Welcome to FlagMates ("FlagMates," "we," "us"). FlagMates helps people from different countries connect as pen pals and friends around the FIFA World Cup and beyond. This page explains how we handle your information (Privacy Policy) and the rules for using our service (Terms of Use). By joining our waitlist or using FlagMates, you agree to both.
Privacy Policy
What we collect
When you join the waitlist or use FlagMates, we may collect:
- Information you give us: your first name, email address, the country you're from, the countries (flags) you choose to connect with, and — only if you choose to provide it — your WhatsApp number or social handles.
- Basic technical information: standard data your browser sends when visiting any website (such as approximate region and device/browser type), used to keep the site running and secure.
How we use it
- To let you know when FlagMates launches or when the countries you picked become available.
- To match you with other people who want to connect, and to operate and improve the service.
- To respond to you and keep FlagMates safe.
We will not sell your personal information. We will not send you unrelated marketing spam.
Who we share it with
We use a small number of trusted service providers to run FlagMates, and share information with them only as needed to operate the service:
- Formspree — processes and stores waitlist form submissions.
- Netlify — hosts the website.
We may also disclose information if required by law. If FlagMates is ever acquired or merged, information may transfer as part of that transaction.
Connecting with other people
FlagMates is about meeting new people. Anything you choose to share with another member — including a social handle or WhatsApp number once you both connect — is shared at your own discretion. Please see the safety guidance in the Terms below.
Your choices and rights
- You can ask us to access, correct, or delete your information at any time by emailing getflagmates@gmail.com.
- You can unsubscribe from our emails at any time.
- Depending on where you live (for example, the EU/UK or California), you may have additional rights over your data; contact us and we'll honor applicable requests.
Children
FlagMates is only for people 18 and older. We do not knowingly collect information from anyone under 18. If you believe a minor has given us information, contact us and we will delete it.
Data retention & security
We keep your information only as long as needed to operate the service or as required by law, and we take reasonable measures to protect it. No online service can be 100% secure, so we can't guarantee absolute security.
Changes
We may update this page as FlagMates grows. We'll update the "Effective" date above when we do.
Terms of Use
1. Acceptance & eligibility
By using FlagMates you confirm you are at least 18 years old and agree to these Terms. If you don't agree, please don't use the service.
2. What FlagMates is
FlagMates is an early-stage service for making friends across countries. Features may be in development, change, or be unavailable. Joining the waitlist does not guarantee a spot or any particular feature.
3. Your conduct
You agree to be respectful and to not: harass, threaten, or abuse others; share illegal, hateful, or sexually explicit content; impersonate anyone; spam; or use FlagMates for any unlawful purpose. We may remove content or suspend anyone who breaks these rules.
4. Connecting with others — your safety
FlagMates introduces you to other people, but we do not verify or vet members and are not responsible for their conduct. Use good judgment: don't share sensitive personal or financial information, be cautious about sharing contact details, and if you ever choose to meet someone in person, meet in a public place and tell someone you trust. You interact with other members at your own risk.
5. Service "as is"
FlagMates is provided "as is" and "as available," without warranties of any kind. We don't promise the service will always be available, error-free, or that connections will meet your expectations.
6. Limitation of liability
To the fullest extent permitted by law, FlagMates and its operators are not liable for any indirect, incidental, or consequential damages arising from your use of the service or your interactions with other members.
7. Changes & termination
We may modify, pause, or discontinue FlagMates, and may update these Terms, at any time. Continued use after changes means you accept them.
8. Governing law
These Terms are governed by the laws of [Your State], United States, without regard to conflict-of-law rules.
9. Contact
Questions about your privacy or these Terms? Email us at getflagmates@gmail.com.