Privacy Policy
Last updated 26 February 2026
Introduction
LINKS SOCIAL UK LTD (“Links”, “we”, “us”, “our”) is committed to respecting and protecting your privacy.
This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, store, and share personal information when you use our mobile application and related services (the “App”). The App is a messenger that lets users create and join events with friends and friends-of-friends, and includes AI-powered suggestions to improve the experience.
If you have questions about this Policy, please contact us at linksapp.contact@gmail.com.
Who is the data controller?
For the purposes of UK data protection laws (including the UK GDPR), LINKS SOCIAL UK LTD is the “data controller” of your personal data processed via the App, except where we act on your instructions as a processor.
What information do we collect about you?
We collect information in the following categories:
- Account information — such as your name, email address, and authentication details needed to create and secure your account (e.g. via Firebase Authentication).
- Profile information — such as your profile photo and any optional profile fields you choose to provide.
- Messaging and social features — content you send and receive via the App (messages, attachments), and information about your interactions (e.g. chat participation, blocks, reports).
- Event information — events you create or join (event titles, descriptions, locations you enter, dates/times, attendees, event photos, and related discussions).
- Contacts (optional sync) — if you choose to sync contacts, we collect and store contact data from your device to help you find friends on the App. You can disable syncing at any time in your device/app settings (where available).
- Paid events and ticketing — purchase history and ticket records (e.g. ticket type, price, timestamps, status, and event identifiers). We may also store identifiers required to link transactions to creators/organisers and purchasers.
- Stripe Connect information (event creators) — if you create paid events, you may connect a Stripe account. We do not store your full payment card or bank account details; Stripe handles those. We may store limited Stripe-related metadata such as your connected account ID, payout status, and references needed for reconciliation and support.
- AI and suggestions data — information used to generate suggestions (for example, event context, interactions in the App, and signals such as engagement patterns). Where possible we minimise data used and restrict access to it.
- Support and communications — if you contact us, we collect the content of your request and related metadata (e.g. email address, timestamps).
- Device and usage data — such as device identifiers, app version, IP address, approximate location derived from IP, log files, crash reports, performance data, and analytics events.
- Safety and integrity — information relating to reports, blocks, suspected misuse, and moderation actions (including evidence you provide and our investigation notes).
How do we use this information?
We use your information to:
- Provide the App — create and manage accounts, enable messaging, create/join events, show friend/friend-of-friend connections where relevant, and provide core features.
- Generate AI-powered suggestions — provide suggestions such as event ideas, recommendations, and relevant prompts to improve usability and engagement.
- Process paid events and ticketing — support ticket purchases, commission calculations, receipts/records, and creator payouts via Stripe Connect.
- Safety and moderation — prevent fraud, investigate reports, enforce policies, block users, and maintain platform integrity.
- Customer support — respond to requests, troubleshoot issues, and communicate with you about the service.
- Improve and develop — understand how the App is used, debug, maintain, and improve features (including testing and analytics).
- Legal compliance — comply with legal obligations and enforce our rights and agreements.
Legal basis for processing your data (UK GDPR)
We process personal data under the following lawful bases:
- Contract — to provide the App and features you request (account creation, messaging, events, ticket purchase records).
- Consent — where you choose optional features (e.g. syncing contacts, certain notifications where required).
- Legitimate interests — to improve the App, prevent fraud, maintain security, and enforce our policies (balanced against your rights).
- Legal obligation — to meet legal, regulatory, and tax/accounting requirements.
AI-powered suggestions and profiling
We use automated systems (including AI) to generate suggestions and improve the experience (for example, recommending events, helping draft event details, or suggesting actions). These systems are designed to assist users and do not make decisions that produce legal effects about you (such as credit, employment, or housing decisions).
You remain responsible for what you choose to post, message, or purchase. If you believe a suggestion is incorrect or inappropriate, you may ignore it and/or report the issue via support.
Sharing data with third parties
We share data only as necessary to operate the App, including with:
- Google Firebase — we store and process App data using Firebase (Google Cloud) for hosting, databases, authentication, and related infrastructure.
- Stripe — for payment processing and payouts (including Stripe Connect). Stripe processes payment methods and banking details; we do not handle full card/bank details ourselves.
- Service providers — vendors who help with analytics, crash reporting, customer support, and security. They may process data on our behalf under contractual restrictions.
- Legal and safety — if required by law, court order, or where necessary to protect users, prevent harm, or enforce our rights.
We do not sell your personal data. We do not share your personal data for third-party advertising purposes in the App.
Where your data is stored
We store data using Google Firebase (Google Cloud). Depending on configuration and service providers, your data may be processed in the UK, EEA, the United States, or other countries.
International transfers
When personal data is transferred internationally, we use appropriate safeguards required under applicable law (such as standard contractual clauses and other approved transfer mechanisms), where relevant.
Security
We use technical and organisational measures designed to protect your data, including access controls, encryption in transit, and secure infrastructure providers. No system is 100% secure; please use a strong password and keep your account credentials confidential.
Account deletion, data retention, and revoking consent
You can request account deletion through the App (where available) or by contacting us at linksapp.contact@gmail.com. When you delete your account, we will delete or de-identify personal data where reasonable and lawful to do so.
Important retention notes:
- Events and ticket records — we may retain historical event data and paid ticket records even after account deletion for legitimate purposes such as accounting, dispute resolution, fraud prevention, and maintaining event history/integrity.
- Messages — messages you send are delivered to recipients and may remain in recipients’ chat histories even if you delete your account. We may also retain limited message metadata and backups for security, legal, and operational reasons.
- Reports and moderation records — we retain reports, blocks, and enforcement records for safety and integrity, including to investigate repeat offenders and comply with legal obligations.
- Financial records — transaction and payout records may be retained as required by law and for audits, chargebacks, tax/accounting, and fraud prevention.
If processing is based on your consent (e.g. contacts syncing), you can withdraw consent at any time by disabling the feature. Withdrawal does not affect processing already carried out.
Your rights
Subject to applicable law, you may have the right to request:
- Access to your personal data.
- Correction of inaccurate or incomplete data.
- Deletion of personal data (where legally applicable).
- Restriction or objection to certain processing.
- Data portability (in certain circumstances).
- Withdrawal of consent (where processing is based on consent).
To exercise your rights, email linksapp.contact@gmail.com. We may need to verify your identity before fulfilling your request.
You also have the right to lodge a complaint with the UK supervisory authority (the Information Commissioner’s Office).
Children
The App is not intended for children. You must meet the minimum age requirements set out in our Terms & Conditions. If you believe a child has provided us personal data, contact us at linksapp.contact@gmail.com.
Changes to this Privacy Policy
We keep this Privacy Policy under regular review and will post updates on this page. Continued use of the App after changes means you accept the updated Policy.
How to contact us
If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or the information we hold about you, contact us at linksapp.contact@gmail.com.
Note: This Privacy Policy describes our practices at a high level. Specific features (such as optional permissions) may be explained in-app at the point of collection.