Privacy Policy

Hikeo ("we", "our", or "us") operates the website hikeo.vercel.app (the "Service"). This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, and protect your information when you use Hikeo.

By using Hikeo, you agree to the collection and use of information in accordance with this policy.

1. Information We Collect

We collect the following types of information:

• Account information — When you sign in with Google, we receive your name, email address, and profile picture from your Google account.
• Profile information — Information you voluntarily add to your Hikeo profile, such as a username and Instagram handle.
• Usage data — Pages visited, features used, and interactions with the platform (trek saves, forum posts, direct messages, AI chat queries).
• Device information — Browser type, operating system, and IP address for security and analytics purposes.

2. How We Use Your Information

• To create and manage your account
• To provide personalised trek recommendations and AI-generated itineraries
• To enable community features such as the forum and direct messaging
• To save your trek bookmarks and planner results
• To improve and maintain the platform
• To communicate service updates or respond to support requests

We do not sell your personal information to third parties.

3. Google Sign-In

Hikeo uses Google OAuth 2.0 for authentication. When you sign in with Google, we receive only the basic profile information (name, email, profile picture) granted by your Google account. We do not access your Google Drive, Gmail, contacts, or any other Google services.

Your use of Google Sign-In is also governed by Google's Privacy Policy.

4. Data Storage

Your data is stored securely using Supabase, a PostgreSQL-based backend hosted on AWS infrastructure. Data is stored in data centres located in the United States.

We use reasonable technical and organisational measures to protect your information against unauthorised access, alteration, or disclosure.

5. Cookies

Hikeo uses cookies and similar technologies to maintain your login session and remember your preferences (such as dark mode). We do not use advertising or tracking cookies.

You can disable cookies in your browser settings, but some features of the platform may not function correctly without them.

6. Third-Party Services

Hikeo integrates with the following third-party services:

• Google OAuth — authentication
• Supabase — database and authentication infrastructure
• Anthropic Claude API — AI trek recommendations and itinerary generation
• OpenStreetMap / Leaflet — interactive maps
• Amazon Associates — affiliate product links in the gear store
• Vercel — website hosting and deployment

Each of these services has its own privacy policy. We encourage you to review them.

7. Your Rights

You have the right to:

• Access the personal information we hold about you
• Request correction of inaccurate information
• Request deletion of your account and associated data
• Withdraw consent for data processing at any time

To exercise any of these rights, please contact us via the website.

8. Data Retention

We retain your account data for as long as your account is active. If you delete your account, your personal information is removed from our systems within 30 days, except where retention is required by law.

9. Children's Privacy

Hikeo is not directed at children under the age of 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If you believe a child has provided us with personal information, please contact us and we will delete it promptly.

10. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. When we do, we will revise the "Last updated" date at the top of this page. Continued use of the Service after changes constitutes your acceptance of the updated policy.

11. Contact Us

If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy or how we handle your data, please contact us at: