Privacy Policy
Last updated: June 2026
FindMyMate is a session-based location sharing app built in New Zealand. We take your privacy seriously — here's exactly what we do and don't do with your data.
What we collect
When you use FindMyMate, we collect:
- Account info: Your name and email address when you sign up.
- Location data: Your GPS coordinates while you're in an active session. This is the core function of the app — sharing your location with your mates so you can find each other.
- Device info: Battery level, so your mates can see if your phone's about to die.
- Push notification token: A device push token (Firebase Cloud Messaging) so we can deliver SOS alerts and session notifications to your phone. This token is generated by Google Firebase on your device and is shared with Google (Firebase) to route notifications to you.
Your phone's compass heading is computed on your device only to draw the directional arrow that points toward a mate. It is never transmitted to our servers and is never stored.
How we use it
Your location is shared only with people in your active session. We use your data to:
- Show your location to your session mates on the map
- Power the compass arrow that points your mates toward you
- Send SOS alerts with your location if you trigger one
- Maintain your account and app functionality
What we DON'T do
- We never sell your data to third parties
- We never track you outside of active sessions
- We never keep long-term location history — a session's location data is purged shortly after it ends
- We don't use your data for advertising
- We don't share your data with analytics or ad networks
Data retention
Location data for a session is automatically deleted when the session ends or expires. Sessions auto-expire after the duration you choose (2, 4, 8, 12, or 24 hours). A scheduled server task runs at least hourly to purge expired sessions and all their location data, so location data is removed within roughly an hour of a session ending — and is never retained as long-term location history.
Your account info (name and email) is kept until you delete your account. Email signup data from our landing page is kept only to notify you about app availability.
Data storage
Your data is stored on servers located in New Zealand. We use industry-standard security measures to protect your information during transmission and storage.
Third parties & data processors
FindMyMate shows no ads and sells no data. We do not share your data with analytics or advertising networks. We do rely on a small number of service providers (data processors) that may receive limited data strictly to make the app work:
- Google Firebase Cloud Messaging (FCM): receives your device push token to deliver SOS and session notifications to your phone.
- CartoCDN / OpenStreetMap: serve the map tiles shown in the app. When the map loads, these providers receive the standard requests needed to fetch map tiles for the area you're viewing (an approximate location), the same as loading any web map.
We do not give these providers access to your account details, and we do not use them for advertising or profiling.
Deleting your account
You can permanently delete your account and all associated data — your account, session memberships, and SOS history — at any time:
- In the app: Settings → Delete Account.
- On the web: findmymate.nz/delete-account
Deletion is immediate and cannot be undone.
Your rights
Under the New Zealand Privacy Act 2020, you have the right to:
- Access your personal information
- Request correction of your information
- Request deletion of your account and all associated data
- Complain to the Office of the Privacy Commissioner if you believe your privacy has been breached
Children's privacy
FindMyMate is not intended for use by anyone under the age of 16. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 16.
Changes to this policy
We may update this privacy policy from time to time. We will notify you of any significant changes through the app or by email.
Contact us
If you have any questions about this privacy policy or how we handle your data, contact us at: