Last updated: April 7, 2026

Privacy Policy

Been There ("we," "us," or "our") operates the Been There mobile application and the website beenthere.social (collectively, the "Service"). This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, and protect your information when you use our Service.

Information We Collect

Account Information

When you create an account, we collect your name, email address, username, birthday, and phone number. If you sign in through Apple or Google, we receive your name and email from those providers.

Phone Number

We collect your phone number to verify your identity during registration and to send you SMS notifications when friends respond to plans you create. We use Twilio to send these messages. You can update your phone number in your profile settings at any time.

Location Data

With your permission, we collect your location to show nearby venues, verify check-ins, and send arrival reminders. You can disable location access in your device settings at any time. Background location is used solely for check-in reminders when you arrive at places you've visited before.

Calendar Data

With your permission, we access your device calendar to import restaurant reservations and dining events into your planner. This data stays on your device and is not uploaded to our servers. We filter for events that appear to be dining-related based on keywords and location data.

Usage Data

We collect information about how you interact with the Service, including venues you view, check-ins, saved spots, and search queries. This helps us personalize your experience and improve the Service.

Photos

When you upload photos for check-ins or your profile, they are stored securely in our cloud storage. You can delete your photos at any time from your profile.

How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect to:

• Provide and maintain the Service
• Verify your identity and prevent fraud
• Send you verification codes via SMS
• Notify you when friends respond to your plans
• Show you personalized venue recommendations
• Verify check-ins at venues
• Send check-in reminders when you arrive at saved places
• Deliver our daily digest newsletter if you subscribe
• Improve and develop new features

How We Share Your Information

We do not sell your personal information. We share your information only in the following circumstances:

• With other users: Your display name, username, avatar, and check-in activity are visible to other users based on your privacy settings.
• Plan responses: When you share a plan link, anyone with the link can see the venue, time, and responses. Responders provide only their name — no account is required.
• Service providers: We use Supabase for data storage, Google Places for venue information, Twilio for SMS delivery, and Stripe for payments. These providers process data on our behalf under strict confidentiality agreements.
• Legal requirements: We may disclose your information if required by law or to protect our rights, safety, or property.

Data Retention

We retain your account information as long as your account is active. Check-in data, plans, and associated content are retained until you delete them or your account. You can request deletion of your account and all associated data by contacting us at hey@beenthere.social.

Data Security

We use industry-standard security measures to protect your data, including encryption in transit (TLS) and at rest, secure authentication, and row-level security policies on our database. However, no method of transmission or storage is 100% secure.

Your Rights

You have the right to:

• Access the personal data we hold about you
• Correct inaccurate information
• Delete your account and associated data
• Opt out of SMS notifications
• Revoke location and calendar permissions at any time
• Export your data

Children's Privacy

The Service is not intended for children under 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If you believe we have collected information from a child under 13, please contact us immediately.

Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of any material changes by posting the updated policy on this page and updating the "Last updated" date.

Contact Us

If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or your data, contact us at hey@beenthere.social.