Privacy Policy
Last updated: February 2, 2026
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
1.1 Welcome
Welcome to CatScanR! Thank you for joining CatScanR, our community of cat lovers!
CatScanR is a mobile platform designed to help cat lovers discover cats and connect with other cat lovers in their area. Our platform facilitates real-world connections through map-based discovery, messaging, and verified meetups using our PawsUp reward system.
To use CatScanR, we have established Terms and Conditions and this Privacy Policy. ‘We’, ‘us’, and ‘our’ refer to CatScanR Inc., a company registered in Switzerland. Please read these documents carefully before using our Platform.
We are committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy describes how we collect, use, store, and protect your personal information.
1.2 Privacy Policy Scope
This Privacy Policy applies to your use of the CatScanR mobile applications for iOS and Android, and any related services (collectively, the “Platform”).
Definitions used in this Privacy Policy have the same meaning as in our Terms and Conditions, unless otherwise specified.
CatScanR Inc. is the data controller of the personal information we hold about you.
1.3 Data Protection Compliance
This Privacy Policy has been prepared in accordance with:
- The Swiss Federal Act on Data Protection (nFADP)
- The EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)
We comply with both Swiss and EU data protection standards to ensure the highest level of privacy protection for all our users.
1.4 Agreement by Use
By using CatScanR, you agree to this Privacy Policy.
You are responsible for the accuracy of the personal information you provide. Incorrect information may prevent you from accessing our Platform and limit our ability to contact you.
If you do not agree with this Privacy Policy, please do not use CatScanR.
You must be 18 years or older to use CatScanR. If you are under 18, your parent or guardian must agree to this Privacy Policy on your behalf. We do not knowingly collect personal information from individuals under 18. If you learn that your child has provided information without permission, please contact us immediately at support@catscanr.app so we can delete such information.
1.5 Changes to This Policy
We may modify this Privacy Policy at any time. Changes become effective immediately upon posting. Your continued use of CatScanR after changes constitutes acceptance of the revised policy. We recommend reviewing this policy regularly.
2. Definitions
2.1 Platform
“Platform” means the CatScanR mobile applications for iOS and Android, and any related services.
2.2 User
“User” means any person who has created an account on CatScanR, whether as a Cat Pawrent (with cat) or Cat Lover (without cat).
2.3 Cat Profile
“Cat Profile” means the information provided by a User about their cat, including photos, videos, name, age, breed, color, and bio.
2.4 User Content
“User Content” means content posted by Users, including cat profiles, photos, videos, messages, and community feed posts.
2.5 PawsUp
“PawsUp” means our verification system that confirms real-world meetups between Users through QR code scanning with GPS proximity verification.
2.6 Personal Data
“Personal Data” means any data that identifies you or relates to you as an individual.
3. Information We Collect
3.1 Information You Provide
We collect information you voluntarily provide when using CatScanR:
- Account registration information (name, email, password)
- Profile information (display name, photo, bio)
- Cat profile details (name, photos, videos, breed, age, sex, color, bio)
- Messages and communications with other Users
- Community feed posts and interactions
- Location data (home address for map placement)
- Social media links (Instagram, TikTok, etc.)
- Feedback and support communications
3.2 Automatically Collected Data
We automatically collect:
- Device information (type, operating system, version)
- Usage data (features used, interaction patterns)
- Log data (access times, pages viewed, crashes)
- Location data (when using map or PawsUp features)
- IP address
3.3 Authentication Data
When you sign in using Google, Facebook, or Apple authentication, we receive basic profile information as permitted by those services (name, email, profile picture).
4. How We Use Your Data
4.1 Core Platform Functions
We use your personal data to:
- Create and manage your account
- Display cat profiles on the map
- Enable messaging between Users
- Process PawsUp meetup verifications
- Provide the community feed
- Send service-related notifications
4.2 Safety and Security
We use your data to:
- Detect and prevent fraud, abuse, and violations
- Enforce our Terms and Conditions
- Protect the safety of our Users and their cats
- Respond to legal requests
4.3 Platform Improvement
We use anonymized and aggregated data to:
- Analyze usage patterns and trends
- Improve platform features and user experience
- Develop new features
- Fix bugs and technical issues
4.4 Marketing (With Consent)
With your explicit consent, we may send you promotional communications about CatScanR features and updates. You can opt out at any time through your account settings or by following unsubscribe instructions in our communications.
We will never share your personal data with third parties for their direct marketing purposes without your explicit consent.
5. Your Rights
Under Swiss nFADP and EU GDPR, you have the following rights:
5.1 Right to Access
You can access your personal data and obtain a copy of it. You can view and edit most of your information through your account settings. You also have the right to know the source of your data, confirm its processing, and understand the intended consequences.
5.2 Right to Information
You have the right to be informed about: (i) our identity and contact details; (ii) the processing purposes and legal basis; (iii) recipients of your personal data; (iv) storage periods; and (v) whether providing data is a legal or contractual requirement.
5.3 Right to Rectification
You can correct inaccurate or incomplete personal data through your account settings or by contacting us.
5.4 Right to Erasure
You can request deletion of your personal data when it is no longer needed for its original purpose. Note that we retain your email address for 5 years after deletion to prove we fulfilled your request, as required by law.
5.5 Right to Restriction
You can request that we limit how we use your personal data in certain circumstances, such as when you dispute the accuracy of your data.
5.6 Right to Object
You can object to processing of your personal data for specific purposes if there is a serious and legitimate reason.
5.7 Right to Data Portability
You have the right to receive your personal data in a structured, commonly used, and machine-readable format and to transmit it to another controller.
5.8 Right to Withdraw Consent
You can withdraw consent for data processing at any time through your account settings.
5.9 Right to Lodge a Complaint
If you are in Switzerland, you have the right to lodge a complaint with the Swiss Federal Data Protection and Information Commissioner (FDPIC). If you are in the EU/EEA, you can lodge a complaint with your local data protection authority.
5.10 How to Exercise Your Rights
To exercise any of these rights, contact us at support@catscanr.app. Most rights can be exercised directly through your account settings. Exercising these rights is free of charge.
6. Data Storage & Security
6.1 Storage Infrastructure
Your data is stored on Google Firebase servers. We store data for as long as necessary to provide our services and comply with legal requirements. After you delete your account, we retain only your email address for 5 years for legal compliance purposes.
6.2 Security Measures
We implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect your data, including:
- Encryption of data in transit and at rest
- Secure authentication protocols
- Regular security assessments
- Access controls and monitoring
While we strive to protect your data, no method of transmission over the internet is 100% secure. You are responsible for keeping your account credentials confidential. We will never send you unsolicited emails requesting your password or account information.
6.3 Data Breach Notification
If a security breach affects your personal data and is likely to result in a high risk to your rights and freedoms, we will notify you without undue delay in accordance with applicable Swiss and EU data protection laws.
7. Data Sharing
7.1 With Other Users
Your cat profile information (name, photos, videos, breed, age, sex, color, city-level location, bio, social media links) is visible to all Users on the map and in search results. Your exact home address is never displayed publicly — only your approximate location is shown as a pin on the map.
When you message other Users, your display name and profile become visible to them.
PawsUp meetup information may appear in the community feed if both users consent to sharing the meetup publicly.
7.2 With Service Providers
We share data with trusted service providers who help us operate CatScanR:
- Google Firebase (hosting, database, authentication, analytics)
- Google Maps (map display and location services)
- Cloud messaging providers (push notifications)
These providers are contractually obligated to protect your data and use it only for providing services to us. They may process data outside Switzerland and the EU/EEA, in which case we ensure appropriate safeguards are in place.
7.3 For Legal Reasons
We may disclose your information if required by law, legal process, government request, or to protect the rights, property, or safety of CatScanR, our users, or others. This includes cooperation with law enforcement in cases of suspected cat abuse or other illegal activities.
7.4 Business Transfers
If CatScanR is involved in a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets, your data may be transferred as part of that transaction. We will notify you of any such change in ownership or control of your personal data.
8. Location Data
CatScanR uses location data for core features:
- Displaying cat profiles on the map
- Showing nearby cats and Users
- Verifying PawsUp meetups via GPS proximity
You can control location permissions through your device settings. Disabling location will limit map display and PawsUp verification features. Location data is only collected when you actively use these features, not continuously in the background.
9. Third-Party Services
CatScanR integrates with Google Maps, which is subject to Google’s Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. By using CatScanR, you also agree to Google’s terms regarding Maps usage.
Links to social media profiles (Instagram, TikTok, etc.) in cat profiles direct you to third-party platforms that have their own privacy policies. We are not responsible for how these platforms handle your data.
10. International Data Transfers
Your personal data may be transferred to and stored in countries outside Switzerland and the European Union, including the United States (where Google Firebase servers are located).
For transfers from Switzerland, we comply with Swiss data protection law and ensure appropriate safeguards are in place.
For transfers from the EU/EEA, we rely on: (i) the European Commission’s adequacy decisions recognizing certain countries as providing adequate protection, (ii) standard contractual clauses approved by the European Commission, or (iii) other legally recognized transfer mechanisms.
11. Children’s Privacy
CatScanR is not intended for individuals under 18. We do not knowingly collect information from children. If you believe a child has provided us with personal information, contact us immediately at support@catscanr.app and we will delete such information from our systems.
12. Contact Us
If you have questions about this Privacy Policy, wish to exercise your privacy rights, or want to file a complaint, contact us at:
Email: support@catscanr.app
Swiss Data Protection Authority:
Federal Data Protection and Information Commissioner (FDPIC)
Feldeggweg 1, 3003 Bern, Switzerland
Website: www.edoeb.admin.ch
13. Feedback
We value your feedback and are committed to continuously improving our privacy practices. When you provide feedback about our Platform or this Privacy Policy, you agree that we may use it freely to improve our services, without any obligation to you.