Legal

Privacy Policy

Last updated: January 2025

Sacred Steps ("we," "our," or "us") is committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, and safeguard your information when you use our mobile application and website.

Our Philosophy

Your pilgrimage is personal. We believe your spiritual journey, the places you visit, and the reflections you record are sacred—and should remain private unless you choose to share them. We will never sell your data to advertisers or third parties.

Information We Collect

Information You Provide

  • Account Information: Email address, name, and password when you create an account
  • Profile Information: Optional profile photo and bio if you choose to add them
  • Visit Data: Churches you check in to, photos, notes, and reflections you add
  • Communications: Messages you send to our support team

Information Collected Automatically

  • Location Data: With your permission, we collect location data to show nearby churches and verify check-ins. You can disable this in your device settings.
  • Device Information: Device type, operating system, and app version for troubleshooting
  • Usage Data: How you interact with the app (features used, screens visited) to improve our service

How We Use Your Information

  • Provide and improve the Sacred Steps service
  • Sync your data across devices
  • Show you nearby churches and personalized recommendations
  • Send important updates about your account or our service
  • Respond to your support requests
  • Analyze aggregate usage to improve the app (no individual tracking)

What We Don't Do

  • We never sell your personal data to third parties
  • We never share your visit history with advertisers
  • We never use your data for targeted advertising
  • We never share your private reflections without your explicit consent

Data Sharing

We only share your data in these limited circumstances:

  • With Your Consent: When you choose to share visits or follow other pilgrims
  • Service Providers: Trusted partners who help us operate (hosting, analytics) under strict confidentiality agreements
  • Legal Requirements: If required by law or to protect our rights

Data Security

We implement industry-standard security measures to protect your data, including encryption in transit and at rest, secure authentication, and regular security audits. However, no method of transmission over the Internet is 100% secure.

Your Rights

You have the right to:

  • Access: Request a copy of your personal data
  • Export: Download your complete visit history and data
  • Correct: Update or correct inaccurate information
  • Delete: Delete your account and all associated data
  • Opt-out: Disable location services or email notifications

Data Retention

We retain your data as long as your account is active. If you delete your account, we will permanently delete your personal data within 30 days, except where we're required by law to retain it longer.

Children's Privacy

Sacred Steps is not intended for children under 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If you believe we have collected such information, please contact us immediately.

International Users

Sacred Steps is operated from the United States. If you're accessing our service from outside the US, please be aware that your data may be transferred to and processed in the United States.

Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We'll notify you of significant changes through the app or by email. Your continued use of Sacred Steps after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.

Contact Us

If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or our data practices, please contact us: