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Privacy Policy

Last Updated: August 17, 2026

Türkçe English

1. Introduction

Thank you for using Mahal application ("App"). This Privacy Policy explains how Mahal, developed by Qeople ("Company", "we", "us"), collects, uses, and protects your personal data.

By using our App, you agree to the practices described in this policy.

2. Data We Collect

Mahal application collects the following data to provide its services:

Location Data (GPS): We collect your location data to show you security incidents and developments in your area. This data is essential for the core functionality of the application.

  • Location Data: Your real-time location information (latitude/longitude)
  • Usage Data: Your in-app interactions and preferences

Anonymous Usage Analytics: To improve the application, we collect anonymous usage statistics via Google Firebase Analytics. Only the following is processed:

  • Usage events: Which screens are viewed; in-app interactions such as viewing the map, opening an incident card, viewing content in the Discover feed, submitting a report, reacting to an incident, writing a comment or opening a notification; and responses to permission prompts (recorded only as "granted/denied")
  • Usage segment: Summary status labels derived from these interactions that contain no personal information — e.g. "never shared / sharer / regular sharer", "active / dormant" and membership type ("standard"). These labels are used only in aggregate usage analysis and to decide which user groups our promotional campaigns are shown to
  • Coarse region information: Only a district-level region bucket (e.g. "Bornova") — your precise location (latitude/longitude) is never sent to analytics
  • Technical information: Device model, operating system and app version
  • Anonymized identifier: Your user ID is anonymized with an irreversible hash; your name, phone number or any data that directly identifies you is never sent to analytics

This data cannot be used to identify you and is evaluated only as aggregate statistics. You can turn off anonymous usage data sharing at any time in the app via Profile → Privacy & Legal → Analytics and Improvements → "Anonymous Usage Data".

Ad Performance Measurement and Audiences (Meta): To measure the performance of the advertisements we run to promote the app and to decide which user groups those advertisements are shown to (e.g. showing a different ad to users who have already shared an incident), a limited set of anonymous app events (app install/launch, registration completion, incident report submission, repeat report submission, reacting to an incident) is transmitted to the Meta Platforms (Facebook) App Events service. On Android, the advertising identifier (GAID) is processed solely for ad install attribution and measurement; on iOS, the advertising identifier (IDFA) is never collected. Your name, phone number, precise location or any data that directly identifies you is never sent to Meta. This sharing (including the advertising identifier on Android) is turned off together with the "Anonymous Usage Data" switch described above.

Sponsored Content: The app may display content supported by local businesses, always clearly marked with a "Sponsored" label (a card in the Discover feed, a business pin on the map, a row in the "Observed Area" list). Such content is selected solely based on your approximate location (the area you are in or the map area you are viewing); no interest profile is built, no behavioural targeting is performed, and your data is not shared with the advertiser. The fact that a sponsored item was displayed on your screen or that you tapped its button is stored in association with your account for at most 90 days (to limit how many times per day the same item is shown to you and to report only aggregate view/tap counts to the advertiser); no information identifying you is provided to the advertiser. Sponsored content is never included in emergency or disaster notifications.

3. How We Use Your Data

The collected data is used for the following purposes:

  • To inform you about security incidents and developments in your area
  • To send location-based notifications
  • To take your in-app activity status into account (e.g. whether you have shared or viewed content in the last 30 days) when deciding which users receive general announcement notifications — emergency and disaster alerts are sent to everyone regardless of this distinction
  • To improve and personalize your app experience
  • To enhance community safety
  • To detect and resolve technical issues

4. Data Storage and Security

The security of your data is extremely important to us. We implement the following measures:

  • All data is transmitted and stored encrypted
  • Industry-standard security protocols are used
  • Only authorized personnel can access your data
  • Regular security audits are conducted

Your location data is retained for as long as necessary to provide our services and is securely deleted when no longer needed.

5. Data Sharing

We do not sell your personal data to third parties. Your data may only be shared in the following circumstances:

  • When required by legal obligations
  • With our service providers (for data processing)
  • Anonymous usage statistics are processed by Google Firebase Analytics as our analytics provider (see "2. Data We Collect — Anonymous Usage Analytics")
  • A limited set of anonymous app events related to ad performance measurement is processed by Meta Platforms (Facebook) (see "2. Data We Collect — Ad Performance Measurement")
  • Businesses providing sponsored content receive only aggregate view and tap counts; no data identifying you is shared (see "2. Data We Collect — Sponsored Content")
  • When you have given explicit consent

6. Your Rights

Under the Turkish Personal Data Protection Law (KVKK) and the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), you have the following rights:

  • Right to access your data
  • Right to request correction of your data
  • Right to request deletion of your data
  • Right to request restriction of data processing
  • Right to data portability
  • Right to object to processing

To exercise these rights, please contact us at info@qeople.com.

7. Children's Privacy

Mahal application is rated 4+ and suitable for all ages. However, we do not knowingly collect personal data from children under 13. Parents and guardians are advised to monitor their children's use of the application.

8. Location Permission

Our app requires location access to perform its core functions. You can manage location permissions at any time through your device settings. If you disable location access, some features of the app may not work properly.

9. Policy Changes

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Changes will be published on this page, and you will be notified through the app for significant changes. We recommend checking for updates regularly.

10. Contact Us

If you have any questions or requests regarding this Privacy Policy, you can contact us: