World Links ("we", "our", or "us") operates the World Links mobile application (the "App") and website at worldlinks.golf (the "Website"). This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you use our services. By using the App or Website, you agree to the collection and use of information in accordance with this policy.
1. Information We Collect
1.1 Account Information
When you create an account, we collect:
- Full name and username
- Email address
- Password (stored securely using bcrypt hashing; we never store plaintext passwords)
- Profile photo (if provided)
- Bio and golf-related preferences (handicap, home course, skill level)
1.2 Location Data
With your explicit permission, we collect your device's precise location to:
- Show golf courses near you on the Discover and Explore screens
- Provide GPS rangefinder functionality for on-course navigation
- Display local weather and course conditions
- Enable the LinkedUp feature to find nearby golfers
- Calculate distances to course features (greens, hazards, tee boxes)
Location data is collected only while you are actively using the App (foreground only). We do not collect location data in the background. You can disable location access at any time through your device settings. The App will still function with limited features if location access is denied.
1.3 Camera and Photo Library Access
With your permission, we access your device's camera and photo library to:
- Upload a profile photo
- Share photos and videos in the social feed
- Record and upload swing videos for BirdieAI analysis
- Capture course photos for reviews and posts
Photos and videos are uploaded to our servers only when you explicitly choose to share or submit them. We do not access your camera or photo library without your action.
1.4 Contacts
With your permission, we may access your device contacts to help you find friends who also use World Links. Contact data is used solely for friend discovery and is not stored on our servers or shared with third parties.
1.5 Push Notifications
With your permission, we send push notifications for:
- New messages from other golfers
- Social interactions (likes, comments, follows)
- Tee time booking confirmations and updates
- Links Cup and Links Challenge updates
- Training plan reminders
You can manage notification preferences in the App settings or disable them entirely through your device settings.
1.6 Usage Data
We automatically collect certain information when you use the App:
- Device type, model, and operating system version
- App interaction data (screens visited, features used, session duration)
- Search queries for golf courses
- Scores and game data you choose to record
- Crash reports and performance diagnostics
1.7 User-Generated Content
Content you voluntarily create and post, including:
- Photos, videos, and swing recordings
- Comments, likes, and social feed posts
- Course reviews and ratings
- Direct messages to other users
- Golf scores and round history
- Training plan progress and notes
1.8 Payment Information
If you subscribe to Links Club or make in-app purchases, payment processing is handled entirely by Stripe, Inc. We do not collect, store, or have access to your full credit card number, CVV, or bank account details. We receive only:
- Confirmation of your subscription status (active, cancelled, expired)
- A Stripe customer identifier for managing your subscription
- The last four digits of your payment card (for display purposes only)
- Billing dates and subscription plan details
2. How We Use Your Information
We use the information we collect for the following purposes:
- Provide, operate, and maintain the World Links service
- Create and manage your user account
- Personalize your experience (nearby courses, weather, course recommendations)
- Process and manage your Links Club subscription
- Provide AI-powered swing analysis and coaching through BirdieAI
- Enable social features (posts, following, messaging, LinkedUp)
- Facilitate tee time requests and booking management
- Track golf scores, statistics, and training progress
- Send transactional notifications (booking confirmations, account updates)
- Improve, test, and develop new features
- Ensure security, detect fraud, and prevent abuse
- Comply with legal obligations
3. AI-Powered Features
Our BirdieAI Coach uses artificial intelligence to provide golf coaching and swing analysis:
- Swing Analysis: When you upload a swing video, it is processed by third-party AI services (Google Gemini) to analyze your swing mechanics and provide personalized coaching feedback.
- AI Chat: Conversations with BirdieAI are processed by Google Gemini to generate coaching responses. Your conversation history is stored to maintain context across sessions.
- Voice Chat: If you use voice input with BirdieAI, audio is transcribed on-device or via third-party speech services before being sent to the AI.
- Training Plans: AI-generated training plans are based on your skill level, goals, and performance data you provide.
We do not use your swing videos, conversations, or personal data to train AI models. You can delete your AI coaching data, including conversation history and swing analysis, at any time through the App.
4. Third-Party Services
We share information with the following third-party services only as necessary to operate the App:
| Service | Purpose | Data Shared |
|---|---|---|
| Stripe, Inc. | Payment processing for Links Club subscriptions | Payment details (handled directly by Stripe), email |
| Google Gemini AI | Swing analysis, AI coaching, and training plans | Swing videos, chat messages, golf performance data |
| Open-Meteo | Weather data for course conditions | Location coordinates only (no personal data) |
| Google Places API | Golf course discovery, details, and photos | Search queries, location coordinates |
We do not sell, rent, or trade your personal information to third parties. We do not share your data with advertisers. We do not use third-party tracking or advertising SDKs.
5. Data Storage and Security
Your data is stored on secure servers with the following protections:
- All data transmission is encrypted using HTTPS/TLS
- Passwords are hashed using bcrypt with appropriate salt rounds
- Authentication tokens are signed and time-limited
- Database access is restricted with role-based controls
- Media files (photos, videos) are stored securely in our database
- Regular security audits and vulnerability assessments
While we implement industry-standard security measures to protect your data, no method of electronic storage or transmission is 100% secure. We cannot guarantee absolute security.
6. Data Retention
We retain your data according to the following schedule:
- Account data: Retained for as long as your account is active
- Posts and content: Retained until you delete them or delete your account
- AI coaching data: Retained until you delete it or delete your account
- Golf scores: Retained until you delete them or delete your account
- Payment records: Retained as required by applicable tax and financial laws
- Usage analytics: Aggregated and anonymized after 12 months
If you delete your account, we will delete your personal data within 30 days, except where we are required to retain it by law (e.g., financial transaction records).
7. Your Rights and Choices
You have the following rights regarding your personal data:
- Access: View your personal data through your profile and account settings
- Correction: Update your account information at any time through the App
- Deletion: Delete your account and all associated data (see Section 8)
- Portability: Request a copy of your data by contacting us
- Opt out of location tracking: Disable location access via your device settings
- Opt out of notifications: Manage or disable notifications in the App or device settings
- Revoke camera/photo access: Disable camera or photo library access via device settings
- Withdraw consent: You may withdraw consent for any optional data collection at any time
To exercise any of these rights, use the in-app settings or contact us at support@worldlinks.golf.
8. Account Deletion
You can delete your account and all associated data by:
- Going to Profile > Settings > Account Settings > Delete Account within the App
- Emailing us at support@worldlinks.golf
Upon account deletion, we will permanently remove the following within 30 days:
- Your profile information (name, email, username, photo, bio)
- All posts, comments, and social content you created
- Your favorites and saved courses
- Golf scores and round history
- AI coaching conversations and swing analysis data
- Training plans and progress
- Direct messages
- Follow relationships and social connections
- Tee time booking history
If you have an active Links Club subscription, it will be cancelled immediately upon account deletion. No refunds are issued for the remaining billing period.
9. Children's Privacy
World Links is not directed at children under the age of 13 (or the applicable age in your jurisdiction). We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If we become aware that we have collected data from a child under 13 without parental consent, we will take steps to delete that information promptly. If you believe a child under 13 has provided us with personal information, please contact us at support@worldlinks.golf.
10. International Data Transfers
Your information may be transferred to and processed in countries other than your country of residence. These countries may have data protection laws that differ from those in your jurisdiction. By using the App, you consent to the transfer of your information to such countries. We take appropriate safeguards to ensure your data is protected in accordance with this Privacy Policy.
11. California Privacy Rights (CCPA)
If you are a California resident, you have additional rights under the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA):
- The right to know what personal information we collect, use, and disclose
- The right to request deletion of your personal information
- The right to opt out of the sale of personal information (we do not sell personal information)
- The right to non-discrimination for exercising your privacy rights
To exercise these rights, contact us at support@worldlinks.golf.
12. European Privacy Rights (GDPR)
If you are located in the European Economic Area (EEA), United Kingdom, or Switzerland, you have additional rights under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR):
- The right to access, rectify, or erase your personal data
- The right to restrict or object to processing
- The right to data portability
- The right to lodge a complaint with a supervisory authority
Our legal bases for processing your data include: your consent, performance of our contract with you (Terms of Service), our legitimate business interests, and compliance with legal obligations.
13. Apple App Tracking Transparency
World Links does not track you across other companies' apps or websites. We do not use advertising identifiers (IDFA) or participate in ad networks. Therefore, we do not display the App Tracking Transparency prompt as defined by Apple.
14. Changes to This Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of any material changes by:
- Posting the new policy on this page and updating the "Last updated" date
- Sending a notification through the App for significant changes
Your continued use of the App after changes are posted constitutes acceptance of the updated policy. We encourage you to review this Privacy Policy periodically.
15. Contact Us
If you have questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or how we handle your data, contact us at:
- Email: support@worldlinks.golf
- Support Page: worldlinks.golf/support
We will respond to all privacy-related inquiries within 30 days.
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