SparkPrivacy Policy
The short version: other people only ever see your approximate area — your exact location is shared only when you choose to, for a limited time. We don't sell your personal information.
What we collect
Account details (email), profile information you add (name, age, gender, photos, bio, prompts, preferences), messages you send, and location data.
Location — how we protect it
Spark uses your location to show nearby people, sparks and events. Other users only ever see an APPROXIMATE area (rounded to roughly 200 m) and a rounded distance. Your exact position is shared only when you choose "Share exact location" in a chat, for a limited time, and you can stop at any time.
Background location
If you turn on "Radar in background", Spark collects your location even when the app is closed so nearby matches can find you. You can switch this off in Settings at any time.
How we use data
To run the service (matching, chat, events), keep the community safe (reports, trust scores, abuse prevention), send notifications you have enabled, and improve the app. We do not sell your personal information.
Who can see what
Your public profile is visible to other users. Messages are visible to chat participants. Reports are anonymous to the reported person.
Service providers
We use Google Firebase (authentication, database, storage, notifications) and Google Maps. These providers process data on our behalf under their own security and privacy commitments.
Retention & deletion
Data is kept while your account is active. Delete your account in Settings → Delete Account to remove your profile, photos, availability, chats and related records.
Your rights (POPIA)
You can access, correct or delete your information, object to processing, and lodge a complaint with the Information Regulator of South Africa. Use Settings → Help & Support to contact us.
Children
Spark is for adults 18+. We remove accounts we believe belong to minors.
Contact us
In the app: Settings → Help & Support. By email: hello@thesparkapp.co.za.