Last updated: March 18, 2026
Overview
TheCarShowsApp ("we," "us," or "our") operates the TheCarShowsApp mobile and web application. We are committed to protecting your personal information and being transparent about what we collect and why.
By using our app, you agree to the collection and use of information in accordance with this policy.
Information We Collect
Information you provide directly:
- Account information — display name, email address, profile photo
- Profile details — city/location, garage description, social media links
- Event submissions — event names, dates, locations, flyer images, contact info
- Photos uploaded to event galleries
- Comments and interactions within the app
Information collected automatically:
- Location data — only when you grant permission, used to show nearby events
- Device information — device type, operating system, browser type
- Usage data — which features you use, events you view, searches you make
- Log data — IP address, access times, pages viewed
How We Use Your Information
- To provide and improve the app and its features
- To show you car shows and events near your location
- To send event reminders and notifications you've opted into
- To display your public profile and event contributions
- To process advertising and boost purchases
- To communicate important updates about the service
- To detect and prevent fraud or abuse
We do not sell your personal information to third parties. We do not use your data for targeted advertising outside of our own platform.
Location Data
Location access is optional but enhances your experience by showing events near you and calculating distances. We request location permission only when needed and never track your location in the background.
Your location is stored as a general area (city level) in your profile if you choose to save it. Precise GPS coordinates are only used in the moment to calculate distances and are not stored long-term.
Photos and User Content
Photos you upload to event galleries are stored on our servers and are publicly visible to all app users. Do not upload photos containing sensitive personal information.
Flyer images you upload are publicly displayed on the event listing. You represent that you have the right to share any content you upload.
You can delete photos you've uploaded at any time from within the app. Deleted photos are removed from our storage within 24 hours.
Public Profiles
Your display name, profile photo, city, garage description, and the events you've contributed are visible to other users on your public profile page. You control what information appears by editing your profile.
Events you mark as "Going" are stored privately and are not displayed publicly to other users.
Data Storage and Security
Your data is stored securely using Google Firebase, which provides industry-standard encryption in transit and at rest. We follow security best practices to protect your information from unauthorized access.
No method of transmission over the internet is 100% secure. While we strive to use commercially acceptable means to protect your information, we cannot guarantee absolute security.
Third-Party Services
We use the following third-party services that may collect data as described in their own privacy policies:
- Google Firebase — authentication, database, and file storage
- Google Maps — mapping and location services
- Stripe — payment processing for boosts and advertising (we never store card numbers)
- Anthropic Claude API — AI-powered flyer parsing (flyer content is processed but not stored by Anthropic)
Push Notifications
If you opt in to push notifications, we may send you alerts about upcoming events near you, events you've marked as "Going," and app updates. You can disable notifications at any time in your device settings or within the app.
Children's Privacy
TheCarShowsApp is not directed to children under 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If you believe a child has provided us with personal information, please contact us and we will delete it.
Your Rights
You have the right to:
- Access the personal information we hold about you
- Correct inaccurate information in your profile
- Delete your account and associated data
- Export your data in a portable format
- Opt out of non-essential communications
To exercise these rights, contact us at privacy@thecarshowsapp.com or use the account deletion option within the app settings.
Changes to This Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of any significant changes by posting a notice in the app or sending an email to your registered address. Your continued use of the app after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.
Contact Us
If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or how we handle your data, please contact us:
- Email: privacy@thecarshowsapp.com
- Websit