1. Who we are
LOCAL ("LOCAL", "we", "us") operates a discovery platform that helps people find local businesses, services, events and offers in the areas shown in the app. You can contact us about privacy at support@localapp.com.
2. Information we collect
Information you give us
- Account details: your name, email address and sign-in method. If you sign in with Google or Apple we receive your name and email (Apple may give us a private relay address). Passwords are handled by our authentication provider and are never visible to us.
- Business information (businesses only): business name, description, category, area, phone, email, website, address, map location, logo, listing details, photos, dates and "spots left" indicators. Photos are resized and converted to compressed WebP images on your device before upload, which removes embedded metadata such as camera details and GPS location.
- Messages: the content of chats between customers and businesses (in the app and on our websites), when you last read each conversation (shown to the other person as "Seen"), and a short-lived "typing" signal while you write.
- Saved items: listings you save to your favourites.
- Reports and blocks: content or users you report (with your reason and any details) and users you block.
- Support requests: information you send when you contact us.
Information collected automatically
- Device location (only if you allow it): used on your device to show how far listings are from you and to pick the nearest area we cover. We do not store your location on our servers.
- Push notification registration (only if you allow notifications): a push registration ID, a random device ID created by the app or browser, the device type (Android, iOS or web) and which LOCAL app or website it is, so we can notify you about new messages and listing updates. It is removed when you sign out on that device or delete your account.
- App integrity signals: Firebase App Check (Play Integrity, Apple App Attest/DeviceCheck and reCAPTCHA Enterprise on the web) checks requests come from our genuine apps, to prevent abuse and fraud.
- Crash and diagnostic data: crash reports and technical logs (device model, OS version, app version), linked to your account ID so we can investigate problems you report. They are never used for advertising.
We do not use advertising trackers, we do not sell personal information, and we do not use your information for targeted advertising.
3. How we use your information
- To create and secure your account, including verifying your email address.
- To show listings and business profiles, and to let you save listings and message businesses.
- To let businesses create, manage and publish listings, and to review listings before they go live.
- To send service notifications (new messages, listing approved or needing changes).
- To keep LOCAL safe: moderating content, acting on reports, preventing spam, fraud and abuse.
- To respond to support requests and to comply with our legal obligations.
- To diagnose problems and improve the reliability of our apps.
4. What is public
Published listings and business profiles (business name, description, contact details, address, map location and photos) are visible to anyone using LOCAL, including people who are not signed in. Please only include information you are happy to make public. Your customer profile, saved items and messages are not public.
5. Who we share information with
- Other users: when you message a business (or a customer), they see your name and your messages.
- Service providers: we use Google Firebase and Google Cloud (authentication, database, file storage, hosting, Cloud Functions, push notifications, Crashlytics, App Check and reCAPTCHA Enterprise). Sign in with Google and Sign in with Apple are provided by Google and Apple. These providers process information on our behalf under their own security and privacy commitments.
- Legal reasons: where required or authorised by law, or to protect the rights, safety or property of our users, the public or LOCAL.
6. Where your information is stored
Our database and uploaded files are hosted in Google Cloud's Sydney, Australia region. Some services (for example authentication, push notifications, crash reporting and reCAPTCHA Enterprise) may process information in other countries, including the United States. We take reasonable steps, including relying on our providers' contractual commitments, to ensure overseas recipients handle your information consistently with the APPs.
7. How long we keep information
We keep your information for as long as your account is active. Listings expire automatically and can be deleted by the business at any time; deleting a listing also deletes its photos. Reports may be kept for up to 2 years to help keep the platform safe. Crash diagnostics are retained for up to 90 days.
8. Deleting your account
You can delete your account at any time in the app (Profile → Delete account) or in the LOCAL Business portal (Account → Delete account), or by emailing us — see Delete your account. Deleting your account permanently removes your profile, saved items, business profile, listings and uploaded photos. Messages you sent may remain visible to the person you were chatting with as part of their conversation history.
9. Security
We use industry-standard safeguards: encrypted connections (HTTPS/TLS), encryption at rest by our cloud provider, strict database security rules so users can only access their own private data, app integrity checks, and limited administrative access. No method of transmission or storage is completely secure, but we work to protect your information and will notify you and the regulator of eligible data breaches as required by law.
10. Your choices and rights
- Access and correct your information in the app at any time, or ask us for a copy.
- Turn off location access or notifications in your device or browser settings.
- Block users and report content directly in the app.
- Request deletion of your account and information.
To make a request or a complaint, email support@localapp.com. We will respond within 30 days. If you are not satisfied with our response, you can contact the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner at oaic.gov.au.
11. Children
LOCAL is not intended for children under 16, and we do not knowingly collect personal information from them.
12. Changes to this policy
We may update this policy from time to time. We will post the updated version here and change the "Last updated" date. If changes are significant, we will let you know in the app.
13. Contact us
LOCAL · Margaret River, Western Australia · support@localapp.com