Privacy Policy
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Privacy Policy
Spheres is built around real, contextual connection — and that only works if you trust us with your information. This policy explains what we collect, why, and the choices you have. It applies to the Spheres mobile app and any related services (together, the “Service”), operated by Our Spheres, Inc. (“Spheres,” “we,” “us”).
1Information we collect
Information you give us
Phone number. We require a phone number to create an account. We use it to verify your identity, secure your account, and help you connect with people you know.
Profile information. Your name, profile photo, and any details you choose to add.
Content you create. Posts, pins, photos, and other content you share on Spheres, including the spaces (“spheres”) you create or join.
Messages. The content of conversations you have with other people on Spheres.
Information from your device (with your permission)
Contacts. If you grant permission, we access your phone’s contacts to show you which of the people you know are already on Spheres and to help you connect with them. You can decline this and still use the Service.
Location. If you grant permission, we use your device location to power the Map and contextual features that show what’s happening around you. You control this in your device settings.
Photos. Access to your camera and photo library when you choose to add or capture content.
Information we collect automatically
Device and technical information (device model, operating system, app version, identifiers).
Usage information (features you use, actions you take, and general activity within the app).
Log and diagnostic data used to keep the Service running and secure.
2 How we use your information
We use the information we collect to:
Provide, maintain, and improve the Service;
Verify your phone number and your identity, and keep your account secure;
Help you find and connect with people you know;
Power location- and context-based features such as the Map;
Detect, prevent, and address fraud, fake accounts, abuse, and safety risks;
Communicate with you about the Service, including verification codes and important notices;
Comply with legal obligations and enforce our Terms.
3 SMS and phone verification
Your mobile information is never sold or shared for marketing
We do not sell, rent, or share your mobile phone number or your SMS consent with third parties or affiliates for their marketing or promotional purposes. We use a messaging provider (Twilio) solely to deliver verification codes and essential service messages on our behalf.
When you register or sign in, we send a one-time verification code to your phone number by SMS. Message and data rates may apply, and message frequency depends on your activity. You can reply HELP for help or STOP to opt out of these messages; note that opting out of verification messages may prevent you from signing in.
4 How we share information
We share information only in these limited circumstances:
With other people on Spheres, according to your settings and the actions you take — for example, your profile and the content you post in a sphere are visible to its members.
With service providers who perform services for us, such as SMS delivery (Twilio), cloud hosting, and analytics. They may only use your information to provide services to us.
For legal and safety reasons, when we believe it is reasonably necessary to comply with the law, enforce our Terms, or protect the safety of our users or the public.
In a business transfer, such as a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets, subject to this policy.
We do not sell your personal information.
5 Your choices and rights
You can:
Access, update, or correct your profile information in the app;
Manage contacts, location, camera, and notification permissions in your device settings;
Delete your account at any time, which removes your profile and associated content as described in Section 7;
Request access to, correction of, or deletion of your personal information by emailing us at hello@spheres.live.
Depending on where you live, you may have additional rights. California residents have specific rights under the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA/CPRA), including the right to know what personal information we collect, the right to request deletion, the right to correct, and the right not to be discriminated against for exercising these rights. Because we do not sell or share personal information for cross-context behavioral advertising, no opt-out of sale is required. To exercise any right, contact us at hello@spheres.live.
6 Security
We use reasonable technical and organizational measures designed to protect your information. No method of transmission or storage is completely secure, however, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.
7 Data retention
We keep your information for as long as your account is active or as needed to provide the Service. When you delete your account, we delete or de-identify your personal information within a reasonable period, except where we are required to retain it for legal, security, or fraud-prevention purposes.
8 Children
Spheres is intended for people aged 18 and older. We do not knowingly collect personal information from anyone under 18. If you believe a minor has provided us information, please contact us at hello@spheres.live and we will take appropriate steps to delete it.
9 Changes to this policy
We may update this policy from time to time. If we make material changes, we will notify you through the app or by other reasonable means, and we will update the “Last updated” date above.
10 Contact us
If you have questions about this policy or your information, contact us at hello@spheres.live.
Our Spheres, Inc.