction. Your password is stored using strong encryption (bcrypt) and all data is transmitted over secure HTTPS connections. However, no method of transmission over the internet is 100% secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.

7. Data Retention

We retain your personal information for as long as your account is active or as needed to provide the Service. You may delete your account at any time through your account settings, which will remove your personal information from our active systems. Some information may be retained in backups for a limited period.

8. Your Rights

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

• Access: Request a copy of the personal data we hold about you
• Correction: Update or correct inaccurate information via your profile settings
• Deletion: Delete your account and associated data through account settings
• Opt-out of personalized ads: Use the opt-out links in Section 3 above
• California residents (CCPA): You have the right to know what personal information is collected, the right to delete it, and the right to opt-out of the sale of personal information. We do not sell personal information.
• EU/EEA residents (GDPR): You have additional rights including the right to data portability and the right to lodge a complaint with a supervisory authority.

9. Children's Privacy

TruMingle is not intended for use by anyone under the age of 18. We do not knowingly collect personal information from minors. If we become aware that a minor has created an account, we will terminate it and delete associated data promptly. If you believe a minor is using our Service, please contact us immediately.

10. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of significant changes by posting the updated policy on this page and updating the "Last updated" date. Your continued use of the Service after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.

11. Contact Us

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

• Email: privacy@trumingle.com
• Website: trumingle.com/contact