This Privacy Policy explains how Fluence (“Fluence,” “we,” “us”) collects, uses, and shares information when you use the Fluence iOS app and the fluenceapp.net website (together, the “Service”). By using the Service, you agree to this policy.
Information you provide
If you subscribe to verification, we also keep a record of your subscription status and verification result (not your payment details, which stay with Apple). When you create an account, we collect your mobile phone number (used to sign you in and verify your device), your name, and any profile details you add. When you use Fluence, we collect the content you create — your questions (“asks”), recommendations (“shares”), responses, messages, media you upload, and the circles and connections you build.
Information collected automatically
When you use the app we collect usage and device information — for example, the actions you take in the app, app version, device model and operating system, language, general (approximate) location derived from your IP address, and diagnostic or crash data. We use this to operate, secure, and improve the Service.
Information you allow through permissions
Some features ask for your permission first, and you can decline or change these anytime in iOS Settings:
Contacts. If you choose “Find Friends,” Fluence reads email addresses and phone numbers in your address book, converts them into one-way hashes on your device, and sends only those hashes to our server to find contacts who already use Fluence. We do not upload contact names or raw email addresses or phone numbers, and our matching service does not retain the submitted hashes. We use the match results only to show people you may know and do not sell contact information. You can decline access or change Contacts permission at any time in iOS Settings. Location. If you allow it, we use your location to tag places on asks and shares and to improve local recommendations. Calendar. If you connect Google Calendar, we read event details so Trace can prepare relevant recommendations. Photos. If you allow it, we access photos you choose to share. Notifications. If you allow it, we send push notifications and store a device token to deliver them.
Identity verification and subscriptions
The identity check. Optional identity verification, which unlocks reaching the Universe, is performed by Stripe Identity. If you choose to verify, Stripe collects and processes your identity information, which may include a government-issued ID and a selfie, directly under Stripe’s Privacy Policy. We receive the outcome of that check and a record of your verification status; the underlying documents are retained by Stripe under its own policy.
Payments. Verification is sold as a subscription through Apple. Apple processes the payment and your billing information under Apple’s Privacy Policy. We do not receive or store your payment card details. We receive your subscription status so we know whether verification is active on your account.
Cookies and similar technologies
The fluenceapp.net website uses only the cookies and local storage needed to make the site work and to understand basic, aggregate traffic — no advertising or third-party tracking cookies. Inside the app, we use device identifiers and similar technologies to keep you signed in, secure your account, and measure performance, not to track you across other companies’ apps or websites.
How Trace (our AI) uses your content
Trace, our personal AI agent, processes the content and activity in your account to learn your taste, route your questions to the right people, and synthesize answers into recommendations. To do this, relevant content may be processed by our AI service providers on our behalf. We do not sell your content, and it is used to provide and improve the Service, not to build advertising profiles.
How we use your information
We use information to provide and personalize the Service; route asks and deliver shares to the audiences you choose; power recommendations and Trace; enable messaging and circles; verify accounts and prevent fraud, spam, and abuse; provide support; comply with law; and improve and secure Fluence.
How we share information
With other users. Content you post is shared with the audience you select (for example, your Inner Circle, a private circle, or, if you choose, the wider Fluence community). Your profile and reputation are visible according to your privacy settings. With service providers. We share information with vendors who process it on our behalf — including Apple (subscription payments), Stripe (identity verification), Google (Calendar and Places), our AI and cloud/hosting providers, and analytics and messaging providers — under contracts that limit their use of it. For legal reasons. We may disclose information to comply with law, enforce our terms, or protect the rights, safety, and security of our users and the public. Business transfers. Information may be transferred as part of a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets. We do not sell your personal information or share it for cross-context behavioral advertising.
Your choices and controls
You control who sees your content each time you post, and your discoverability and messaging settings (Discoverable, Circle-Only, or Private). You can manage app permissions in iOS Settings and unsubscribe from non-essential notifications. You can delete your account and associated content at any time from within the app, or by contacting us. Deleting the app alone does not delete your account.
Data retention
We keep your information for as long as your account is active or as needed to provide the Service, and afterward only as required to comply with legal obligations, resolve disputes, and enforce our agreements. When you delete your account, we delete or de-identify your personal information within a reasonable period, except where retention is legally required.
Security
We use administrative, technical, and physical safeguards designed to protect your information in transit and at rest. No method of transmission or storage is completely secure, so we cannot guarantee absolute security.
Children
Fluence is not directed to, and not intended for, children under 13, and we do not knowingly collect personal information from them. If you believe a child has provided us information, contact us and we will delete it. Some regions require a higher minimum age; you must meet the minimum age in your jurisdiction to use Fluence.
Your privacy rights
Depending on where you live, you may have rights to access, correct, delete, or port your personal information, to object to or restrict certain processing, and to withdraw consent. California residents have rights under the CCPA/CPRA, including the right to know, delete, correct, and opt out of “sale” or “sharing” (we do not sell or share personal information as those terms are defined). Residents of the EEA/UK have rights under the GDPR. To exercise any right, contact us at the address below; we will not discriminate against you for doing so.
International transfers
We operate in the United States, and your information may be processed in the U.S. and other countries with different data-protection laws. Where required, we use appropriate safeguards for these transfers.
Changes to this policy
We may update this policy from time to time. If we make material changes, we will notify you in the app or by other reasonable means and update the date above. Your continued use of the Service after an update means you accept the revised policy.
Contact us
Questions or requests about your privacy? Email us at info@fluenceapp.net or use our Support page.