Our Data Privacy Philosophy
We’re a small team of humans building Communal because we believe real connection matters. We’ve also been burned by products that quietly hoover up data, sell it, and call it “growth.” We’re not here for that.
Our philosophy is simple: collect and share only what we need to run Communal, keep it safe, and make the experiences work.
A few examples of what that means in practice:
- We don’t sell your personal data. Not as a business model, not as a side hustle.
- We keep profiles lightweight and let you choose what to share.
- We avoid exposing sensitive details by default (for example, we don’t show your phone number to other users unless you choose to share it).
- We use your data to run experiences, not to follow you around the internet.
- You’re in control: you can access, correct, delete, and opt out where applicable.
This Notice explains what we collect, why we collect it, and the choices you have.
Summary of Key Points
This summary highlights the important parts. Scroll for full details.
- What personal information do we collect? We collect information you provide (like your phone number, profile details, application answers, and RSVPs), plus limited device/usage data.
- Do we receive data from third parties? Sometimes—e.g., when a host adds you to an invite list, or when you connect a third-party account (if offered).
- Why do we use your data? To operate Communal, run curated Experiences, process payments, keep the community safe, and improve the Service.
- Do we sell your personal data? No.
- Who do we share data with? Service providers (hosting, analytics, communications, payments), hosts (for their events), venues/partners (when needed for entry/logistics), and authorities if legally required.
- What rights do you have? Depending on where you live, you may have rights to access, correct, delete, object, restrict processing, and portability.
- How do you exercise rights? Email us at hello@gocommunal.com.
1) Scope of This Privacy Notice
This Privacy Notice applies to personal information processed by Communal, Inc. (“Communal,” “we,” “us,” “our”) in connection with:
- our website at gocommunal.com (the “Site”),
- our mobile applications (the “App”),
- and any related services, features, communications, and events (collectively, the “Services”).
This Notice does not cover third-party websites, apps, or services you may access through links or integrations.
2) What Information Do We Collect?
2.1 Personal Information You Disclose to Us
In short: we collect information you provide.
Depending on how you use Communal, we may collect:
- Account information: phone number, email, name (or chosen display name), profile photo (optional).
- Profile information: bio, city, social handles (optional), preferences and interests you choose to share.
- Application / curation info: answers to onboarding questions, availability, and other signals you submit to help us curate Experiences.
- Experience information: RSVPs, attendance, waitlists, guest list interactions, messages, feedback, questionnaire responses.
- User-generated content: messages, posts, comments, photos you upload (if those features exist).
- Support communications: information you share when contacting us.
- Safety and trust signals: reports, blocks, and related metadata (to keep the community safe).
- Payment information (if paid Experiences/membership): payment status and transaction history. Payment card details are typically handled by our payment processor, not stored directly by Communal (see Section 5).
2.2 Information About You Provided by Others
In short: other users may share limited info about you.
We may receive information about you when:
- a host invites you to an Experience (e.g., name + phone/email, if they have it),
- someone shares your details to add you to a waitlist,
- a friend refers you or shares an invite link.
2.3 Information Automatically Collected
In short: we collect basic device and usage data.
When you use the Services, we may automatically collect:
- Log and usage data: IP address, timestamps, pages/screens viewed, clicks, feature usage, and crash logs.
- Device data: device type, OS version, app version, language settings, browser type (for web).
- Approximate location: inferred from IP address; we may also collect precise location only if you explicitly enable it (e.g., for local discovery features).
2.4 Cookies and Similar Technologies
We may use cookies, SDKs, and similar technologies to:
- keep you logged in,
- remember preferences,
- protect against abuse,
- understand how the Services are used.
You can control cookies through your browser settings. If you disable cookies, some features may not work.
2.5 Session Replay (if applicable)
If we use session replay tools, they help us understand usability (e.g., clicks, scrolls, navigation). Where required by law, we will provide notice and obtain consent before enabling these tools.
3) How Do We Use Your Information?
In short: to run Communal, keep it safe, and improve it.
We may use personal information to:
- Provide and operate the Services (create accounts, authenticate users, manage profiles, run Experiences).
- Curate Experiences (review applications, manage guest lists/waitlists, form groups, personalize recommendations).
- Process payments and handle transactions (tickets, memberships, refunds, credits) through Stripe.
- Communicate with you (confirmations, reminders, updates, support, safety notices).
- Safety, trust, and integrity (prevent fraud, enforce Terms, investigate reports, reduce harm).
- Analytics and product improvement (debugging, performance, feature development, measuring what works).
- Marketing (limited) (e.g., Communal updates, new Experiences), and you can opt out of marketing communications at any time.
- Legal compliance (respond to lawful requests, enforce rights, meet regulatory obligations).
Legal bases (EEA/UK)
If you are in the EEA/UK, we rely on:
- Contract (to provide Services you request),
- Legitimate interests (safety, improvement, basic analytics, fraud prevention),
- Consent (where required—e.g., certain marketing, precise location, some cookies/tools),
- Legal obligations (compliance).
4) When and With Whom Do We Share Personal Information?
In short: we share only what’s necessary to run experiences and operate the platform.
4.1 Hosts and Co-Hosts
When you RSVP or apply to an Experience, the host (and co-hosts) may see:
- your profile information (what you’ve chosen to make visible),
- your RSVP status and any questionnaire responses you submit for that Experience,
- basic communication needed to coordinate the Experience.
Hosts are expected to use attendee information only to run their Experience and comply with our Terms and Community Guidelines.
4.2 Venues and Partners (as needed)
Some Experiences happen at third-party venues or with partners. We may share limited information needed for:
- entry/check-in (e.g., your name or RSVP confirmation),
- safety or compliance requirements.
4.3 Service Providers
We share information with vendors that help us operate, such as:
- hosting and cloud infrastructure,
- analytics/performance monitoring,
- communications providers (email/SMS/push),
- customer support tools,
- payment processors.
These providers are contractually restricted to using data only to provide services to Communal.
4.4 Professional Advisors, Authorities, and Legal Situations
We may disclose information:
- to legal, accounting, insurance, or banking advisors when needed,
- to authorities or private parties if required by law or to protect rights, safety, and security,
- in connection with corporate events (merger, acquisition, financing, sale of assets), including due diligence.
5) Payments
If you purchase tickets, memberships, or paid Experiences, payments are processed by Stripe. Your payment card details are handled by the payment processor under their terms and privacy policy. Communal receives transaction metadata (e.g., confirmation, amount, timestamp, last four digits, payment method type) for receipts, refunds, fraud prevention, and accounting.
6) Your Profile and What Other Users Can See
Your Communal profile may be visible to other users depending on settings and product design.
By default:
- we aim to keep your profile minimal and avoid exposing contact details (like phone number/email) to other users unless you choose to share them,
- hosts may see what they need to run their Experience.
You control optional fields (photo, bio, handles, etc.). If you respond to a host questionnaire, your responses are shared with that host.
7) Event Photos and Recordings
Some Experiences may be photographed or recorded.
We may use event media for community storytelling and promotion, consistent with applicable law.
Opt-out (Promotional Use). If you do not want Communal to use photos or videos of you for promotional purposes, you can opt out at any time by emailing hello@gocommunal.com with (i) the event name and date, and (ii) a description of the content (or a screenshot/link if available). We will take reasonable steps to stop using that content in future promotional materials and, where practicable, to remove it from our owned channels.
8) How Long Do We Keep Your Information?
We keep personal information as long as needed to provide the Services and for legitimate business purposes (like safety, dispute resolution, and compliance), unless a longer retention period is required by law.
If you delete your account, we delete or de-identify personal information where feasible, but we may retain certain information:
- for legal compliance,
- to prevent fraud and abuse,
- to resolve disputes,
- to enforce our Terms.
9) How Do We Protect Your Information?
We use organizational and technical safeguards designed to protect your personal information. However, no system is 100% secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.
10) Do We Collect Information from Minors?
No. Communal is not intended for individuals under 18, and we do not knowingly collect personal information from minors. If you believe a minor has provided information to us, contact hello@gocommunal.com.
11) Your Rights and Choices
11.1 Access, Correction, Deletion, Portability
Depending on your location, you may request:
- access to your personal information,
- correction,
- deletion,
- portability,
- restriction or objection (in certain cases).
To make a request, email hello@gocommunal.com. We may ask you to verify your identity.
11.2 Marketing Opt-Out
You can opt out of marketing emails by using the unsubscribe link in the email. If we send SMS marketing (if applicable), you can opt out per the instructions in the message.
11.3 Location Controls
You can disable location permissions in your device settings. Some features may not work without location.
11.4 Cookie Controls
You can manage cookies via browser settings and, if applicable, our cookie banner/preferences.
11.5 Right to Complain (EEA/UK)
If you are in the EEA/UK, you may lodge a complaint with your local data protection authority.
12) International Data Transfers
We may process and store information in countries outside where you live. Where required, we use appropriate safeguards (e.g., adequacy decisions or Standard Contractual Clauses) to protect international transfers.
13) Controls for Do-Not-Track
Do-Not-Track signals do not have a uniform standard. We currently do not respond to DNT signals. If this changes, we will update this Notice.
14) Changes to This Notice
We may update this Notice from time to time. The “Last Revision” date will reflect changes. If changes are material, we will provide notice through the Services or other reasonable means.
15) Contact Us
If you have questions or requests about this Notice, contact:
Email: hello@gocommunal.com