Ryval Privacy Policy

August 12, 2025

This policy explains how we collect, use, and protect your personal information. We’ve put in place clear practices to safeguard your privacy and comply with applicable data protection laws.

1. Information We Collect

Ryval only collects the minimum data necessary to use the app and to connect users with one another. We don’t collect sensitive personal information. The data we collect includes:

  • Email Address: Collected when a user creates a player profile. It’s required to create and log in to the profile and also allows access from other devices.
  • Username: Users can choose any name to identify themselves within the app; it doesn’t need to be their real name. This can be changed after creating the profile.
  • Reference Location: Each user must select an approximate location where they’re most likely to play, so other players can find them. This shouldn’t be a private or personal location. It’s only used as a reference within the app and can be changed at any time.
  • Usage Data: We collect information on how users interact with the app, such as most used features, frequency of use, session length, days and times of use, device type, and operating system version. This information is collected anonymously and not linked to individual users. Analytics are used only to improve the app’s quality and performance.

2. How We Collect Data

We collect information through forms within the mobile app. Email is collected when a user creates their profile. Both the username and reference location can be updated at any time. We don’t use cookies, third-party services not listed in this document, or track users outside the app. Usage data is collected only when users interact with the app; it’s fully anonymous and not tied to any specific user.

3. Legal Basis for Processing

Consent is requested before creating a player profile, where users must confirm they’ve read this Privacy Policy and the Terms of Use. Once consent is given, the profile can be created. This consent serves as the legal basis for processing the provided information.

4. How We Use Your Information

We use the collected information to connect players, optimize app features, and conduct general analytics not tied to specific users, all with the sole purpose of improving the user experience.

5. Third-Party Services

Ryval uses third-party services to provide essential features and improve technical performance. These services comply with international data protection standards, such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), and use measures like encryption and anonymization to safeguard user privacy. The legal basis for using these services includes legitimate interest in analyzing and improving the app, as well as the need to provide core functionalities. We don’t use these services for advertising or cross-app tracking. We encourage you to review each provider’s privacy policy for details on their data practices.

  • Google Cloud Platform (GCP): Used to manage databases, authenticate users, and securely store data. GCP encrypts data in transit and at rest and complies with international data protection laws. Privacy Policy
  • Firebase Analytics: Used to analyze general app usage anonymously in order to improve performance. It’s not used for cross-app tracking or advertising. Privacy Policy
  • Algolia: Used so users can search for other players by name. Security measures protect privacy, and search data isn’t used commercially. Privacy Policy
  • Google Maps: Used to let users select a reference location and view nearby matches and teams. Privacy Policy

6. International Data Transfers

User data is stored on Google Cloud servers located in the United States. We implement strict security measures to protect stored information and comply with applicable international data protection laws. For users in the European Union, transfers are made in line with Article 46 of the GDPR under Standard Contractual Clauses (SCCs) approved by the European Commission. Google Cloud also holds recognized certifications to ensure compliance with security and privacy standards. Users can request more details about server locations and security measures by contacting us at contact@ryvalfc.com.

7. Data Security

We take all necessary measures to protect user information, including:

  • All information transmitted through the app is encrypted via Google Cloud Platform, Algolia, and Firebase.
  • User authentication and authorization are applied to prevent unauthorized access.
  • Google Cloud encrypts data in transit and at rest to ensure security.
  • Private and group chat messages aren’t end-to-end encrypted; we’re working to improve this in the future. No one is authorized to access these messages, and they aren’t processed or used for commercial purposes. There are no plans to change this policy.

8. Data Retention

We retain user information while the account is active. Users can update or delete their information at any time from the app. When an account is deleted, all related data is permanently removed from our systems.

9. User Rights

At Ryval, we respect and protect users’ rights regarding the processing of their personal data. Below are the rights you can exercise and how they apply within the context of our app:

  • Access and edit: You can access and update your personal information directly in the app.
  • Deletion: You can delete your account and all associated data at any time.
  • Withdrawing consent: You can withdraw consent for the use of your personal data by deleting your account. No further processing will take place after deletion.
  • Data portability: You may request a copy of the data you’ve provided. However, in Ryval this is limited to your email, username, and reference location. This data only makes sense within the app, and there are no equivalent platforms to transfer it to, so portability isn’t performed.
  • File a complaint: If you believe your data has been processed in violation of applicable laws, you have the right to file a complaint with a competent data protection authority.
  • Restrict or object to processing: Ryval does not process data for commercial, advertising, or profiling purposes. Therefore, there’s no need to request restriction or object to processing, since no such processing takes place.

10. Device Permissions

Ryval requests certain device permissions only when necessary. You always have control and can revoke them in your device settings:

  • Location: Used only when required for features such as finding nearby players, teams, or matches.
  • Camera and photos: Requested to set or share a profile picture in conversations.
  • Contacts: Required only if you want to share a contact in a conversation.
  • Push Notifications: Used to alert you about app updates, requests, and messages. You can disable or customize notifications in your device settings.

11. Local Data Storage

Ryval does not store personal information locally. Local storage is limited to temporary cache generated by Firebase to improve app performance.

12. Data Breach Policy

If a data breach occurs that could compromise users’ personal information, we’ll notify the relevant authority within 72 hours of discovery. We’ll also inform affected users and take steps to minimize potential harm.

13. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices or applicable laws. We’ll notify users of significant updates through the app and update the “last revised” date.

14. Data Deletion Process

You can delete all your personal data from the app, and the deletion will take effect immediately. All account-related data will be permanently erased from our systems. For more details, see our Data Deletion Instructions or contact us at contact@ryvalfc.com.

15. Advertising and Marketing

Ryval does not use personal data for advertising or marketing analytics. We don’t collect or share information with third parties for marketing profiles or cross-database marketing.

16. Children’s Privacy

Ryval is not intended for users under 13 years old. We do not knowingly collect data from children without proper consent.

17. Automated Processing

Ryval does not use automated decision-making to connect players. Connections are based solely on users’ reference location and device geolocation. No additional automated processing affects your rights.

18. Access and Deletion Requests

Beyond in-app options to delete an account or update data, you can make direct requests by contacting us at our support email. To validate your request, you must provide your username, registered email, and a clear description of what you’re asking for. We’ll respond in line with applicable laws and ensure complete deletion where required.

19. Contact

If you have any questions or concerns about this Privacy Policy or how we handle your data, please reach out to us at contact@ryvalfc.com.