Privacy Policy
Last Updated: October 7, 2025
1. Introduction
Welcome to fomo, operated by Touch Grass LLC (d/b/a fomo) ("we," "us," "our," or "Company"). We are committed to protecting your privacy and being transparent about how we collect, use, and share your personal information.
This Privacy Policy applies to:
- The fomo mobile application ("App") available on iOS and Android
- The fomo website at www.spreadfomo.com ("Website")
- Any related services we provide
(Collectively referred to as the "Services")
This Privacy Policy explains:
- What information we collect
- How we use your information
- Who we share your information with
- Your privacy rights and choices
- How we protect your information
By using the Services, you agree to the collection and use of information in accordance with this Privacy Policy. If you do not agree with this Privacy Policy, please do not use the Services.
Contact Information:
For privacy-related questions or concerns, please contact us at: contact@spreadfomo.com
2. Information We Collect
2.1 Information You Provide Directly
Account Registration:
- Full Name - Your first and last name
- Phone Number - Used as your primary login credential and for account verification
- Username - A unique identifier you choose for your profile
- Date of Birth - Required to verify you are 18 years or older
- Email Address - Optional field for account recovery
- Profile Photo - Optional avatar image you upload
- Bio - Optional description about yourself
Events You Create:
- Event name, description, and type/category
- Event location (precise GPS coordinates, street address, city, state, zip code)
- Event date and time (start and end)
- Maximum participant capacity
- Public or private event status
- Event photos and captions you upload
Social Interactions:
- Friend connections and relationships
- Friend requests sent and received
- Event RSVPs (confirmed, pending, or declined status)
- Comments or messages related to events (if applicable)
Content You Upload:
- Photos taken with the in-app camera (FOMO Cam)
- Photos selected from your device's photo library
- Any captions or descriptions associated with photos
Waitlist Sign-Up (Website Only):
When you join our waitlist at www.spreadfomo.com, we collect:
- Phone Number - To notify you via SMS when the app launches and for promotional communications
- Sign-Up Date - Timestamp of when you joined the waitlist
- Marketing Consent - Your consent to receive SMS notifications about app launch and updates
How We Use Waitlist Data:
- Send you SMS notifications when the app is available for download
- Provide early access codes or special launch promotions
- Analyze waitlist demand and geographic distribution
- Marketing and promotional communications related to fomo
Waitlist Data Retention:
- Active waitlist: Retained until you download the app or opt out
- After app launch: Retained for 90 days, then deleted unless you create an account
- You can opt out anytime by texting STOP to our SMS messages or emailing contact@spreadfomo.com
2.2 Information Collected Automatically
Website Analytics (Website Only):
When you visit our Website, we automatically collect:
- IP Address - Your internet protocol address
- Browser Information - Browser type, version, and language settings
- Device Information - Operating system, screen resolution
- Referral Source - How you found our Website (e.g., Google search, social media)
- Page Views - Which pages you visit and how long you stay
- Clickstream Data - Your navigation path through the Website
Location Data:
We collect precise location information when you use certain features of the App:
- GPS Coordinates - Precise latitude and longitude when you create events, view event maps, or search for nearby events
- Location Accuracy - Metadata about the accuracy of your location data
- Timestamps - When location data is captured
- Address Information - Street address, city, state, and zip code associated with coordinates
IMPORTANT: We only collect location data in the foreground (when you are actively using the App). We do NOT track your location in the background.
Device Information:
- Device model and manufacturer
- Operating system and version (iOS or Android)
- Unique device identifiers
- Mobile network information
- App version
- Language and region settings
- Expo push notification token (for sending notifications)
Usage Data:
- Features you use within the App
- Events you view, create, or attend
- Friends you connect with
- Time spent on different screens
- Actions you take (taps, swipes, searches)
- Error logs and crash reports
- Performance data
2.3 Cookies and Tracking Technologies (Website Only)
What Are Cookies:
Cookies are small text files stored on your device when you visit our Website. We use cookies to improve your experience and analyze Website traffic.
Types of Cookies We Use:
| Cookie Type | Purpose | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Essential Cookies | Enable core Website functionality (e.g., form submissions, session management) | Session (deleted when you close browser) |
| Analytics Cookies | Track Website usage and performance (e.g., Google Analytics) | Up to 2 years |
| Marketing Cookies | Track conversions from ads and enable retargeting (if applicable) | Up to 1 year |
Your Cookie Choices:
- Browser Settings: You can block or delete cookies through your browser settings
- Opt-Out Tools: Use tools like the Google Analytics Opt-Out Browser Add-on
- Note: Blocking essential cookies may prevent the Website from functioning properly
Third-Party Analytics on Website:
We may use the following third-party services on our Website:
- Google Analytics - Website traffic and user behavior analysis
- Privacy Policy: https://policies.google.com/privacy
- Facebook Pixel - Track ad conversions and retargeting (if we run Facebook ads)
- Privacy Policy: https://www.facebook.com/privacy
2.4 Information From Third Parties
We may receive information about you from third-party services we use to operate the Services:
For the Mobile App:
- Clerk - Authentication and phone verification data
- Radar.io - Location-based search results and place data
- OpenCage - Geocoding data (converting addresses to coordinates and vice versa)
For the Website:
- Analytics Providers - Website usage data (e.g., Google Analytics)
- Advertising Partners - Ad performance data (if applicable)
3. How We Use Your Information
We use the information we collect for the following purposes:
3.1 Provide and Improve the App
- Create and manage your account
- Authenticate your identity and verify your phone number
- Enable you to create, discover, and attend local events
- Display event locations on maps
- Calculate distances between you and events
- Connect you with friends and other users
- Send you push notifications (with your permission)
- Provide customer support and respond to your inquiries
- Troubleshoot technical issues and fix bugs
- Improve App performance and user experience
3.2 Safety and Security
- Verify you are 18 years or older
- Prevent fraud, abuse, and illegal activities
- Enforce our Terms of Service
- Protect the safety of our users and the public
- Respond to legal requests and prevent harm
3.3 Analytics and Research
- Analyze how users interact with the App
- Track daily active users (DAU) and engagement metrics
- Conduct research to improve our services
- Generate aggregated, anonymized statistics about App usage
3.4 Marketing and Business Development
- Waitlist Notifications - Notify you via SMS when the app launches (Website waitlist sign-ups only)
- Targeted Advertising - Show you relevant ads based on your interests and behavior (future feature)
- Promotional Communications - Send you updates about new features or special offers (with your consent)
- SMS Marketing - Send you promotional messages about events, features, or special offers (only if you opted in)
- Third-Party Data Sharing - Share aggregated or de-identified data with business partners and investors for analytics or research purposes
3.5 Legal Compliance
- Comply with applicable laws, regulations, and legal processes
- Respond to lawful requests from government authorities
- Protect our legal rights and defend against legal claims
4. How We Share Your Information
4.1 Public Information
The following information is publicly visible to other App users by default:
- Your username and profile photo
- Events you create (if marked as "public")
- Your attendance at public events (visible to other attendees)
If you enable a Private Account in settings, only approved friends can see your events.
4.2 With Other Users
- Friends - Your approved friends can see your profile, public events, and attendance
- Event Participants - Users attending the same event can see your profile and attendance
- Event Hosts - Hosts of events you RSVP to can see your attendance status
4.3 With Third-Party Service Providers
We share your information with third-party companies that help us operate the App:
| Service Provider | Purpose | Data Shared |
|---|---|---|
| Clerk | Authentication and phone verification | Phone number, user ID, authentication tokens |
| Supabase | Database hosting and storage | All user data, events, photos, relationships |
| Radar.io | Location services, address search, and geocoding | GPS coordinates, search queries, location data |
| OpenCage | Additional geocoding services | GPS coordinates, addresses |
| Expo | Push notifications | Device info, push tokens, notification content |
| Apple Maps / Google Maps | Map display in the App | Event locations, map viewport |
These service providers are contractually obligated to use your data only for the purposes we specify and to protect your data according to applicable laws.
4.4 For Business Purposes
- Business Partners - We may share aggregated, de-identified data with partners for analytics or research
- Investors - We may share metrics and aggregated data with current or potential investors
Note: We do not sell your personal information. Data shared with business partners is anonymized or aggregated so it cannot identify you personally.
4.5 For Legal Reasons
We may disclose your information if required to do so by law or in response to:
- Court orders, subpoenas, or legal processes
- Government or law enforcement requests
- Investigations of potential illegal activities
- Situations involving potential threats to safety
- Enforcement of our Terms of Service
4.6 Business Transfers
If Touch Grass LLC is involved in a merger, acquisition, sale of assets, bankruptcy, or other business transaction, your information may be transferred as part of that transaction. You will be notified via email or prominent notice in the App of any such change.
5. Your Privacy Rights and Choices
5.1 Account Settings
You can access and update your account information at any time by going to Settings in the App:
- Edit your name, username, bio, and profile photo
- Change notification preferences
- Enable or disable Private Account mode
- Toggle Dark Mode
5.2 Location Data
You can control location access through your device settings:
- iOS: Settings > Privacy & Security > Location Services > fomo
- Android: Settings > Apps > fomo > Permissions > Location
Note: Disabling location access will prevent you from creating events or viewing event locations on maps.
5.3 Notifications
You can control push notifications in two ways:
- In the App: Go to Settings > Notifications and toggle individual notification types (friend requests, event invitations, reminders, friend activity)
- Device Settings:
- iOS: Settings > Notifications > fomo
- Android: Settings > Apps > fomo > Notifications
5.4 Camera and Photo Access
You can control camera and photo library access through your device settings:
- iOS: Settings > Privacy & Security > Camera / Photos > fomo
- Android: Settings > Apps > fomo > Permissions > Camera / Storage
5.5 Request a Copy of Your Data
You have the right to request a copy of your personal data.
How to Request:
- Email contact@spreadfomo.com with subject line "Data Request"
- Include your username or phone number for identity verification
- We will verify your identity and respond within 45 days with a JSON file containing your data
What We Provide:
- Your profile information (name, username, phone, email, date of birth, bio)
- Events you created
- Events you attended
- Friend connections
- Notification preferences
- Account activity history
Verification Required:
To protect your privacy, we will verify your identity before releasing data. We may ask you to:
- Confirm your phone number via SMS
- Provide additional identifying information
- Respond from the email address associated with your account (if applicable)
Processing Time:
We will respond to verified requests within 45 days as required by law. If we need additional time, we will notify you.
5.6 Delete Your Account
You have the right to delete your account and personal data:
- Go to Settings in the App
- Scroll to the Account section
- Tap "Delete Account"
- Confirm your decision
Important Information About Account Deletion:
- 90-Day Retention Period: For security, backup, and legal compliance purposes, we retain your data for 90 days after deletion. During this period, your data is inaccessible to you and other users, but remains in our backup systems.
- Permanent Deletion: After 90 days, your data is permanently and irreversibly deleted from all our systems, including backups.
- Events You Created: All events you created will be permanently deleted immediately.
- Photos You Uploaded: All photos will be permanently deleted from our storage after 90 days.
- Friend Connections: All friend relationships will be severed immediately.
- No Recovery: Account deletion is permanent and cannot be undone after the 90-day retention period.
5.7 Your California Privacy Rights (CCPA)
California residents have specific rights under the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA).
We do not sell your personal information. We only share aggregated or de-identified data with business partners, which does not constitute a "sale" under CCPA because the data cannot identify you personally.
However, if our data practices change in the future, we will update this Privacy Policy and provide California residents with a clear opt-out mechanism.
5.8 Opt-Out of SMS Communications
If you signed up for the waitlist or opted into SMS notifications:
You can opt out of SMS messages at any time:
Method 1 - Text STOP:
- Reply STOP to any SMS message you receive from us
- You will receive a confirmation message that you've been unsubscribed
- You will no longer receive SMS messages from fomo
Method 2 - Email:
- Email contact@spreadfomo.com with subject line "Unsubscribe from SMS"
- Include your phone number in the email
- We will remove you within 48 hours
Method 3 - Text HELP:
- Reply HELP to any SMS message for assistance
- You will receive our contact information and support instructions
Important Notes:
- Opting out is free; no charges apply
- After opting out, you may still receive one final confirmation message
- If you later create an app account, you can opt back into notifications in Settings
- Opting out of promotional SMS does not affect transactional messages (e.g., account security alerts if you create an account)
5.9 Additional CCPA Rights
If you are a California resident, you have additional rights under the CCPA:
Right to Know: You can request information about:
- Categories of personal information we collect
- Sources of personal information
- Business purposes for collecting personal information
- Categories of third parties with whom we share personal information
To exercise this right, email contact@spreadfomo.com with subject line "CCPA - Right to Know Request."
Right to Access: You can request a copy of your personal data (see Section 5.5 above).
Right to Delete: You can delete your account through the App (see Section 5.6 above).
Right to Non-Discrimination: We will not discriminate against you for exercising your CCPA rights.
How to Exercise Your Rights:
- For data requests or questions: Email contact@spreadfomo.com with subject line "CCPA Request"
- For account deletion: Use the "Delete Account" button in Settings > Other
We will verify your identity before processing your request and respond within 45 days.
6. Data Retention
We retain your personal information for as long as necessary to provide the App and fulfill the purposes described in this Privacy Policy:
| Data Type | Retention Period |
|---|---|
| Account Information | Until you delete your account + 90 days |
| Event Data | Until you delete your account or the event + 90 days |
| Photos | Until you delete your account + 90 days |
| Waitlist Phone Numbers | Until app launch + 90 days (or until you opt out) |
| Push Notification History | 30 days |
| Location Data | Associated with events; deleted when event is deleted |
| Website Cookies | Varies by cookie type (see Section 2.3) |
| Usage Logs | Up to 2 years for analytics purposes |
| Backup Data | 90 days after account deletion |
After the retention period, data is permanently deleted or anonymized so it can no longer identify you.
7. Data Security
We take reasonable measures to protect your personal information from unauthorized access, loss, misuse, or alteration:
Security Measures:
- Encryption in Transit: All data transmitted between your device and our servers uses HTTPS/TLS encryption
- Secure Authentication: Phone-based authentication with one-time passcodes (OTP)
- Secure Token Storage: Authentication tokens stored in Expo SecureStore (encrypted device storage)
- Rate Limiting: Protection against brute-force attacks on authentication
- Database Security: Supabase Row Level Security (RLS) policies to control data access
- Access Controls: Limited employee access to personal data on a need-to-know basis
However, no method of transmission or storage is 100% secure. While we strive to protect your information, we cannot guarantee absolute security. You are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of your phone number and account credentials.
8. Children's Privacy
The fomo App and Website are NOT intended for users under 18 years of age.
We require all app users to verify they are 18 years or older during account registration. We do not knowingly collect personal information from anyone under 18 through the App or Website.
Website Visitors: The Website does not have an age gate, but our waitlist and Services are only for users 18 and older. By joining the waitlist or using the Services, you represent that you are at least 18 years old.
If you believe we have inadvertently collected information from a minor, please contact us immediately at contact@spreadfomo.com, and we will take steps to delete such information promptly.
Parental Note: If you are a parent or guardian and discover your child has created an account or joined the waitlist, please contact us to request data deletion.
9. Location Data Privacy and Safety
9.1 How We Use Location Data
Location data is central to the fomo experience:
- Creating Events: When you create an event, we require precise GPS coordinates and address information to display the event location to other users
- Finding Events: We use your current location to show nearby events and calculate distances
- Maps: Event locations are displayed on interactive maps
9.2 Location Privacy Warnings
⚠️ IMPORTANT SAFETY WARNINGS:
Precise Location Sharing: When you create a public event, your exact event location (GPS coordinates) is visible to all App users. This could reveal your home address or other sensitive locations.
Real-Time Location Exposure: Attending events reveals your presence at that location to other attendees and the event host.
Physical Safety Risks: Sharing your location publicly can pose risks such as stalking, harassment, or unwanted contact.
We strongly recommend:
- ✅ Use Private Account mode if you only want friends to see your events
- ✅ Avoid creating events at your home address unless you trust all attendees
- ✅ Meet at public, well-lit locations for events with strangers
- ✅ Review event attendee lists before sharing sensitive location information
- ✅ Report suspicious users or events to us immediately
9.3 Third-Party Location Services
Your location data is shared with third-party services:
- Radar.io - Receives your GPS coordinates for address search and location-based suggestions
- OpenCage - Receives coordinates for geocoding (address ↔ coordinates conversion)
These providers have their own privacy policies:
- Radar.io Privacy Policy: https://radar.com/privacy
- OpenCage Privacy Policy: https://opencagedata.com/gdpr
9.4 Controlling Location Access
You can disable location access at any time through your device settings. However, this will prevent you from:
- Creating new events
- Viewing event locations on maps
- Searching for nearby events
- Calculating distances to events
10. International Users
The fomo App is currently only available to users in the United States.
Your data is stored on servers located in the United States and is subject to U.S. federal and Virginia state laws.
If you access the App from outside the United States, you do so at your own risk and are responsible for compliance with local laws. We do not represent or warrant that the App complies with privacy laws outside the United States.
11. Third-Party Links
The App may contain links to third-party websites, services, or content (such as event locations, social media, or external resources).
We are not responsible for the privacy practices of third parties. We encourage you to review the privacy policies of any third-party sites you visit.
12. Changes to This Privacy Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices, technology, legal requirements, or business operations.
How We Notify You:
- Material Changes: If we make material changes that significantly affect your privacy rights, we will notify you via:
- Email (if you provided one)
- In-App notification or banner
- Push notification (if enabled)
- Non-Material Changes: For minor updates, we will update the "Last Updated" date at the top of this Privacy Policy.
Your Continued Use: By continuing to use the App after changes take effect, you agree to the updated Privacy Policy. If you do not agree, you must stop using the App and delete your account.
Review Regularly: We encourage you to review this Privacy Policy periodically to stay informed about how we protect your information.
13. Contact Us
If you have any questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or our data practices, please contact us:
Touch Grass LLC (d/b/a fomo)
Email: contact@spreadfomo.com
Privacy Requests:
For data access, deletion, or CCPA requests, email us at contact@spreadfomo.com with the subject line "Privacy Request."
We will respond to all verified requests within 45 days (or as required by applicable law).
14. Additional State-Specific Rights
14.1 Virginia Residents (VCDPA)
Under the Virginia Consumer Data Protection Act (VCDPA), Virginia residents have rights similar to CCPA, including:
- Right to access your personal data
- Right to correct inaccurate data
- Right to delete your personal data
- Right to opt out of targeted advertising and data sales
To exercise these rights, contact us at contact@spreadfomo.com.
14.2 Other States
If you reside in a state with specific privacy laws (e.g., Colorado, Connecticut, Utah), you may have additional rights. Contact us for more information.
15. Data Processing Legal Basis (GDPR Note)
Although we primarily operate in the U.S., if European users access the App, we rely on the following legal bases for processing personal data:
- Consent: You consent to data collection by using the App
- Contract Performance: Processing necessary to provide App services
- Legitimate Interests: Analytics, security, and fraud prevention
- Legal Obligations: Compliance with laws and regulations
European users have the right to withdraw consent, access data, rectify data, erase data, restrict processing, data portability, and object to processing. Contact us at contact@spreadfomo.com to exercise these rights.
16. Summary of Key Points
| Topic | Key Information |
|---|---|
| Age Requirement | 18+ years old |
| Data We Collect | Name, phone, username, date of birth, location, photos, events, usage data |
| How We Use Data | Provide App, analytics, marketing, targeted advertising |
| Third Parties | Clerk, Supabase, Radar.io, OpenCage, Expo, Apple/Google Maps |
| Location Tracking | Foreground only; precise GPS for events |
| Your Rights | Access, delete, download data |
| Data Retention | 90 days after account deletion |
| Contact | contact@spreadfomo.com |
By using the fomo App, you acknowledge that you have read and understood this Privacy Policy.