Privacy Policy

1. Who We Are

Legal Entity: Gala LLC

Contact Email: admin@galatheapp.com

2. Users Covered by This Policy

This Privacy Policy applies to all users of Gala, including:

• Clients / Customers hiring bartenders, food vendors, music artists and entertainment
• Service Providers ("Talents") offering bartending services, music, food and entertainment
• Internal Administrative Staff managing the platform

3. Information We Collect

3.1 Information You Provide

• Full name
• Email address
• Profile photo
• Account preferences and settings
• In-app messages and communications

3.2 Authentication & Verification

Gala uses Google and Apple Sign-In as the sole login methods. We do not collect or store passwords. Authentication data is provided by Google and Apple to verify your identity and create your account.

3.3 Background Checks

For service providers, identity verification and background screening may be conducted through third-party services connected to Google and Apple authentication. Gala does not store sensitive background check documents directly.

3.4 Location Information

• Clients: Precise location (to enable service matching)
• Service Providers: Approximate location only (city/area level)

Location data is used solely to facilitate service availability and matching.

4. Payments & Financial Information

All payments and payouts are processed securely through Stripe. Gala does not store full credit card or bank account numbers. Stripe handles all sensitive financial data in accordance with industry security standards.

5. Communications

• In-app messaging
• Push notifications
• SMS text messages related to service activity and account updates

6. Device & Technical Information

We automatically collect:

• IP address
• Device type and operating system
• App usage data
• Crash reports and diagnostics

This information helps us improve app performance and reliability.

7. How We Use Your Information

We use personal information to:

• Create and manage user accounts
• Authenticate users
• Match clients with service providers
• Facilitate bookings, payments, and payouts
• Enable in-app communication
• Provide customer support
• Improve platform performance and security
• Prevent fraud and misuse
• Comply with legal obligations

8. Sharing of Information

We may share personal information:

• Between clients and service providers (e.g., name, profile, service details)
• With third-party service providers, including:
  • Stripe (payments)
  • Firebase (analytics & messaging)
  • Amazon Web Services (hosting)
• When required by law enforcement, court order, or legal process
• To protect the rights, safety, or property of Gala and its users

We do not sell personal information.

9. Third-Party Services

Gala relies on trusted third parties to operate, including:

• Stripe – payment processing
• Firebase – analytics and messaging
• Amazon Web Services (AWS) – cloud hosting

These providers process data only as necessary to perform services on our behalf and are contractually obligated to protect your information.

10. User Rights & Choices

You have the right to:

• Access and update your account information
• Delete your account
• Opt out of non-essential communications
• Request a copy of your personal data

If you delete your account, we may retain certain records (such as transaction history) as required by law or for legitimate business purposes.

11. California Privacy Rights (CCPA)

California residents have the right to:

• Know what personal information is collected
• Request deletion of personal information
• Opt out of the sale of personal information (note: we do not sell data)

Requests can be submitted by emailing admin@galatheapp.com.

12. Data Security

We implement reasonable administrative, technical, and physical safeguards to protect personal information. However, no system is completely secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.

13. Data Retention

We retain personal information only as long as necessary to:

• Provide our Services
• Meet legal, accounting, and regulatory requirements
• Resolve disputes and enforce agreements

14. Children's Privacy

Gala is intended for users 18 years of age or older. We do not knowingly collect personal information from anyone under 18.

15. Geographic Scope

Gala currently operates in the United States only.

16. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Changes will be posted within the app or on our website with an updated "Last Updated" date.

17. Contact Us

If you have questions or concerns about this Privacy Policy, contact us at: admin@galatheapp.com