Privacy Policy for Forte

Effective Date: March 9, 2026 | Last Updated: October 15, 2026

This Privacy Policy describes how we collect, use, and share information when you use the Forte mobile application ("App") available on Google Play.

By using Forte, you agree to the collection and use of information in accordance with this policy.

1. Information We Collect

1.1 Information You Provide Directly

Account information: display name, username (handle), email address
Profile information: bio, instruments, music genres, profile photo
Content: posts (text, audio recordings, images), comments, direct messages, community asks, event posts
Connections: follow/friendship relationships with other users

1.2 Information Collected Automatically

Usage data: features accessed, screens viewed, interactions within the App (for example, posts viewed and how long, applause, RSVPs, recordings started). This is collected with Google Analytics for Firebase and linked to your account ID. We do not collect your device's advertising identifier, and usage data never includes the text of your posts, comments or messages. You can turn usage data off at any time in Settings → Privacy → Share Usage Data
Device information: device type, operating system version, app version
Authentication tokens: managed by Firebase Authentication

1.3 Information from Third-Party Services

Google Sign-In (web only): if you sign in with Google, we receive your name, email address, and profile photo from Google
Spotify: if you connect Spotify, we access your currently playing track and listening history to display on your profile. We do not store Spotify credentials — all Spotify access uses OAuth tokens

2. Camera and Microphone Permissions

2.1 Camera (`android.permission.CAMERA`)

Forte requests access to your device camera solely to allow you to:

Take profile photos
Capture images to attach to posts

Images are not processed on our servers for sale or advertising purposes. Photos you capture are uploaded to Firebase Cloud Storage, associated with your account, and displayed within the App. You can delete your photos at any time by deleting the relevant post or updating your profile.

2.2 Microphone (`android.permission.RECORD_AUDIO`)

Forte requests microphone access solely to allow you to:

Record audio clips to attach to posts (e.g., session recordings, musical ideas)

Audio recordings are uploaded to Firebase Cloud Storage and associated with your account. They are not used for voice recognition, advertising, or sold to third parties.

2.3 Photo Library (`READ_MEDIA_IMAGES` / `READ_EXTERNAL_STORAGE`)

Forte requests photo library access solely to allow you to select existing images from your device to use as a profile photo or attach to posts.

3. How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect to:

Create and manage your Forte account
Display your profile and content to other users
Deliver direct messages between users
Send in-app notifications (follow requests, applause, comments, mentions)
Show a personalized feed of posts from accounts you follow
Operate community features (asks, events, event discussions)
Improve the App's performance and features
Enforce our Terms of Service and community guidelines

4. How We Share Your Information

We do not sell your personal information.

We may share information in the following limited circumstances:

Recipient	What is shared	Purpose
Other Forte users	Profile, posts, handle	Core social functionality
Firebase (Google)	All app data	Database, authentication, storage infrastructure
Google Analytics for Firebase and BigQuery (Google)	Usage data, account ID, device information	Understanding how the App is used so we can improve it
Spotify AB	OAuth tokens	Fetching currently playing track
Google Play Services	Crash/diagnostic data	App stability
Expo	Diagnostics	App bundling and update delivery
Law enforcement	As required by law	Legal compliance

5. Third-Party Services

5.1 Firebase (Google LLC)

Forte uses Firebase Authentication, Cloud Firestore, Cloud Storage, and Google Analytics for Firebase — services provided by Google LLC. Usage data collected by Google Analytics is stored in Google BigQuery for our own analysis. It is not used for advertising and is not sold. Firebase may collect device identifiers and usage data for service operation and improvement. See Google's Privacy Policy.

5.2 Spotify AB

Forte integrates with the Spotify API to display currently listening information on user profiles. If you connect Spotify, Spotify's Privacy Policy applies to data processed by Spotify.

5.3 Google Play Services

Forte is distributed via Google Play and may interact with Google Play Services for app delivery and in-app features. See Google's Privacy Policy.

5.4 Expo (Expo, Inc.)

Forte is built with Expo. Expo may collect limited diagnostic and crash data. See Expo's Privacy Policy.

6. Data Retention

We retain your personal data for as long as your account is active or as needed to provide you the App.

Account data (profile, handle, email): retained until you delete your account
Posts and content: retained until you delete the individual post or your account
Direct messages: retained until you delete your account (note: the other participant's copy is not deleted)
Notifications: retained for up to 12 months
Usage data: retained for up to 14 months
Backups: may be retained in Firebase backups for up to 90 days after deletion

7. Data Deletion

7.1 In-App Deletion

You can delete individual posts, profile photos, and audio recordings directly within the App at any time.

7.2 Account Deletion

To request complete deletion of your account and all associated personal data:

Email us at support@theforteapp.com with the subject line "Account Deletion Request"
Include the email address or username associated with your account
We will process your request within 30 days and confirm when deletion is complete

Upon account deletion, we will permanently delete:

Your user profile (name, handle, email, bio, profile photo)
All posts, comments, audio recordings, and images you created
Your direct message history
Your follow/friendship connections
Your notifications
Usage data linked to your account

Some anonymized aggregate data (e.g., post count statistics) may be retained in a de-identified form.

7.3 Google Play Data Safety

In compliance with Google Play's Data Safety requirements, you may also submit a deletion request via the Data Safety section of our Google Play listing.

8. Security

We implement reasonable technical and organizational measures to protect your information, including:

Firebase Security Rules restricting database access to authenticated users and document owners
Encrypted data transmission (HTTPS/TLS)
Firebase Authentication for secure credential management

No method of transmission or storage is 100% secure. We encourage you to use a strong, unique password.

9. Children's Privacy

Forte is not directed to children under the age of 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If you believe a child under 13 has provided us with personal information, please contact us at support@theforteapp.com and we will delete it promptly.

10. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of significant changes by updating the "Last Updated" date at the top of this document. We encourage you to review this policy periodically. Continued use of the App after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.

11. Contact Us

If you have questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or your personal data, please contact us:

Email: support@theforteapp.com
App: Forte
Google Play Package: com.forte.app