Privacy Policy
This Privacy Policy explains how bhere ("we", "us", "our") collects, uses, stores, and shares personal information when you use the bhere app ("the App").
1. Information We Collect
A. Information You Provide
- Phone number (required for verification)
- Selfie photo (used for identity verification)
- Profile information you choose to share, such as name, age, gender, and suburb
- Optional email address (for account recovery and communications)
- Profile photos you choose to upload
- Content you create within the App (e.g. plans, messages, reports)
Verification photos are treated as sensitive information under Australian privacy law.
B. Information Collected Automatically
- Technical and usage information, such as device type, operating system, log data, and timestamps
- Approximate location (city or suburb only — not precise location)
- IP address (used for security, fraud prevention, and legal compliance)
2. How We Use Your Information
To Operate the App
- Verify your identity and age (18+)
- Display your profile to other verified users
- Enable planning, communication, and participation in activities
- Administer your account
For Safety & Security
- Investigate reports of misconduct or safety concerns
- Prevent fraud, abuse, and misuse of the platform
- Enforce our Terms of Service
- Comply with legal obligations and lawful requests
To Improve bhere
- Analyse anonymised or aggregated usage data
- Diagnose technical issues
- Develop and improve features and safety tools
3. Information Sharing
We do not sell your personal information.
We may share information in the following circumstances:
With Other Users
Your profile information (such as name, age, suburb, and photos) is visible to other verified users in accordance with the App's functionality.
With Service Providers
Trusted third parties that help us operate the App (e.g. hosting, SMS verification, analytics), under confidentiality and data protection obligations.
For Legal & Safety Reasons
- Where required by law, court order, or valid legal process
- To protect the safety, rights, or property of users, bhere, or the public
- In situations involving imminent risk of harm
We do not share:
- Your phone number with other users
- Your precise location
- Your private messages, except where legally required
- Your verification photos, except where required by law or lawful authority
4. Data Retention
Verification Information
We retain identity and verification information only for as long as reasonably necessary to:
- Maintain platform safety and integrity
- Investigate and resolve safety reports or disputes
- Comply with legal and regulatory obligations
Verification information may be retained for longer periods where:
- Required by law or lawful authority
- Relevant to an ongoing safety or legal investigation
- Necessary to preserve evidence relating to serious misconduct
Account Information
- Active accounts: Data is retained while your account remains active.
- Inactive accounts: Personal data may be deleted after a period of inactivity.
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Account deletion: You can delete your account at any time from within the bhere app by navigating to Settings → Delete Account.
When you request deletion, your profile is immediately removed from public view and your account is deactivated.
Personal data associated with your account is deleted or anonymised where possible. Certain information may be retained for safety, fraud prevention, dispute resolution, legal compliance, or ongoing investigations, including safety reports, moderation records, audit logs, and information required by law.
Any retained account data is permanently removed after 90 days, unless a longer retention period is required to comply with legal obligations, law enforcement requests, court orders, or ongoing safety investigations.
Safety & Legal Matters
Information relating to reports, misconduct, or legal proceedings may be retained for extended periods as required by Australian law or until matters are fully resolved.
5. Your Rights (Australia)
Under Australian privacy law, you may:
- Request access to personal information we hold about you
- Request correction of inaccurate information
- Delete your account (subject to retention requirements above)
- Opt out of non-essential communications
- Lodge a complaint with the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC)
To exercise these rights, contact: hello@bhere.com.au
6. Data Security
We take reasonable steps to protect personal information, including:
- Encryption of data in transit and at rest where appropriate
- Restricted access to sensitive information
- Technical and organisational safeguards designed to prevent unauthorised access, misuse, or loss
No system is completely secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.
7. Children's Safety
bhere is intended exclusively for users aged 18 years and over. We do not knowingly permit anyone under 18 to create or use an account.
Age verification forms part of our onboarding process. Profile photos are reviewed as part of our verification procedures, and users cannot upload images within chats.
bhere has zero tolerance for child sexual abuse or exploitation. If we become aware that a minor has accessed the platform, or receive reports of suspected child exploitation or other illegal activity, we may immediately remove or suspend the relevant account, investigate the matter, preserve relevant information where required by law, and cooperate with law enforcement or child protection authorities where legally required.
Users can report safety concerns through the app or by contacting hello@bhere.com.au.
8. Law Enforcement & Legal Requests
We cooperate with Australian law enforcement and regulatory authorities when required by law. Where permitted, we may notify users of such requests.
9. Changes to This Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Material changes will be communicated via the App or other reasonable means. Continued use of the App constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.
10. Contact Us
For any concerns, privacy questions or requests: hello@bhere.com.au