Last Updated: February 2026
Outpost Exchange ("we," "us," or "our") operates a peer-to-peer marketplace application for trading preparedness goods, surplus items, and general labor services. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, share, and protect your personal information when you use the Outpost Exchange app and related services (the "Service").
1. Information We Collect
Account Information
When you create an account, we collect:
- Username and display name
- Email address
- Password (stored as a secure bcrypt hash; we never store plaintext passwords)
- Profile information such as bio, trade interests, and preparedness skills
Location Data
With your permission, we collect your approximate location to facilitate proximity-based listing matching and connect you with nearby traders. Location data is used solely within the Outpost Exchange platform.
Listing and Transaction Data
We collect information about the listings you create, including descriptions, photos, categories, and condition details. We also store transaction history, including offers made, contracts entered, and communications exchanged through the platform.
Analytics Events
We collect anonymized analytics events related to your use of the Service, including feature usage, screen views, and interaction patterns. This data helps us understand how the platform is used and identify areas for improvement.
2. How We Use Information
We use the information we collect for the following purposes:
- Facilitate trades and connections between users based on location and listing relevance
- Power AI-assisted listing creation, trade negotiation, and contract facilitation
- Manage subscriptions, process payments, and handle billing through Stripe
- Send email notifications including account verification, password resets, and transaction updates
- Prevent fraud, enforce our Terms of Service, and maintain platform integrity
- Analyze usage patterns to improve the Service and develop new features
- Provide customer support and respond to inquiries
3. Information Sharing
We do not sell, rent, or trade your personal information to third parties for marketing purposes. We share information only in the following limited circumstances:
- Stripe: Payment information is shared with Stripe to process subscription payments and affiliate payouts. Stripe's handling of your data is governed by Stripe's Privacy Policy.
- OpenAI: When you use AI-powered features (listing creation, negotiation assistance), your listing content and prompts are processed through OpenAI's API. No personal identifying information (name, email, location) is sent to OpenAI.
- YouTube and TikTok: If you choose to publish content through Outpost Studio, your video content is shared with these platforms only at your explicit request. Publishing is always user-initiated.
- SMTP Provider: Your email address is shared with our email delivery service for sending verification emails, password resets, and notifications.
- Legal Requirements: We may disclose your information if required by law, regulation, legal process, or governmental request.
4. Data Storage and Security
We implement industry-standard security measures to protect your personal information:
- All data is stored in a PostgreSQL database with appropriate access controls
- Passwords are hashed using bcrypt before storage; we never store plaintext passwords
- Session authentication uses secure tokens with expiration policies
- All data transmitted between your device and our servers is encrypted using HTTPS
- Access to production data is restricted to authorized personnel only
While we strive to protect your information using commercially reasonable measures, no method of transmission or electronic storage is 100% secure. We cannot guarantee absolute security.
5. Cookies and Tracking
Outpost Exchange uses minimal tracking mechanisms:
- Session tokens are stored on your device to maintain your authenticated session
- Analytics events are tracked to measure feature usage and identify service improvements
- We do not use third-party advertising cookies or tracking pixels
- We do not participate in cross-site tracking or behavioral advertising networks
6. Location Data
Location data is a core component of the Outpost Exchange experience, enabling proximity-based listing matching to help you find traders and goods near you. Regarding your location data:
- Location is collected only with your explicit permission
- Location data is used solely for matching you with nearby listings and traders
- Your precise location is not shared with other users; only approximate distance is displayed
- Location data is not shared with third parties
- You can update or remove your location at any time through the app settings
7. Email Communications
We may send you the following types of email communications:
- Account verification emails upon registration
- Password reset emails when requested
- Transaction notifications (offers received, contracts updated)
- Service announcements and important account notices
You can manage your notification preferences in the app settings. Transactional emails related to account security (verification, password resets) cannot be opted out of while your account is active.
8. Third-Party Services
Outpost Exchange integrates with the following third-party services. Each service has its own privacy policy governing how it handles your data:
9. Children's Privacy
Outpost Exchange is not intended for use by individuals under the age of 18. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 18. If we become aware that we have inadvertently collected data from a user under 18, we will take prompt steps to delete that information and terminate the associated account.
10. Data Retention
We retain your personal information for as long as your account remains active or as needed to provide the Service. Upon account deletion:
- Your personal data (display name, email, bio, profile photo) is permanently removed
- Your username is anonymized
- Some transaction records may be retained in anonymized form for legal compliance and dispute resolution purposes
You may request deletion of your account and associated data at any time through the app settings or by contacting us directly.
11. Your Rights
You have the following rights regarding your personal data:
- Access: You can access your personal information through your account profile and settings
- Correction: You can update and correct your personal information at any time through the app
- Deletion: You can request deletion of your account and personal data
- Export: You can request a copy of your personal data in a portable format
- Location Control: You can update or remove your location data at any time
- Notification Preferences: You can manage your email and notification preferences in the app settings
To exercise any of these rights, contact us at privacy@outpostexchange.com or use the relevant features within the app.
12. Changes to Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices, technology, or legal requirements. When material changes are made, we will notify you through the app or via email. Your continued use of the Service after changes are posted constitutes your acceptance of the revised policy.
We encourage you to review this Privacy Policy periodically to stay informed about how we protect your information.
13. Contact
If you have questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or our data practices, please contact us at:
privacy@outpostexchange.com
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