Question 1

How does Walk With Me protect my exact location?

Accepted Answer

Your exact location is never revealed to other users. We apply a 200-meter random offset to all map coordinates using the Haversine formula, restrict map zoom levels to 12–15 to prevent over-zooming, and display a clear "Location is Approximate" label on all maps.

Question 2

Who can see my location while I'm on a walk?

Accepted Answer

Only participants of the walk you've joined can see your approximate location, and the 200m offset is always applied. Live location sharing is entirely opt-in.

Question 3

What happens to my location data after a walk ends?

Accepted Answer

When a walk ends, it is archived in our system. You can request full deletion of your data at any time. We do not sell or share raw location data with advertisers.

Question 4

Does the app track me in the background?

Accepted Answer

Background location tracking is completely opt-in. If you enable it, Android shows a persistent foreground service notification so you're always aware tracking is active. You can disable it at any time.

Question 5

Why can walks be restricted to specific genders?

Accepted Answer

Gender-specific walks are designed as safe spaces, similar to women-only gym hours or LGBTQ+-only social events. These features exist to protect vulnerable groups, not to discriminate.

Question 6

Can non-binary users access gender-specific walks?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Non-binary and LGBTQ+ users can see and join LGBTQ+-only walks in addition to all open walks.

Question 7

What stops someone from lying about their gender to join restricted walks?

Accepted Answer

We use an honor-based system backed by community reporting. If a user misrepresents themselves, other participants can report them immediately.

Question 8

Why do messages disappear after 24 hours?

Accepted Answer

Our 24-hour message expiry is a deliberate privacy-first design choice. It reduces personal data stored on our servers and encourages real-time, in-person connections.

Question 9

If someone harasses me in messages, how can I report it if messages expire?

Accepted Answer

Report the user immediately using the in-app report button. Messages are retained on our backend for admin review purposes even after they disappear from your view.

Question 10

If I block someone, will they know?

Accepted Answer

No. Blocking is completely opaque by design. The blocked user sees "User not found" and has no way to tell whether you blocked them or deleted your account.

Question 11

What happens when I report a user?

Accepted Answer

Your report is reviewed by our admin team, typically within 24 hours. Your identity as the reporter is kept completely anonymous.

Question 12

Can I appeal if action is taken against my account?

Accepted Answer

Yes. You can reach out to our support team. Every case is reviewed individually, and we will provide an explanation of the decision and next steps.

Question 13

What personal data does Walk With Me collect?

Accepted Answer

We collect your email address, name, phone number (optional), date of birth, gender, location data during walks, messages you send, and your profile photo. We do not collect data from other apps on your device.

Question 14

Can I delete my account and all my data?

Accepted Answer

Yes. When you delete your account, we perform a full cascade deletion of your profile, messages, friend connections, walk history, photos, settings, and more.

Question 15

Is my data shared with third parties?

Accepted Answer

We share the minimum data necessary with service providers: Google Maps, Twilio for phone verification, and Resend for email delivery. We never sell your personal data.

Question 16

Can a walk host decline my join request without giving a reason?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Walk hosts have full control over who joins their walks and are not required to provide a reason for declining.

Question 17

What prevents unsafe people from joining walks?

Accepted Answer

Multiple layers of protection: host approval for every join request, instant blocking, gender preference filters, friends-only visibility, and community reporting.

Question 18

What if I feel unsafe during a walk?

Accepted Answer

Leave the walk immediately. Block and report the user from the app. Contact our support team for follow-up. If in immediate danger, call your local emergency services first.

Question 19

Is there an age requirement to use Walk With Me?

Accepted Answer

Yes. You must be at least 18 years old to create an account. We collect your date of birth during signup to verify this.

Question 20

Why does the app ask for my phone number?

Accepted Answer

Your phone number is optional. It enables two-factor authentication and account recovery via SMS. It is never displayed to other users.

Frequently Asked Questions

Safety & Privacy

Gender & Inclusivity

Messaging & Communication

Blocking & Reporting

Data & Account

Walk Participation

Account & Verification

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