Privacy Policy

Effective Date: December 22, 2025

Gadzooks is operated by Very Machine, Inc. ("we", "us", or "our"). Gadzooks is a location-based discovery application that combines AI-powered insights with user-generated content. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you use our mobile application and related services (collectively, the "Service").

By using Gadzooks, you agree to the collection and use of information in accordance with this policy. If you do not agree with these terms, please do not use the Service.

1. Information We Collect

Account Information

When you create an account, we collect:

Location Data

With your permission, we collect precise geolocation data from your device. This is essential to the Service and is used to:

You can disable location access in your device settings, but this will significantly limit the functionality of the Service.

User-Generated Content

When you create field notes or waypoints, we collect:

Both field notes and waypoints are processed by our AI systems to generate insights and integrate with the knowledge graph.

We also collect organizational structures you create:

Photos and Images

When you capture or upload photos:

Device Information

We automatically collect:

Usage Data

We collect information about how you use the Service:

Biometric Data

If you enable biometric login (Face ID, fingerprint), the biometric data itself is stored only on your device by your operating system. We store only an encrypted token that allows us to verify your identity after successful biometric authentication. We never have access to your actual biometric data.

2. How We Use Your Information

We use collected information to:

3. Public vs. Private Content

The Knowledge Commons Model

Gadzooks follows a "knowledge commons" model, similar to Wikipedia and OpenStreetMap. When you contribute public content, you're adding to a shared resource that benefits everyone. This model shapes how we handle your content.

Public Content

When creating content, you choose whether to make it public or private. We encourage public contributions because Gadzooks is built on the idea that curious people sharing their discoveries makes the platform better for everyone. When you publish content publicly, you grant Gadzooks an irrevocable, perpetual, royalty-free license to use, display, and incorporate it into the knowledge graph. Public content:

Private Content

We understand that some discoveries are personal. All users can create private field notes, expeditions, collections, and waypoints. Private content:

Publishing Private Content (One-Way Door)

You may choose to publish private content, making it public. However, this is a one-way door: once content is made public, it cannot be made private again. When you publish, we will clearly inform you of this change. Publishing means you grant us the same irrevocable license as other public content, and it becomes a permanent contribution to the knowledge commons.

Content Moderation

All content—both public and private—is automatically moderated to maintain quality and community standards and to prevent misuse of the Service. Content that violates our terms may be removed or restricted.

4. AI Processing

Gadzooks uses artificial intelligence to enhance your experience:

AI processing may involve third-party AI service providers. Data sent to these providers is used solely for processing your request and is not retained by them for training purposes.

5. Information Sharing

We share your information only in these circumstances:

With Your Consent

When you publish content publicly, you consent to sharing it with other users.

Service Providers

We work with third parties who help us operate the Service:

These providers are contractually obligated to protect your data and use it only for the services they provide to us.

Legal Requirements

We may disclose information if required by law, court order, or government request, or if we believe disclosure is necessary to protect our rights, your safety, or the safety of others.

Business Transfers

If Gadzooks is acquired or merged with another company, your information may be transferred as part of that transaction. We will notify you of any such change.

We Do Not Sell Your Data

We do not sell, rent, or trade your personal information to third parties for their marketing purposes.

6. Data Retention

We retain your information as follows:

Account Deletion

When you delete your account:

This approach honors both your right to be forgotten and the knowledge commons model that makes Gadzooks valuable to everyone.

7. Your Rights and Choices

Access and Portability

You can request a copy of the personal data we hold about you.

Correction

You can update your account information in the app settings, or contact us to correct other data.

Deletion

You can delete private field notes, waypoints, expeditions, and collections in the app at any time. Public content cannot be deleted or edited—it is a permanent contribution to the knowledge commons. You can delete your account through Settings in the app, which will delete all private content and anonymize public content.

Location Access

You can revoke location permissions in your device settings at any time.

Marketing Communications

You can opt out of marketing emails by clicking the unsubscribe link in any marketing email.

8. California Residents (CCPA)

If you are a California resident, you have additional rights under the California Consumer Privacy Act:

To exercise these rights, contact us at [email protected].

9. European Users (GDPR)

If you are in the European Economic Area, you have rights under the General Data Protection Regulation:

Our legal basis for processing your data is:

To exercise your rights or file a complaint, contact us at [email protected].

10. International Data Transfers

Your information may be transferred to and processed in countries other than your own, including the United States. These countries may have different data protection laws. We take appropriate safeguards to ensure your information remains protected in accordance with this Privacy Policy.

11. Data Security

We implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect your personal information:

However, no method of transmission or storage is completely secure. We cannot guarantee absolute security of your data.

12. Children's Privacy

Gadzooks is not intended for users under 16 years of age. We do not knowingly collect personal information from users under 16. If we learn that we have collected information from a user under 16, we will delete it promptly. If you believe someone under 16 has provided us with personal information, please contact us at [email protected].

13. Third-Party Services

The Service may contain links to third-party websites or integrate with third-party services:

We are not responsible for the privacy practices of third parties. We encourage you to review their privacy policies.

14. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will always update the "Effective Date" at the top of this policy when changes are made. For significant changes, we will also notify you by posting a notice in the app and/or sending an email to your registered address.

Your continued use of the Service after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.

15. Contact Us

If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or our data practices, contact us at:

Very Machine, Inc.
Email: [email protected]
General support: [email protected]

This policy is governed by the laws of the State of California, USA, without regard to conflict of law principles.