Privacy Policy

Effective Date: Upon app publication
Languages: English, Albanian, German

1. Who We Are

Mërgata (“the App”, “we”, “our”, or “us”) is operated by Shqiprim Selmani, based in Ferizaj, Kosovo.

For any questions or privacy-related requests, contact:
📧 support@mergata.al

Users in the EU or UK may also contact their local data protection authority or the Information and Privacy Agency of Kosovo.

2. What This Policy Covers

This Privacy Policy explains how Mërgata collects, uses, stores, and protects your personal information when you use our mobile applications on iOS and Android.
A marketing website (mergata.al) may also provide general information about our service.

3. Who Can Use the App

  • The App is intended for users aged 18 and older.

  • Mërgata primarily serves the Albanian diaspora, including users in Europe, the UK, and the United States.

4. Information We Collect
4.1 Account and Profile Data

We collect information you provide when creating or editing your account:

  • First and last name

  • Gender

  • Country of residence

  • Age (not full date of birth)

  • Profile photo

  • Email address

4.2 Location Data

We collect precise location data only while you use features that require it (e.g., borders or rides).
We do not track your location in the background.

4.3 Usage and Device Data

We collect limited technical information such as device type, app version, and crash data to ensure app reliability and performance.

4.4 Camera and Photos

We access your device’s camera or photo gallery only when you upload a profile image.
We do not access contacts or other files.

4.5 Communications

If you contact us for support, we receive the information you choose to provide in your message.

4.6 Payments

Mërgata is currently free to use and does not collect any payment information.

5. How We Use Your Information

We use your information to:

  • Provide and improve app functionality (e.g., rides, border data, community posts)

  • Maintain safety, security, and moderation of content

  • Deliver push notifications if you choose to enable them

  • Monitor performance and fix technical issues

  • Respond to user support requests

We do not send marketing or promotional communications at this time.

6. Legal Bases (GDPR)

Where applicable under the GDPR, we process personal data based on:

  • Contract: to provide the features and services you request.

  • Legitimate interests: for app security, moderation, analytics, and service improvement.

  • Consent: for location data and push notifications, which you can enable or disable in your device settings.

7. Service Providers

We rely on trusted third-party providers for hosting, data storage, authentication, and notifications.
All such providers process information on our behalf under confidentiality and data protection agreements.
Your data may be stored in secure cloud infrastructure within the European Economic Area (EEA) or other regions with appropriate safeguards, such as the European Commission’s Standard Contractual Clauses.

8. Data Retention

  • Posts: Hidden from user view after 30 days and later deleted from active systems.

  • Accounts: Kept until you delete your account.

  • Backups: Encrypted backups are retained for a limited time and then permanently deleted.

  • Support messages: Retained only as long as needed to resolve your inquiry.

9. Your Rights

Depending on your location, you may have the right to:

  • Access or receive a copy of your data

  • Correct inaccurate data

  • Delete your account and related data

  • Object to or restrict processing

  • Request data portability

To exercise any of these rights, contact us at support@mergata.al.
We respond within 30 days.

Account deletion can also be done directly in the app (Profile → Delete Account).

10. International Data Transfers

If personal data is transferred outside your country or region, we ensure it is protected by appropriate safeguards and encryption standards.

11. Security

We use industry-standard security measures, including encryption of data in transit and at rest, restricted access, and regular monitoring to protect your information.
While no system is completely secure, we work continuously to prevent unauthorized access or misuse.

12. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy occasionally to reflect changes in our practices or legal requirements.
The most recent version will always be available in the App and on our website.

13. Contact

If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or how we handle your data, please contact:
📧 support@mergata.al
 📍 Ferizaj, Kosovo

German
Albanian