1. Introduction

Welcome to Sprout (“we”, “our”, or “us”). Sprout is a dating and social discovery application designed for environmentally conscious individuals. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and protect your personal data when you use our website at https://joinsprout.app and our mobile application (collectively, the “Service”).

By accessing or using the Service, you acknowledge that you have read and understood this Privacy Policy. If you do not agree, please do not use the Service.

This Service is operated by an individual data controller based in Turkey. Our processing activities are subject to Turkish Law No. 6698 on the Protection of Personal Data (KVKK). Where applicable, we also comply with the European Union General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).

2. Data Controller

The data controller responsible for your personal data is: Ata [Surname] Turkey Email: info@joinsprout.app

3. What Data We Collect

3.1 Data You Provide Directly

Full name and email address (collected via waitlist signup on our website)
Profile information including age, gender identity, sexual orientation, and relationship preferences
Profile photos and other content you upload
Bio text and other self-description fields
Messages and communications sent through the in-app messaging feature

3.2 Data Collected Automatically

Device information (device type, operating system, unique device identifiers)
Usage data (features used, pages visited, time spent on the app)
Crash reports and diagnostic data
IP address and approximate location derived from it

3.3 Sensitive Personal Data

Because Sprout is a dating application, we necessarily collect certain categories of sensitive personal data, specifically:

Sexual orientation and gender identity (provided voluntarily by you for matching purposes)
Precise geolocation data (collected via GPS when you use location-based discovery features, only with your explicit permission) We treat this data with heightened care and do not share it with third parties except as described in this Policy.

3.4 Device Permissions We Request

Camera and photo library access: to allow you to upload profile photos
Location (GPS): to enable distance-based user discovery
Push notification permission: to send you match notifications, messages, and app updates

3.5 Analytics and Advertising Data

We use third-party analytics services including Google Analytics to understand how users interact with our website. These services may use cookies and similar technologies to collect usage data. We also display third-party advertisements within the application, which may involve the collection of advertising identifiers and related data by our advertising partners.

4. How We Use Your Data

To create and manage your account
To provide matching and user discovery features
To enable in-app messaging between users
To send push notifications related to your activity
To display relevant advertisements within the app
To analyze usage patterns and improve the Service
To send you email communications related to your waitlist registration or account
To detect, investigate, and prevent fraudulent or harmful behavior
To comply with our legal obligations under KVKK and applicable law

5. Legal Basis for Processing

We process your personal data on the following legal bases:

Contract performance: processing necessary to provide the Service you signed up for
Consent: for sensitive data (sexual orientation, precise location), and for marketing communications
Legitimate interests: for analytics, security, and fraud prevention
Legal obligation: where required by KVKK or other applicable law

For sensitive personal data (sexual orientation, precise location), we rely on your explicit consent. You may withdraw consent at any time, though this may affect your ability to use certain features.

We do not sell your personal data. We may share your data with:

Other users: your public profile information (name, photos, bio, preferences) is visible to other users as part of normal app functionality
Service providers: third-party companies who assist us in operating the Service (cloud hosting, analytics, push notification infrastructure, advertising networks), bound by data processing agreements
Legal authorities: where required by law, court order, or to protect the rights and safety of users or third parties
Business transfers: in the event of a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets, your data may be transferred to the successor entity

7. Advertising

The Service displays advertisements provided by third-party advertising networks. These networks may use cookies, advertising identifiers (such as Apple IDFA or Google GAID), and similar technologies to serve targeted advertisements based on your interests. You may opt out of interest-based advertising through your device settings (Limit Ad Tracking on iOS, or Opt out of Ads Personalization on Android).

8. Data Retention

We retain your personal data for as long as your account is active or as needed to provide the Service. If you delete your account, we will delete or anonymize your personal data within 30 days, except where we are required to retain it for legal purposes.

9. Your Rights

Under KVKK and applicable law, you have the right to:

Learn whether your personal data is being processed
Request information about the purpose of processing and whether data is used in accordance with that purpose
Know the third parties to whom your data has been transferred
Request correction of incomplete or inaccurate data
Request deletion or destruction of your data where processing is no longer necessary
Object to processing that results in adverse automated decisions
Withdraw consent at any time (without affecting the lawfulness of prior processing)

To exercise any of these rights, contact us at privacy@joinsprout.app.

10. Children

Sprout is strictly intended for users aged 18 and over. We do not knowingly collect personal data from individuals under 18. If we become aware that a user is under 18, we will terminate their account and delete their data promptly. If you believe a minor has registered, please contact us at info@joinsprout.app.

11. Data Security

We implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect your personal data against unauthorized access, disclosure, alteration, or destruction. However, no method of transmission over the internet or electronic storage is completely secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.

12. International Transfers

Your data may be processed by service providers located outside of Turkey, including within the European Economic Area and the United States. Where such transfers occur, we ensure appropriate safeguards are in place in accordance with KVKK requirements.

13. Cookies

Our website uses cookies and similar technologies. Strictly necessary cookies are used by our hosting infrastructure (Cloudflare) for security and performance purposes and do not require consent. Analytics cookies (Google Analytics) are used to understand site usage. You may opt out of analytics cookies by adjusting your browser settings or using opt-out tools provided by Google.

14. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of significant changes by posting the updated policy on our website and, where appropriate, by email. Your continued use of the Service after changes are posted constitutes your acceptance of the updated policy.

15. Contact Us

If you have any questions or concerns about this Privacy Policy or our data practices, please contact us at: info@joinsprout.app