WALKMATEWalkMate (行咗未, "WalkMate", "we", "us") is a walking, learning, and pet-growth app for students in Hong Kong. This policy explains what information the app collects, how we use it, who we share it with, and the choices you have. By using WalkMate you agree to this policy.
1. Information we collect
Location data
With your permission, we use your device's location to verify that you reached a route's check-in point and to show nearby routes. Location is used while you are using the app for these features; you can revoke the permission in your device settings at any time (some features won't work without it).
Motion & step count
With your permission, we read your step count and motion/activity data so we can show your daily walking progress and convert steps into energy for your in-app pet.
Camera & photos
With your permission, the camera is used for check-in photos, scanning friend QR invite codes, and onboarding selfies. With your permission, photo library access lets you choose an image to post to your friends feed. Photos you choose to share are uploaded to our servers; photos you don't share stay on your device.
Profile & account information
When you create or upgrade an account, we store the profile details you provide (such as a display name and the information entered during onboarding) and your in-app progress (pet, energy, collected cards, decorations). You can start anonymously; if you choose to upgrade, we support Google sign-in and email & password. We receive a basic account identifier from these sign-in methods to keep your progress linked to you.
Social & user-created content
If you use friend features, we store the content you create — friend connections, posts, comments, and likes — so it can be shown to the people you share it with. If you use the co-creation module, the routes and exploration points you design (and related creator-points activity) are stored so others can discover them.
Diagnostic & usage data
To keep the app stable, we may collect crash reports and basic performance diagnostics (for example, error details, device model, and OS version). This helps us find and fix problems.
2. How we use your information
- To provide core features — check-ins, step tracking, pet growth, the card collection, and the shop.
- To enable social features you opt into, like friends, the feed, and leaderboards.
- To show relevant routes and a weather-aware recommendation when you walk.
- To keep your progress saved and synced to your account.
- To diagnose crashes, fix bugs, and improve the app.
- To respond to your support requests.
We do not sell your personal information, and we do not use it for third-party advertising.
3. Service providers we use
We rely on a small number of trusted providers to run WalkMate. They process data only to provide their service to us:
- Appwrite Cloud — our backend (accounts, database, and cloud functions), hosted in the Singapore region.
- Sentry — crash and performance diagnostics.
- Google — used only if you choose "Sign in with Google".
- Open-Meteo — weather data for the in-app recommendation (queried by approximate location).
- Cloudflare — hosting for this website.
Because our backend is hosted in Singapore, your information may be processed outside Hong Kong. We take reasonable steps to ensure it is handled securely.
4. Data retention & deletion
We keep your information for as long as your account is active or as needed to provide the app. You can delete the data tied to your account at any time:
- In the app: go to Settings → Delete my data.
- By email: write to walkmate@efan.dev from your account's email address.
Deletion is permanent and removes your account-owned records from our servers. Some minimal records may be retained where required by law.
5. Children's privacy
WalkMate is designed for students. If you are below the age of digital consent in your jurisdiction, please use WalkMate with the involvement of a parent or guardian. We do not knowingly collect more personal information than is necessary to provide the app. If you believe a child has provided us information without appropriate consent, contact us and we will delete it.
6. Security
We use industry-standard measures to protect your information, including encrypted connections and access-controlled backend storage. No method of transmission or storage is completely secure, but we work to protect your data and respond promptly to any issues.
7. Your rights
You may request access to, correction of, or deletion of your personal data. To exercise these rights, email walkmate@efan.dev. You can also control permissions (location, motion, camera, photos) directly in your device settings.
8. Changes to this policy
We may update this policy from time to time. When we do, we will revise the "Effective date" above and, where appropriate, notify you in the app. Continued use of WalkMate after changes take effect means you accept the updated policy.
9. Contact us
Questions about this policy or your data? Reach us at:
WalkMate · 行咗未 — Hong Kong