Privacy Policy

Effective Date: June 27, 2026

Last Updated: June 27, 2026

Townese is built to help neighbors connect — not to monetize personal information. We collect only the information reasonably necessary to verify residency, operate the platform, and help neighbors discover local events.

1. Who This Applies To

This Privacy Policy applies to all users of Townese, operated by Townese LLC, a Washington state limited liability company. By using Townese, you agree to the practices described here.

2. Information We Collect

Information you provide directly:

• Full name
• Email address
• Street address (for residency verification)
• Profile photo
• Password (managed by our authentication provider and not accessible to us in plain text)
• Event listings you post (title, description, location, date/time, category)

Your street address is used solely to verify your residency eligibility and is never displayed to other users.

Information generated by your use:

• RSVP records (which events you've indicated you plan to attend or attended)
• Event flags you submit (visible only to Townese administrators)
• Attendance confirmations

Information collected automatically:

• Limited technical information such as IP address, browser type, device information, and server logs, necessary to operate and secure the platform

Information we do not collect:

• Payment information (Townese is free; no transactions occur)
• Precise geolocation data (such as GPS coordinates) beyond the address you provide
• Biometric data

3. How We Use Your Information

We process your information to provide the services you request, maintain platform security, verify eligibility, comply with legal obligations, and improve Townese. Specifically, we use your information to:

• Verify your Mercer Island residency before activating your account
• Display your name and photo to other verified residents on the platform
• Enable you to post, discover, and RSVP to community events
• Allow Townese administrators to moderate content and verify new accounts
• Communicate with you about your account or platform updates

We do not sell your personal information, and we do not use it for targeted advertising. Townese is ad-free.

4. What Other Users Can See

Visible to all verified residents:

• Your full name
• Your profile photo
• Events you post (including your name as host)

Information you choose to include in public event listings will be visible to other verified residents.

Visible only to you:

• Your email address
• Your street address
• Your RSVP history

Visible only to Townese administrators:

• Your street address
• Any flags you have submitted
• Your account status

5. Data Storage and Security

Your data is stored securely using Supabase, a hosted PostgreSQL database platform with industry-standard encryption at rest and in transit. Profile photos are stored in Supabase Storage.

Our sub-processors include:

• Supabase (database, authentication, file storage) — supabase.com
• Vercel (hosting and deployment) — vercel.com

We implement reasonable technical and organizational measures to protect your data, but no system is perfectly secure. We encourage you to use a strong, unique password.

6. Cookies

Townese uses cookies and similar technologies that are necessary for authentication, security, and the basic operation of the platform — for example, to keep you signed in. We do not use cookies for advertising or cross-site tracking.

7. Data Retention

We retain your personal information for as long as your account is active. If you request deletion of your account, we will process verified deletion requests within a reasonable period, generally within 30 days, except where we are required to retain information by law or for legitimate business purposes. Deleted information may remain in encrypted backups for a limited period before being automatically removed.

8. Your Rights

You have the right to:

• Access the personal information we hold about you
• Correct inaccurate information (email changes can be made in your profile settings; address changes can be requested by emailing katie@townese.org)
• Delete your account and all associated data by emailing katie@townese.org with the subject line "Account Deletion Request." We will process your request as described in Section 7 (Data Retention).
• Object to any processing of your data by contacting us directly

Depending on applicable Washington law, you may have additional rights regarding your personal information, including rights to access, correct, delete, or appeal certain decisions. We will honor requests as required by applicable law.

9. Children's Privacy

Townese is intended for users 18 and older. We do not knowingly collect personal information from anyone under 18. If we become aware that a minor has created an account, we will promptly delete it.

10. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify registered users of material changes by email. The effective date at the top of this page will always reflect the most recent version.

11. Contact

For any privacy-related questions, requests, or concerns:

Townese LLC

katie@townese.org

Mercer Island, Washington