Privacy Policy

Last updated: March 2, 2025

PayCircle ("we", "our", or "the app") is an expense-splitting application that helps you and your groups track shared expenses and settle up. This policy describes what data we collect and how we use it.

1. Data we collect

• Account information: When you register, we store your username, name, email (if provided), and a hashed password. We use this to identify you and secure your account.
• Groups and members: We store group names, descriptions, member lists, and guest participants (display names) that you and other members add. This is necessary to split expenses and show who owes whom.
• Expenses and settlements: We store expense titles, amounts, dates, who paid, how the cost is split, and settlement records (who paid whom and how much). This data is tied to your groups so balances can be calculated.
• Device and usage: Our backend may receive your device’s IP address and request headers when you use the app. We do not track you across other apps or sites.

2. How we use your data

We use the data above only to:

• Provide and operate the PayCircle service (groups, expenses, balances, settlements).
• Authenticate you and enforce access (e.g. only group members see that group’s data).
• Respond to support or legal requests when necessary.

We do not sell your data. We do not use it for advertising or profiling.

3. Where your data is stored

Data is stored on servers that host the PayCircle backend (e.g. cloud infrastructure such as AWS). By using the app, you consent to this storage in the region where the backend is operated.

4. Data sharing

We do not share your personal data with third parties except:

• Other members of the same group see that group’s data (expenses, balances, members, guests) as intended for the app to function.
• If required by law (e.g. court order or valid legal process).

5. Data retention

We keep your account and group data until you delete it or close your account. When you delete your account, we remove your personal data and disassociate it from groups and expenses in line with our systems (e.g. anonymization or deletion as implemented).

6. Your rights

You can:

• Access and correct data: Use the app to view and edit your profile and the groups you belong to.
• Delete your account: Use the "Delete account" option in the app. This will remove your account and, where applicable, your association with groups and related data as described above.
• Contact us: For any privacy-related request (access, correction, deletion, or complaint), email us at s.ohanyan.apps@gmail.com.

7. Security

We use industry-standard measures (e.g. hashed passwords, secure connections where available) to protect your data. No system is completely secure; we encourage you to use a strong password and keep your login details private.

8. Children

PayCircle is not directed at children under 13. We do not knowingly collect data from children under 13. If you believe we have collected such data, please contact us and we will remove it.

9. Changes to this policy

We may update this policy from time to time. We will post the updated version at this URL and update the "Last updated" date. Continued use of the app after changes means you accept the updated policy.

10. Contact

For privacy questions or requests, contact us at s.ohanyan.apps@gmail.com.