How we handle your information.
The short version
Gather is a text-based service that connects people in Dallas with shared interests for in-person social events. To do that, we collect your name, your phone number, and a few preferences about what you like and when you're free. We use that information to send you event invitations by text and to put you in groups with people you might actually enjoy meeting. We don't sell your data, and we don't share your phone number or SMS opt-in information with anyone for marketing.
The longer version follows. If anything here is unclear, email us at support@gathertext.com.
Who we are
"Gather", "we", "us", and "our" refer to Gather Text LLC, a Texas limited liability company. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, and protect information when you sign up for the Gather waitlist, use our SMS service, or visit gathertext.com.
Information we collect
We only collect information you give us directly. Specifically:
- Account information. Your first name and mobile phone number, submitted through our signup form.
- Preferences. Your responses to our optional onboarding quiz, which covers things like preferred activities, group size, social vibe, ideal event types, frequency, weekly availability, and travel distance.
- SMS interactions. Messages you send and receive through our SMS service, including RSVPs, replies, and opt-out requests.
- Basic technical information. Standard web traffic data such as IP address and browser type, collected through our hosting provider for security and abuse prevention.
How we use your information
We use your information to:
- Send you curated event invitations by SMS at the phone number you provide.
- Match you into small groups with people who share your interests.
- Coordinate logistics for events you've RSVP'd to (reservation details, reminders, group introductions).
- Improve Gather by reviewing what kinds of events and matches work well.
- Respond to your support requests and HELP messages.
SMS messaging
No mobile information will be shared with third parties or affiliates for marketing or promotional purposes. Your phone number and SMS opt-in consent are used only to deliver the Gather messaging service.
By providing your phone number and opting in through our signup form, you consent to receive recurring SMS messages from Gather related to event invitations, RSVPs, reminders, and group coordination. Message frequency is up to 10 recurring messages per month. Additional messages may be sent in response to your replies. Message and data rates may apply. Consent is not a condition of any purchase. You can reply HELP for help or STOP at any time to opt out. We use Twilio as our SMS delivery provider; your phone number is shared with Twilio solely to transmit messages on our behalf.
How we share information
We do not sell your personal information. We share information only with:
- Service providers who help us operate Gather, including our website host (Netlify), our form processor (Formspree), our SMS delivery provider (Twilio), and our email provider. These providers are bound by their own privacy obligations and use your information only to provide services to us.
- Other Gather users, in a limited way: when you're matched into a group for an event, members of that group may see your first name. We do not share your phone number, last name, or quiz responses with other users.
- Legal requirements, if we're required to disclose information by law, court order, or to protect the safety of our users or the public.
How long we keep information
We keep your information for as long as your Gather account is active. If you opt out of SMS or ask us to delete your account, we'll delete your personal information within 30 days, except where we're required to retain limited records (for example, opt-out requests are kept indefinitely so we never accidentally re-contact you).
Your choices
- Opt out of SMS. Reply STOP to any message at any time. You'll receive one final confirmation and no further messages.
- Update your information. Email support@gathertext.com to correct anything we have on file.
- Delete your account. Email support@gathertext.com with the subject line "Delete my account" and we'll handle it within 30 days.
Children's privacy
Gather is intended for adults 21 and over. We do not knowingly collect information from anyone under 18. If you believe we've collected information from a minor, please contact us and we'll delete it.
Security
We use reasonable technical and organizational measures to protect your information, including encryption in transit and access controls on our admin tools. No system is perfectly secure, however, and we can't guarantee absolute security.
Changes to this policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. If we make material changes, we'll let active users know by SMS or email. The "last updated" date at the top of this page reflects the most recent revision.
Contact us
Questions, complaints, or requests? Email support@gathertext.com.
Gather Text LLC
Dallas, Texas