Privacy Policy

Last Updated: August 8, 2026

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1. Introduction

1.1 About UniVerse

UniVerse is an academic social network designed for university students and university communities. It allows students to connect, communicate, share posts, access academic resources, receive university news, participate in academic communities, and use useful student services in one platform.

1.2 Our Commitment

We are committed to protecting your privacy and ensuring that your personal information is handled in a safe, secure, and responsible manner. This Privacy Policy applies to all users of UniVerse, including students, faculty members, and other members of the university community.

1.3 Scope of This Policy

This Privacy Policy covers information we collect:

• When you create an account and use the UniVerse app
• When you visit our website at universeapp.online
• When you interact with us through email, social media, or other channels
• When you participate in any UniVerse features, services, or activities

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2. Information We Collect

Depending on how you use UniVerse and the features you access, we may collect various types of information. We categorize this information into several groups:

2.1 Account Information

When you create a UniVerse account, we collect the following information:

• Email Address: Used for account creation, login, verification, and communication. Your email is required to create an account and is used to send important updates, verification links, and notifications.
• Username: Your public identifier on UniVerse. This is the name that other users will see when you post, comment, or send messages.
• Password: Your password is encrypted and stored securely. We use industry-standard hashing algorithms to protect your password. We never store your password in plain text.
• Account Creation Date: We record when your account was created for administrative and analytical purposes.

2.2 Profile Information

To help you connect with your academic community, we collect additional profile information:

• Full Name: Your real name as provided during profile setup. This helps other students recognize you in the academic community.
• Profile Photo: An optional image you choose to upload. This helps other users identify you and makes the platform more personal.
• Faculty: The faculty you belong to (e.g., Faculty of Science, Faculty of Arts). This helps connect you with students in your academic area.
• Department: Your specific department within your faculty (e.g., Department of Computer Science, Department of Economics).
• Programme: Your academic programme or course of study.
• Level: Your current academic level (e.g., 100 Level, 200 Level, 300 Level, 400 Level).
• Bio/Biography: An optional description you can add to your profile to tell others about yourself, your interests, or your academic goals.
• Date of Birth: Optional information you may choose to provide.
• Gender: Optional information you may choose to provide.

2.3 User-Generated Content

When you use UniVerse features, you create and share content. This includes:

• Messages: Text messages you send to other users in private chats.
• Voice Messages: Audio recordings you send to other users.
• Images and Photos: Images you share in messages or posts.
• Posts: Content you share in the community feed, including text, images, and other media.
• Comments: Your responses to posts and content shared by other users.
• Likes and Reactions: Your interactions with posts and content.
• Replies: Your replies to messages and conversations.
• Academic Resources: Resources you upload or share, such as study materials, past questions, and handouts.
• Marketplace Listings: Items you list in the student marketplace.
• Lost & Found Posts: Items you report as lost or found.

2.4 Device Information

When you use the UniVerse app, we automatically collect certain information about your device:

• Device Model and Manufacturer: To understand device compatibility and optimize user experience (e.g., Samsung Galaxy S23, Google Pixel 7).
• Android Version: The version of Android running on your device to ensure app compatibility and performance.
• Screen Resolution: To optimize the app interface for your specific screen size.
• IP Address: Your device's IP address is used for security, location approximation, and service improvement. We do not use IP addresses to identify you personally.
• Language Preference: Your device's language setting to provide localized user experience.
• Time Zone: Your device's time zone to display correct timestamps.
• Device Fingerprint: A unique identifier generated from device characteristics to help identify and prevent fraudulent activity.
• Operating System: Information about your device's operating system.
• Network Information: Information about your network connection (Wi-Fi, mobile data).

2.5 Log Information

We automatically collect log information when you use UniVerse:

• App Version: The version of UniVerse you are using.
• Login Timestamps: Records of when you log in to your account for security and analytics.
• Feature Usage: Information about which features you use and how you interact with the app to improve our services.
• App Crashes and Errors: Technical information about app crashes and errors to help us fix issues and improve stability.
• Session Duration: How long you spend using UniVerse during each session.
• Referring Source: How you arrived at UniVerse (e.g., direct download, referral link).

2.6 Location Information

We may collect approximate location information based on your IP address. This allows us to:

• Provide relevant content and services
• Analyze user demographics
• Improve our services

Note: We do not collect precise GPS location data unless you explicitly grant permission. We only use approximate location data based on your IP address.

2.7 Payment Information

If you subscribe to UniVerse Premium, we collect:

• Payment Status: Information about your subscription status (active, expired, canceled).
• Premium Features: Which premium features you have access to.
• Transaction History: Records of your Premium purchases and renewals.

Important: We do not collect or store your full payment card information. All payment processing is handled by Google Play Store's secure billing system. Your payment information is never transmitted to or stored by UniVerse.

2.8 Information from Other Sources

We may receive information about you from other sources, including:

• Other Users: Information that other users provide about you, such as in messages or posts.
• Reports: Information provided by users who report content or behavior.
• Third-Party Services: Information from third-party services you connect to UniVerse (if applicable).

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3. How We Collect Information

3.1 Information You Provide Directly

We collect information you provide directly when you:

• Create a UniVerse account
• Set up and update your profile
• Send messages, make posts, or upload content
• Communicate with our support team
• Participate in surveys or provide feedback
• Report content or other users

3.2 Information We Collect Automatically

We collect information automatically when you use UniVerse:

• Through your device's software and hardware
• Through server logs and analytics tools
• Through cookies and similar technologies (see Section 12)
• Through Firebase Analytics and other Firebase services

3.3 Information from Third Parties

We may receive information from third-party services, including:

• Google Play Store: Information about your app installation and subscription status
• Firebase: Authentication, database, and analytics services provided by Google
• Social Media Platforms: If you choose to connect your social media accounts (if applicable)

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4. How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect for the following purposes:

4.1 Providing and Improving Our Services

• Create and manage your UniVerse account
• Enable communication between users
• Deliver and improve our services
• Personalize your user experience
• Provide features you request
• Develop new features and services
• Analyze and improve app performance

4.2 Security and Fraud Prevention

• Maintain security and prevent fraud
• Detect and prevent unauthorized access
• Protect against malicious activities
• Monitor for suspicious behavior
• Enforce our Terms of Service and Community Guidelines
• Investigate violations of our policies

4.3 Communication

• Send important updates and notifications
• Respond to support inquiries
• Notify you about new features and services
• Send verification emails
• Provide account-related information
• Contact you about policy changes

4.4 Analytics and Research

• Understand user behavior and preferences
• Improve our products and services
• Conduct research on user engagement
• Track feature usage and popularity
• Optimize user experience

4.5 Legal Compliance

• Comply with applicable laws and regulations
• Respond to legal requests
• Protect our rights and property
• Protect the safety of our users
• Enforce our terms and policies

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5. How We Share Your Information

5.1 With Other Users

Information you choose to share publicly on UniVerse is visible to other users. This includes:

• Your profile information (username, full name, profile photo, faculty, department, programme, level, bio)
• Your posts and comments
• Content you share in academic communities
• Your likes and reactions (where applicable)
• Your followers and following relationships

5.2 With Service Providers

We may share your information with third-party service providers who help us operate and improve UniVerse:

• Firebase (Google): Authentication, database, storage, and analytics services
• Google Play Store: Payment processing and subscription management
• Email Service Providers: For sending verification and notification emails
• Analytics Providers: To understand user behavior and improve our services
• Cloud Service Providers: For data storage and hosting

5.3 For Legal Reasons

We may share your information when required by law or to protect our rights:

• To comply with applicable laws and legal processes
• To respond to valid legal requests from authorities
• To protect the rights, safety, or property of UniVerse or its users
• To enforce our Terms of Service and Community Guidelines
• To investigate and prevent fraud or security issues

5.4 Business Transfers

If UniVerse is involved in a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets, your information may be transferred as part of that transaction. We will notify you of any such change and any choices you may have regarding your information.

5.5 With Your Consent

We may share your information in other ways with your explicit consent.

5.6 What We Do Not Share

We do not sell your personal information to third parties. We do not share your personal information with advertisers for targeting purposes.

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6. Data Storage and Security

6.1 Where We Store Your Data

Your data is stored on secure servers provided by Firebase (Google Cloud Platform). These servers are located in various regions around the world. We take measures to ensure your data is stored securely and in compliance with applicable laws.

6.2 Security Measures

We implement a variety of security measures to protect your personal information:

• Encryption: Your data is encrypted in transit using industry-standard SSL/TLS protocols. Data stored in our databases is also encrypted.
• Access Controls: Access to your data is restricted to authorized personnel who require it for their work.
• Authentication: We use Firebase Authentication with secure protocols to verify user identities.
• Monitoring: We monitor for suspicious activity and unauthorized access attempts.
• Regular Updates: We regularly update our systems with security patches and improvements.
• Security Audits: We conduct regular security assessments and audits.

6.3 Limitations

While we take reasonable measures to protect your information, no method of transmission over the internet or electronic storage is 100% secure. We cannot guarantee absolute security. If you have reason to believe that your interactions with us are no longer secure, please contact us immediately.

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7. Data Retention and Deletion

7.1 Retention Period

We retain your personal information as long as your account is active or as needed to provide our services. The retention period varies depending on the type of information and the purpose for which it was collected:

• Account Information: Retained for the duration of your account
• User-Generated Content: Retained until you delete it or request account deletion
• Log Information: Retained for up to 30 days for technical and security purposes
• Device Information: Retained for up to 90 days for analytics purposes
• Message Content: Retained until you delete messages or account

7.2 Account Deletion

When you delete your UniVerse account:

• Your profile, posts, comments, and personal information will be removed
• Your messages will be deleted
• Your followers will no longer see your profile or content
• Premium subscriptions will be canceled

7.3 Data Retention After Deletion

We may retain certain information after account deletion where required by law or for legitimate operational or security reasons:

• Legal Compliance: Information required by law may be retained for the legally required period
• Security Investigations: Data necessary for security investigations may be retained temporarily
• Anonymized Data: Aggregated or anonymized data for analytical purposes
• Backups: Some information may remain in backups for a limited period but will not be accessible

7.4 How to Delete Your Account

You can delete your account in two ways:

• In-App: Settings → Account → Delete Account
• By Email: Contact us at help.universe.app@gmail.com with "Account Deletion" in the subject line

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8. Your Rights and Choices

8.1 Your Rights

Depending on your jurisdiction, you may have the following rights regarding your personal information:

• Right to Access: You can request a copy of the personal information we hold about you.
• Right to Correction: You can request that we correct inaccurate information.
• Right to Deletion: You can request that we delete your personal information.
• Right to Restriction: You can request that we restrict processing of your information.
• Right to Object: You can object to the processing of your information.
• Right to Data Portability: You can request your data in a structured, commonly used format.
• Right to Withdraw Consent: You can withdraw consent where we rely on it.

8.2 How to Exercise Your Rights

To exercise any of these rights, please contact us:

• Email: help.universe.app@gmail.com
• Phone: +234 813 992 7759

8.3 Your Choices

You have several choices regarding how we use your information:

• Profile Visibility: Control what information is visible on your profile
• Privacy Settings: Adjust privacy settings in the app
• Notification Preferences: Choose which notifications you receive
• Blocking: Block other users to prevent interaction

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9. Children's Privacy

9.1 Age Requirements

UniVerse is intended for university students and adults. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under the age of 13. If we become aware that we have inadvertently collected such information, we will take steps to delete it.

9.2 Parental Consent

If you are a parent or guardian and believe that your child under 13 has provided us with personal information, please contact us immediately. We will take steps to remove that information from our systems.

9.3 Educational Context

UniVerse is designed for university-level students (typically 17+). Users are required to verify their email address and academic affiliation to use the platform.

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10. International Data Transfers

10.1 Global Operations

UniVerse operates globally. Your information may be transferred to and processed in countries other than your own. These countries may have different data protection laws than your country of residence.

10.2 Data Transfer Mechanisms

We take measures to ensure that any data transfers comply with applicable laws. This may include:

• Using standard contractual clauses approved by relevant authorities
• Ensuring adequate protection for data transfers
• Complying with applicable data protection laws

10.3 Your Consent

By using UniVerse, you consent to the transfer of your information to countries outside your own, including countries that may have different data protection laws. We take steps to protect your information in accordance with this Privacy Policy.

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11. Third-Party Services

11.1 Firebase Services

UniVerse uses Firebase, a platform provided by Google, for authentication, database, storage, and analytics services. Firebase's privacy practices are governed by Google's Privacy Policy:

• Google Privacy Policy
• Firebase Privacy & Security

11.2 Google Play Store

The UniVerse app is distributed through the Google Play Store. Google's privacy practices apply to your use of the Play Store:

• Google Privacy Policy
• Google Play Privacy

11.3 Third-Party Links

UniVerse may contain links to third-party websites or services. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of these third parties. We encourage you to review the privacy policies of any third-party services you use.

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12. Cookies and Tracking

12.1 What Are Cookies

Cookies are small text files that are stored on your device when you visit a website. They are used to remember information about your visit and preferences.

12.2 How We Use Cookies

UniVerse uses cookies and similar technologies for:

• Authentication: To maintain your session and keep you logged in
• Preferences: To remember your language and privacy settings
• Analytics: To understand how users interact with our website
• Performance: To improve website performance and user experience

12.3 Types of Cookies We Use

12.4 Your Cookie Choices

You can control cookies through your browser settings. You can:

• Accept all cookies
• Reject all cookies
• Accept only certain types of cookies
• Delete existing cookies
• Set cookie preferences for specific websites

Note: Some cookies are essential for the website to function properly. Disabling essential cookies may affect your user experience.

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13. Changes to This Policy

13.1 Updates and Revisions

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices, services, or applicable laws. We will notify you of any significant changes by:

• Posting the new Privacy Policy on this page
• Updating the "Last Updated" date at the top of this page
• Sending a notification to your registered email address
• Displaying a notice within the UniVerse app

13.2 Review Period

We encourage you to review this Privacy Policy periodically to stay informed about how we are protecting your information. Your continued use of UniVerse after any changes indicates your acceptance of the updated policy.

13.3 Material Changes

For material changes that significantly affect your privacy rights, we will provide more prominent notice and may request your explicit consent where required by law.

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14. Contact Information

14.1 How to Contact Us

If you have any questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or our privacy practices, please contact us:

• 📱 Phone: +234 813 992 7759
• 🏢 Company: Inhams Digital Solutions
• 👨‍💻 Developer: Ibrahim Nura
• 📧 Support Email: help.universe.app@gmail.com

14.2 Response Time

We will respond to privacy-related inquiries within 30 days. If your request is more complex, we may take additional time and will keep you informed of the status of your request.

14.3 Data Protection Officer

For privacy-related inquiries that require special attention, you may contact our designated privacy contact at help.universe.app@gmail.com.

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