Privacy Policy

Date of Last Revision: May 4, 2026

Thank you for using the-hyve (the “Service”). We take your privacy seriously. This policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, protect, and retain your personal information when you use our mobile application, website, or related services (collectively, the “Services”).

By accessing or using the Services, you consent to the practices described in this Privacy Policy.

1. About Us and Applicable Laws

the-hyve is a social event and connection platform that helps people meet in real-world settings. As a commercial mobile app operating in Canada (including Ontario), we follow applicable Canadian privacy laws including the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA) governing how we collect, use, and disclose personal information. (Office of the Privacy Commissioner)

2. What Information We Collect

2.1 Information You Provide Directly

We collect personal information you voluntarily provide, such as:

Your name or display name
Email address and contact information
Interests, preferences, and profile details
Event feedback or voluntary survey responses

This information enables us to create your profile and provide personalized Services.

2.2 Behavioural and Application Usage Data

We collect information about how you interact with the Services, including:

Events attended and RSVP behaviour
In-app messaging and feature usage
Safety and incident reports
Time spent on features and navigation patterns

This helps us understand and improve your experience and generate relevant recommendations.

2.3 Device and Technical Data

We automatically collect technical device data such as:

Device identifiers and operating system
IP address
App version
Error logs
Usage patterns

This data supports security, troubleshooting, and performance monitoring.

2.4 Location Information

With your consent, the-hyve may collect precise or approximate location data to support features like event suggestions and check-in tools. You can disable this on your device if you prefer.

2.5 Cookies and Similar Technologies

We and our third-party partners use cookies and similar technologies as described in our Cookie Policy. Non-essential cookies are only used with your consent. These may include analytics and performance tools to help us improve the Services.

3. How We Use Your Information

We use your personal information to:

Provide and administer your account and deliver the Services
Personalize experiences and event recommendations
Improve and develop features
Communicate with you regarding updates, support, and safety alerts
Maintain security, prevent fraud, and enforce terms
Comply with legal obligations

This is similar to how other social event platforms operate, though we place particular emphasis on safety and consent.

4. Personalization and Behavioural Learning

We provide personalized recommendations using your interests and behaviour only with your consent. You can opt out at any time.

We do not infer or use:

Sensitive traits like health, orientation, political views, religious beliefs, ethnicity, etc. This approach ensures fairness and protects against misuse of sensitive data, going beyond what some other platforms may do.

5. Information Sharing and Disclosure

We do not sell your personal information.

We may share information:

With trusted third-party service providers (e.g., hosting, analytics, cloud storage)
When required by law or to protect legal rights
In connection with safety investigations or incident reports
In the context of business transfers (e.g., merger or acquisition)

Such sharing is limited to what is necessary and subject to confidentiality controls.

6. Public and Social Interaction Information

Certain information you choose to share (e.g., profile name, photo, interests) may be visible to other users, subject to your privacy settings. Similar to competitors, only the information you elect to put on your profile or share in event contexts will be visible to others.

7. Security and Safeguards

We implement reasonable administrative, technical, and physical safeguards to protect your personal information.

However, no system can be completely secure. We continue to update security practices and will notify you of breaches where required by law.

8. Data Retention

We retain your information:

Only as long as necessary to fulfil the purposes outlined
To comply with legal obligations
According to retention schedules described in internal governance

Older behavioural data gradually decays in influence in our systems for personalization.

9. Your Rights and Choices

Under Canadian privacy law and PIPEDA, you have the right to:

Access personal information we hold about you
Request correction of inaccuracies
Withdraw consent where applicable
Request deletion of your data (subject to legal and operational considerations)

10. Opt-Out and Consent Withdrawal

You can manage or withdraw consent for:

Behavioural personalization
Marketing communications
Non-essential cookies

Withdrawal will be effective as soon as technically possible.

11. Children’s Privacy

the-hyve is intended for users aged 18 and over. We do not knowingly collect personal information from minors.

12. Location Data Choices

Some features rely on location data. If you choose not to share location, certain features (such as event proximity suggestions) may not function.

13. International Transfers & Storage

Your information may be stored or processed in Canada or other jurisdictions with comparable protections. We ensure that data transfers comply with applicable privacy standards.

14. Updates to This Privacy Policy

We may update this policy to reflect legal, technical, or business changes. Significant changes will be communicated through app notifications or email.

15. Contact Information

If you have questions or wish to exercise your rights contact us at info@the-hyve.ca